Connecticut Renewal: Online, By Mail, or In Person
Connecticut lets you renew your driver's license online, by mail, or in person at a DMV office — and which route you take depends on how much time you have and whether your license is still valid. If your license hasn't expired yet, online renewal is the fastest option and takes about 10 minutes. If it has expired, you'll need to renew by mail or visit a DMV office in person.
Your Connecticut license is valid for six years from the date it was issued. The state will send you a renewal notice in the mail about 60 days before your expiration date, but you don't have to wait for that notice to start the process. You can renew up to one year before your license expires.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal through the Connecticut DMV website is available if your license hasn't expired and you have a valid email address and Social Security number.
- Mail-in renewal takes about two to three weeks and requires you to send in your current license along with a completed form and payment.
- In-person renewal at a DMV office is necessary if your license has expired or if you need to update your address, name, or other information.
- Connecticut charges $72 for a six-year renewal, and you can pay by credit card, debit card, or check depending on your renewal method.
- You can renew your license up to one year before it expires, so you don't have to wait until the last minute.
Renewing Online Through the Connecticut DMV Website
Online renewal is the quickest option if your license is still valid. Go to the Connecticut DMV website and select the online renewal option. You'll need your current driver's license number, your Social Security number, and a valid email address. The system will verify your information and ask you to review your address and other details to make sure everything is correct.
Once you've confirmed your information, you'll pay the $72 renewal fee using a credit or debit card. Connecticut will mail your new license to the address on file, and it typically arrives within 7 to 10 business days. You can continue to drive on your current license while you wait for the new one to arrive.
Online renewal is not available if your license has expired, if you need to change your address or other information, or if your license was suspended or revoked. In those cases, you'll need to use mail-in or in-person renewal instead.
Renewing by Mail
Mail-in renewal works if your license is still valid or has been expired for less than two years. You'll need to request a renewal form from the Connecticut DMV or read it from their website. Fill out the form completely, sign it, and include your current driver's license.
Mail your completed form, license, and a check or money order for $72 to the Connecticut DMV at the address listed on the form. Do not send cash. Include a self-addressed, stamped envelope if you want the DMV to return your old license. Processing takes about two to three weeks from the date the DMV receives your process.
If your license expired more than two years ago, you cannot renew by mail and must visit a DMV office in person. You'll also need to renew in person if you're changing your address, name, or other information on your license.
Renewing In Person at a Connecticut DMV Office
Visit any Connecticut DMV office with 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). Bring your renewal notice if you received one, though it's not required. You'll fill out the renewal form at the office, have your photo taken, and pay the $72 fee by cash, check, or card.
In-person renewal is necessary if your license has expired for more than two years, if you need to update your address or other information, or if you want to renew when ready without waiting for mail delivery. Your new license is typically ready within 7 to 10 business days and will be mailed to your address on file.
Connecticut DMV offices can be busy, especially near the end of the month or before holidays. You can check wait times on the Connecticut DMV website before you go, and some offices allow you to schedule an appointment online to reduce your wait time.
What to Bring and What It Costs
For any renewal method, you'll need to provide your current driver's license number and your Social Security number. If you're renewing in person, bring your actual license, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your current address.
Connecticut charges $72 for a six-year renewal. Online and in-person renewal accept credit cards, debit cards, and cash. Mail-in renewal requires a check or money order — do not send cash through the mail. If you're renewing by mail and want your old license returned, include a self-addressed, stamped envelope.
If your name has changed since your license was issued, you'll need to bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change (such as a marriage certificate or court order). This applies whether you're renewing online, by mail, or in person.
After Your Renewal Is Complete
Once you've submitted your renewal — whether online, by mail, or in person — your new license will be mailed to the address on file. You can continue to drive on your current license while you wait. Your new license should arrive within 7 to 10 business days for in-person renewal, and within two to three weeks for mail-in renewal.
If your new license doesn't arrive within the expected timeframe, contact the Connecticut DMV to check the status. You can call their customer service line or visit the DMV website to track your renewal. If your current license expires before your new one arrives, you can request a temporary paper license from a DMV office to carry while you wait.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Connecticut license if it's already expired?
Yes, but your options depend on how long it's been expired. If it expired less than two years ago, you can renew by mail or in person. If it expired more than two years ago, you must renew in person at a DMV office. You cannot renew online if your license has expired.
How long does online renewal take?
The online process itself takes about 10 minutes. Your new license will be mailed to you and should arrive within 7 to 10 business days. You can continue driving on your current license while you wait.
What if I need to change my address when I renew?
You can update your address online during the online renewal process if your license is still valid. If you're renewing by mail or in person, you can provide your new address on the renewal form or tell the DMV staff at the office. Your new license will be mailed to your updated address.
Can I renew my license early?
Yes. Connecticut allows you to renew your license up to one year before it expires. This is useful if you're planning to travel or if you want to avoid the rush closer to your expiration date.
What if I lost my current license?
If you've lost your license, you cannot use online or mail-in renewal. You'll need to visit a DMV office in person and request a replacement license. Bring proof of your identity and Social Security number. The DMV will issue you a new license at the same time.