Connecticut issues driver licenses to immigrants regardless of immigration status, but the documents you need and the process differ from what a U.S. citizen provides

Connecticut allows you to get a driver license even if you do not have a Social Security number or permanent residency. The state does not check immigration status at the DMV. What matters is proving your identity, Connecticut residency, and that you can drive safely. The documents accepted are broader than many states allow, which is why people sometimes travel to Connecticut specifically to get a license.

The process takes about the same time as any other license — you bring documents, pass a written test and a road test, and pay the fee. Most of the work happens before you walk into the DMV, because you need to gather the right proof of who you are and where you live.

Key Takeaways

  • Connecticut accepts an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead of a Social Security number, which most other states do not.
  • You need one document proving your identity (passport, national ID, or consular document) and two documents proving you live in Connecticut (utility bill, lease, bank statement).
  • You must pass a written knowledge test and a road test with a licensed instructor or examiner before the license is issued.
  • The fee is $127 for a four-year license or $191 for an eight-year license, and you pay at the DMV when you take your road test.

Documents you need to bring to the DMV

Bring one document that proves who you are. Connecticut accepts a valid passport from any country, a national ID card from your home country, or a consular ID issued by your country's embassy or consulate in the United States. The document must not be expired. If you have a U.S. state ID or passport, that works too.

Bring two documents that prove you live in Connecticut. These can be a utility bill (electric, gas, water, or phone), a lease or rental agreement, a bank or credit card statement, a mortgage statement, a property tax bill, or a letter from a government agency. The documents must show your name and a Connecticut address, and they should be dated within the last 60 days. If you live with someone else and the documents are in their name, bring a signed letter from them saying you live there.

Bring proof of your tax identification number. If you have a Social Security number, bring the card or a document showing it. If you do not have one, bring your ITIN documentation — usually a letter from the IRS or a tax return showing your ITIN. You can get an ITIN from the IRS even if you are not authorized to work; it is used for tax purposes only.

The written test and what to study

Before you can take a road test, you must pass a written knowledge test at the DMV. The test has 25 questions about Connecticut traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving. You need to answer at least 20 questions correctly to pass. The test is offered in multiple languages, including Spanish, and you can request an interpreter.

The DMV provides a free study guide called the Connecticut Driving Manual, available online at ct.gov/dmv and in print at any DMV office. The manual covers everything the test covers. Most people spend a few hours studying before taking the test. You can take the test as many times as you need, but you must pass before scheduling a road test.

The road test: what happens and how to prepare

After you pass the written test, you schedule a road test with a DMV examiner. The examiner sits in the car with you and watches you drive for about 15 to 20 minutes. They test basic skills: starting the car, turning, stopping, parking, and following traffic laws. You must have a valid license from another country or state, or a learner's permit, to take the road test. If you have neither, you can get a learner's permit by passing the written test first.

Bring the car you will drive during the test. The car must be registered, insured, and pass a safety inspection. The examiner will check the brakes, lights, windshield wipers, and horn before you start. Bring your documents again, your learner's permit or valid license, and proof of insurance. If you fail, you can retake the test, but you must wait at least one week.

Where to go and how to schedule

Connecticut has DMV offices in multiple cities. The main office is in Wethersfield, but there are also offices in Bridgeport, Danbury, Hartford, Meriden, Milford, New Haven, Norwalk, Stamford, Torrington, and Waterbury. You can find the full list and hours at ct.gov/dmv.

You do not need an appointment for the written test — you can walk in during business hours. For the road test, you must schedule ahead. You can book online at ct.gov/dmv, by phone at 860-263-5700, or in person at any DMV office. Road test appointments fill up weeks in advance, especially in busy areas, so schedule as soon as you pass the written test.

Cost and what you get

The written test is free. The road test costs $35. The license itself costs $127 for a four-year license or $191 for an eight-year license. You pay the license fee at the DMV after you pass the road test. If you fail the road test, you do not pay the license fee, only the $35 test fee again when you retake it.

Once you pass, you receive a physical license card in the mail within two weeks. The license is valid for driving in all 50 states and is recognized as a real ID-compliant document, meaning you can use it for domestic air travel and to enter federal buildings.

If you already have a license from another country

If you have a valid driver license from another country, you can use it while you are in Connecticut, but you cannot use it to get a job or rent an apartment — employers and landlords typically want a U.S. or state license. You can convert a foreign license to a Connecticut license by passing the road test. You do not have to take the written test if your foreign license is valid, though some people take it anyway to refresh their knowledge of Connecticut rules.

Bring your foreign license, your identity document, your two proof-of-residency documents, and your tax ID proof to the DMV. Tell the examiner you want to take a road test to convert your license. The process is the same as for anyone else.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a Social Security number to get a Connecticut driver license?

No. Connecticut accepts an ITIN from the IRS instead. You can get an ITIN by filing a tax return with the IRS, even if you have no income or are not authorized to work. The ITIN is for tax purposes only and does not affect your immigration status.

What if my documents are in a different name than I use now?

Bring both names and explain the change. If you changed your name legally, bring a court order or marriage certificate. If you use a nickname or shortened version of your legal name, bring a document showing both versions. The DMV will ask you to clarify, but name changes are common and not a barrier.

Can I take the written test in my language?

Yes. Connecticut offers the written test in Spanish and several other languages. When you arrive at the DMV, tell the staff which language you need. You can also bring an interpreter if you prefer, though the DMV staff can usually help.

What happens if I fail the road test?

You can retake it after waiting at least one week. You pay the $35 test fee again each time you take it. Most people pass on the second or third attempt. There is no limit to how many times you can retake it.

Is a Connecticut driver license different if I am an immigrant?

No. The license looks the same and works the same as any other Connecticut license. There is no marking or notation about immigration status. It is a standard state-issued driver license.