Renew your Connecticut license by mail, online, or in person at a DMV office
Connecticut sends renewal notices about 60 days before your license expires. You can renew by mail, through the DMV website, or at a DMV office in person. Mail and online renewals take about two weeks; in-person renewals are usually done the same day. You do not need a new photo unless your license has been expired for more than five years, or you choose to update it.
The method you choose depends on how soon you need the renewed license and whether you want a new photo. If your license expired more than five years ago, you must renew in person — mail and online options are not available for you.
Key Takeaways
- Connecticut mails renewal notices about 60 days before expiration; check your mailbox or log into your DMV account to see your renewal status.
- Online renewal through the DMV website is the fastest option for most people and takes about two weeks to arrive.
- Mail renewal requires the renewal notice, a check or money order, and a new photo if you want one; processing takes two to three weeks.
- In-person renewal at a DMV office lets you get a new photo and receive your license the same day, but requires an appointment.
- If your license expired more than five years ago, you cannot renew by mail or online and must visit a DMV office in person.
Renew online through the DMV website
Online renewal is the fastest method for most people. Go to ct.gov/dmv, log in with your Connecticut online account, and select the renewal option. You will need your current license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a valid payment method (debit or credit card). The fee is $72 for a four-year license or $144 for an eight-year license.
After you submit your renewal online, the DMV mails your new license to the address on file. Delivery typically takes 10 to 14 business days. Your current license remains valid until it expires, so you can continue driving while you wait. You will not receive a new photo unless you upload one during the online process.
Renew by mail using your renewal notice
If you received a renewal notice in the mail, you can renew by sending it back with payment and a new photo if you want one. Fill out the renewal notice, include a check or money order for $72 (four-year) or $144 (eight-year), and mail it to the address printed on the notice. If you want a new photo, include a color photo that meets DMV standards: 2 by 2 inches, taken within the last six months, with a plain background and your face clearly visible.
Mail your renewal notice and payment to the DMV address shown on the form. Processing takes two to three weeks after the DMV receives your envelope. Your current license stays valid until it expires. If you did not receive a renewal notice, you can request one by calling the DMV at 860-263-5700 or visiting a DMV office.
Renew in person at a DMV office
Visit a DMV office if you want a new photo, need your license the same day, or your license expired more than five years ago. Bring your current license, proof of residency (a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within 90 days), and payment ($72 or $144). You do not need an appointment for a standard renewal, but wait times vary by location and time of day.
The DMV will take a new photo and issue your renewed license on the spot. Connecticut has DMV offices in Wethersfield, Danbury, Norwalk, New Haven, Waterbury, and Norwich. You can find hours and locations at ct.gov/dmv. If you prefer to schedule an appointment, you can book one online to reduce wait time.
What to do if your license expired more than five years ago
If your license has been expired for more than five years, you cannot use mail or online renewal. You must visit a DMV office in person. Bring your expired license, proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement from the last 90 days), and payment. The DMV will take a new photo and issue your renewed license the same day.
If you have lost your expired license, bring a second form of identification such as a passport, military ID, or state ID card. The DMV office staff can help you if you are unsure what documents to bring.
Understand renewal fees and license validity periods
Connecticut driver's licenses cost $72 for a four-year renewal or $144 for an eight-year renewal. The choice is yours — you can select either length when you renew online, by mail, or in person. Payment methods vary by renewal method: online renewal accepts debit or credit cards, mail renewal requires a check or money order, and in-person renewal accepts cash, check, debit card, or credit card.
Your renewed license is valid for the period you choose (four or eight years) from the date it is issued. If you renew before your current license expires, the new expiration date is calculated from the expiration date of your old license, not from the date you renew.
Track your renewal status and contact the DMV
If you renewed online or by mail, you can check the status of your renewal through your Connecticut online account at ct.gov/dmv. Log in and look for your renewal status. If you renewed in person, your license is issued when ready, so there is nothing to track.
If you have questions about your renewal or did not receive your renewed license within three weeks of mailing it, contact the DMV at 860-263-5700. The DMV is open Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. You can also visit a DMV office in person or use the online contact form at ct.gov/dmv.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if it is already expired?
Yes. If your license expired fewer than five years ago, you can renew by mail or online. If it expired more than five years ago, you must renew in person at a DMV office. In either case, you can continue to drive while your renewal is being processed, as long as you have proof that you submitted a renewal request.
Do I need a new photo when I renew?
No, unless your license expired more than five years ago. For standard renewals, a new photo is optional. You can keep your current photo or upload a new one during online renewal, or include a new photo with your mail renewal. If you renew in person, you can choose whether to take a new photo.
How long does it take to get my renewed license?
Online renewal takes 10 to 14 business days. Mail renewal takes two to three weeks. In-person renewal is completed the same day. Times may be longer during busy periods, so plan ahead if you need your license by a specific date.
What if I moved and my address changed?
Update your address before you renew. Log into your Connecticut online account at ct.gov/dmv and update your address, or visit a DMV office with proof of your new address (utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement from the last 90 days). Your renewed license will be mailed to your new address.
Can I renew my license if I have an outstanding ticket or fine?
Yes. Connecticut does not suspend license renewal for unpaid traffic tickets or fines. However, your license may be suspended for other reasons, such as unpaid child support or a DUI conviction. If you are unsure whether your license is suspended, contact the DMV at 860-263-5700 before you renew.