What you need before you start
Connecticut lets you renew your driver's license online if your license is still valid or expired less than two years ago. You'll need your current Connecticut 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've moved since your last license was issued, update your address through the DMV website first, or your new license will go to the old address. You can change your address online at the same time you renew, but doing it separately first prevents delays.
The online renewal system works only during business hours — typically 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on weekdays. If you try outside those hours, the system will not process your request.
Key Takeaways
- You can renew online only if your license is still valid or expired within the last two years.
- The Connecticut DMV website is where you start the renewal; you'll need your license number and Social Security number.
- Your new license will be mailed to your address on file, so update your address first if you've moved.
- The renewal fee is paid by credit card or debit card during the online process.
- Your new license typically arrives within 7 to 10 business days after approval.
Step-by-step renewal process
Go to ct.gov/dmv and look for the "Renew Your License Online" link on the homepage. Click it to enter the Connecticut DMV's online renewal portal. You'll be asked to enter your driver's license number and the last four digits of your Social Security number to verify your identity.
Review the information the system displays — your name, date of birth, address, and current license details. If anything is wrong, stop and contact the DMV by phone at 860-263-5700 before continuing. Errors on your new license are harder to fix after it's printed.
Confirm that you still meet Connecticut's vision and medical requirements. The system will ask whether your vision is correctable to 20/40 in each eye and whether you have any medical conditions that affect your ability to drive. Answer honestly; false answers can result in license suspension.
Choose whether you want a standard license or a REAL ID-compliant license. A REAL ID license has a gold star in the upper right corner and is required for domestic air travel starting in 2025. If you don't have a REAL ID yet and want one, you'll need to provide additional documents — the online system will tell you which ones and you can upload them during renewal.
Paying the renewal fee
Connecticut charges $72 for a six-year driver's license renewal. The system accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover. Enter your card information on the find payment page — the site uses encryption to protect your data.
After payment is processed, you'll receive a confirmation number on screen. Write it down or take a screenshot. The system will also email a confirmation to the address you provided. Keep this confirmation until your new license arrives.
If your payment is declined, check that your card details are correct and that your bank hasn't flagged the transaction as suspicious. Some banks block online government payments by default. Call your bank to authorize the charge, then return to the DMV website and try again.
What happens after you submit
The DMV typically processes online renewals within one to two business days. You'll receive an email confirming that your renewal was approved. This email is not your license — it's just a receipt.
Your physical license will be printed and mailed to the address on file. Standard mail delivery takes 7 to 10 business days from the date of approval. If you don't receive it within two weeks, contact the DMV with your confirmation number.
While you're waiting, your old license remains valid. You can continue to use it for driving and identification until the new one arrives. There is no temporary license issued for online renewals.
If your license is expired more than two years
The online system will reject your renewal if your license has been expired for more than two years. In that case, you must renew in person at a DMV office. Bring your expired license, proof of Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2, or tax return), and proof of address (utility bill or lease dated within 60 days).
You can schedule an appointment online at ct.gov/dmv to avoid waiting in line. Walk-ins are accepted, but appointment holders are seen first. In-person renewal takes about 30 minutes and costs the same $72 fee.
If you need a REAL ID and don't have documents ready
A REAL ID requires proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, and proof of address — all submitted in person or uploaded during online renewal. If you're renewing online and want a REAL ID but don't have these documents scanned and ready, you have two options.
First, you can complete the online renewal for a standard license now, then visit a DMV office later to upgrade to REAL ID. You'll pay an additional $30 upgrade fee. Second, you can stop the online renewal, gather your documents, and start over — the system will let you upload them during the process.
Acceptable documents for REAL ID include a birth certificate, passport, or naturalization certificate for identity; a Social Security card, W-2, or tax return for Social Security number; and a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within 60 days for address. The DMV website has a full list at ct.gov/dmv under "REAL ID Documents".
Troubleshooting common problems
If the system says your license number is invalid, double-check that you entered it correctly. Your license number is the eight-digit number on the front of your card, not your Social Security number. If you still get an error, your license may be suspended or revoked — call the DMV at 860-263-5700 to check your status before trying again.
If you get an error message about your address, it usually means the DMV's records don't match what you entered. Try entering your address exactly as it appears on your current license, including abbreviations and punctuation. If that doesn't work, update your address through the DMV website first, wait 24 hours, then try renewal again.
If your payment goes through but you don't receive a confirmation email within a few hours, check your spam folder. If it's not there, log back into the renewal portal with your license number and Social Security number — the system will show whether your renewal was processed. If the portal shows no record, try the payment again.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew online if my license is suspended or revoked?
No. The online system will reject your renewal if your license status is anything other than valid or expired. You must resolve the suspension or revocation through the DMV before you can renew. Call 860-263-5700 to find out what's required.
What if I moved and my address on file is wrong?
Update your address on the DMV website before you start the renewal. Go to ct.gov/dmv, find the address change option, and submit it. Wait 24 hours for the change to process, then begin your online renewal. Your new license will be mailed to the updated address.
Can I renew if I'm out of state or out of the country?
Yes, as long as your license is still valid or expired within two years. The online system doesn't check your location. Your new license will be mailed to the Connecticut address on file, so make sure someone can receive it or use a mail forwarding service.
How long does the new license take to arrive?
Most new licenses arrive within 7 to 10 business days after approval. Approval itself usually takes 1 to 2 business days. If you don't receive it within two weeks of approval, contact the DMV with your confirmation number and they can track it.
Do I need to take a new photo for online renewal?
No. The DMV uses your photo from your current license. If you want a new photo, you must renew in person at a DMV office instead.