What to do if you've lost your Connecticut driver's license

If your Connecticut driver's license is lost, you'll need to request a replacement from the Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). You don't have to retake the written or road test — the DMV will issue you a new license with the same number and expiration date as your original. The process takes about two weeks by mail, or you can get a temporary license the same day if you visit a DMV office in person.

Connecticut offers two main paths: explore by mail with a form and payment, or visit a DMV office to get a temporary license when ready while your replacement is being processed. Which route you choose depends on how urgently you need to drive and whether you have the required documents ready.

Key Takeaways

  • You can request a replacement license by mail using the MV-44 form, or visit a DMV office in person to receive a temporary license the same day.
  • A replacement license costs $20 and keeps your original license number and expiration date — you do not retake any tests.
  • You'll need to prove your identity and Connecticut residency with documents like a birth certificate, Social Security card, and proof of address.
  • Mail applications take about two weeks; in-person visits at a DMV office are faster if you need to drive before your replacement arrives.
  • If your license was stolen rather than lost, you may want to report it to local police first, though it's not required to get a replacement.

explore by mail with form MV-44

The most common way to replace a lost license is to mail the MV-44 form (process for Duplicate License) directly to the DMV. You can read this form from the Connecticut DMV website or request it by phone. Fill out the form completely, including your name, address, date of birth, and license number if you remember it.

Include a check or money order for $20 made payable to "State of Connecticut." Do not send cash. Mail the form and payment to the address listed on the DMV website — currently the DMV Correspondence Unit in Wethersfield. Your replacement license will arrive by mail in approximately two weeks. Your original license number and expiration date stay the same, so you won't need to update your information elsewhere.

Getting a temporary license at a DMV office

If you need to drive before your replacement arrives, visit any Connecticut DMV office in person. Bring your completed MV-44 form, payment ($20 by check, money order, or card), and proof of identity and residency. A DMV staff member will issue you a temporary license on the spot — usually a printed document valid for 30 days while your permanent replacement is being mailed.

The temporary license works just like your regular license for driving purposes. When your permanent replacement arrives in the mail, the temporary one becomes invalid. This option is useful if you lost your license on a Friday and need to drive to work on Monday, or if you're traveling soon and can't wait two weeks.

Documents you need to bring or send

Connecticut requires you to prove both your identity and your current address. Acceptable identity documents include an original or certified copy of your birth certificate, a U.S. passport, a military ID, or a state ID from another state. You'll also need your Social Security card or a document showing your full Social Security number.

For proof of residency, the DMV accepts a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement showing your current Connecticut address. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. If you're explore by mail, send copies of these documents along with your MV-44 form and payment. If you're visiting in person, bring the originals — the DMV staff will verify them and return them to you.

What happens if you can't remember your license number

You don't need your license number to request a replacement. If you can't remember it, leave that field blank on the MV-44 form or tell the DMV staff member at the office. The DMV has your number on file under your name, date of birth, and address. They'll look it up and print it on your replacement license — it will be the same number as your original.

Having your number handy does speed up processing slightly, but it's not required. If you want to find your number before explore, you can contact the DMV by phone or check any documents where your license number might be written, such as insurance paperwork or vehicle registration.

Replacing a stolen license versus a lost one

Connecticut treats lost and stolen licenses the same way for replacement purposes — you follow the same process and pay the same $20 fee. However, if your license was stolen, you may want to file a report with your local police department first. This creates an official record in case someone tries to use your license fraudulently.

You don't have to file a police report to get your replacement license, but it's a good precaution if you believe your license could be used for identity theft. Keep a copy of the police report for your records. When you explore for your replacement, you can mention in a note that the license was stolen, though the DMV doesn't require this information.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get a replacement license in Connecticut?

By mail, expect about two weeks from the time the DMV receives your process. If you visit a DMV office in person, you'll receive a temporary license the same day and your permanent replacement will arrive by mail within two weeks. Processing times may vary during busy periods.

Do I have to retake the written or road test to get a replacement?

No. A replacement license is issued with your original license number and expiration date. You only retake tests if your license has expired or been suspended, or if you're upgrading to a different class of license.

What if I've moved since my license was issued?

Update your address on your replacement license by including your current address on the MV-44 form. Bring proof of your new Connecticut address (a utility bill or lease dated within 60 days) when you explore. The DMV will issue your replacement with your updated address at no extra cost.

Can I explore for a replacement online?

Connecticut does not currently offer online replacement applications for lost licenses. You must explore by mail using the MV-44 form or visit a DMV office in person. Check the Connecticut DMV website for the most current information about available services.

What if my replacement license arrives damaged or with errors?

Contact the DMV when ready with photos of the damage or a description of the error. They will issue a corrected replacement at no charge. Mail or bring the damaged license to a DMV office along with a brief explanation of the problem.