Connecticut lets you renew online if you meet specific requirements
You can renew your Connecticut driver's license online through the DMV's website if your license is still valid or expired for no more than two years, you have no medical restrictions, and you have not had any license suspensions or revocations. The process takes about 10 minutes, costs $72 for a five-year license or $96 for an eight-year license, and you pay by credit or debit card. Your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days.
If your license expired more than two years ago, you have medical restrictions, or your license was suspended or revoked, you must renew in person at a DMV office. The same applies if you want to change your name, address, or other information on your license — those changes require an office visit.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal works only if your Connecticut license expired within the last two years and has no medical restrictions or suspension history.
- You need a valid email address and a credit or debit card to complete the online process, which takes about 10 minutes.
- The renewal fee is $72 for five years or $96 for eight years, paid directly during the online transaction.
- Your renewed license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days; you cannot pick it up at an office.
- If you need to change your address, name, or other information, you must visit a DMV office in person instead.
Who can renew online and who cannot
Connecticut's online renewal system has strict may be able to access rules. You can use it only if your current license is still valid or has been expired for no more than 24 months. If your license expired more than two years ago, the system will reject your renewal and direct you to schedule an in-person appointment.
You also cannot renew online if your license has any medical restrictions, if you have an active suspension or revocation, or if you have been convicted of certain traffic offenses within the past five years. The online system checks your DMV record automatically when you start the process and will tell you when ready if you are ineligible.
Address changes, name changes, and corrections to other information on your license all require an in-person visit. If you moved recently and need to update your address, you must go to a DMV office and bring proof of your new address — a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days.
Step-by-step process for renewing online
Start at the Connecticut DMV website and select "Renew Your License Online." You will need your current driver's license number, your Social Security number, and your date of birth. The system will ask you to verify your identity by answering security questions based on your DMV and credit history.
Next, you review your current license information on screen. If anything is incorrect — your name, address, height, or eye color — stop and schedule an in-person appointment instead. The online system does not allow corrections; it only renews what is already on file.
You then choose your license term: five years ($72) or eight years ($96). Enter your email address and a valid credit or debit card. Connecticut DMV accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover. After you submit payment, you receive a confirmation number by email. Your new license is printed and mailed within 7 to 10 business days.
What happens after you submit your online renewal
Once your payment processes, you cannot cancel or change your order. If you made a mistake — chose the wrong license term, for example — you must contact the Connecticut DMV by phone at 860-263-5700 to discuss your options. Refunds are not automatic; the DMV handles each case individually.
Your new license is mailed to the address on file with the DMV. If you recently moved and updated your address online, your license goes to your new address. If you have not updated your address yet, it goes to your old address, and you will need to contact the DMV to have it reissued to your current location.
You can use your old license until your new one arrives. There is no temporary license or digital version. If your old license is lost or damaged before the new one arrives, contact the DMV when ready.
When you must renew in person instead
Visit a DMV office if your license expired more than two years ago. The online system will not process renewals beyond that window because Connecticut law requires a new vision test and updated photograph for licenses that have been expired for more than 24 months.
You also need an in-person appointment if you want to change your address, name, or any other information on your license. Bring your current license, proof of your new address (if changing address), and proof of your legal name (if changing name). Acceptable documents include a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or marriage certificate.
If you have a medical condition that affects your driving — vision problems, seizure disorder, or other conditions — you may have medical restrictions on your license. These restrictions can only be added, removed, or changed during an in-person visit, usually after you provide a medical evaluation form from your doctor.
Fees and payment methods for online renewal
Connecticut charges $72 for a five-year license and $96 for an eight-year license. These are the only two options available online. You pay by credit or debit card — Visa, Mastercard, American Express, or Discover — at the time you submit your renewal.
There are no additional fees for online renewal compared to renewing in person. However, if you need to make changes to your license information, you may face additional fees when you visit a DMV office. For example, a name change costs $20 in addition to the renewal fee.
The DMV does not accept cash, checks, or money orders for online renewal. If you do not have a credit or debit card, you must renew in person at a DMV office, where you can pay by cash, check, or card.
Tracking your renewed license and what to do if it does not arrive
After you complete your online renewal, you receive a confirmation email with a confirmation number. Save this email. The confirmation number is the only way to track your license if there is a problem.
Your license should arrive within 7 to 10 business days. If it does not arrive within 14 days, contact the Connecticut DMV at 860-263-5700 with your confirmation number. Have your driver's license number and Social Security number ready. The DMV can check the status of your order and reissue your license if it was lost in the mail.
If your new license arrives damaged or with incorrect information, contact the DMV when ready. Damaged licenses can be replaced at no charge. Incorrect information requires an in-person visit to correct the record and receive a new license.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Connecticut license online if it expired three years ago?
No. Connecticut's online renewal system only works if your license expired within the last two years. If it has been expired longer than that, you must schedule an in-person appointment at a DMV office. The DMV requires a new vision test and photograph for licenses expired more than 24 months.
What if I moved and need to change my address on my license?
You cannot change your address online. You must visit a DMV office in person and bring proof of your new address — a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days. You can renew your license at the same time if it is still valid or expired within two years.
Can I use my old license while I wait for my renewed license to arrive?
Yes. Your old license remains valid until your new one arrives. There is no temporary license or digital version. If your old license is lost or damaged before the new one arrives, contact the DMV when ready at 860-263-5700.
What if I made a mistake when I submitted my online renewal?
Once your payment processes, you cannot cancel or change your order through the website. Contact the Connecticut DMV at 860-263-5700 to discuss your options. Refunds are handled case by case and are not automatic.
Do I need to bring anything to the mailbox to receive my renewed license?
No. Your renewed license arrives by regular mail at the address on file with the DMV. You do not need to sign for it or present identification. If you recently moved, make sure your address is updated with the DMV before you renew, or your license will be mailed to your old address.