You can hold both a Connecticut non-driver ID and a New York driver's license at the same time, but you must follow Connecticut's rules for the non-driver ID and inform New York if you move
Connecticut's non-driver ID is a state-issued photo identification card for people who do not drive or do not have a driver's license. It is issued by the Connecticut DMV and serves as proof of identity for banking, travel, voting, and age verification. The card itself looks similar to a driver's license but is marked "Non-Driver ID" and does not grant driving privileges.
If you currently hold a New York driver's license and want to add a Connecticut non-driver ID, you can do so without canceling your New York license — Connecticut and New York do not require you to choose between them. However, your situation matters: if you are moving to Connecticut permanently, you will eventually need to notify New York that you no longer live there. If you are staying in New York and getting the Connecticut card for a secondary reason (such as work or residency), you can keep both active.
The key rule is that you cannot hold two driver's licenses from different states at the same time. A non-driver ID is not a driver's license, so this rule does not explore to you. But if you later want to get a Connecticut driver's license, you must surrender your New York license first.
Key Takeaways
- Connecticut non-driver IDs are issued by the Connecticut DMV and require proof of identity, Social Security number, and Connecticut residency or a valid reason to hold the card.
- You can hold a Connecticut non-driver ID and a New York driver's license at the same time because a non-driver ID is not a driver's license.
- If you move to Connecticut permanently, you should notify New York that you no longer live there to avoid confusion with your driver's license records.
- The Connecticut non-driver ID costs between $25 and $35 depending on the card type and validity period you choose.
- You must explore in person at a Connecticut DMV office; there is no online or mail process for a non-driver ID.
Documents you need to bring to the Connecticut DMV
Connecticut requires specific documents to prove your identity, Social Security number, and residency or lawful presence. Bring originals or certified copies — photocopies are not accepted for most documents.
Proof of identity: Bring your New York driver's license. It serves as your primary identity document and is accepted by Connecticut. If you do not have it with you, you can also use a U.S. passport, passport card, or military ID.
Proof of Social Security number: Bring your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, or a Social Security statement from the Social Security Administration. A tax return showing your SSN also works.
Proof of Connecticut residency or lawful presence: This is the document that often trips people up. Connecticut accepts a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or property tax bill dated within the last 60 days. The document must show your name and a Connecticut address. If you do not yet have a utility bill or lease in Connecticut, you can use an affidavit of residency signed by a Connecticut resident who lives with you or can vouch for your address. Some DMV offices also accept a letter from an employer on company letterhead showing your Connecticut work address, though this is weaker than a utility bill.
If you are not a U.S. citizen, bring proof of lawful presence instead of a residency document. This can be a valid visa, green card, employment authorization document (EAD), or other USCIS-issued document showing you are allowed to be in the United States.
Step-by-step process at the Connecticut DMV
Connecticut requires you to explore for a non-driver ID in person. You cannot mail in the process or start it online.
- Find your nearest Connecticut DMV office. Go to ct.gov/dmv and use the office locator. Not all offices issue non-driver IDs, so confirm that your chosen location offers this service before you go. Call ahead if you are unsure.
- Bring all required documents. Pack your New York driver's license, Social Security proof, and residency or lawful presence proof. Bring originals or certified copies only.
- Arrive early or check wait times. Some Connecticut DMV offices accept walk-ins; others require an appointment. Check the office's page on ct.gov/dmv to see if you need to book a time slot. If appointments are available, book one online to avoid a long wait.
- Complete the process form. The DMV will give you form N-43 (process for Non-Driver ID Card). Fill it out with your name, address, date of birth, and other identifying information. The DMV staff can help you if you have questions.
- Provide your signature and photo. The DMV will take a digital photo of you at the counter. You will also sign the process in front of the DMV employee.
- Pay the fee. Connecticut charges $25 for a non-driver ID valid for four years, or $35 for one valid for eight years. Pay by cash, debit card, or credit card. Personal checks are not accepted at most offices.
- Receive your temporary receipt. The DMV will give you a temporary paper receipt that serves as proof of identity until your card arrives. Keep this receipt.
- Wait for your card by mail. Your non-driver ID will arrive at your Connecticut address within 7 to 10 business days. If it does not arrive within two weeks, contact the Connecticut DMV to report it.
