What You Need to Do in Connecticut

To replace a lost, stolen, or damaged Connecticut driver's license, you must visit a DMV office in person with proof of identity and residency. Connecticut does not allow online or mail-in replacements for standard licenses. The DMV will issue you a temporary paper license on the spot, valid for 30 days while your permanent card is printed and mailed to you.

The process takes about 15 to 20 minutes at the DMV window. You will pay a replacement fee (currently $20 for a standard license), and your new license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. If your license was stolen, you may also want to file a police report, though it is not required by the DMV.

Key Takeaways

  • You must go to a Connecticut DMV office in person with a valid ID and proof of your current address to replace your license.
  • The replacement fee is $20, and you will receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while your permanent card is mailed to you.
  • Your new license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days; the DMV does not issue permanent licenses on the same day.
  • If your license was stolen, file a police report separately — the DMV does not require it, but it protects you against fraud.

Documents You Must Bring to the DMV

Connecticut requires two documents: one form of primary ID and one proof of current address. Your primary ID must be a valid, unexpired document that shows your name and date of birth. Acceptable primary IDs include a U.S. passport, passport card, military ID, or state ID from another state.

For proof of address, bring a document dated within the last 60 days that shows your name and current Connecticut street address. A utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement will work. A PO box does not count as a valid address for the DMV.

If you have changed your name since your last license was issued (through marriage, divorce, or legal change), bring the court order or certified marriage certificate that documents the change. Without it, the DMV cannot issue a license in your new name.

Finding a DMV Office and Making an Appointment

Connecticut has DMV offices in multiple locations across the state. You can find the nearest office and current hours on the Connecticut DMV website (ct.gov/dmv). The state operates full-service offices in major cities including Hartford, New Haven, Bridgeport, Waterbury, and Danbury, plus several smaller regional offices.

Connecticut does not require appointments for license replacements, but wait times vary by location and time of day. Offices typically have shorter lines early in the morning or mid-week. If you want to check wait times before you go, some offices display them on the DMV website, though not all locations update this information in real time.

If you cannot reach a full DMV office, some Connecticut AAA branches and municipal agents can handle certain transactions, but not all can process license replacements. Call ahead to confirm before making the trip.

What Happens at the DMV Window

When you arrive, take a number and wait to be called. Tell the clerk you need to replace a lost, stolen, or damaged license. Hand over your primary ID and proof of address. The clerk will ask you to confirm your current address and whether any information on your old license has changed (such as height, eye color, or medical conditions).

You will be asked to sign a form confirming the reason for replacement. If your license was stolen, you can note that on the form. The clerk will take your payment ($20) and take a new photo if your old license photo is more than 8 years old. If your photo is recent, the DMV may reuse it.

Before you leave, the clerk will hand you a temporary paper license. This is your legal driving document for the next 30 days. Keep it with you while driving. Your permanent plastic license will be mailed to the address on file, typically within 7 to 10 business days.

If Your License Was Stolen

A stolen license is a security risk because someone else could use it to open accounts or commit fraud in your name. While the DMV does not require a police report to issue a replacement, filing one creates an official record and protects you legally.

Contact your local police department's non-emergency line to file a report. You do not need to go to the station; many departments accept reports by phone or online. Provide the license number if you know it (it may be on old documents or statements). Keep a copy of the police report for your records.

If you are concerned about identity theft, you can also place a fraud alert with the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) by contacting any one of them. This alerts creditors to verify your identity before opening new accounts in your name.

Timeline and What to Expect After You Leave the DMV

Your temporary paper license is valid when ready and covers you for 30 days. During this time, you can drive legally in Connecticut and other states. The permanent plastic license is printed and mailed separately by the DMV's vendor, not from the office where you applied.

Standard delivery takes 7 to 10 business days. If you do not receive your license within 14 days, contact the DMV to check the status. Have your temporary license number ready when you call. The DMV can reissue a replacement if the card was lost in the mail, though this requires another trip to an office.

Your new license will have the same number as your old one. The expiration date depends on your age and license type; most standard licenses expire 8 years from the issue date. If your old license was close to expiring, your replacement will use the same expiration date.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Do not bring a PO box as your proof of address. The DMV requires a physical street address. If you have recently moved and do not yet have a utility bill or lease in your name, bring a bank statement or credit card statement dated within 60 days, or ask your landlord for a signed letter on their letterhead confirming your residency.

Do not assume your old license photo will be reused. If it has been more than 8 years, you will have a new photo taken at the DMV. Wear something you are comfortable being photographed in. The DMV does not allow hats, sunglasses, or head coverings unless for religious reasons.

Do not wait until your temporary license is about to expire to follow up if your permanent license has not arrived. Contact the DMV as soon as you hit day 14. If your card is lost in the mail, the DMV can issue a second replacement, but this takes additional time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I replace my Connecticut license online or by mail?

No. Connecticut requires you to appear in person at a DMV office with valid ID and proof of address. There is no online or mail-in option for license replacements.

What if I do not have a current utility bill or lease for proof of address?

A bank statement, credit card statement, mortgage statement, or insurance bill dated within the last 60 days will work. If you have none of these, ask your landlord or employer for a signed letter on their letterhead confirming your address and the date you moved in.

How long is my temporary paper license good for?

Your temporary license is valid for 30 days from the date it is issued. It is your legal driving document during this time. If your permanent license has not arrived by day 30, contact the DMV when ready.

Will my new license have a different number than my old one?

No. Your replacement license will have the same number as your original license. The expiration date will match your old license unless your old license was already expired or about to expire.

Do I need a police report to replace a stolen license?

The DMV does not require a police report, but filing one is recommended. It creates an official record and protects you against fraud. You can file a report with your local police department by phone, online, or in person.