Renewing your Connecticut driver's license online, by mail, or in person
Connecticut lets you renew your driver's license without visiting a DMV office if you meet a few basic conditions: your license must not be expired by more than five years, you must have a valid Social Security number on file, and you cannot have any medical suspensions or restrictions that need updating. If those conditions fit you, you can renew online through the Connecticut DMV website, by mail, or in person at a DMV office. The online route is fastest — you'll have your new license in about two weeks — but mail and in-person renewal are also available if you prefer.
Your current license must still be valid or expired less than five years ago. If your license expired more than five years ago, or if you have medical holds, name changes, or address changes that require DMV verification, you'll need to renew in person at a DMV office instead.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal through the Connecticut DMV website takes about two weeks and costs $72 for an eight-year license; you'll need your current license number, Social Security number, and a valid payment method.
- Mail renewal requires you to send your current license, a completed process form (DL 43), and a check or money order to the DMV; processing takes four to six weeks.
- In-person renewal at a DMV office is the only option if your license expired more than five years ago, you have medical restrictions, or your name or address has changed.
- Connecticut driver's licenses are valid for eight years, and you can renew up to one year before your expiration date.
- You do not need a new photo or vision test for standard renewal unless your license is more than five years expired or the DMV requests one.
Renewing online through the Connecticut DMV website
Online renewal is the fastest option and requires only your current license, your Social Security number, and a credit or debit card. Go to the Connecticut DMV website, select the driver's license renewal option, and enter your license number and date of birth to start. The system will pull up your record and walk you through confirming your address, emergency contact, and organ donor status. You'll pay the renewal fee (currently $72 for an eight-year license) by card at the end.
After you submit, the DMV will mail your new license to the address on file. Standard processing takes about two weeks. You can continue driving on your current license until the new one arrives — Connecticut does not issue a temporary document, but your old license remains valid during the renewal period.
Online renewal is not available if you need to change your address, update medical information, change your name, or if your license has been suspended or revoked. In those cases, you must renew in person.
Renewing by mail
Mail renewal takes longer than online but requires no office visit. read or request the process form DL 43 from the Connecticut DMV website. Fill it out completely, including your current license number, date of birth, and current address. Sign and date the form.
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 DMV website. Do not send cash. Include a return envelope with postage if you want the DMV to return your old license; otherwise, they will destroy it.
Processing by mail typically takes four to six weeks. Your new license will be mailed to the address you provided on the form. You can continue driving on your current license during this time.
Renewing in person at a DMV office
In-person renewal is required if your license expired more than five years ago, if you have medical restrictions or suspensions, if your name has changed, or if you need to update your address through DMV verification. You'll also need to renew in person if you want a new photo or if the DMV requests a new vision test.
Visit a Connecticut DMV office with your current license, proof of your Social Security number (such as a Social Security card or tax return), and proof of your current address (such as a utility bill or lease). Bring payment for the renewal fee ($72 for an eight-year license) by cash, check, debit card, or credit card. Some offices accept all payment methods; call ahead to confirm what your local office takes.
Wait times vary by office and time of day. The DMV website shows current wait times for each location. You can also make an appointment online through the Connecticut DMV website, which usually reduces your wait significantly. Bring your appointment confirmation if you book ahead.
What happens if your license is expired by more than five years
If your license has been expired for more than five years, you cannot use online or mail renewal. You must visit a DMV office in person and go through a full renewal, which includes a new photo and a vision test. Bring your expired license, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your current address.
The fee is the same ($72 for an eight-year license), but the process takes longer because the DMV will run a new background check and update your photo and vision information. Plan for a longer appointment than a standard renewal.
Fees and payment methods
Connecticut charges $72 to renew a driver's license for eight years. This is the standard fee for all renewal types — online, mail, and in-person. Some DMV offices accept cash, check, debit card, and credit card; others may accept only certain methods. If you're renewing by mail, you must send a check or money order because the DMV cannot process card payments by mail.
If you're renewing online, you'll pay by debit or credit card at the end of the transaction. If you're renewing in person, call your local DMV office ahead of time to confirm which payment methods they accept.
Timeline and what to expect after renewal
Online renewal takes about two weeks from submission to delivery. Mail renewal takes four to six weeks. In-person renewal is when ready — you'll receive a temporary paper license at the office and your plastic license will arrive by mail within two weeks.
Your new license will be mailed to the address on file with the DMV. If you've moved recently and updated your address through the renewal process, the new license will go to your new address. If you did not update your address during renewal, it will go to your old address, and you'll need to contact the DMV to have it reissued.
Connecticut driver's licenses are valid for eight years from the date of issue. You can renew up to one year before your license expires, so you don't have to wait until the last minute.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if I have a medical suspension?
No. If your license has a medical suspension or restriction, you must renew in person at a DMV office so the DMV can review your medical status and update your record. Contact your local DMV office to schedule an appointment before you visit.
What if I changed my name since my last license?
You must renew in person and bring proof of your name change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The DMV will not process a name change through online or mail renewal.
Do I need a new photo for renewal?
Not for standard renewal if your license is current and not more than five years expired. The DMV will use your existing photo. If your license is more than five years old or if the DMV requests a new photo, you'll need to provide one at an in-person renewal.
Can I renew my license if I moved out of state?
No. If you no longer live in Connecticut, you should obtain a driver's license from your new state instead. Contact that state's DMV for their requirements. You can keep your Connecticut license as a non-driver ID if you wish, but you cannot renew it as a driver's license once you've moved.
What if my license was lost or stolen?
A lost or stolen license is a replacement, not a renewal, and requires an in-person visit to a DMV office. Bring proof of your identity and address, and you'll receive a temporary paper license when ready and a new plastic license by mail within two weeks.