What you need before you start
Connecticut lets you renew your driver's license online through the DMV website if your license is not expired more than five years and you have no medical suspensions or restrictions that changed. You will need your current Connecticut driver's license number, your Social Security number, and a valid email address. The state will mail your new license to the address on file — you cannot pick it up in person when you renew online.
Before you begin, check that your address is current. If you have moved since your last renewal, you will need to update your address through the DMV's online system first, or the new license will go to your old location. You can do this on the same visit to the DMV website.
The renewal costs $72 for an eight-year license (the standard term in Connecticut). You will pay by credit card or debit card during the online process. There is no additional fee for online renewal — it costs the same as renewing in person at a DMV office.
Key Takeaways
- You can renew online only if your license expired five years ago or more recently, and you have no medical holds or changed restrictions.
- The Connecticut DMV website processes your renewal and charges $72 to your credit or debit card when ready.
- Your new license will be mailed to the address currently on file with the DMV, so update your address before you renew if you have moved.
- The entire online process takes about 10 to 15 minutes, and your new license typically arrives within two to three weeks.
Step-by-step: the online renewal process
Go to ct.gov/dmv and look for the "Renew Your License Online" link on the homepage. Click it and you will land on the Connecticut DMV's renewal portal. You will see a button that says "Start Your Renewal" — click that to begin.
The system will ask you to enter your driver's license number and your date of birth to pull up your record. Once it finds your file, you will review your personal information: name, address, height, eye color, and any restrictions or endorsements on your license. If anything is wrong, you can correct it before you submit. If your address has changed, update it now — this is your final note to fix it before the new license is printed.
Next, you will answer a few yes-or-no questions about your health and driving record. These questions ask whether you have any new medical conditions, whether you have been convicted of a traffic offense since your last renewal, and whether your vision or hearing has changed. Answer honestly — the DMV cross-checks these answers against court records and medical reports. If you answer yes to any question, the system will tell you that you cannot renew online and will direct you to a DMV office instead.
Once you confirm your information and answer the health questions, you will enter your payment information. The system accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover. After your payment goes through, you will receive a confirmation number on screen and by email. Write down or save the confirmation number — you may need it if you have questions about your renewal.
What happens after you submit
The DMV processes online renewals within one business day. You will receive an email confirmation that your renewal was received. Your new license will be printed and mailed to the address on file, usually within two to three weeks. During busy periods — typically late summer and early fall — mailing can take up to four weeks.
You can continue to drive on your current license while you wait for the new one to arrive. Your old license remains valid until it expires, even after you have renewed online. There is no temporary license or digital version issued for online renewals.
If your new license does not arrive within four weeks, you can check the status by calling the DMV at 860-263-5700. Have your confirmation number ready. The DMV can tell you whether the license was mailed and can reissue it if it was lost in the mail.
When you cannot renew online
If your license expired more than five years ago, you must renew in person at a DMV office. The online system will reject your renewal and tell you to visit a location near you. Bring your current license, proof of residency (a utility bill or lease), and your Social Security card or a document showing your Social Security number.
If you answered yes to any of the health or driving record questions, the system will not let you finish online. You will need to go to a DMV office to discuss the issue with a staff member. Bring documentation of any medical treatment or court records related to your answers. The DMV may require a vision test, a medical evaluation, or a new written test depending on what changed.
If your address on file is a P.O. box or if you have no address on file, you cannot renew online. You must visit a DMV office in person and provide a physical street address where the license can be mailed.
Updating your address before renewal
If you have moved since your last license was issued, update your address before you renew. Go to ct.gov/dmv and select "Change Your Address Online." You will enter your license number and date of birth, then type in your new address. The system will confirm the change when ready. Once your address is updated, you can proceed with your online renewal and your new license will go to the correct location.
If you do not update your address and you renew online, your new license will be mailed to your old address. You can request a replacement at a DMV office, but this takes extra time and costs an additional fee.
If something goes wrong during renewal
If your payment is declined, the system will tell you when ready and will not process your renewal. Try again with a different card, or call the DMV at 860-263-5700 to renew by phone instead. Phone renewals take longer — you will speak to a staff member who will walk you through the same questions and process, and it may take several days to complete.
If the system says your license is ineligible for online renewal but you believe it should be, call the DMV to discuss. Sometimes the system flags a record incorrectly, and a staff member can override it or explain what needs to happen before you can renew online. Have your license number and confirmation number ready if you have one.
If you lose your confirmation number, you can retrieve it by calling the DMV. They will look up your renewal by your license number and date of birth and can resend the confirmation email or give you the number over the phone.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew online if my license is suspended?
No. If your license is suspended for any reason — unpaid fines, medical holds, or a court order — the online system will reject your renewal. You must resolve the suspension first by paying fines, getting medical clearance, or satisfying the court order. Then contact the DMV to confirm the suspension is lifted before you try to renew online.
What if I need my new license before it arrives in the mail?
You can visit a DMV office and request an expedited replacement, but this costs extra and requires you to go in person. Your current license is still valid to drive with until it expires, so you can use it for identification in the meantime. If you need a license for a specific important date, call the DMV at 860-263-5700 to ask about rush processing options.
Do I need to take a new photo for an online renewal?
No. Online renewals use your photo from your current license. The DMV will not take a new photo unless you visit an office in person. If you want a new photo, you must renew at a DMV office instead of online.
Can I renew online if I changed my name?
No. If your name has changed since your last license was issued, you must renew in person at a DMV office. Bring your current license, proof of the name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order), and your Social Security card. The DMV will take a new photo and issue a license with your updated name.
What if I moved out of state after renewing online?
Your Connecticut license will still be mailed to the address you provided, even if you have moved out of state. If you have relocated permanently, contact the DMV before you renew and update your address to your new state address if possible. Otherwise, have the license forwarded to you, or visit a DMV office in person to update your information and get a replacement mailed to your new location.