Where to Find Your License Number on Your Physical Card

Your Connecticut driver's license number appears in the upper right corner of the front of your card, printed in black text. It is an eight-digit number that begins with a number (typically 1, 2, or 3) followed by seven more digits. This is the number you will use for most transactions — renewing your license, updating your address, or providing proof of identity to employers or financial institutions.

The number stays the same throughout your life in Connecticut, even if you renew your license multiple times. If you have lost your physical card but remember your number, you can still use it to request a replacement or look up your license status online. The format never changes, so if you have held a Connecticut license before, your old number is still your current number.

Key Takeaways

  • Your Connecticut driver's license number is an eight-digit code printed in the upper right corner of the front of your card.
  • The Connecticut DMV online portal lets you look up your license number if you have your Social Security number and date of birth.
  • You can call the Connecticut DMV directly at 860-263-8354 to retrieve your license number by phone.
  • Your license number remains the same for life in Connecticut, even after renewals or address changes.
  • A replacement card costs money, but retrieving your number through the DMV website or phone line is free.

Looking Up Your Number Through the Connecticut DMV Website

The Connecticut DMV operates an online portal where you can retrieve your license number without visiting an office. Go to ct.gov/dmv and select the option to look up your license information. You will need to enter your Social Security number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your phone number on file with the DMV. The system will display your eight-digit license number on screen.

This method works whether your license is currently valid, expired, or suspended. The portal is available 24 hours a day, and you receive your number when ready. If the system cannot find your record, it usually means your Social Security number or date of birth did not match what the DMV has on file — double-check both before trying again. If you still cannot retrieve it, move to the phone method or visit a DMV office in person.

Calling the Connecticut DMV by Phone

You can reach the Connecticut DMV at 860-263-8354 during business hours. Have your Social Security number, date of birth, and full legal name ready when you call. A representative will verify your identity and provide your eight-digit license number over the phone. Wait times vary depending on the time of day and day of the week; calling early in the morning on a weekday typically means shorter hold times.

The DMV phone line is open Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Eastern Time, and closed on state holidays. If you call outside these hours, you will reach an automated system that cannot provide your license number — you must call back during business hours or use the online portal instead. Have a pen ready to write down your number when the representative gives it to you.

Visiting a Connecticut DMV Office in Person

If you prefer to retrieve your license number face-to-face, you can visit any Connecticut DMV branch office. Bring a government-issued photo ID (such as a passport) and proof of your Social Security number (such as a Social Security card or tax return). A DMV staff member will look up your record and provide your eight-digit license number. You do not need an appointment for this service, though walk-in wait times can be long during peak hours.

Connecticut has DMV offices in Wethersfield, Norwalk, Waterbury, and New Britain. Office hours vary by location but generally run Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with some offices open Saturday mornings. Check ct.gov/dmv for the specific hours and address of the office nearest you before you go. This method is slower than the phone or online options but may be your only choice if you do not have internet access or cannot reach the phone line.

What to Do If You Cannot Remember Your Social Security Number

If you do not have your Social Security number memorized and cannot locate your card or tax documents, the DMV cannot retrieve your license number through the online portal or phone line. In this case, you must visit a DMV office in person with government-issued photo ID and any documents that show your name and address (such as a utility bill or lease). The staff can look up your record using your name and date of birth alone, though this takes longer than the standard lookup process.

Alternatively, you can contact the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213 to request your Social Security number. They will verify your identity and provide the number, which you can then use with the DMV portal or phone line. This adds an extra step but may be faster than visiting a DMV office if you are in a hurry.

Requesting a Replacement Card If You Have Lost Yours

If you have lost your physical license card and need a replacement, you can order one by mail, online, or in person. The replacement fee is $20 for a standard card. To order by mail, complete form B-43 (process for Duplicate Driver's License) and mail it to the Connecticut DMV with a check or money order. To order online, visit ct.gov/dmv and select the duplicate license option; you can pay by credit card. A new card typically arrives within 7 to 10 business days.

You do not need your license number to request a replacement — the DMV will look it up using your name, date of birth, and Social Security number. However, knowing your number beforehand can speed up the process. If you order a replacement, you can still use your eight-digit license number for transactions even before the new card arrives, since the number itself never changes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I find my Connecticut license number if I moved out of state?

Yes. Your Connecticut license number remains valid and retrievable even if you no longer live in Connecticut. Use the online portal at ct.gov/dmv or call 860-263-8354 with your Social Security number and date of birth. The DMV does not remove records based on residency, so you can access your information anytime.

Is my license number the same as my driver's license card number?

No. Your license number is the eight-digit code on the front of your card. The card itself has a separate card number printed on the back. For most transactions, you need the eight-digit license number, not the card number. If you are unsure which one to provide, ask the organization requesting it.

What if the DMV online portal says my record does not exist?

This usually means your Social Security number or date of birth did not match the DMV's records. Check both for typos and try again. If the problem persists, call 860-263-8354 or visit a DMV office in person. Your record may be filed under a different name (such as a maiden name) if you changed your name after getting your license.

Can I get my license number without providing my Social Security number?

Not through the online portal or phone line. Both require your Social Security number for identity verification. Your only option without it is to visit a DMV office in person with government-issued photo ID and proof of your Social Security number, or to contact the Social Security Administration first to retrieve your own number.