What You Need to Do Right Now
To replace a lost, stolen, or damaged Connecticut driver license, you must visit a DMV office in person with proof of identity and residency. Connecticut does not offer mail-in or online replacement for standard licenses. The DMV will take a new photo, issue a temporary paper license on the spot, and mail your plastic card within 7 to 10 business days. The replacement fee is $20.
You cannot renew and replace at the same time — if your license is also expiring within the next 60 days, you will pay both the $20 replacement fee and the renewal fee (which varies by license type). Plan to spend 30 to 45 minutes at the DMV, depending on how busy the office is.
Key Takeaways
- You must go to a Connecticut DMV office in person; there is no remote or mail option for license replacement.
- Bring one form of photo ID (passport, military ID, or out-of-state license) and one proof of Connecticut residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days).
- The replacement fee is $20, and you will receive a temporary paper license when ready and a plastic card by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
- If your license expires within 60 days of replacement, you will owe both the $20 replacement fee and a separate renewal fee at the same visit.
Documents You Must Bring to the DMV
Connecticut requires two categories of documents: one form of photo identification and one proof of current residency. Both must be originals or certified copies — photocopies are not accepted.
Acceptable photo ID includes a valid U.S. passport, military ID, out-of-state driver license, or passport card. If you do not have any of these, you can bring a certified birth certificate plus a Social Security card, but this combination takes longer to process and may require a supervisor review.
For proof of residency, bring a document dated within the last 60 days showing your name and Connecticut address. Utility bills, lease agreements, mortgage statements, bank statements, and insurance documents all work. A piece of mail from a government agency (tax notice, voter registration card, court document) also counts. A credit card statement does not.
Step-by-Step Process at the DMV
Step 1: Find and visit a DMV office. Connecticut operates 11 DMV offices statewide. Use the DMV office locator on the Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles website to find the one nearest you and check its hours. Some offices accept walk-ins; others require an appointment. If appointments are required, book online before you go.
Step 2: Check in and submit your documents. When you arrive, tell the staff member at the window that you are replacing a lost, stolen, or damaged license. Hand over your photo ID and proof of residency. The staff will verify your information in the DMV system and confirm your license number.
Step 3: Pay the fee and take a new photo. You will pay $20 at the counter. The DMV will then take a new photograph for your replacement license. Wear something you are comfortable being photographed in; the photo will be valid for the remaining term of your original license.
Step 4: Receive your temporary license. Before you leave, the DMV will hand you a temporary paper license valid for 30 days. This is a full legal license — you can drive when ready. Keep it with you until your plastic card arrives.
Step 5: Wait for your plastic card. The DMV mails replacement licenses within 7 to 10 business days. If you do not receive it within 14 days, contact the DMV to report a delay.
What Happens If Your License Is Also Expiring Soon
If your license expires within 60 days of your replacement visit, you must renew it at the same time. You will pay both the $20 replacement fee and the renewal fee in a single transaction. Renewal fees depend on your license type and age: a standard Class D license costs $72 for a six-year renewal, and a Class M (motorcycle) license costs $50.
The DMV will issue one temporary paper license covering both the replacement and renewal. Your plastic card will reflect the new expiration date. This does not speed up the process — you still receive your card within 7 to 10 business days.
If your license expired more than 60 days ago, you cannot straightforward replace it. You must complete a full renewal process, which requires a vision test and may require a written exam depending on how long it has been expired. Contact the DMV before you visit to confirm what you need.
If Your License Was Stolen and You Suspect Fraud
If someone stole your license and you are concerned they may use it fraudulently, report the theft to the Connecticut DMV and your local police department. Get a police report number — the DMV may ask for it. The DMV can flag your record to alert staff if someone tries to use your old license number.
You do not need to wait for a police report to replace your license. Go to the DMV with your documents as described above. Mention the theft to the staff member; they will note it in your file. Your replacement license will have a new number, and your old number will be deactivated.
If you are concerned about identity theft beyond the license itself, contact the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) and consider placing a fraud alert on your credit report.
DMV Office Locations and Hours
Connecticut operates DMV offices in Wethersfield (headquarters), Danbury, Hamden, Hartford, Meriden, Milford, New Haven, Norwalk, Waterbury, Windsor, and Windham. Most offices are open Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with limited Saturday hours at select locations. Hours vary by office, so check the DMV website before you visit.
The Wethersfield office is the largest and typically has the shortest wait times during off-peak hours (mid-morning on weekdays). Smaller offices in rural areas often have shorter lines but may have more limited hours. If you need an appointment, book at least one week in advance during busy seasons (spring and summer).
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Do not bring a photocopy of your ID or residency document — the DMV will reject it and you will have to leave and return with originals. Do not assume your out-of-state license counts as proof of residency; it is photo ID only. You still need a separate residency document.
Do not wait until your license expires to replace it if it is also damaged. A damaged but not-yet-expired license can be replaced for $20. Once it expires, replacement becomes a renewal, which costs more and may require additional steps. Do not assume you can mail in a damaged license for replacement — Connecticut does not offer this option.
Do not go to the DMV without checking whether your office requires an appointment. Walk-in policies vary by location, and some offices will turn you away if you do not have a slot booked.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I replace my license by mail or online?
No. Connecticut requires you to appear in person at a DMV office for all license replacements. You must bring original documents and have a new photo taken. There is no mail-in or online option.
How long does it take to get my replacement license?
You receive a temporary paper license when ready when you leave the DMV. Your plastic card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. The temporary license is valid for 30 days and is a full legal license for driving.
What if I lost my license out of state?
You must still go to a Connecticut DMV office to replace it. If you are currently out of state, you can wait until you return to Connecticut, or you can contact the DMV to ask about mailing a replacement to an out-of-state address (policies vary). Your temporary paper license will be mailed to your Connecticut address on file.
Do I need a police report to replace a stolen license?
No. You can replace a stolen license without a police report. However, if you suspect fraud or identity theft, file a police report and give the report number to the DMV staff. They will flag your record and deactivate your old license number when ready.
What if my license is damaged but not expired?
A damaged license can be replaced for $20 at any DMV office. Bring your damaged license, photo ID, and proof of residency. The DMV will issue a new card with the same expiration date as your original.