How to Renew Your Connecticut Driver License In Person at the DMV

What to bring and where to go

Connecticut's DMV will renew your driver license in person at any of their branch offices. You'll need to bring your current license, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your Connecticut address. The DMV accepts a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days as address proof.

Find your nearest DMV branch on the Connecticut DMV website. Most branches are open Monday through Friday during business hours, though some offer limited Saturday hours. You do not need an appointment — walk-ins are accepted, though wait times vary by location and time of day.

Bring your documents in original form or certified copies. The DMV will not accept photocopies of your current license or Social Security card, though they will accept a photocopy of your address proof if the original is not available.

Key Takeaways

You must bring your current Connecticut driver license, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your address dated within 60 days.
Walk into any Connecticut DMV branch office during business hours — no appointment is required, though wait times depend on the location and time of day.
The renewal fee is $72 for a standard license valid for six years, and you will pay at the DMV when you complete your renewal.
The DMV will take a new photo and issue your renewed license on the spot or mail it to you within 10 business days, depending on the branch.

The renewal process at the DMV counter

When you arrive at the DMV, check in at the front desk or kiosk and tell the staff member you are renewing your license. They will direct you to the correct window or line. Have your documents ready — the agent will verify your current license, check your Social Security number against state records, and confirm your address.

The agent will ask you to review your information on the license process and sign it. If any details have changed — your name, address, or medical conditions — tell the agent now. They will update your record before issuing the new license.

You will pay the renewal fee at this point. Connecticut charges $72 for a standard driver license valid for six years. Some DMV locations accept cash, debit, and credit cards; a few accept cash only. Ask at check-in which payment methods the branch takes.

Photo and license issuance

The DMV will take a new photo for your renewed license. Wear clear glasses if you normally do — the photo must show your face clearly. Remove hats and sunglasses unless you have a medical or religious reason to wear them; if you do, bring documentation.

Some Connecticut DMV branches issue your new license when ready after the photo and you leave with it the same day. Other branches mail the license to your address within 10 business days. Ask the agent before you leave which method your branch uses. If your license is mailed, you can continue driving on your current license until the new one arrives.

If your license has been expired for more than five years

Connecticut requires a written knowledge test if your license has been expired for more than five years. You will take this test at the DMV during your renewal visit. The test covers road signs, right-of-way rules, and safe driving practices. Study materials are available on the Connecticut DMV website.

If you fail the test, you can retake it the same day or schedule another visit. Passing the test is required to complete your renewal, so plan extra time if your license has been expired for a long time.

Renewing a license with medical restrictions or endorsements

If your current license has medical restrictions — such as corrective lenses required or automatic transmission only — the DMV will renew those restrictions automatically unless your medical condition has changed. Tell the agent if you no longer need a restriction or if a new one applies.

If you hold a commercial driver license (CDL) or a license with motorcycle endorsements, you may need to pass additional tests or provide medical certification. Ask the DMV staff when you arrive whether your specific license type requires extra steps beyond the standard renewal process.

What happens if you cannot complete renewal in one visit

If you fail the knowledge test or discover you are missing a required document, the DMV will not complete your renewal that day. Ask the agent what you need to bring back and whether you can return the same week. You can continue driving on your current license while you gather missing documents or study for a retake.

If the DMV finds an issue with your Social Security number or address that cannot be resolved at the counter, they will tell you what agency to contact — usually the Social Security Administration or your town's assessor's office — before you can renew. Get this information in writing so you know exactly what to do next.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if it has been expired for more than a year?

Yes, you can renew in person at the DMV. However, if your license expired more than five years ago, you must pass a written knowledge test. If it expired between one and five years ago, you do not need to test — standard renewal applies.

What if I lost my current license and cannot bring it?

Bring a copy of your license if you have one, or tell the DMV staff that your license is lost. They can look up your license number in their system. You will still need proof of your Social Security number and address. The DMV may charge an additional fee for a lost license replacement.

Do I need an appointment to renew in person?

No appointment is required. Walk into any Connecticut DMV branch during business hours. Wait times vary — early morning and mid-week visits are typically shorter than afternoons and Fridays. Check the DMV website for current wait times at each branch.

Will my new license work right away if it is mailed to me?

Yes. Once the DMV completes your renewal at the counter, you are legally renewed even if your physical license has not arrived yet. You can drive on your old license until the new one arrives in the mail, usually within 10 business days.

What if my address has changed since my last renewal?

Bring proof of your new address dated within 60 days — a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement. The DMV will update your address during the renewal process. Your new license will be mailed to your new address.

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.