Renew online, by mail, or in person depending on your license type and when it expires

Connecticut lets you renew your driver's license through three routes: online at the DMV website, by mail, or at a DMV office in person. Which one you can use depends on whether your license is a standard license or a REAL ID, how long it has been expired, and whether you have had any address changes. Most people can renew online or by mail without visiting an office, but some situations require an in-person appointment.

The online and mail routes take about two to three weeks from the time you submit. In-person renewals at a DMV office usually happen the same day, though you will need to book an appointment in advance through the Connecticut DMV website.

Key Takeaways

  • Connecticut residents can renew online, by mail, or in person, and the fastest route is usually online if your license is not expired yet.
  • You must renew in person if your license has been expired for more than five years, if you have changed your address, or if you are renewing a REAL ID for the first time.
  • Online renewal costs $72 for a standard license and $82 for a REAL ID, while mail renewal costs the same plus $5 for postage.
  • You will need your current license number, Social Security number, and payment method (credit or debit card) to renew online.
  • If you renew online or by mail, your new license will arrive by mail within two to three weeks.

Renew online if your license is not expired and you have not moved

Online renewal is the fastest and most straightforward option if you meet three conditions: your license has not expired yet, you have not changed your address since you got it, and you are renewing a standard license or renewing a REAL ID that you already hold. Go to the Connecticut DMV website, select "Renew Driver License," and follow the prompts.

You will need your current license number, your Social Security number, and a credit or debit card to pay the fee. The system will ask you to confirm your address and driving record information. Once you submit, you will receive a confirmation number. Your new license will arrive by mail in two to three weeks, and your current license remains valid until the new one arrives.

The online fee is $72 for a standard driver's license and $82 for a REAL ID. If you are unsure whether your license is a REAL ID, check the top right corner of your card — REAL ID licenses have a gold star.

Renew by mail if you prefer not to go online

Mail renewal follows the same rules as online renewal: your license cannot be expired, you cannot have moved, and you must be renewing a license you already hold. Request a renewal form by calling the Connecticut DMV at 860-263-5700, or read the form from the DMV website and print it yourself.

Fill out the form completely, sign it, and mail it with a check or money order to the address listed on the form. Include a copy of your current license (front and back). The fee is $72 for a standard license or $82 for a REAL ID, plus $5 for postage. Mail your packet to the DMV office listed on the form.

Processing takes two to three weeks from the time the DMV receives your form. Your new license will arrive by mail. Because mail can take time to reach the DMV, online renewal is usually faster if you are in a hurry.

Renew in person if your license is expired or you have moved

You must visit a DMV office in person if your license expired more than five years ago, if you have changed your address since you got your current license, or if you are explore for a REAL ID for the first time. You will also need to renew in person if your license has been suspended or revoked.

Book an appointment through the Connecticut DMV website by selecting "Schedule an Appointment" and choosing your nearest office. Appointments are usually available within one to two weeks. Bring your current license, proof of your new address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days), and payment. The fee is $72 for a standard license or $82 for a REAL ID.

At your appointment, a DMV staff member will verify your information, take a new photo, and process your renewal. You will receive a temporary paper license on the spot, valid for 30 days while your permanent license is mailed to you. Your permanent license arrives within two to three weeks.

What to bring to a DMV office

If you are renewing in person, bring your current Connecticut driver's license and a payment method (cash, check, debit card, or credit card). If you have moved, also bring proof of your new address — a utility bill, lease agreement, bank statement, or government mail dated within the last 60 days. A piece of mail with your name and current address will work.

If you are explore for a REAL ID for the first time, bring proof of citizenship (a U.S. birth certificate, passport, or naturalization certificate) and proof of your Social Security number (a Social Security card, W-2 form, or tax return). These documents must be originals or certified copies — photocopies are not accepted.

Renew early if your license is expiring soon

Connecticut allows you to renew your license up to six months before it expires. If your license expires within the next few months and you want to avoid a rush, you can renew now through any of the three methods. Renewing early does not cost extra — the fee is the same whether you renew now or on your expiration date.

Renewing early is useful if you travel frequently or if you know you will be busy around your expiration date. Your new license will have a new expiration date eight years from the date you renew.

What happens if your license expires before you renew

If your license expires and you have not renewed it yet, you cannot legally drive. You must renew in person at a DMV office — you cannot use online or mail renewal once your license has expired. The fee remains $72 for a standard license or $82 for a REAL ID.

Driving with an expired license can result in a traffic ticket and fines. If you are pulled over, explain that you have an appointment to renew or that you are on your way to the DMV. Some officers may issue a warning if your license expired recently, but this is not may provide.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does a Connecticut driver's license last?

A standard Connecticut driver's license is valid for eight years from the date you receive it. REAL ID licenses are also valid for eight years. Your expiration date is printed on the front of your license.

Can I renew online if I changed my name?

No. If you have changed your name since you got your current license, you must renew in person at a DMV office. Bring your current license, proof of your name change (a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order), and proof of your address. You will also need to bring proof of citizenship and Social Security number if you are explore for a REAL ID.

What if I lost my license and need to renew it?

If your license is lost or stolen, you cannot renew it — you must replace it. Contact the Connecticut DMV to report it lost and request a replacement. Replacement requires an in-person visit to a DMV office. The fee for a replacement is different from a renewal, so call 860-263-5700 to confirm the current cost.

Do I need a REAL ID to fly domestically?

Yes. Starting May 7, 2025, a standard driver's license will not be accepted for domestic air travel — you will need a REAL ID or a passport. If your current license does not have a gold star in the top right corner, you should renew to a REAL ID before that date. You can renew to a REAL ID online if you already hold one, or in person if you are explore for the first time.

Can someone else renew my license for me?

No. You must renew your own license. For online and mail renewal, you must submit the request yourself. For in-person renewal, you must attend your appointment. If you are unable to visit a DMV office due to a disability or medical condition, call 860-263-5700 to ask about accommodations.