How to Renew Your Connecticut Driver's License

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

Connecticut lets you renew your driver's license online, by mail, or in person at a DMV office, depending on your situation and how much time you have. Online renewal is fastest — you can complete it from home in about 15 minutes if your license is not expired and you have not had a name change. By mail takes two to three weeks. In-person renewal at a DMV office takes about an hour on average, though wait times vary by location and time of day.

Your renewal method depends on whether your license is still valid, whether you need a Real ID, and whether your personal information has changed. Connecticut's DMV website lets you check your renewal may be able to access before you start, which saves time if you are unsure whether you can use the online route.

Key Takeaways

Connecticut offers online renewal for standard licenses that are not yet expired and have not had a name change, and the process takes about 15 minutes.
Your Connecticut driver's license is valid for six years, and you can renew it up to one year before it expires.
Real ID-compliant licenses require in-person renewal and proof of citizenship, Social Security number, and Connecticut residency.
Mail renewal takes two to three weeks and works for standard license renewals without name changes or address corrections.
DMV offices are open Monday through Friday, and some locations offer Saturday hours; you can check wait times online before you go.

Online renewal: fastest option for standard licenses

Connecticut's online renewal system is open to drivers whose license is not yet expired, who have not changed their name, and who do not need a Real ID upgrade. You log in with your license number and date of birth, review your information, pay the renewal fee (currently $72 for a six-year license), and receive a temporary digital license when ready. Your physical license arrives by mail in seven to ten business days.

Online renewal does not let you change your address or name. If either has changed, you must renew in person or by mail. If your license is already expired, you cannot use the online system — you will need to renew in person.

In-person renewal at a Connecticut DMV office

Visit a DMV office if you need a Real ID, have changed your name or address, or if your license is expired. Bring your current license, proof of Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2, or 1099), proof of Connecticut residency (utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within 60 days), and proof of citizenship or legal presence (birth certificate, passport, or naturalization papers). If you have changed your name, bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the change.

Connecticut DMV offices are located in Wethersfield, Norwalk, Waterbury, and Danielson. Most are open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and some offer Saturday hours. You can check current wait times and book an appointment online through the Connecticut DMV website, which reduces your time in the office. Walk-ins are accepted, but appointments are faster.

In-person renewal takes about an hour on average, though this varies. You will receive a temporary paper license on the spot, valid for 30 days, and your permanent license arrives by mail in seven to ten business days.

Real ID renewal: what you need and why it matters

Connecticut Real ID licenses are required to board domestic flights or enter federal buildings as of May 2025. A Real ID looks like a standard license but has a gold star in the upper right corner. If your current license does not have this star and you plan to fly domestically or enter a federal facility, you will need to upgrade during renewal.

Real ID renewal must happen in person. Bring your current license, proof of Social Security number, proof of citizenship or legal presence (birth certificate, U.S. passport, or naturalization certificate), and two proofs of Connecticut residency. Residency proofs can include a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail — all must be dated within 60 days. The renewal fee is $72 for a six-year Real ID license.

If you do not need to fly or enter federal buildings, a standard Connecticut license remains valid for identification purposes. You can choose to renew as a standard license or upgrade to Real ID at any time.

Mail renewal: slower but no office visit required

Mail renewal works for standard license renewals when your name and address have not changed and your license is not expired. read the renewal form from the Connecticut DMV website, complete it, and mail it with your current license, a check or money order for $72, and a copy of proof of residency (utility bill or similar document dated within 60 days). Mail your packet to the Connecticut DMV address listed on the form.

Processing takes two to three weeks. During that time, your current license remains valid. You will receive your new license by mail, and your old license will be returned to you. If you need your license before the new one arrives, you cannot use mail renewal — go in person instead.

Expired license renewal: in-person only

If your Connecticut license has already expired, you cannot renew online or by mail. You must renew in person at a DMV office. Bring the same documents you would bring for a standard in-person renewal: your expired license, proof of Social Security number, proof of citizenship or legal presence, and proof of Connecticut residency. You will receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days and your permanent license by mail in seven to ten business days.

Connecticut allows you to renew up to one year before your license expires, so renewing early avoids the expired-license process. Check your license expiration date and plan your renewal at least two weeks before that date if you are using mail renewal, or one week before if you are renewing in person.

Renewal fees and payment methods

Connecticut driver's license renewal costs $72 for a six-year license. This fee is the same whether you renew online, by mail, or in person. Online renewal accepts credit and debit cards. In-person renewal accepts cash, check, or card. Mail renewal requires a check or money order.

If you are a senior (age 65 or older), your renewal fee is $36 for a six-year license. Military members on active duty may be may have access to to a reduced fee or extended renewal period — ask at the DMV office or check the Connecticut DMV website for current military benefits.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Connecticut license if I just moved to the state?

If you have a valid out-of-state license, you can renew your Connecticut license in person by bringing your out-of-state license, proof of Social Security number, proof of citizenship or legal presence, and two proofs of Connecticut residency. You cannot use online or mail renewal for an out-of-state license. Connecticut requires you to obtain a Connecticut license within 30 days of establishing residency.

What happens if I renew online but my address changed?

Online renewal does not allow address changes. If you completed an online renewal and your address has since changed, you must update it in person at a DMV office or by mail using the address change form on the Connecticut DMV website. Bring proof of your new residency (utility bill or lease dated within 60 days).

How long is my temporary license valid while I wait for my permanent one?

Your temporary paper license (issued in person) is valid for 30 days. Your temporary digital license (issued online) is valid until your physical license arrives, usually seven to ten business days. If your permanent license does not arrive within that timeframe, contact the Connecticut DMV to check the status.

Do I need an appointment to renew in person?

Appointments are not required, but they are strongly recommended. You can book an appointment online through the Connecticut DMV website, which typically reduces your wait time from 45 minutes to 15 minutes. Walk-ins are accepted during office hours, but you may wait longer.

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

Connecticut does not suspend license renewal for unpaid traffic tickets or fines. You can renew your license regardless of outstanding violations. However, your license can be suspended for other reasons, such as unpaid child support or certain criminal convictions. If your license status shows a suspension, you must resolve it before renewing.

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.