What you need to do to get a replacement license in Connecticut
To replace a lost driver's license in Connecticut, you'll visit a DMV office in person, bring proof of identity and residency, pay a replacement fee, and take a new photo. The whole process takes about 30 minutes at the office. You'll walk out with a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while your plastic card is mailed to you, which arrives in 7 to 10 business days.
Connecticut does not let you replace a lost license by mail or online. You must appear at a DMV branch yourself — you cannot send someone else to do it for you.
Key Takeaways
- You must visit a Connecticut DMV office in person with a valid form of ID and proof of your current address.
- The replacement fee is $20 for a standard license, and you'll receive a temporary paper license when ready.
- Your permanent plastic license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days after your visit.
- Connecticut DMV offices operate by appointment only, so you must book a time slot before you go.
- If your license was stolen, you may want to report it to police first, though it is not required to get a replacement.
Documents you need to bring to the DMV
Bring one form of primary identification — a passport, passport card, or military ID. If you don't have one of those, bring two forms of secondary ID, such as a Social Security card, birth certificate, or school ID.
You also need proof of Connecticut residency dated within the last 60 days. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, lease or mortgage statement, bank statement, or insurance bill with your name and current address. A piece of mail from a government agency also works.
Bring your Social Security number or have it memorized. If you've changed your name since your last license, bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the legal change.
How to book a DMV appointment
Connecticut DMV requires all visitors to book an appointment in advance. Go to ct.gov/dmv and click "Schedule an Appointment" on the homepage. You'll select your reason (lost or stolen license), choose a DMV office location near you, and pick an available date and time.
Appointments fill up quickly, especially in busy areas like Hartford and New Haven. If your preferred location has no openings, try a smaller office in a neighboring town — you can use any Connecticut DMV office, not just the one closest to your home.
You'll receive a confirmation email with your appointment details. Print it or save it on your phone to show when you arrive.
What happens during your DMV visit
When you arrive, check in at the front desk with your confirmation email or number. A staff member will verify your documents, ask you to sign a form confirming your license was lost, and take a new photo for your license.
You'll pay the $20 replacement fee by card or cash. The DMV will then print a temporary paper license on the spot, valid for 30 days. This temporary license has the same legal weight as a plastic license — you can use it to drive, as ID at a bar or bank, or anywhere else you'd use your regular license.
Your permanent plastic license is mailed to the address on your process. Standard mail delivery takes 7 to 10 business days. If you need it faster, some DMV offices offer expedited mail for an extra fee — ask when you're at the counter.
If your license was stolen
Reporting a stolen license to police is optional but recommended. A police report creates an official record and can help if someone tries to use your license fraudulently. Call your local police non-emergency line or file a report online through your town's website.
You do not need a police report to get a replacement license from the DMV. straightforward tell the DMV staff that your license was stolen rather than lost, and they'll process the replacement the same way. Some people report it stolen to their insurance company as well, in case the license is used in a traffic incident.
Cost and payment methods
The replacement fee for a standard Connecticut driver's license is $20. The DMV accepts cash and all major credit and debit cards at the counter.
If you want expedited mail delivery (3 to 5 business days instead of 7 to 10), the fee varies by office but is typically $15 to $20 extra. Ask the DMV staff whether your location offers this service before you pay.
What to do if you can't find an appointment
If the online system shows no available appointments for weeks, check back daily — cancellations open up regularly as people reschedule. You can also try offices in less populated areas; a 20-minute drive to a smaller town office often has same-week openings.
If you need your license urgently for work or travel, call the DMV directly at 860-263-5700 to ask whether they have walk-in hours or emergency same-day service. Some offices hold slots for urgent cases, though availability varies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my temporary paper license to drive right away?
Yes. Your temporary license is valid the moment you receive it and works for driving, as ID, and any other purpose. You don't have to wait for the plastic card to arrive.
What if I move before my new license arrives?
Contact the DMV before you move and provide your new address. Your license will be mailed to the new address instead. Call 860-263-5700 or update your address through the DMV website.
Do I need a Real ID-compliant license?
If your old license was Real ID-compliant (marked with a gold star), your replacement will be too. If you want to upgrade to Real ID during replacement, bring additional documents like a birth certificate and proof of Social Security number. Real ID costs the same as a standard license.
What if my temporary paper license gets damaged before my plastic card arrives?
Return to the DMV with your damaged temporary license and request a replacement. They'll issue you another temporary license at no charge while you wait for your plastic card.
Can someone else pick up my license if I'm out of state?
No. Connecticut mails all replacement licenses directly to the address on file. You cannot have someone else collect it from the DMV office.