What you need to do to replace a lost, stolen, or damaged Connecticut license

To replace your Connecticut driver's license, you can visit a DMV office in person or mail in your request with the required documents. The in-person route is faster — you'll walk out with a temporary license the same day and receive your permanent license by mail within two weeks. The mail route takes longer but works if you cannot get to an office. Either way, you'll need to pay a replacement fee and provide proof of your identity and Connecticut residency.

Connecticut does not charge the same fee for all replacements. If your license was lost or stolen, the fee is one amount; if it was damaged, the fee is different. You'll also need to decide whether you want a Real ID-compliant license (required for federal travel) or a standard license, which affects what documents you bring.

Key Takeaways

  • You can replace your license in person at any Connecticut DMV office or by mail, and the in-person route gives you a temporary license on the spot.
  • Lost or stolen licenses cost more to replace than damaged ones, so bring documentation of what happened if you're reporting a theft.
  • Real ID-compliant licenses require additional documents beyond a standard replacement and take the same amount of time.
  • Mail-in replacements take four to six weeks total, while in-person replacements give you a temporary license when ready and a permanent one within two weeks.
  • You must bring original documents to prove your identity and Connecticut residency — copies are not accepted.

Replacing your license in person at a DMV office

Walking into a Connecticut DMV office is the fastest way to replace your license. Bring your Social Security number (or a document showing it), proof of your current Connecticut address, and a valid form of identification — a passport, military ID, or another state's driver's license all work. You'll fill out form B-43 (process for a Connecticut Driver License or Permit) and pay the replacement fee at the counter.

The DMV will issue you a temporary paper license on the spot that you can use for driving when ready. Your permanent plastic license will arrive by mail within two weeks. If you want a Real ID-compliant license instead of a standard one, tell the staff when you explore — you'll need to bring an original birth certificate or passport, an original Social Security card or tax return, and two proofs of your current address (such as a utility bill and a bank statement).

Connecticut DMV offices are located in Wethersfield, Norwalk, Waterbury, and Danielson. You do not need an appointment for a replacement, but wait times vary by location and time of day. The Wethersfield office typically has the longest waits.

Mailing in your replacement request

If you cannot visit a DMV office, you can mail your replacement request to the Connecticut DMV. Send the completed form B-43, a copy of your identity document (front and back), a copy of your proof of residency, and a check or money order for the replacement fee to the address listed on the DMV website. Do not send cash.

Mail-in replacements take four to six weeks from the time the DMV receives your envelope. The DMV does not issue a temporary license for mail-in requests, so you cannot drive legally during this period unless you have another valid form of ID. If you need to drive before your replacement arrives, you must visit an office in person instead.

Keep a copy of everything you mail and consider using certified mail with a return receipt so you have proof the DMV received your request. If your process is incomplete, the DMV will mail it back to you, which adds another two to four weeks to the process.

Replacement fees and what they cover

Connecticut charges different fees depending on whether your license was lost, stolen, or damaged. A lost or stolen license costs more than a damaged one. The fee covers one replacement license and is valid for the remainder of your current license term — if your license was set to expire in two years, your replacement will also expire in two years.

If you are replacing a damaged license and also want to upgrade to a Real ID-compliant license at the same time, you may pay an additional fee. Ask the DMV staff or check the current fee schedule on the Connecticut DMV website before you explore, since fees change periodically.

Real ID versus standard license: which one to choose

A Real ID-compliant license has a gold star in the upper right corner and is required for domestic air travel and entry to federal buildings as of May 2025. A standard Connecticut license does not have this star and will not be accepted for those purposes after that date. If you fly domestically or visit federal offices, you should request a Real ID license when you replace yours.

The Real ID process requires more documents than a standard replacement: an original birth certificate or passport, an original Social Security card or a tax return showing your Social Security number, and two proofs of your current Connecticut address. The process takes the same amount of time whether you choose Real ID or standard, so there is no speed penalty for upgrading.

If you are unsure whether you need Real ID, consider that a passport also works for federal travel and air travel, so a standard license is sufficient if you already have a passport. If you do not have a passport and plan to fly or visit federal buildings, request Real ID when you replace your license.

If your license was stolen: reporting it to the DMV

When you replace a stolen license, the DMV needs to know it was stolen rather than lost. This affects the fee and helps prevent someone else from using your license number fraudulently. Tell the DMV staff (if explore in person) or write "STOLEN" clearly on your form B-43 (if explore by mail).

You do not need a police report to replace a stolen license, but if you filed one, bring the report number with you. The DMV will flag your old license as invalid in their system so it cannot be used. If you are concerned about identity theft, you may also want to contact the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) to place a fraud alert on your credit file.

What to do if your replacement does not arrive

If you applied in person and your permanent license does not arrive within three weeks, contact the Connecticut DMV to check the status. Have your temporary license and Social Security number ready. The DMV can reissue a replacement if yours was lost in the mail.

If you applied by mail and do not hear back within six weeks, call the DMV or visit an office in person with a copy of your original process. Bring payment in case the DMV needs to process your request again. If the DMV cannot locate your process, they will process a new one on the spot.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive with my temporary license while I wait for my permanent one?

Yes. The temporary paper license issued at the DMV office is valid for driving when ready and remains valid until your permanent license arrives. You must carry it with you while driving. If you applied by mail, you do not receive a temporary license and cannot drive legally until your permanent license arrives.

What if I do not have a Social Security number?

You can still replace your license. Bring an original document that shows your identity, such as a passport or military ID, and proof of your Connecticut address. The DMV will process your replacement without a Social Security number, though some documents may require it for other purposes.

Do I need to bring my old license to replace it?

No. If your license is lost or stolen, you cannot bring it. If your license is damaged, you can bring it, but it is not required. The DMV can look up your information in their system using your name and date of birth.

How long is a replacement license valid?

Your replacement license is valid for the same length of time as your original license would have been. If your original license was set to expire in two years, your replacement also expires in two years. You do not get a fresh expiration date.

Can someone else pick up my replacement license for me?

No. If you applied in person, you must pick up your temporary license yourself. Your permanent license is mailed to the address on file, so only the person living at that address can receive it. If you have moved, update your address with the DMV before explore.