How to Renew Your Connecticut Driver's License

Connecticut driver's license renewal timeline and methods

Connecticut lets you renew your driver's license online, by mail, or in person at a DMV office. Which method you use depends on how much time you have and whether your license is still valid. If your license has not expired yet, you can renew up to 180 days before the expiration date using any method. If it has already expired, you must renew in person at a DMV office.

Online renewal is the fastest option and takes about 10 minutes. You will need your current Connecticut driver's license number, your Social Security number, and a valid email address. The state processes online renewals within one business day, and your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days. Mail renewal takes longer — typically 2 to 3 weeks from the time the DMV receives your process — but requires no trip to an office.

In-person renewal at a DMV office is necessary if your license has expired, if you need to update your address or name, or if you want to renew before your expiration date but prefer to walk out with a temporary license the same day. Connecticut DMV offices issue a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while your permanent license is being printed and mailed.

Key Takeaways

You can renew online or by mail up to 180 days before your license expires, but must renew in person if your license has already expired.
Online renewal takes about 10 minutes and your new license arrives in 7 to 10 business days; mail renewal takes 2 to 3 weeks.
You will need your current license number, Social Security number, and a valid email for online renewal.
In-person renewal at a DMV office is the only way to get a temporary license the same day or to update your address or name.
Connecticut charges $72 for a standard four-year renewal and $144 for an eight-year renewal; payment is by credit card, debit card, or check.

Online renewal step by step

Start at the Connecticut DMV website and select "Renew Your License" from the homepage. You will be directed to the online renewal portal. Enter your driver's license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number to verify your identity. The system will pull up your current license information and ask you to confirm that your address, name, and other details are correct.

Review the vision and medical questions on the form. Connecticut asks whether you have any conditions that might affect your ability to drive safely. Answer honestly — false statements on a driver's license process are a crime. Once you have reviewed all information, you will see the renewal fee ($72 for four years or $144 for eight years) and be prompted to pay by credit card or debit card. The system accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover.

After payment is processed, you will receive a confirmation number by email. Print this confirmation or save it to your phone. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days. If you do not receive it within that window, contact the Connecticut DMV at 860-263-8354 with your confirmation number.

Mail renewal: what to send and where

read the DL 43 form (process for Driver License or Permit Renewal) from the Connecticut DMV website. Fill it out completely, including your name, address, date of birth, and license number. Sign and date the form — an unsigned form will be rejected and returned to you.

Include a check or money order for $72 (four-year renewal) or $144 (eight-year renewal) made payable to "Connecticut DMV". Do not send cash. Mail your completed form and payment to:

Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles Attn: License Renewals 60 State Street Wethersfield, CT 06161

Mail renewal takes 2 to 3 weeks from the date the DMV receives your process. If you are renewing close to your expiration date, mail may not arrive in time. In that case, switch to online renewal or visit a DMV office in person. The DMV does not send a confirmation when your process arrives, so if you want proof of mailing, use certified mail with return receipt.

In-person renewal at a Connecticut DMV office

Visit any Connecticut DMV office during business hours. Most offices are open Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and some locations have extended hours on certain days. Check the DMV website for the office nearest you and its specific hours before you go. You do not need an appointment for license renewal.

Bring your current driver's license, proof of your Social Security number (a Social Security card, W-2, or 1099 form), and proof of your current address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days). If your address has changed since your last license was issued, bring two documents showing your new address. Bring a check or money order for the renewal fee, or be prepared to pay by credit or debit card at the office.

At the office, you will complete a DL 43 form, have your photo taken, and answer vision and medical questions. The DMV will issue you a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while your permanent license is printed and mailed. Your new license will arrive in 7 to 10 business days. If you need to update your name or address, the DMV will process that change during your in-person visit.

What happens if your license has expired

Once your Connecticut driver's license expires, you cannot renew it online or by mail. You must go to a DMV office in person. Bring the same documents you would for a standard in-person renewal: your expired license, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your current address.

The renewal process is the same as for a valid license, but the DMV may ask additional questions about why your license expired. You can still drive legally while your process is being processed if you bring your temporary paper license with you. However, do not let your license stay expired for longer than necessary — driving with an expired license can result in a traffic ticket and fines.

Renewing with a name or address change

If your name has changed since your last license was issued — due to marriage, divorce, or court order — you must renew in person at a DMV office. Bring your current license, proof of your new name (a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order), proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your current address. The DMV will update your name in the system and issue a new license with your updated information.

If only your address has changed, you can renew online or by mail and update your address at the same time. During online renewal, the system will ask you to confirm or correct your address before you pay. During mail renewal, write your new address clearly on the DL 43 form. If you prefer to update your address in person, visit a DMV office and bring proof of your new address dated within the last 60 days.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Connecticut license before it expires?

Yes. You can renew up to 180 days before your expiration date using online renewal, mail renewal, or in-person renewal. Online and mail renewal are fastest if you do not need a temporary license right away. In-person renewal is your only option if you want a temporary license the same day.

What if I lost my license or it was stolen?

You cannot renew a lost or stolen license. Instead, you must request a replacement at a DMV office in person. Bring proof of your identity (a passport, state ID, or birth certificate) and proof of your address. The DMV will issue a replacement license with the same number and expiration date as your original.

How long is a Connecticut driver's license valid?

Connecticut driver's licenses are valid for four years or eight years, depending on which renewal term you choose. The eight-year license costs twice as much ($144 instead of $72) but lasts longer. You select the term during renewal.

What if I move out of Connecticut after renewing?

Your Connecticut license remains valid in every state until it expires. You do not have to exchange it for a license in your new state when ready, but most states require you to get a new license within 30 to 60 days of moving. Check your new state's DMV website for its specific rules.

Can I renew my license if I have an outstanding traffic ticket or fine?

Connecticut does not suspend your license renewal for unpaid traffic tickets or fines. However, if your license has been suspended for other reasons — such as unpaid child support or a DUI conviction — you must resolve the suspension before you can renew. Contact the Connecticut DMV at 860-263-8354 to check your license status.

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.