Where to renew and what you'll need

You can renew your Connecticut driver's license in person at a DMV office, by mail, or online through the Connecticut DMV website — but not all renewal types work through every method. In-person renewal at a DMV office is always an option. Mail renewal works if your license is not expired by more than five years and you have no medical conditions or restrictions that need updating. Online renewal through the Connecticut DMV portal is the fastest route if you meet the requirements: your license must not be expired by more than five years, you must have a valid email address, and you cannot have any changes to your medical information or address.

Before you start, gather these documents: your current Connecticut driver's license, proof of your Social Security number (your Social Security card, W-2, or tax return), and proof of your current address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days). If you've changed your name since your last license, bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the legal change. If you're renewing in person, you'll also need to bring one form of photo ID if your license has expired.

Key Takeaways

  • Online renewal through the Connecticut DMV website is the fastest option if your license expired less than five years ago and you have no medical or address changes.
  • Mail renewal takes about two to three weeks and works for licenses expired less than five years, but you must include your current license and proof of address.
  • In-person renewal at a DMV office is required if your license expired more than five years ago or if you have medical conditions or restrictions that need review.
  • Connecticut driver's licenses are valid for eight years, and you can renew up to one year before expiration or up to five years after expiration.

Renewing online through the Connecticut DMV portal

Online renewal is the quickest method if you're may be able to access. Go to the Connecticut DMV website and select the online renewal option. You'll need to enter your driver's license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The system will verify your information against DMV records and ask you to confirm your address and any other details on file.

Once you've completed the online form and paid the renewal fee (currently $72 for an eight-year license), the DMV will mail your new license to the address you provided. The process typically takes one to two weeks from submission to delivery. You do not need to visit an office or submit documents by mail — everything happens on the website. Your current license remains valid until your new one arrives.

Renewing by mail

Mail renewal requires you to send your current license, a completed renewal form, proof of address, and the renewal fee to the Connecticut DMV. You can read the renewal form from the DMV website or request one by phone. Include a check or money order for $72 (do not send cash). Mail everything to the address listed on the DMV website for mail renewals — this address is different from the main DMV office address.

Mail renewal typically takes two to three weeks from the time the DMV receives your envelope. You cannot track your process online, so if you need to know the status, you'll have to call the DMV directly. Your current license remains valid during this time. If your mail gets lost, you'll need to start over, so consider using certified mail with a return receipt if you want proof of delivery.

Renewing in person at a DMV office

Visit any Connecticut DMV office with your documents and be prepared to wait. Bring your current license, proof of Social Security number, proof of address, and one photo ID if your license has expired. You'll fill out a renewal form at the office, have your photo taken, and pay the renewal fee. The entire process usually takes 30 minutes to an hour, depending on how busy the office is.

The DMV issues a temporary paper license on the spot that's valid for 30 days while your permanent license is mailed to you. Your new license typically arrives within one to two weeks. In-person renewal is required if your license expired more than five years ago, if you have medical conditions that need to be reviewed, or if you need to update your address or other information that online and mail renewal cannot handle.

What happens if your license is expired

Connecticut allows you to renew your license up to five years after it expires. If your license expired less than five years ago, you can use online or mail renewal. If it expired more than five years ago, you must renew in person at a DMV office — the online and mail options are not available to you.

An expired license is not valid for driving, so do not wait until the last minute. If you're stopped by police while driving with an expired license, you can face a fine. If you need to drive before your renewal is complete, renew in person to get the temporary paper license when ready.

Renewal fees and payment methods

Connecticut charges $72 for an eight-year driver's license renewal. This is the standard fee for all renewal methods. If you renew online or in person, you can pay by credit card, debit card, or cash (in-person only). If you renew by mail, you must send a check or money order — the DMV does not accept credit cards or cash through the mail.

Some DMV offices may charge an additional fee for services like name changes or address updates, but the basic renewal fee is $72. There are no discounts for renewing early or late. If your check is returned for insufficient funds, the DMV will contact you and you'll need to resubmit payment.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. Connecticut only renews licenses for people who live in Connecticut. If you've moved, you need to get a license from your new state. However, if you're temporarily out of state for work or school, you may still renew by mail or online if your Connecticut address is still valid.

What if my name changed since my last license?

Bring legal proof of the name change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. If you're renewing online, you may not be able to process a name change through the website; call the DMV to confirm or renew in person instead. Mail and in-person renewal both accept name change documents.

How long is my temporary paper license good for?

The temporary paper license issued at the DMV office is valid for 30 days. Your permanent license should arrive within one to two weeks, but if it doesn't, you can return to the DMV office to request a replacement before the temporary expires.

Can I renew my license if it's suspended or revoked?

No. You cannot renew a suspended or revoked license. You must contact the Connecticut DMV to find out why your license was suspended or revoked and what steps you need to take to restore it before you can renew.

What if I don't receive my new license in the mail?

Wait at least three weeks from the date you submitted your renewal. If it hasn't arrived, call the Connecticut DMV with your driver's license number and date of birth. They can check the status and remail it if needed. If your license was lost in the mail, you may need to renew again or visit an office in person.