Where to get a Connecticut driver's license

Connecticut driver's licenses are issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), which operates a central office in Wethersfield and several regional service centers across the state. You cannot get a Connecticut license online or by mail — you must visit a DMV location in person to provide identification, take a written test, and have your photo taken.

The DMV's main office is at 60 State Street in Wethersfield, but regional offices in Bridgeport, Danbury, Hamden, Waterbury, and Willimantic handle the same services. Regional offices often have shorter wait times than the central location. You can find current hours and locations on the Connecticut DMV website.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit a Connecticut DMV office in person with a valid ID, proof of residency, and your Social Security number to get a driver's license.
  • Connecticut requires you to pass a written knowledge test and a road test before you receive a full license; a learner's permit comes first.
  • A learner's permit lets you drive with a licensed adult in the car and costs less than a full license, but you cannot drive alone.
  • The road test must be scheduled in advance, and wait times for appointments vary by location and season.
  • You will need to bring original documents or certified copies — photocopies alone are not accepted.

What documents you need to bring

Connecticut requires proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security number before you can get a license. Bring original documents or certified copies — photocopies are not accepted.

For identity, bring a valid passport, birth certificate with a raised seal, or a certified copy of your birth certificate. For residency, bring a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days that shows your current Connecticut address. You will also need to provide your Social Security number; you can write it on the process form or bring a Social Security card.

If you are under 18, you will also need written consent from a parent or guardian. Bring the original or a certified copy of your birth certificate to prove your age. If you have changed your name, bring a certified copy of the marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the name change.

Getting a learner's permit first

Connecticut requires most new drivers to get a learner's permit before taking the road test for a full license. A learner's permit lets you drive with a licensed adult (age 20 or older) in the front passenger seat, but you cannot drive alone.

To get a learner's permit, visit a DMV office with your documents and take a written knowledge test covering Connecticut traffic laws and road signs. The test has 25 multiple-choice questions; you must answer at least 20 correctly to pass. You can study using the Connecticut Driver's Manual, which is free on the DMV website. The learner's permit costs less than a full license and is valid for two years.

After you have held your learner's permit for at least 30 days (or 14 days if you are 18 or older), you can schedule a road test. During the road test, a DMV examiner will watch you drive and evaluate your ability to control the vehicle, follow traffic laws, and respond to road conditions. The test takes about 20 minutes.

Scheduling and taking the road test

Road test appointments must be scheduled in advance through the Connecticut DMV website or by calling the DMV. Wait times for appointments vary by location and time of year; some locations may have openings within a few weeks, while others may have longer delays during busy seasons.

When you arrive for your road test, bring your learner's permit, proof of insurance, and the vehicle you will be driving. The vehicle must be registered, insured, and in safe working condition. Bring a valid ID and your Social Security number as well. If you fail the road test, you can schedule another attempt, but there may be an additional fee.

Once you pass the road test, you will receive a full Connecticut driver's license. The license is valid for six years if you are under 65, or four years if you are 65 or older. You can renew by mail or online before your license expires.

Fees and payment methods

Connecticut DMV fees vary depending on the type of license and how long it is valid. A learner's permit costs less than a full license. A six-year driver's license for someone under 65 costs one amount; a four-year license for someone 65 or older costs a different amount. The DMV website lists current fees.

The DMV accepts cash, check, debit card, and credit card at most locations. Some regional offices may have different payment options, so check before you visit. If you are paying by check, make it payable to the Connecticut DMV.

Renewing or replacing your license

You can renew your Connecticut driver's license online or by mail before it expires, without visiting a DMV office. The DMV will mail you a renewal notice about 60 days before your license expires. Follow the instructions on the notice to renew online through the DMV website or by mail.

If your license is lost, stolen, or damaged, you must visit a DMV office in person to get a replacement. Bring proof of identity and residency, just as you did when you first got your license. A replacement license costs less than a new license.

If you change your name or address, you must update your license within a certain timeframe. You can do this by mail or in person at a DMV office. Bring proof of the change, such as a marriage certificate or utility bill showing your new address.

What to expect on your first visit

Your first DMV visit will take longer than a renewal because you must take a written test and have your photo taken. Bring all required documents and arrive early; DMV offices can be busy, especially on weekdays and at the end of the month. Some locations allow you to check wait times online before you go.

The written test for a learner's permit takes about 15 to 20 minutes. After you pass, you will pay the fee and have your photo taken. The DMV will give you your learner's permit on the spot or mail it to you within a few days, depending on the location.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a Connecticut driver's license if I do not have a Social Security number?

No, Connecticut requires a Social Security number to get a driver's license. If you do not have one, you must explore for one through the Social Security Administration before you can get a license. Bring your Social Security card or a letter from the Social Security Administration to the DMV.

How long does it take to get a Connecticut driver's license after I pass the road test?

You will receive your license on the spot after you pass the road test, or the DMV will mail it to you within a few days. The exact timing depends on the DMV location. Ask the examiner when you will receive your license.

What if I fail the road test?

You can schedule another road test appointment. There is usually a fee for each attempt. You must wait a certain number of days between attempts; check the DMV website for the current waiting period. You can keep your learner's permit and continue practicing while you wait.

Do I need to take the written test again if I renew my license?

No, you do not need to take the written test again when you renew. You only take the written test once when you first get your learner's permit. Renewals are handled by mail or online.

Can I use my Connecticut learner's permit to drive out of state?

A Connecticut learner's permit is only valid in Connecticut. If you travel to another state, you must follow that state's rules for learner's permits, which may be different. Check the other state's DMV website before you travel.