Connecticut driver licenses expire every eight years, and you can renew yours online, by mail, or in person at a DMV office

Connecticut's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) lets you renew your driver license through three routes: online at ct.gov/dmv, by mail using a renewal form, or by visiting a DMV branch in person. Which route you can use depends on your age, how long your license has been expired, and whether you need to update your address or photo. Most people renew before expiration, but Connecticut allows you to renew up to one year after your license expires.

Your renewal notice arrives by mail about 60 days before your license expires. It includes your renewal number, which you'll need for online or mail renewal. If you don't receive a notice, you can still renew — the DMV can look up your record by your license number or Social Security number.

Key Takeaways

  • Connecticut driver licenses are valid for eight years, and you can renew starting 60 days before expiration through the DMV website, by mail, or in person.
  • Online renewal costs $48 and takes about 10 minutes; you'll receive your new license by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
  • Mail renewal requires the renewal notice that arrives 60 days before expiration, a check or money order for $48, and takes 2 to 3 weeks.
  • In-person renewal at a DMV office is required if your license has been expired for more than one year, you need a new photo, or you're changing your address.
  • You must bring your Social Security number and current license to any renewal; if renewing in person, bring a Real ID-compliant document like a passport or birth certificate.

Online renewal: fastest and most convenient

The Connecticut DMV website allows you to renew online if your license is not yet expired and you don't need to change your address or photo. You'll need your renewal number (from your notice), your current license number, and your Social Security number. The process takes about 10 minutes and costs $48.

After you complete the online form and pay by credit or debit card, the DMV mails your new license to the address on file. Delivery typically takes 7 to 10 business days. Your current license remains valid until your new one arrives, so you can continue driving legally during that time.

Online renewal is not available if your license expired more than one year ago, if you need a new photo, or if you want to update your address. In those cases, you must renew by mail or in person.

Mail renewal: no office visit required

To renew by mail, use the renewal notice the DMV sends you about 60 days before expiration. Fill out the form, include a check or money order for $48 made payable to "State of Connecticut," and mail both to the address printed on the notice. Do not send cash.

Mail renewal takes 2 to 3 weeks from the time the DMV receives your envelope. Your current license stays valid during this time. If you don't have your renewal notice, you can request one by calling the DMV at 860-263-5700 or visiting ct.gov/dmv.

Mail renewal works only if your license is not expired or expired less than one year ago, and you don't need to change your address or photo. If either of those conditions doesn't explore to you, you'll need to renew in person.

In-person renewal at a DMV office

Visit a Connecticut DMV branch if your license expired more than one year ago, you need a new photo, or you want to change your address. Bring your current license (or expired license if it's been more than one year), your Social Security number, and $48 in cash, check, or card. If you're changing your address, bring proof of your new residence — a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days works.

Connecticut has DMV offices in Wethersfield, Waterbury, Norwich, Danbury, and Stamford. You can make an appointment online at ct.gov/dmv or call 860-263-5700. Walk-ins are accepted, but appointments typically have shorter wait times. Processing at the office takes 15 to 30 minutes, and you receive your new license on the spot.

If you're renewing in person and your license has been expired for more than one year, you'll also need to bring a Real ID-compliant document such as a U.S. passport, birth certificate, or naturalization papers. This is a federal requirement for licenses that have lapsed.

Real ID compliance and what documents you need

Connecticut driver licenses issued after May 3, 2023 are Real ID-compliant, meaning they meet federal standards for boarding domestic flights and entering federal buildings. If you're renewing a license that expired more than one year ago, the DMV will issue you a Real ID license, and you must bring proof of identity and proof of residence.

Acceptable identity documents include a U.S. passport, passport card, birth certificate, naturalization certificate, or permanent resident card. Proof of residence can be a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or property tax bill dated within the last 60 days. If you're renewing online or by mail and your license is not expired, you don't need to provide these documents — the DMV already has them on file.

If you don't want a Real ID license, you can request a standard license instead, though this is rare. Standard licenses cannot be used for federal purposes like boarding flights, but they remain valid for driving.

Renewal fees and payment methods

Connecticut charges $48 to renew a driver license, regardless of whether you renew online, by mail, or in person. Online renewal accepts credit and debit cards. Mail renewal requires a check or money order — do not send cash. In-person renewal accepts cash, check, card, or money order.

If you're renewing by mail and your check is returned for insufficient funds, the DMV will contact you to collect payment before processing your renewal. If you're renewing online or in person, payment must be received before your renewal is complete.

What happens if your license is expired

Connecticut allows you to renew your license up to one year after it expires. During this grace period, you can still drive legally while your renewal is being processed. However, if your license has been expired for more than one year, you cannot legally drive, and you must renew in person at a DMV office.

If you're pulled over while your license is expired but within the one-year grace period, you can show proof that you've submitted a renewal process — a confirmation email from online renewal or a receipt from mailing your form. This protects you from a ticket for driving with an expired license.

Once your license has been expired for more than one year, you lose the grace period. You must visit a DMV office in person, bring Real ID-compliant documents, and complete a full renewal. You cannot drive legally until your new license arrives.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Connecticut license if I've moved out of state?

Yes. If you've moved but still have a Connecticut address on file, you can renew online or by mail. If you've updated your address to an out-of-state location, you must renew in person at a Connecticut DMV office or contact the DMV to update your address before renewing by mail or online.

What if I lost my renewal notice?

Call the Connecticut DMV at 860-263-5700 or visit ct.gov/dmv to request a duplicate renewal notice. You can also renew in person at any DMV office without the notice — bring your current license and Social Security number. Online renewal requires your renewal number, so you'll need to get the notice or call the DMV first.

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

Online and mail renewal typically take 7 to 10 business days for delivery. In-person renewal at a DMV office is when ready — you receive your new license before you leave. Mail renewal can take up to 3 weeks if the DMV is processing a high volume of applications.

Do I need an appointment to renew in person?

Appointments are not required, but they're recommended. You can book an appointment online at ct.gov/dmv or by calling 860-263-5700. Walk-ins are accepted at all DMV offices, but wait times are usually longer than for appointments.

What if my name has changed since my last license?

If you've changed your name due to marriage, divorce, or legal name change, you must renew in person at a DMV office. Bring your current license and a document proving the name change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. Online and mail renewal cannot process name changes.