How to Renew Your Connecticut Driver's License

Renew Your Connecticut License Online, by Mail, or In Person

Connecticut lets you renew your driver's license through the DMV website, by mail, or at a DMV office — and which method you can use depends on how close you are to your expiration date and whether your license is still valid. If your license expires within six months, you can renew online or by mail right now. If it has already expired, you must go to a DMV office in person.

The online method is fastest: you answer questions about your address and driving record, pay the fee, and your new license arrives by mail in about two weeks. By-mail renewal takes longer but requires no trip. In-person renewal at a DMV office takes a few hours but lets you get a temporary license the same day if you need to drive when ready.

Key Takeaways

You can renew online or by mail if your license expires within six months; if it has already expired, you must visit a DMV office in person.
Online renewal through the Connecticut DMV website costs $72 for an eight-year license and takes about two weeks for delivery.
By-mail renewal requires you to send your current license, a completed form, and payment to the DMV address — allow four to six weeks.
At a DMV office, bring your current license, proof of residency, and payment; you can request a temporary license to drive while your new one is mailed.
Your new license will be valid for eight years from the date of renewal, or until age 65 if you are older.

Renew Online Through the DMV Website

Go to ct.gov/dmv and select "Renew Your License" from the homepage. You will need your current Connecticut driver's license number, your Social Security number, and your date of birth. The system will ask you to confirm your address and answer questions about any changes to your driving record or medical history since your last renewal.

The online fee is $72 for a standard eight-year license. You pay by debit card or credit card at the end of the transaction. After you submit, you will receive a confirmation number — save this. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file within two weeks. You can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives.

Online renewal is only available if your license expires within six months and has not already expired. If your license expired more than six months ago, the website will direct you to schedule an in-person appointment instead.

Renew by Mail

Request a mail renewal form by calling the DMV at 860-263-5700, or read the form from ct.gov/dmv. The form is called "process for Renewal of Driver's License" (Form DL-43). Fill it out completely, including your name, address, date of birth, and license number.

Mail the completed form, your current driver's license, and a check or money order for $72 to the Connecticut DMV at the address listed on the form. Do not send cash. Include a return envelope with your address if you want the DMV to mail your new license back to you — otherwise it will go to the address on file. Allow four to six weeks for processing and delivery.

By-mail renewal works if your license expires within six months. If your license has already expired, you cannot use this method and must visit a DMV office.

Renew In Person at a DMV Office

You must visit a DMV office if your license has already expired, or if you prefer to renew in person. Connecticut has DMV offices in Wethersfield, Danbury, Waterbury, and New Haven. Go to ct.gov/dmv and click "Find a DMV Office" to see hours and to schedule an appointment — appointments are strongly recommended because walk-ins may face long waits.

Bring your current driver's license, proof of your current address (a recent utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement), and payment. The renewal fee is $72. You can pay by cash, check, debit card, or credit card. The DMV will take a new photo and process your renewal on the spot.

If you need to drive before your new license arrives, ask the DMV staff for a temporary license. They will print one for you when ready, valid for 30 days. Your permanent license will arrive by mail within two weeks.

What Happens If Your License Has Already Expired

If your license expired more than six months ago, online and by-mail renewal are not available. You must go to a DMV office in person. Bring the same documents as for a standard in-person renewal: your expired license, proof of address, and payment.

The DMV will process your renewal the same way, and you can request a temporary license to drive when ready. Your new license will arrive by mail within two weeks. Driving on an expired license is illegal in Connecticut, so do not delay — schedule an appointment as soon as you realize your license has expired.

Understanding License Validity and Expiration Dates

A renewed Connecticut driver's license is valid for eight years from the date of renewal. If you are 65 or older at the time of renewal, your license will be valid until your 73rd birthday instead. Your expiration date will be printed on the front of your new license.

The DMV will mail you a renewal notice about 60 days before your license expires. This notice is not a renewal form — it is a reminder. If you do not receive it, you are still responsible for renewing on time. Check your license now to see your expiration date, and plan to renew within the six-month window before it expires.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. If you no longer live in Connecticut, you must surrender your Connecticut license and get a license from your new state. If you still live in Connecticut but moved to a new address, update your address through the online renewal process or tell the DMV staff when you renew in person.

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

You cannot renew a lost license online or by mail. You must visit a DMV office in person and bring proof of your identity (passport, birth certificate, or other government ID) and proof of your address. The DMV will issue a replacement license, and you can request a temporary one to drive when ready.

How much does it cost to renew a Connecticut driver's license?

The renewal fee is $72 for an eight-year license, whether you renew online, by mail, or in person. This is the standard fee as of now, though fees can change — check ct.gov/dmv to confirm the current amount before you pay.

Can I renew my license if I have unpaid traffic tickets or fines?

Connecticut does not automatically block license renewal for unpaid tickets, but some municipalities may suspend your license if you owe fines. Before you renew, check your driving record on ct.gov/dmv or call 860-263-5700 to see if there are any holds on your license.

What if my name has changed since my last license?

If you changed your name due to marriage, divorce, or court order, you must renew in person at a DMV office and bring a certified copy of the document that shows the name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). Online and by-mail renewal will not process a name change.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.