What you need to do to replace your license in Connecticut

To replace a lost, stolen, or damaged Connecticut driver's license, you'll visit your local DMV office in person, bring specific documents, pay a fee, and have your photo taken. The process takes about 30 minutes on the day you go, and you'll receive a temporary paper license when ready. Your permanent card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

Connecticut does not allow you to replace a license online or by mail. You must appear at a DMV office yourself — you cannot send someone else on your behalf. The fee for a replacement license is $36 if your license is still valid, or $72 if it has expired.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit a Connecticut DMV office in person with your Social Security number, proof of residency, and payment; no online or mail replacement is available.
  • Bring a document showing your current address, such as a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days.
  • The replacement fee is $36 for a valid license or $72 if your license has expired.
  • You receive a temporary paper license the same day and your permanent card by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
  • If your license was stolen, you may want to report it to police first, though this is not required by the DMV.

Documents to bring to the DMV

Connecticut requires two pieces of information before they will issue a replacement: proof of your identity and proof of your current address. For identity, bring your Social Security number — the DMV will verify it in their system. You do not need to bring a Social Security card itself.

For proof of address, bring one document dated within the last 60 days showing your name and current Connecticut address. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, insurance policy, or government mail. A driver's license or state ID card cannot serve as proof of address, even if it shows your current address.

If you do not have a document in your name at your current address, contact your local DMV office before you visit — they can advise you on alternatives or what additional paperwork may help.

Connecticut DMV office locations and hours

Connecticut operates six full-service DMV offices where you can replace your license. The main office is in Wethersfield, and there are regional offices in Danbury, Hamden, Hartford, Norwalk, and Waterbury. Each office has different hours, and some are closed on certain days of the week.

You do not need an appointment to replace a license, but wait times vary by location and time of day. The DMV website lists current wait times for each office, updated throughout the day. Mornings and early afternoons on weekdays tend to be less crowded than late afternoons or Saturdays.

Before you go, check the DMV website to confirm the office is open and to see the current wait time. Some offices close for lunch or have limited hours on certain days.

What happens when you arrive at the DMV

When you arrive, take a number from the ticket machine and wait to be called. Bring all your documents with you — your proof of identity information and proof of address. Tell the clerk you need to replace a lost, stolen, or damaged license.

The clerk will verify your information in the system, confirm your address, and ask you to pay the replacement fee. You can pay by cash, debit card, or credit card. After payment, you will go to the photo station, where they will take a new photo for your license. Sit for the photo the same way you would for any ID photo — face forward, neutral expression, no sunglasses or hats.

Once your photo is taken, the clerk will print a temporary paper license on the spot. This temporary license is valid for driving when ready and lasts until your permanent card arrives. Keep it with you while you drive.

Your temporary and permanent license

The temporary paper license you receive at the DMV is a full, legal driver's license. You can use it to drive, show it as proof of identity, and carry it in your wallet. It is valid for 30 days, which gives the DMV time to mail your permanent card.

Your permanent plastic license card will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. The DMV mails it to the address you provided at the office. Once it arrives, the temporary paper license is no longer needed, though you can keep it or discard it.

If your permanent card does not arrive within 10 business days, contact the DMV to report it. They can check the status and reissue if necessary.

If your license was stolen

If your license was stolen rather than lost or damaged, you may want to file a police report. This creates an official record in case someone tries to use your license fraudulently. However, filing a police report is not required by the Connecticut DMV in order to replace your license.

When you go to the DMV, straightforward tell the clerk that your license was stolen. The DMV will issue the replacement the same way they would for a lost license. The temporary paper license you receive that day will prevent anyone from using your old license, since the DMV system will show it as replaced.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can someone else pick up my replacement license for me?

No. Connecticut requires you to appear in person at the DMV to replace your license. You cannot authorize someone else to do it on your behalf, and you cannot replace it by mail or online.

What if I don't have proof of my current address?

Contact your local DMV office before you visit. They can tell you what alternatives they may accept, such as a letter from your landlord, a recent lease, or other documents. Bring whatever you have that shows your name and address, and the clerk can advise you on the spot.

Do I need to take a new written test or road test to replace my license?

No. Replacing a lost, stolen, or damaged license does not require any tests. You only need to bring your documents, pay the fee, and have a new photo taken.

What if my address has changed since my last license?

Bring proof of your new address to the DMV. The replacement license will show your current address. If you want to update your address without replacing your license, you can do that separately at any DMV office.

How much does it cost to replace a license in Connecticut?

The fee is $36 if your current license is still valid. If your license has expired, the fee is $72. You can pay by cash, debit card, or credit card at the DMV office.