Where to get your Connecticut driver's license
Connecticut driver's licenses are issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), which operates a network of branch offices across the state. You cannot get a Connecticut license online or by mail — you must visit a DMV office in person to complete the process. The DMV has branches in most towns and cities, plus a central office in Wethersfield.
Before you go to any DMV office, check the current wait times on the Connecticut DMV website. Many branches post real-time wait estimates, and some allow you to reserve an appointment slot online. Visiting during off-peak hours — typically mid-morning on weekdays — usually means shorter waits than afternoons or Saturdays.
Key Takeaways
- Connecticut requires you to visit a DMV office in person with proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security number to get or renew a license.
- A standard driver's license costs $127 for an eight-year renewal and takes about 30 minutes at the DMV office, though wait times vary by location and time of day.
- You can check current wait times and book an appointment online through the Connecticut DMV website before you visit.
- If you are renewing a license that has not yet expired, you can renew it up to 180 days early, which may help you avoid a lapse in validity.
What documents you need to bring
The DMV requires three categories of documents: proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security number. For proof of identity, bring either a current passport, a certified birth certificate, or a military ID. A Social Security card counts as proof of your number, though you can also provide a W-2 form or tax return if you do not have the card itself.
Proof of residency must show your current Connecticut address. Acceptable documents include a recent utility bill, a lease or mortgage statement, a bank statement, or a property tax bill. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. If you have recently moved and do not yet have a utility bill in your name, a lease signed by both you and your landlord works, or a letter from your landlord on letterhead confirming your address and move-in date.
Bring the originals of these documents — photocopies are not accepted. If any document is not in English, bring both the original and a certified English translation. The DMV office will make copies for you during your visit.
Getting a license for the first time
If you have never held a Connecticut driver's license, you must first pass a written knowledge test and an eye exam at the DMV office. The knowledge test covers Connecticut traffic laws and road signs; the DMV provides a study guide on its website. You can take the test on the same day you visit, and most people pass on their first attempt if they study the guide beforehand.
After you pass the knowledge test, you must schedule a road test with a DMV examiner. Road tests are booked separately and typically occur within two to four weeks of your knowledge test, depending on how busy the local office is. You must bring a vehicle registered in Connecticut and proof of insurance to the road test. Once you pass the road test, the DMV will issue your license on the spot.
Renewing an expired or expiring license
If your Connecticut license is still valid or expired less than two years ago, you can renew it without retaking the knowledge or road tests. Bring your current or expired license along with your proof of identity and residency documents. The renewal process takes about 30 minutes at the DMV office, and you will receive your new license before you leave.
Connecticut allows you to renew your license up to 180 days before it expires. Renewing early is useful if you know you will be traveling or if you want to avoid a gap in validity. If your license expired more than two years ago, you must retake the knowledge test and road test, just as if you were getting a license for the first time.
Cost and what your license looks like
A standard eight-year driver's license costs $127. If you are under 21, your license is valid for four years and costs $63. Connecticut also offers a Real ID-compliant license, which costs the same but allows you to use it for federal purposes like boarding domestic flights or entering federal buildings. The Real ID version has a gold star in the upper right corner.
Your new license will be mailed to the address you provide at the DMV office within 7 to 10 business days. You will receive a temporary paper license at the DMV that you can use while you wait for the plastic card to arrive. The temporary license is valid for 30 days.
Replacing a lost, stolen, or damaged license
If your license is lost, stolen, or damaged, visit any DMV office with your proof of identity and residency. The replacement fee is $20. You will receive a temporary paper license when ready and the plastic replacement card within 7 to 10 business days. If your license was stolen, you may also want to report the theft to local police, though this is not required by the DMV.
If your license is damaged but still readable, the DMV may allow you to keep using it, but you can request a replacement at any time. Damage from normal wear and tear does not require a police report.
Changing your name or address
If you change your name due to marriage, divorce, or court order, bring your proof of identity (such as a marriage certificate or court order) along with your current license to any DMV office. The DMV will issue a new license with your updated name at no additional charge if your license is still valid. If your license has expired, you will pay the standard renewal fee.
To change your address without renewing your license, you can update it online through the Connecticut DMV website if your license is still valid. If you prefer to update it in person, visit any DMV office with proof of your new residency. Address changes do not cost anything.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Connecticut license online or by mail?
No. Connecticut requires all license renewals and new licenses to be handled in person at a DMV office. You cannot renew online or by mail, though you can check wait times and book an appointment online before you visit.
How long does it take to get a new license after I pass the road test?
The DMV issues your plastic license card within 7 to 10 business days and mails it to your address. You receive a temporary paper license at the office that is valid for 30 days while you wait for the card to arrive.
What if I moved to Connecticut from another state?
You must get a Connecticut license within 60 days of establishing residency. Bring your out-of-state license, proof of identity, proof of Connecticut residency, and your Social Security number to any DMV office. You do not need to retake the road test if your out-of-state license is still valid.
Do I need a Real ID license to fly domestically?
Starting May 7, 2025, a standard Connecticut driver's license will no longer be accepted for domestic flights. You will need either a Real ID-compliant license or another federal ID like a passport. Real ID licenses cost the same as standard licenses and have a gold star in the upper right corner.
What happens if my license expires while I am out of state?
An expired Connecticut license is not valid for driving anywhere. However, you can renew it up to 180 days before it expires, so plan ahead if you know you will be traveling. If it expires while you are away, you must visit a Connecticut DMV office in person to renew it.