What You Need to Do Right Now

To replace a lost Connecticut driver's license, you must visit a DMV branch in person with proof of identity and residency, pay the replacement fee (currently $20 for a standard license), and have your photo taken. Connecticut does not allow online or mail replacement for lost licenses. You will receive a temporary paper license on the spot and your permanent card by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

If your license was stolen, you should also file a report with local police and bring that report number to the DMV — this protects you if someone uses your license number fraudulently. The DMV will flag your record so a duplicate cannot be issued without your knowledge.

Key Takeaways

  • You must go to a Connecticut DMV branch in person; there is no online or mail option for lost license replacement.
  • Bring a valid photo ID (passport, military ID, or state ID) and one proof of current Connecticut residency such as a utility bill or lease dated within 60 days.
  • The replacement fee is $20 for a standard license; you will receive a temporary paper license when ready and the permanent card within 7 to 10 business days.
  • If your license was stolen, file a police report first and bring the report number to the DMV to prevent fraudulent duplicate issuance.
  • You do not need to retake the written or road test unless your license was suspended or revoked.

Documents to Bring to the DMV

Connecticut requires two categories of documents: proof of identity and proof of residency. For identity, bring one of these: a valid U.S. passport, a military ID, a state ID card, or a tribal ID. A photo is required, so expired documents are acceptable as long as they show your current appearance.

For residency, bring one document dated within the last 60 days showing your current Connecticut address. Acceptable documents include a utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet), a lease or rental agreement, a mortgage statement, a bank or credit card statement, or a property tax bill. A government check or tax return also works. The name on the residency document must match the name on your identity document.

If you cannot produce a residency document in your name, you can bring a notarized letter from a landlord, property manager, or family member confirming your address, plus a document in their name showing that address. This is slower and the DMV may ask additional questions, so bring it only if you have no other option.

Where to Go and What to Expect

Find your nearest DMV branch at ct.gov/dmv or by calling 860-263-5700. Walk-ins are accepted, but wait times vary by location and time of day. Branches in smaller towns typically have shorter waits than those in Hartford or Stamford. The DMV opens at 8:30 a.m. on most days; arriving before 10 a.m. usually means a shorter wait.

When you arrive, take a number at the entrance and wait for your turn. Tell the clerk you are replacing a lost license. They will verify your documents, ask you to confirm your address and any restrictions on your license (such as corrective lenses), take a new photo, and collect the $20 fee. The entire process takes 10 to 15 minutes once you reach the window.

You will receive a temporary paper license printed on the spot. This temporary license is valid for driving in Connecticut and nationwide for 30 days. Your permanent plastic card will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. If you do not receive it within two weeks, call the DMV to check the status.

If Your License Was Stolen

File a police report with your local police department before or when ready after going to the DMV. You do not need to wait for the report to be filed; you can go to the DMV the same day. Bring the police report number (or a copy of the report itself) to the DMV when you explore for replacement.

The DMV will place a fraud alert on your record. This prevents anyone else from obtaining a duplicate license using your name and number. The alert stays active for one year. If you are concerned about identity theft beyond the license, consider placing a fraud alert or credit freeze with the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion).

Fees and Payment Methods

The replacement fee for a standard Connecticut driver's license is $20. The DMV accepts cash, debit cards, and credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover). Some branches may accept checks, but cash or card is more reliable. There are no additional fees for the temporary paper license or for mailing the permanent card.

If you are replacing a license that was damaged (torn, faded, or unreadable) rather than lost, the fee is the same: $20. If your license was suspended or revoked and you are now reinstating it, you will pay a reinstatement fee in addition to the replacement fee; that fee varies based on the reason for suspension and is calculated by the DMV clerk.

Timeline and What Happens Next

You can drive when ready after leaving the DMV using your temporary paper license. Keep it with you at all times while driving; it is valid for 30 days. If you are stopped by police, show both the temporary license and your identity document (passport or state ID).

Your permanent license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. The envelope will be plain and unmarked. If you do not receive it within 14 days, contact the DMV at 860-263-5700 or visit ct.gov/dmv to report it. The DMV can reissue the card if it was lost in the mail, though you may be charged another $20 fee.

Once your permanent license arrives, destroy the temporary paper license. You do not need to return it to the DMV. Your license will be valid for eight years from the date of issuance (or until your birthday in the eighth year following replacement).

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Do not assume you can renew your license by mail or online just because you are replacing it. Connecticut requires an in-person visit for all lost license replacements. Attempting to renew online when your license is lost will result in a rejection and wasted time.

Do not bring expired residency documents. The DMV will reject utility bills, leases, or bank statements dated more than 60 days before your visit. If your current address is very new, bring a lease or rental agreement signed within the last 60 days, or ask your landlord for a notarized letter.

Do not assume your temporary paper license is valid outside Connecticut. While it is valid for driving in all U.S. states, some agencies (banks, airlines, government offices) may not recognize it as an ID. Bring your passport or state ID for those situations.

Do not delay if your license was stolen. The sooner you report it and file a police report, the sooner the DMV can flag your record and prevent fraud. Waiting more than a few days makes it harder to prove the theft was recent if someone has already tried to misuse your number.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I replace my lost license by mail or online?

No. Connecticut requires you to appear in person at a DMV branch to replace a lost license. You must bring proof of identity and residency, have a new photo taken, and pay the $20 fee at the window. There is no mail or online option for lost license replacement.

What if I don't have a utility bill or lease for proof of residency?

You can bring a bank statement, credit card statement, mortgage statement, property tax bill, or government check dated within 60 days. If none of those are available, bring a notarized letter from your landlord, property manager, or a family member confirming your address, plus a document in their name showing that same address.

How long is the temporary paper license valid?

The temporary paper license is valid for 30 days. Your permanent plastic card will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. If it does not arrive within 14 days, contact the DMV to report it and request a reissue.

Do I need to retake the written or road test?

No. Replacing a lost license does not require you to retake any tests. You only retake tests if your license was suspended, revoked, or expired for more than eight years. A straightforward replacement keeps your existing driving record and restrictions intact.

What should I do if my license was stolen?

File a police report with your local police department and bring the report number to the DMV. The DMV will place a fraud alert on your record for one year, preventing anyone else from obtaining a duplicate. If you are concerned about broader identity theft, contact the three major credit bureaus to place a fraud alert or credit freeze.