Where to renew and what you need to bring

You can renew your Connecticut driver's license in person at any DMV branch, by mail, or online through the Connecticut DMV website — but not all methods work for everyone. The fastest route is usually online if you meet the requirements, which takes about 10 minutes and costs $72 for an eight-year license. If you cannot renew online, you will need to visit a DMV office or mail in your process.

Before you go or submit anything, gather these documents: your current Connecticut driver's license, proof of your Social Security number (your Social Security card, W-2, or 1099 form), and proof of your current address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days). If your name has changed since your last license, bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the change.

The DMV offices are located in Wethersfield, Norwalk, Waterbury, and Danielson. You do not need an appointment for renewal, but wait times vary by location and time of day. The Wethersfield office typically has longer waits than the others.

Key Takeaways

  • Online renewal through the Connecticut DMV website takes about 10 minutes and costs $72 for an eight-year license, but only works if your current license is not suspended or revoked and you have not changed your name.
  • If you cannot renew online, you can renew by mail by sending your current license, a completed process form (DL 43), and payment to the DMV, which takes about two to three weeks.
  • In-person renewal at any of the four DMV offices requires your current license, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your address dated within the last 60 days.
  • Your new license will arrive by mail within 10 business days if you renew in person, or within two to three weeks if you renew by mail.

Renewing online through the Connecticut DMV website

Online renewal is the fastest option if you meet the requirements. You can renew online only if your current license is not suspended or revoked, you have not changed your name, and your license is not expired by more than five years. Go to the Connecticut DMV website, select "Renew Driver License Online," and follow the prompts. You will need your current license number and the last four digits of your Social Security number to log in.

The system will ask you to review your information, choose your license type (standard or REAL ID), and pay the $72 fee by debit or credit card. Once you submit, you will receive a confirmation number. Your new license will arrive by mail within 10 business days. You can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives.

Renewing by mail

Mail renewal takes longer but requires no trip to the DMV. read or request the process form DL 43 from the Connecticut DMV website or call the DMV at 860-263-5700 to have one mailed to you. Fill out the form completely, sign it, and include a copy of your current license (front and back), proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your address.

Mail the packet to the Connecticut DMV, 60 State Street, Wethersfield, CT 06161, along with a check or money order for $72 made payable to "State of Connecticut." Do not send cash. The DMV will process your process and mail your new license within two to three weeks. Keep a copy of everything you send for your records.

Renewing in person at a DMV office

Walk into any of the four Connecticut DMV locations with your current license, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your address. The staff will take your photo, verify your information, and process your renewal on the spot. The fee is $72, paid by cash, check, debit card, or credit card. The whole visit usually takes 15 to 30 minutes, depending on how busy the office is.

Your new license will be mailed to you within 10 business days. You can drive on your current license until the new one arrives. If you need your license sooner — for example, if yours is about to expire and you have travel planned — ask the staff whether they can issue a temporary paper license while you wait for the permanent one.

What happens if your license is expired or suspended

If your license has been expired for more than five years, you cannot renew it online or by mail. You must go to a DMV office in person. Bring the same documents you would for a regular renewal, plus any documentation related to why your license was suspended (for example, proof that you paid a traffic fine or completed a required course).

If your license is currently suspended or revoked, you cannot renew until the suspension or revocation is lifted. Contact the Connecticut DMV to find out why your license is suspended and what steps you need to take to restore it. The DMV can tell you this over the phone at 860-263-5700.

REAL ID versus standard license

When you renew, you will choose between a standard Connecticut driver's license and a REAL ID-compliant license. A REAL ID license has a star in the upper right corner and can be used for domestic air travel and entry to federal buildings. A standard license cannot be used for these purposes as of May 7, 2025, though you can still use it to drive.

Both cost the same ($72 for eight years). If you want a REAL ID license, you will need to provide additional proof of your identity and citizenship — typically a birth certificate or passport — in addition to the documents listed above. If you renew online, the system will ask you which type you want. If you renew in person or by mail, tell the DMV staff or note it on your process form.

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 fewer than five years ago, you can renew online, by mail, or in person. If it expired more than five years ago, you must renew in person at a DMV office and may need to retake the written test and eye exam.

What if I changed my name since my last license?

You cannot renew online if your name has changed. Renew by mail or in person, and bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the name change. The DMV will issue a new license with your updated name.

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

If you renew in person or online, your new license arrives by mail within 10 business days. If you renew by mail, it takes about two to three weeks total from the time the DMV receives your process. You can drive on your current license during this time.

What if I lose my process or confirmation number?

If you renewed online and lost your confirmation number, you can log back into your account on the Connecticut DMV website to view it. If you renewed by mail and did not receive your new license within three weeks, call the DMV at 860-263-5700 with your license number and they can check the status.

Do I need an appointment to renew in person?

No, walk-ins are accepted at all four DMV offices for license renewal. However, you may wait longer during peak hours (typically mid-morning and early afternoon on weekdays). Going early in the morning or on a weekday afternoon usually means a shorter wait.