What Connecticut requires to get a driver's license
Connecticut's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) issues driver's licenses through in-person appointments at one of five regional offices. You cannot complete the entire process online or by mail — you must visit in person to pass the written test, vision screening, and photo capture. The state does not issue licenses to people under 16, and the rules for minors differ significantly from those for adults.
To get your first Connecticut license, bring a completed process for a Driver's License or Permit (Form DL-43), proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, and proof of Connecticut residency. Acceptable identity documents include a U.S. passport, birth certificate, or foreign passport with a valid visa. Your Social Security proof can be a Social Security card, W-2 form, or tax return. For residency, bring a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days and showing your name and address.
You will also need to pass a written knowledge test covering Connecticut traffic laws and road signs, pass a vision screening (20/40 or better, corrected or uncorrected), and pay the licensing fee. As of 2024, a four-year license costs $127 and an eight-year license costs $227. Fees change periodically, so confirm the current amount when you schedule your appointment.
Key Takeaways
- Connecticut requires an in-person visit to one of five DMV offices to obtain a driver's license; you cannot complete the process entirely online or by mail.
- You must bring Form DL-43, proof of identity, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of Connecticut residency dated within the last 60 days.
- All applicants must pass a written test on traffic laws and road signs and a vision screening before receiving a license.
- Connecticut offers four-year and eight-year license terms at different costs; minors under 18 face additional restrictions and requirements.
- You can schedule an appointment online through the Connecticut DMV website, and appointment availability varies by location and season.
How to schedule a DMV appointment in Connecticut
Connecticut DMV appointments are scheduled through the state's online portal at ct.gov/dmv. You select your preferred office location, choose an available date and time, and receive a confirmation number. The five regional offices are in Wethersfield, Norwalk, Waterbury, Danielson, and New Britain. Appointment availability varies by location and time of year; some offices book weeks or months in advance during peak seasons.
If you cannot find an available appointment online, you can call the DMV at 860-263-5700 to ask about cancellations or to request information. Walk-ins are not accepted at any Connecticut DMV office, so an appointment is required. Arrive 10 to 15 minutes early with all required documents. If you miss your appointment without canceling, you may be charged a no-show fee and will need to reschedule.
What happens during your in-person visit
At your appointment, a DMV staff member will review your documents to confirm they meet Connecticut's requirements. They will verify your identity, Social Security number, and residency. If any document is missing or does not meet the rules, you will be asked to reschedule and return with the correct paperwork.
Next, you will take the written knowledge test on a computer terminal. The test covers Connecticut traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You must score at least 80 percent to pass. If you fail, you can retake the test at your next appointment, which you will need to schedule separately.
If you pass the written test, you will proceed to a vision screening. An automated machine measures your vision; you must see 20/40 or better with or without corrective lenses. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them with you. After the vision screening, a staff member will take your photograph and collect your fee. Your license will be mailed to your Connecticut address within 7 to 10 business days.
Renewing your Connecticut driver's license
Connecticut allows you to renew your license online if you meet certain conditions: your license must not be expired for more than five years, you must have no medical suspensions or restrictions, and you must not have changed your name or address since your last license. You can renew online at ct.gov/dmv by entering your license number, date of birth, and last four digits of your Social Security number.
If you do not meet the online renewal conditions, you must renew in person at a DMV office. In-person renewal requires the same documents as a new license — proof of identity, Social Security number, and residency — plus your current or expired license. You will not retake the written test during renewal unless your license has been expired for more than five years or Connecticut law requires it.
Connecticut licenses expire on your birthday. A four-year license costs $127 to renew, and an eight-year license costs $227. If you renew online, you pay the fee through the website and receive a temporary license number when ready; your new license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
Rules for drivers under 18 in Connecticut
Connecticut does not issue driver's licenses to anyone under 16. At 16, you can obtain a learner's permit, which allows you to drive only with a licensed adult 20 or older in the front passenger seat. A learner's permit is valid for two years.
At 17, you can take the road test and obtain a junior operator's license if you have held a learner's permit for at least six months and have not been suspended or revoked. A junior operator's license carries restrictions: you cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m. unless accompanied by a parent or guardian, and you cannot use a cell phone while driving, even hands-free. These restrictions end when you turn 18 or after two years, whichever comes first.
To obtain a learner's permit or take the road test, you must visit a DMV office in person. You will need parental consent (Form DL-43J for minors) and proof of identity, Social Security number, and residency. The written test and vision screening are the same as for adult licenses.
What to do if your license is lost, stolen, or damaged
If your Connecticut license is lost or stolen, report it to the DMV as soon as possible. You can file a report online at ct.gov/dmv or by calling 860-263-5700. You will need to request a replacement license, which costs $20. You can order a replacement online if your license is not expired, or you can visit a DMV office in person.
If your license is damaged but still readable, you can exchange it for a new one at a DMV office. Bring your damaged license and pay the $20 replacement fee. Your new license will be mailed within 7 to 10 business days. If you need to drive before your replacement arrives, you can request a temporary license number online or at the office.
Connecticut DMV office locations and contact information
Connecticut operates five regional DMV offices. The Wethersfield office (60 State Street) serves the central region. The Norwalk office (440 Main Avenue) serves the southwestern region. The Waterbury office (100 Grand Street) serves the western region. The Danielson office (135 Killingly Commons Road) serves the northeastern region. The New Britain office (100 Grand Street) serves the south-central region.
All offices are open Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with some extended hours on select days. You can reach the DMV by phone at 860-263-5700 or visit ct.gov/dmv to schedule an appointment, renew online, or find additional information about licensing requirements. The website also lists current wait times and office-specific details.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive with an expired Connecticut license?
No. Driving with an expired license is illegal in Connecticut and can result in a fine. If your license has expired, you must renew it before driving. If you are in the process of renewing online, you can use your temporary license number to drive while waiting for your new license to arrive by mail.
What if I fail the written test?
You can retake the written test at your next DMV appointment. You will need to schedule a new appointment through the online portal or by phone. There is no limit to how many times you can retake the test, but you must pay the licensing fee each time you visit.
Do I need to take a road test to renew my license?
No. Connecticut does not require a road test for license renewal unless your license has been expired for more than five years or you are renewing in person for other reasons. If you renew online, you skip the road test entirely.
What if my address changed since I got my license?
You must update your address with the DMV. If your license is not expired, you can update your address online at ct.gov/dmv without visiting an office. If your license is expired, you must renew in person and bring proof of your new residency.
How long does it take to receive my license by mail?
Connecticut mails new and renewed licenses within 7 to 10 business days of your visit or online transaction. If you need to drive before your license arrives, you can use a temporary license number provided at your appointment or online renewal.