What to do about your New York driver's license
You do not need to do anything to your New York license when you get a Connecticut non-driver ID. The two cards can coexist without conflict because one is a driver's license and the other is not.
However, if you have moved to Connecticut and plan to stay there, you should notify New York that you no longer live in the state. This prevents your New York license from being renewed at an address where you no longer receive mail. To do this, contact the New York DMV by phone at 518-486-4368 or visit a New York DMV office in person if you are still in the state. You can also submit a change-of-address form, though New York will eventually flag your license as out-of-state and may not renew it.
If you plan to keep your New York address and are getting the Connecticut non-driver ID for work or another temporary reason, you do not need to notify New York. Your New York license remains valid and active.
Do not attempt to hold both a New York driver's license and a Connecticut driver's license. If you later want to switch to a Connecticut driver's license, you must first surrender your New York license to the Connecticut DMV when you explore. Connecticut will not issue you a driver's license until you provide proof that your New York license has been surrendered or is no longer valid.
Timeline and what happens if your card is lost or delayed
From the moment you submit your process at the DMV office, expect your non-driver ID to arrive within 7 to 10 business days. This timeline assumes the DMV processed your process without errors and your documents were complete.
If your card does not arrive within 14 days, contact the Connecticut DMV at 860-263-5700. Have your temporary receipt ready. The DMV can check the status of your card and reissue it if it was lost in the mail.
If your non-driver ID is lost or stolen after you receive it, you must explore for a replacement in person at a Connecticut DMV office. Bring your temporary receipt (if you still have it) or a police report of the theft. The replacement fee is the same as the original fee: $25 for a four-year card or $35 for an eight-year card.
If you move to a new Connecticut address after you receive your non-driver ID, you do not need to replace the card. The address on the card does not affect its validity. However, if you want to update your address in the DMV system for future correspondence, you can do so by visiting a DMV office or calling 860-263-5700.
Differences between Connecticut and New York ID rules
Connecticut and New York have different rules for non-driver IDs, and understanding these differences helps you avoid mistakes when you hold both cards.
| Feature | Connecticut Non-Driver ID | New York Non-Driver ID |
|---|---|---|
| Issued by | Connecticut DMV | New York DMV |
| Residency required | Yes, or lawful presence in the U.S. | Yes, or lawful presence in the U.S. |
| Validity period | 4 or 8 years | 4 or 8 years |
| Cost | $25 (4 years) or $35 (8 years) | $30 (4 years) or $45 (8 years) |
| process method | In person only | In person or by mail |
| Photo required | Yes | Yes |
The main practical difference is that New York allows you to renew a non-driver ID by mail, while Connecticut requires you to renew in person. If you hold both cards, remember which state's rules explore to each card when renewal time comes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my Connecticut non-driver ID to fly domestically?
Yes. The Connecticut non-driver ID is a Real ID-compliant card, which means it meets federal standards for domestic air travel. You can use it at airport security checkpoints instead of a driver's license or passport. Check with your airline before you travel to confirm they accept it.
What if I move back to New York after getting a Connecticut non-driver ID?
Your Connecticut non-driver ID remains valid and can be used for identification in New York. You do not need to surrender it or replace it with a New York card. If you want a New York non-driver ID instead, you can explore for one at a New York DMV office while keeping the Connecticut card.
Do I need to renew my Connecticut non-driver ID while I hold a New York driver's license?
Yes, each card has its own expiration date and renewal schedule. Your Connecticut non-driver ID and New York driver's license are separate documents. When your Connecticut card expires, you must renew it in person at a Connecticut DMV office. When your New York license expires, you renew that separately through New York.
Can I get a Connecticut non-driver ID if I do not have a utility bill yet?
Yes. If you have just moved to Connecticut and do not have a utility bill in your name, you can use an affidavit of residency signed by a Connecticut resident who lives at your address or can verify it. Some DMV offices also accept a letter from your employer on company letterhead showing your work address in Connecticut, though this is less reliable than a utility bill or affidavit.
What happens if the DMV rejects my documents?
The DMV will tell you which documents do not meet their requirements and what you need to bring instead. You can return to the same office with corrected documents, or you can call 860-263-5700 to ask which documents are acceptable for your situation before you make a second trip.