How to Renew Your Connecticut Driver's License

How to renew your Connecticut driver's license online, by mail, or in person

Connecticut lets you renew your driver's license online if you meet certain conditions, by mail if you prefer not to go in person, or at a DMV office if your situation requires it. The online route is fastest — you can complete it in minutes and your new license arrives by mail in about 7 to 10 business days. Mail renewal takes longer but works if you cannot visit an office. In-person renewal is necessary if your license has been suspended, if you need to change your address or name, or if you are over 65 and renewing for the first time in many years.

Your license is valid for eight years if you are under 65, and four years if you are 65 or older. Connecticut sends you a renewal notice about 60 days before your license expires, but you do not have to wait for it — you can renew up to one year early. The fee is $127 for an eight-year renewal or $63.50 for a four-year renewal if you are over 65.

Key Takeaways

Online renewal through the Connecticut DMV website takes about 7 to 10 business days and costs $127, but only works if your license is not suspended and you have not changed your address or name since it was issued.
Mail renewal requires you to send your current license, a completed process form, and a check to the Connecticut DMV, and takes about three to four weeks.
In-person renewal at a DMV office is required if your license is suspended, if you need to update your address or legal name, or if you are over 65 and renewing for the first time in more than four years.
You can renew your license up to one year before it expires, so you do not have to wait for the renewal notice Connecticut sends you.
Connecticut driver's licenses are valid for eight years (or four years if you are 65 or older), and the state does not issue Real ID-compliant licenses at renewal — you must request one separately if you need it for federal travel.

Online renewal: fastest option if your situation is straightforward

To renew online, go to the Connecticut DMV website and select the online renewal option. You will need your current driver's license number, your Social Security number, and a valid credit or debit card to pay the $127 fee. The system will ask you to confirm that your address and name have not changed since your license was issued. If either has, you cannot complete the renewal online — you must renew by mail or in person instead.

Once you submit your process online, the DMV processes it and mails your new license to the address on file. This usually takes 7 to 10 business days from the date you submit. You will receive a confirmation number when ready after you complete the transaction; save this in case you need to check the status of your renewal or contact the DMV.

Online renewal does not work if your license is suspended, revoked, or cancelled. If you are unsure whether your license is in good standing, call the Connecticut DMV at 860-263-5700 before you attempt to renew online.

Mail renewal: slower but requires no office visit

To renew by mail, read the process for Driver License or Permit (Form DL 43) from the Connecticut DMV website or request one by calling 860-263-5700. Fill out the form completely, sign it, and mail it along with your current driver's license and a check for $127 (made payable to "Commissioner of Motor Vehicles") to the address listed on the form.

Mail renewal takes about three to four weeks from the date the DMV receives your envelope. There is no tracking system for mail renewals, so if you do not receive your new license within four weeks, call the DMV to confirm they received your process. Include a return address on your envelope and consider using certified mail if you want proof of delivery.

Mail renewal is a good option if you cannot visit a DMV office during business hours, but it does not work if your address or name has changed, if your license is suspended, or if you are over 65 and renewing for the first time in more than four years. In those cases, you must renew in person.

In-person renewal at a Connecticut DMV office

Visit a DMV office if your license is suspended, if you have changed your address or legal name since your license was issued, if you are over 65 and renewing for the first time in more than four years, or if you straightforward prefer to renew in person. 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 dated within the last 60 days). If you have changed your name, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.

Connecticut has DMV offices in multiple locations across the state. You can find the office nearest you and check its hours on the Connecticut DMV website. Walk-ins are accepted, but wait times vary. If you want to avoid a long wait, you can reserve an appointment online through the DMV website.

In-person renewal is processed on the spot. You will receive a temporary paper license when ready, and your permanent license will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days. The fee is $127 for an eight-year license or $63.50 if you are 65 or older and renewing for four years.

Real ID compliance and Connecticut driver's licenses

Connecticut does not automatically issue Real ID-compliant licenses at renewal. If you need a Real ID-compliant license for federal travel or to enter a federal building, you must request one separately, either online during renewal or in person at a DMV office. A Real ID license costs an additional $30 on top of the standard renewal fee.

To get a Real ID license, you must provide proof of your identity, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your current address. The DMV website lists all acceptable documents for each category. If you are renewing online and want a Real ID license, you can add it to your order during the renewal process. If you are renewing by mail or in person, tell the DMV staff that you want a Real ID license and provide the required documents.

What to do if your license has been suspended or revoked

You cannot renew your driver's license online or by mail if it is suspended or revoked. You must visit a DMV office in person. Before you go, call the Connecticut DMV at 860-263-5700 to find out why your license was suspended and what you need to do to restore it. Suspensions are often due to unpaid traffic fines, failure to pay child support, or failure to maintain required insurance.

Once you have resolved the reason for the suspension — paid the fine, arranged child support payments, or obtained the required insurance — you can renew in person. Bring your current license, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your current address. The DMV will verify that the suspension has been lifted before they process your renewal.

Changing your address or name during renewal

If you have moved or changed your legal name since your license was issued, you cannot renew online or by mail. You must renew in person at a DMV office. Bring your current license, proof of your new address (such as a utility bill or lease dated within the last 60 days), and if you have changed your name, a certified copy of the document that shows the change.

The DMV will update your address and name on your new license during the renewal process. Your new license will be mailed to your updated address within 7 to 10 business days. If you need your new license sooner, ask the DMV staff whether they can issue a temporary license on the spot.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Connecticut driver's license before it expires?

Yes, you can renew up to one year before your license expires. This is useful if you are planning a trip or if you want to avoid the rush near your expiration date. The new license will be valid for eight years (or four years if you are 65 or older) from the date it is issued, not from the date your old license expired.

How long does it take to get my new license after I renew online?

The DMV usually mails your new license within 7 to 10 business days of your online submission. This does not include mail delivery time, so plan for an additional few days depending on where you live. If you do not receive your license within two weeks, contact the DMV with your confirmation number.

What if I need to renew my license but I do not have my Social Security number with me?

For online renewal, you will need your Social Security number to complete the process. For in-person renewal, you can bring a document that shows your Social Security number, such as a Social Security card, tax return, or W-2 form. If you do not have any of these, call the DMV before you visit to ask what other documents are accepted.

Do I have to renew my license in person if I am over 65?

Not necessarily. If you are over 65 and your address and name have not changed, you can renew online or by mail. However, if you are renewing for the first time in more than four years, you must renew in person. Connecticut requires older drivers to renew more frequently, so check your license to see when you last renewed.

What happens if my Connecticut license expires while I am waiting for my renewal?

If you have submitted an online or mail renewal process before your license expires, you are legally allowed to drive while you wait for your new license to arrive, as long as you have your confirmation number or receipt. Keep this document with you while you drive. If your license expires before you submit your renewal, you cannot legally drive until your new license arrives.

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.