What you need to do to renew in Connecticut
Connecticut lets you renew your driver's license by mail, online, or in person at a DMV office. Mail renewal is the slowest but requires no trip. Online renewal is fastest if you're may be able to access — it takes about 10 business days and costs $72. In-person renewal at a DMV office takes a few hours but you walk out with a temporary license the same day.
You can renew online only if your license is not expired, you have no medical restrictions, and you have not had any suspensions or revocations. If any of those do not explore to you, you must renew by mail or in person. Your new license will be valid for eight years from the date you renew.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal through the Connecticut DMV website is the fastest option if your license is not expired and you have no suspensions or medical restrictions.
- Mail renewal takes four to six weeks but requires only a completed form, your current license, and a check mailed to the DMV.
- In-person renewal at any DMV office takes a few hours and requires your current license, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number.
- Connecticut charges $72 for an eight-year renewal, and you can pay by check, money order, or credit card depending on your renewal method.
- If you renew online or by mail, your temporary license remains valid for 30 days after you submit, giving you time for your new license to arrive.
Renewing online through the Connecticut DMV portal
Go to the Connecticut DMV website and select "Renew Your Driver License" from the main menu. You will need your current license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth. The system will verify your information against state records and ask you to confirm your address or update it if you have moved.
After you submit the form and pay the $72 fee by credit card, you will receive a confirmation number. Write this down — you will need it to track your license. Connecticut will mail your new license to the address you provided, which typically takes 10 business days. Your current license remains valid during this time, and you can print a temporary license from the confirmation page if you need proof of renewal before the new card arrives.
Online renewal is not available if your license has expired, if you have any active suspensions or revocations, or if your license has medical restrictions or endorsements that require testing. If any of these explore, skip to the mail or in-person sections below.
Renewing by mail
Request a renewal form from the Connecticut DMV by calling 860-263-5700, or read the form from the DMV website (Form DL-43). Fill out the form completely, including your current address. Sign and date it. Do not use a pen that is not black or blue ink — the DMV will reject the form otherwise.
Mail the completed form along with your current driver's license and a check or money order for $72 (made payable to "State of Connecticut") to the address listed on the form. Keep a copy of everything you send. The DMV will process your renewal in four to six weeks and mail your new license to the address on file. Your current license remains valid until your new one arrives, and you can request a temporary license by phone if you need one before then.
Mail renewal is slower than online renewal but works for anyone whose license is not expired. If your license has already expired, you cannot renew by mail — you must renew in person.
Renewing in person at a DMV office
Visit any Connecticut DMV office during business hours. Bring your current driver's license, proof of your current address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days), and proof of your Social Security number (your Social Security card, W-2, or 1099 form). If your address has changed since your last renewal, bring two documents showing your new address.
You will fill out a form at the office, have your photo taken, and pay $72 by check, money order, or credit card. The entire process usually takes one to three hours depending on how busy the office is. You will receive a temporary license on the spot that is valid for 30 days, and your permanent license will be mailed to you within 10 business days.
In-person renewal is required if your license has expired, if you have any suspensions or revocations, or if your license has medical restrictions. It is also the only option if you need to change your name or if you want to add or remove endorsements (such as a motorcycle endorsement). Connecticut DMV offices are located in most towns — find the one nearest you on the DMV website.
What to do if your license has expired
If your Connecticut license expired more than two years ago, you cannot renew it — you must reapply for a new license. This requires an in-person visit, a written test, and a road test. If your license expired within the last two years, you can still renew it by mail or in person without retesting, but you cannot renew online.
Bring your expired license to the DMV office along with proof of residency and proof of your Social Security number. The fee is still $72 for an eight-year renewal. The DMV will issue you a temporary license valid for 30 days while your permanent license is mailed to you.
Tracking your new license and what happens next
If you renewed online, use your confirmation number to track your license on the DMV website. If you renewed by mail or in person, the DMV will mail your new license to the address you provided. Standard mail delivery takes 10 business days, though it can take longer during busy periods.
Your temporary license (either printed from the online confirmation or issued in person) is valid for 30 days and counts as proof of a valid license during that time. You can drive legally with it. Once your permanent license arrives, destroy your temporary license and your old license — do not carry both.
If your new license does not arrive within 15 business days of renewal, call the DMV at 860-263-5700 with your confirmation number. Have your current address and phone number ready. The DMV can reissue your license or investigate whether it was lost in the mail.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if I have an out-of-state address?
No. Connecticut requires you to have a Connecticut address to hold a Connecticut license. If you have moved out of state, you must surrender your Connecticut license and get a license from your new state. If you moved temporarily but still maintain a Connecticut residence, you can renew using that address.
What if my name has changed since my last license?
You must renew in person and bring a document showing your name change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. You cannot renew online or by mail if your name has changed. Bring the name-change document along with your current license, proof of residency, and proof of your Social Security number.
Do I need a new photo for my renewal?
If you renew online or by mail, the DMV will use your existing photo from your current license. If you renew in person, you will have a new photo taken at the office. You cannot bring your own photo — the DMV takes all photos in-office to meet federal standards.
How much does renewal cost, and what payment methods are accepted?
Connecticut charges $72 for an eight-year renewal. Online renewal accepts credit cards only. Mail renewal accepts checks or money orders. In-person renewal accepts checks, money orders, and credit cards. Do not send cash by mail.
What if I lost my license and need to renew at the same time?
You must renew in person. Bring proof of residency and proof of your Social Security number. The DMV will issue a replacement license for the same $72 fee. You will receive a temporary license on the spot and your permanent license within 10 business days.