What You Need to Know About Connecticut License Renewal
Connecticut allows you to renew your driver's license in person at a DMV office, by mail, or online through the Connecticut DMV portal — but which method you can use depends on your license type, how long it has been expired, and whether you need a new photo. Most standard driver's licenses are valid for six years in Connecticut. If your license is not yet expired or expired less than two years ago, you can renew by mail or online without visiting an office. If your license has been expired for more than two years, you must renew in person.
The Connecticut DMV processes renewals at 11 regional offices across the state. You do not need an appointment for a renewal — you can walk in during business hours — but wait times vary by location and time of day. Online renewal is the fastest option if you are may be able to access, taking only a few minutes from home.
Key Takeaways
- Connecticut driver's licenses are valid for six years, and you can renew up to one year before expiration or up to two years after expiration without visiting an office.
- Online renewal through the Connecticut DMV website is available for most standard licenses and takes minutes, but you must have a valid Social Security number and pass a security check.
- Mail renewal requires sending your current license, a completed process form, and the renewal fee to the DMV address; processing takes two to three weeks.
- In-person renewal at a DMV office is required if your license expired more than two years ago, and you will need a new photo and proof of residency.
- The renewal fee is $72 for a six-year license, and you must pay by check, money order, or credit card — cash is not accepted by mail.
Online Renewal: The Fastest Route
The Connecticut DMV online renewal system is open 24 hours a day and is the quickest way to renew if you meet the requirements. You can renew online if your license is not yet expired or expired less than two years ago, you have a valid Social Security number on file, and you do not need a new photo. You will also need a credit card or debit card to pay the $72 renewal fee.
Go to the Connecticut DMV website and select "Renew Your License Online." You will be asked to enter your license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The system will verify your identity and pull up your current license information. Review it for accuracy, answer a few security questions, and pay the fee. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days. You can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives.
If the online system tells you that you are not may be able to access — usually because your license has been expired too long or your identity cannot be verified — you will need to renew by mail or in person instead.
Mail Renewal: What to Send and Where
Mail renewal works if your license is not yet expired or expired less than two years ago. You will need to complete form DL 43 (process for Renewal of Driver's License), which you can read from the Connecticut DMV website or request by phone. Fill out the form completely, including your current address. Do not sign it yet — you must sign it in front of a notary public or mail carrier before sending it in.
Gather these documents: your completed and signed form DL 43, your current driver's license (front and back), a check or money order for $72 made payable to "Commissioner of Motor Vehicles," and a copy of a document showing your current address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days works). Mail everything to: Connecticut DMV, 60 State Street, Wethersfield, CT 06161.
Processing by mail takes two to three weeks from the date the DMV receives your packet. Your new license will be mailed to the address you provided. Do not send cash — it will not be accepted. If you are renewing more than one license or need to include additional documents, send them all in one envelope.
In-Person Renewal at a DMV Office
You must renew in person if your license has been expired for more than two years, if you need a new photo, or if you are changing your name or address and want it updated on your license. You will also need to renew in person if you are upgrading your license class (for example, from a standard license to a commercial license) or if you have medical conditions that require a new medical evaluation.
Bring your current driver's license, proof of your Social Security number (your Social Security card, W-2, or 1099 form), and proof of your current address (a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days). If you are renewing after a long expiration, also bring your birth certificate or passport. The DMV will take a new photo at no extra charge. The renewal fee is $72, and you can pay by cash, check, debit card, or credit card.
Connecticut has 11 DMV offices open Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and some offices have extended hours on certain days. Walk-in renewals are accepted, but arrive early if you want to avoid a wait. You can find the office nearest you and check current wait times on the Connecticut DMV website.
Documents You Need for Each Renewal Method
| Renewal Method | Documents Required | Processing Time | Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online | Current license number, date of birth, last 4 digits of SSN, credit or debit card | 7–10 business days | $72 |
| Form DL 43 (signed), current license, proof of address, check or money order | 2–3 weeks | $72 | |
| In-Person | Current license, proof of SSN, proof of address, birth certificate (if expired 2+ years) | Same day | $72 (cash, check, card) |
Common Mistakes That Delay Connecticut Renewals
The most common error on mail renewals is forgetting to have the form DL 43 signed by a notary or mail carrier before sending it. The DMV will reject unsigned forms and send them back, adding weeks to your renewal. If you are unsure whether your signature needs to be notarized, call the Connecticut DMV at 860-263-5700 before mailing.
Another frequent mistake is sending cash in the mail. The DMV does not accept cash for mail renewals — use a check or money order only. If you send cash, your process will be returned. Also, do not send your original birth certificate or passport unless your license has been expired for more than two years; originals can be lost in the mail, and the DMV will not accept copies for identity verification.
For in-person renewals, bring a document that shows your current address. A driver's license from another state, a credit card, or a library card will not work — you need a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. If you moved recently and do not have a document in your name yet, bring a lease or utility bill in your name plus a piece of mail from the state or federal government showing your new address.
What Happens If Your License Expires While You Are Waiting
If you renew online or by mail before your license expires, you can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives in the mail. The Connecticut DMV will not issue you a temporary license or extension — your old license remains valid during the processing period.
If your license has already expired and you are renewing in person, bring your expired license to the DMV office. You can drive to the office with an expired license to renew it, but you cannot drive anywhere else. Once you complete your in-person renewal, you will receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while your plastic card is being printed and mailed.
If your license expired more than two years ago, you cannot drive at all until you renew in person and receive your temporary license. Plan your DMV visit accordingly — you may need a ride to the office or to arrange time off work.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Connecticut license online if I moved to a different state?
No. Online renewal requires that your address on file with the DMV match your current residence. If you moved out of Connecticut, you must renew your Connecticut license in person at a DMV office before you can transfer to your new state's license. If you have already moved, contact the Connecticut DMV to update your address first.
What if I lost my current license and need to renew?
You cannot renew by mail or online if you do not have your current license to send in or reference. You must visit a DMV office in person and report the lost license. Bring proof of your identity and address, and the DMV will issue a replacement license at the same time. The fee is $72 for the renewal plus an additional fee for the replacement.
Do I need a new photo if I renew by mail?
No. Mail renewal uses the photo from your current license. If you want a new photo, you must renew in person at a DMV office. The DMV will take a new photo at no extra charge during your in-person visit.
How long is my temporary paper license valid after an in-person renewal?
Your temporary paper license is valid for 30 days from the date you receive it at the DMV office. Your plastic license will arrive in the mail within 7 to 10 business days. If it does not arrive within 30 days, contact the Connecticut DMV to report it.
Can I renew my license if I have an outstanding traffic ticket or unpaid fine?
Connecticut does not automatically block license renewals for unpaid traffic fines, but the DMV may flag your account if a court has issued a suspension order. If you are unsure whether your license can be renewed, call the Connecticut DMV at 860-263-5700 before you attempt to renew online or by mail.