What you need to do to renew in Connecticut

Connecticut renews driver licenses by mail, online, or in person at a DMV office. Most people can renew by mail or online without visiting an office, which takes about two weeks. You will need your current license, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your current address. If your license has been expired for more than five years, you must renew in person.

Your license is valid for six years in Connecticut. The DMV sends renewal notices about 60 days before your license expires, so check your mail around that time. You can also check your expiration date on your license itself — it is printed on the front.

Key Takeaways

  • Connecticut offers three renewal routes: mail, online through the DMV website, or in person at a DMV office.
  • Mail and online renewals take about two to three weeks and work only if your license expired less than five years ago.
  • You will need your current license, proof of your Social Security number (like a Social Security card or tax return), and proof of your address (like a utility bill or lease).
  • If you renew online, you can pay the renewal fee with a credit or debit card; by mail you must include a check or money order.
  • Connecticut licenses are valid for six years, and the DMV mails renewal notices about two months before expiration.

Renewing by mail

To renew by mail, wait for the renewal notice from the Connecticut DMV. The notice includes a form and instructions. Fill out the form, include a check or money order for the renewal fee (currently $72 for a six-year license, though this can change), and mail everything to the address on the notice.

Mail renewal takes about two to three weeks. Your new license will arrive by mail at the address on your process. If you do not receive a renewal notice, you can request a form by calling the Connecticut DMV at 860-263-8354 or visiting the DMV website to read the form yourself.

Mail renewal is not available if your license expired more than five years ago, if you need to change your name or address, or if your vision has changed significantly. In those cases, you must renew in person.

Renewing online

Connecticut allows online renewal through the official DMV website. You will need your current license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a valid credit or debit card to pay the renewal fee. The process takes about 10 to 15 minutes.

Online renewal is faster than mail — your new license typically arrives within two weeks. Like mail renewal, online renewal is only available if your license expired less than five years ago and you do not need to update your name or address on the license itself.

If you run into trouble during the online process, you can call the DMV for help, but you cannot complete the renewal over the phone. You would need to either finish online or visit an office in person.

Renewing in person at a DMV office

You must renew in person if your license expired more than five years ago, if you need to change your name or address, if your vision has changed, or if you want to upgrade to a REAL ID-compliant license. Bring your current license, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your address. You will also need to pass a vision test.

Connecticut has DMV offices in multiple locations across the state. You can find the office nearest you and check hours on the DMV website. Many offices allow you to make an appointment online, which can reduce your wait time. Walk-ins are accepted, but appointment holders are served first.

In-person renewal takes about 30 minutes to an hour, depending on how busy the office is. You will pay the renewal fee at the office by cash, check, or card. Your new license is usually issued on the spot, though in some cases it may be mailed to you.

What documents to bring

For any renewal method, you need proof of your Social Security number. This can be your Social Security card, a tax return, a W-2 form, or a 1099 form. You also need proof of your current address, such as a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement. The document must show your name and current address and be dated within the last 60 days.

If you are renewing in person, bring your current license and be prepared to take a vision test. If you are renewing by mail or online, you do not need to bring anything — just include copies of your documents with your mailed process, or have the information ready when you complete the online form.

If your name has changed since your last license was issued, you will need to bring proof of the change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. Name changes require in-person renewal.

The renewal fee and payment methods

Connecticut charges $72 for a six-year driver license renewal. This fee applies whether you renew by mail, online, or in person. If you renew by mail, include a check or money order made out to the State of Connecticut. If you renew online, you can pay by credit or debit card. If you renew in person, you can pay by cash, check, or card.

Some offices may charge an additional fee if you need a duplicate license or if you are upgrading to a REAL ID. Ask the DMV office or check the website for current fees before you visit.

REAL ID and standard license renewal

Connecticut offers both standard driver licenses and REAL ID-compliant licenses. A REAL ID license has a gold star in the upper right corner and can be used for federal purposes like boarding a domestic flight or entering a federal building. A standard license cannot be used for these purposes as of May 2025.

If your current license is standard and you want to upgrade to REAL ID, you must renew in person. You will need to bring additional documents, such as a passport, birth certificate, or naturalization papers, depending on your citizenship status. The fee is the same as a standard renewal.

If your current license is already REAL ID-compliant, you can renew it by mail or online and keep the REAL ID status. The gold star will appear on your new license automatically.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if it has been expired for more than a year?

Yes, but the method depends on how long it has been expired. If it expired less than five years ago, you can renew by mail or online. If it expired more than five years ago, you must renew in person at a DMV office and pass a vision test.

How long does it take to get my new license after I renew?

By mail, two to three weeks. Online, about two weeks. In person, usually the same day, though some offices may mail it to you. Check with your local office if you need it quickly.

What if I move to a new address before my license expires?

You can update your address without renewing your license by visiting a DMV office or requesting a form online. You do not have to wait until your license expires. If you are renewing anyway, you can update your address as part of the renewal.

Do I need to take a new photo when I renew?

Not for mail or online renewal — your photo from your current license will be used on your new license. If you renew in person, the DMV will take a new photo.

What if I lost my renewal notice?

You can read the renewal form from the Connecticut DMV website or call 860-263-8354 to request one. You do not need the notice to renew — it is just a reminder and convenience.