Connecticut driver's license renewal: the basic path

Connecticut lets you renew your driver's license online, by mail, or in person at a DMV office. Most people renew online through the Connecticut DMV website — it takes about 10 minutes, costs $72 for a six-year license, and you can do it from home. If you cannot renew online (usually because your license has been expired for more than five years, or you need to update your address or name), you will need to visit a DMV office in person or mail in a paper form.

Your Connecticut license is valid for six years from the date it was issued. The DMV sends renewal notices by mail about 60 days before your license expires, but you do not have to wait for the notice — you can renew anytime during the final year before expiration. If your license has already expired, you can still renew it, but the process may take longer and you cannot legally drive until it is renewed.

Key Takeaways

  • Online renewal through the Connecticut DMV website is the fastest option and works if your license is not expired by more than five years and your address and name have not changed.
  • A six-year Connecticut driver's license costs $72 when you renew online or by mail, and $75 if you renew in person at a DMV office.
  • You can renew your license anytime during the final year before it expires, even if you have not received a renewal notice in the mail.
  • If your license has been expired for more than five years, or if you need to change your address, name, or other information, you must renew in person at a DMV office.
  • Connecticut DMV offices are located in multiple cities across the state, and you can check wait times and book an appointment online before you visit.

Online renewal through the Connecticut DMV website

To renew online, go to the Connecticut DMV website and select the renewal option. You will need your current driver's license number, your Social Security number, and a valid payment method (credit card, debit card, or electronic check). The system will ask you to confirm your personal information and answer a few questions about your driving record and medical history.

Online renewal works only if your license is not expired by more than five years, your address and name are current, and you do not need to update your photo. If any of these conditions do not explore to you, you will be directed to renew in person or by mail instead. Once you complete the online process and pay the $72 fee, the DMV will mail your new license to the address on file — this usually takes 7 to 10 business days.

Renewing by mail with a paper form

If you prefer not to renew online, you can mail a completed renewal form to the Connecticut DMV. The form is called the process for Driver License or Permit (Form DL-43) and is available on the DMV website or at any DMV office. Fill out the form, include a check or money order for $72 payable to "Connecticut DMV," and mail it to the address listed on the form.

Mail renewal takes longer than online renewal — typically 3 to 4 weeks from the time the DMV receives your form. If you are renewing close to your expiration date, online renewal is safer because it is faster. Mail renewal also works only if your license is not expired by more than five years and you do not need to change your address, name, or photo.

In-person renewal at a Connecticut DMV office

You must renew in person if your license has been expired for more than five years, if you need to change your address or legal name, if you need a new photo, or if you are renewing a commercial driver's license. Connecticut has DMV offices in Wethersfield, Waterbury, Danbury, Norwich, and Stamford. You can check the hours and current wait times for each office on the Connecticut DMV website.

Bring your current driver's license, proof of your Social Security number (such as a Social Security card or tax return), and proof of your current address (such as a utility bill or lease). If you are changing your name, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). The fee for in-person renewal is $75. You can book an appointment online before you visit, which usually reduces your wait time.

What to do if your license has already expired

If your Connecticut license has expired, you can still renew it, but you cannot legally drive until the renewal is complete. If your license expired fewer than five years ago, you can renew online or by mail using the same process as a standard renewal. If your license expired more than five years ago, you must renew in person at a DMV office.

Do not drive with an expired license — you can be stopped by police and face fines or other penalties. If you need to drive before your renewal is complete, ask someone else to drive or use another form of transportation. Once your new license arrives in the mail (or you receive it in person at the DMV), you can drive legally again.

Changing your address or name during renewal

If you have moved or changed your legal name since your license was issued, you must update this information when you renew. If you are renewing online, the system will ask whether your address and name are still correct — if they are not, you will be directed to renew in person instead. If you are renewing by mail, write your new address and name on the form and include proof of the change (for a name change, a certified copy of your marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order).

In-person renewal is the most straightforward way to update your address or name because the DMV staff can verify your documents on the spot and take a new photo if needed. Bring proof of your new address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days) and, if you changed your name, a certified copy of the document showing the change.

Renewing a commercial driver's license in Connecticut

Commercial driver's licenses (CDLs) in Connecticut cannot be renewed online or by mail — you must renew in person at a DMV office. Bring your current CDL, proof of your Social Security number, proof of your current address, and a valid medical certificate (Form MCSA-5876) if your CDL is for hazardous materials or if you drive a vehicle that requires a medical certificate. The fee is $75.

If your medical certificate has expired or will expire soon, you will need to obtain a new one from a certified medical examiner before you renew your CDL. The DMV office can provide you with a list of certified medical examiners in your area. Book an appointment online before you visit to reduce your wait time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Connecticut license before it expires?

Yes. You can renew anytime during the final year before your license expires. The DMV will issue a new license with a new expiration date six years from the renewal date. Renewing early does not shorten the total validity of your license — you straightforward get a new six-year period starting from when you renew.

What if I lost my license and need to renew it?

If your license is lost or stolen, you cannot renew it online. You must visit a DMV office in person to report the loss, explore for a replacement, and renew at the same time. Bring proof of your identity and Social Security number. The fee for a replacement license is $20, plus $72 for the renewal, for a total of $92.

How long does it take to receive my renewed license in the mail?

If you renew online or by mail, the DMV typically mails your new license within 7 to 10 business days. If you renew in person at a DMV office, you may receive your license the same day or within a few days, depending on the office's processing time. Check the DMV website for your local office's specific timeline.

Do I need to take a written or road test to renew my license?

No. Standard license renewal in Connecticut does not require a written test or road test. You only need to answer health and medical history questions during the renewal process. If you are renewing a commercial driver's license, you may need to pass additional tests depending on your endorsements.

What if my renewal is denied?

The DMV may deny renewal if you have unpaid traffic violations, a suspended or revoked license, or medical conditions that make you unsafe to drive. If your renewal is denied, the DMV will send you a letter explaining the reason. You can contact the DMV to discuss your options or request a hearing to appeal the decision.