How to Renew Your Connecticut Driver's License

Connecticut driver's license renewal by mail, online, or in person

Connecticut allows you to renew your driver's license through three routes: by mail, online through the Connecticut DMV portal, or in person at a DMV office. Which route you can use depends on your license type, how much time remains before expiration, and whether you need to update your address or other information. Most people renew online or by mail without visiting an office.

Your renewal notice arrives in the mail about 60 days before your license expires. That notice contains your renewal number, which you will need for online or mail renewal. If you do not receive a notice, you can still renew, but you will need your driver's license number and Social Security number instead.

Connecticut licenses expire on your birthday. Standard licenses are valid for six years; commercial licenses (CDL) are valid for five years. You can renew up to one year before expiration, though the DMV recommends doing so within the 60-day window after your renewal notice arrives.

Key Takeaways

Online renewal through the Connecticut DMV portal is the fastest route and takes about 10 minutes if you have your renewal notice number.
Mail renewal requires the renewal notice, a check or money order for the renewal fee, and takes two to three weeks from the time the DMV receives your packet.
In-person renewal at a DMV office is necessary only if you are renewing a CDL, need to change your address, or are unable to use online or mail options.
Connecticut charges $72 for a six-year standard license renewal; CDL renewals cost more and have additional requirements.
You must have a valid Social Security number on file with the DMV to renew; if you do not, you must visit an office in person.

Online renewal through the Connecticut DMV portal

Online renewal is available for standard driver's licenses and ID cards if your license is not expired and you do not need to change your address, name, or other personal information. You will need your renewal notice (which contains your renewal number) or your driver's license number and Social Security number.

Go to the Connecticut DMV website and select the online renewal option. Enter your renewal number or license number, your date of birth, and your Social Security number. Review your information on screen, confirm it is correct, and pay the renewal fee by debit or credit card. The system will display a confirmation number when ready. Your new license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

Online renewal does not allow you to change your address, name, or other details. If any of your information has changed, you must renew by mail or in person. If you have a CDL, you cannot renew online and must use mail or in-person renewal.

Mail renewal with the renewal notice

Mail renewal is the second-fastest option if you have your renewal notice. Complete the renewal notice form (it arrives in your mail packet), sign it, and mail it with a check or money order for the renewal fee to the address printed on the notice. Do not send cash. Include only the renewal notice and payment—do not send your old license unless the notice specifically asks for it.

The DMV processes mail renewals in the order they are received. Processing takes two to three weeks from the date the DMV receives your packet. Your new license will arrive by mail after processing is complete. If you need your license sooner, you can renew in person at a DMV office instead.

Mail renewal works for standard licenses and ID cards. If you have a CDL or need to change your address or name, you must renew in person or contact the DMV before mailing to confirm what documents are required.

In-person renewal at a Connecticut DMV office

Visit a DMV office if you hold a CDL, need to change your address or name, have a vision or medical restriction that requires testing, or prefer to renew in person. Bring your current driver's license, proof of Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2, or tax return), and proof of Connecticut residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days). If your name has changed, bring a certified copy of the document that changed it (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order).

CDL renewals require an in-person visit and a medical examination form (MCSA-5875) completed by a licensed medical examiner. You must pass a vision test and provide proof of medical clearance. The fee for a CDL renewal is higher than a standard license renewal and varies depending on the type of CDL and endorsements you hold.

Wait times at DMV offices vary by location and time of day. The DMV does not offer appointment scheduling for renewals, so arrive early or visit during off-peak hours (typically mid-morning on weekdays). Bring all required documents; missing documents will delay your renewal and may require a second visit.

Fees and what to expect after renewal

A standard six-year driver's license renewal costs $72. An ID card renewal costs $36. CDL renewals cost $72 for a five-year license, plus additional fees for endorsements or restrictions. Pay by debit or credit card online, or by check or money order by mail. The DMV does not accept cash by mail.

After you renew, your old license remains valid until your new license arrives. Once your new license arrives, destroy your old one or keep it for your records—Connecticut does not require you to return it. If your new license does not arrive within the expected timeframe, contact the DMV with your confirmation number to check the status.

If you renew online or by mail and your address has changed, you must visit a DMV office or submit a separate address change form to update your records. Renewing does not automatically update your address; you must change it separately.

What to do if your license has already expired

If your license expired more than one year ago, you cannot renew it—you must explore for a new license instead. This requires an in-person visit to a DMV office, a written knowledge test, a vision test, and proof of identity and residency. The process is longer and more expensive than renewal.

If your license expired within the past year, you can still renew by mail or in person using the standard renewal process. Online renewal is not available for expired licenses. Bring your expired license to a DMV office, or include it with your mail renewal packet if you are renewing by mail.

Connecticut does not charge a penalty fee for renewing a license that expired recently, but driving with an expired license is illegal. Renew as soon as possible after expiration.

Common mistakes and how to avoid them

The most common mistake is attempting to renew online when your address has changed. The online system will reject your renewal if your address does not match the DMV's records. If you have moved, renew by mail or in person instead, and bring proof of your new address.

Another frequent error is mailing renewal documents without a signature. Your renewal notice must be signed by you; an unsigned notice will be returned to you unprocessed. Sign the form before mailing it.

Do not mail your old license unless the renewal notice specifically asks for it. The DMV does not need it, and mailing it creates a risk that it will be lost. Keep your old license until your new one arrives, then destroy it or keep it for your records.

If you are renewing a CDL, do not forget the medical examination form. The DMV will not process a CDL renewal without a completed MCSA-5875 form signed by a licensed medical examiner. Schedule your medical exam before you submit your renewal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Connecticut license if I live out of state?

Yes. If you maintain a Connecticut address on file with the DMV, you can renew by mail or online. If you have moved out of state and changed your address with the DMV, you must renew in person at a Connecticut DMV office or contact the DMV to confirm whether mail or online renewal is still available for your situation.

What happens if I renew online but my payment is declined?

The online system will notify you when ready if your card is declined. You can try again with a different card or choose to renew by mail instead. Your renewal will not be processed until payment is received.

How long does it take to receive my new license after I renew in person?

If you renew in person at a DMV office, your new license is printed on site and you receive it before you leave. You do not need to wait for it to arrive by mail. This is one advantage of in-person renewal if you need your new license when ready.

Do I need to take a vision test to renew my license?

No, not for online or mail renewal. Vision testing is required only if you renew in person and the DMV determines one is necessary based on your age or medical history. CDL renewals always include a vision test as part of the medical examination.

What if my renewal notice was lost or never arrived?

You can still renew online or by mail without the notice. Use your driver's license number and Social Security number instead of your renewal number. If you do not know your Social Security number or cannot provide it, you must renew in person at a DMV office.

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.