How to Renew Your Connecticut Driver's License

Connecticut license renewal basics

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 and costs $72 for a six-year license. You can renew online up to one year before your license expires, and your new license arrives by mail in about two weeks.

You are may be able to access to renew online if your current license is not suspended or revoked, you have not had any major changes to your address or name, and your license is not expired by more than five years. If any of those do not explore to you, you will need to renew in person at a DMV office instead.

Key Takeaways

Connecticut offers online renewal through the DMV website for $72, which is the fastest option if your license is still valid and your information has not changed.
You can renew online up to one year before your license expires, so you do not have to wait until the last minute.
If your license is suspended, revoked, or expired for more than five years, you must renew in person at a Connecticut DMV office.
A renewed Connecticut license is valid for six years from the date of issue.
If you have moved, changed your name, or need a REAL ID-compliant license, you will need to visit a DMV office in person.

Renewing online through the Connecticut DMV website

To renew online, go to the Connecticut DMV website and select the online renewal option. You will need your current driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a valid payment method (credit card, debit card, or e-check). The system will verify your information against state records and ask you to confirm that your address and name are still correct.

Once you complete the online form and pay the $72 renewal fee, you will receive a confirmation number. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file within 10 to 14 business days. You can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives.

Online renewal is not available if your license has been suspended or revoked, if you have had a name change that was not processed by the DMV, or if your address has changed since your last license was issued. In those cases, you must visit a DMV office.

Renewing in person at a Connecticut DMV office

If you cannot renew online, you will need to visit a Connecticut DMV office. Bring your current driver's license, proof of your current address (such as a utility bill or lease), and payment for the renewal fee. If you have changed your name, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order).

Connecticut DMV offices are located in multiple cities across the state. You can find the office nearest you and check its hours on the Connecticut DMV website. Some offices accept walk-ins, but many require you to schedule an appointment in advance. Scheduling an appointment online is usually faster than waiting for a walk-in slot.

In-person renewal takes about 15 to 30 minutes once you are called. You will have your photo taken and your information verified. You will pay the renewal fee and receive a temporary paper license to use while your new license is being mailed to you.

Renewing by mail

Connecticut allows mail renewal in limited situations. You can renew by mail if you are a member of the military stationed outside Connecticut, if you are over 65 years old and your license is not suspended or revoked, or if you have a medical condition that makes it difficult to visit a DMV office.

To renew by mail, contact the Connecticut DMV to request a renewal form. Complete the form, include a check or money order for the renewal fee, and mail it to the address provided. Processing by mail takes longer than online or in-person renewal — typically four to six weeks.

REAL ID and Connecticut license renewal

Connecticut driver's licenses issued after October 2020 are REAL ID-compliant by default. If your current license shows a gold star in the upper right corner, it is already REAL ID-compliant and you do not need to do anything special when you renew.

If your current license does not have a gold star, you can request a REAL ID-compliant license when you renew. If you renew online, you will see an option to upgrade to REAL ID at no extra cost. If you renew in person, tell the DMV staff that you want a REAL ID license. You will need to bring proof of citizenship or legal residency (such as a passport or birth certificate) and proof of your Social Security number.

Connecticut license renewal fees and timeline

A standard six-year Connecticut driver's license renewal costs $72. If you are renewing online, you pay this fee when you submit your process. If you are renewing in person or by mail, you pay when you submit your documents or at the DMV office.

Online renewal is the fastest option — your new license arrives within 10 to 14 business days. In-person renewal gives you a temporary paper license on the spot and your new license arrives within two to three weeks. Mail renewal takes the longest, typically four to six weeks.

What to do if your Connecticut license has expired

If your license has been expired for five years or less, you can still renew it using the same process as a non-expired license. If your license has been expired for more than five years, you cannot renew — you must explore for a new license instead. This requires taking the written test and the road test again, as if you were a first-time driver.

If your license expired while you were deployed with the military, incarcerated, or unable to renew due to a serious medical condition, Connecticut may waive the requirement to retake the tests. Contact the Connecticut DMV to explain your situation and ask about a waiver.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Connecticut license before it expires?

Yes. You can renew online up to one year before your license expires. This is helpful if you want to renew early to avoid a rush closer to your expiration date. Your new license will be valid for six years from the date it is issued, not from the date your old license expired.

What if I have moved since my last license was issued?

You cannot renew online if your address has changed. You must renew in person at a DMV office and bring proof of your new address, such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement. The DMV will update your address in the system and issue a new license with the correct information.

Do I need to take a new photo when I renew?

If you renew online, your photo from your current license will be used on your new license. If you renew in person, the DMV will take a new photo. If you prefer a new photo when renewing online, you must renew in person instead.

What if my Connecticut license was suspended or revoked?

You cannot renew a suspended or revoked license. You must contact the Connecticut DMV to find out why your license was suspended or revoked and what steps you need to take to restore it. Once your license is restored, you can then renew it using the standard renewal process.

How long is a renewed Connecticut license valid?

A renewed Connecticut driver's license is valid for six years from the date it is issued. Your expiration date will be printed on the front of your license. You can renew again up to one year before that date expires.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.