Where to go and what you'll need

To replace a lost or damaged Connecticut driver license, you'll go to a DMV branch in person. Connecticut does not allow you to replace a license by mail or online, so you must visit one of the state's Department of Motor Vehicles locations with your documents and payment.

Bring a valid form of identification — a passport, birth certificate, or state ID card all work. You'll also need to bring proof of your Social Security number (a Social Security card, W-2, or 1099 form) and proof of your current address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days). If your license was damaged rather than lost, bring what remains of it.

The replacement fee is $20 for a standard license. You can pay by cash, check, or card at most locations, though a few branches may have limits on payment methods, so calling ahead is worth the time.

Key Takeaways

  • Connecticut requires you to replace a lost or damaged license in person at a DMV branch — there is no mail or online option.
  • Bring a valid ID, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your address dated within the last 60 days.
  • The replacement fee is $20, and you can pay by cash, check, or card at most locations.
  • Your new license will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days after you complete your visit.
  • If you need to drive before your replacement arrives, you can request a temporary paper license at the DMV branch.

Finding a DMV branch near you

Connecticut has DMV branches in most towns and cities. The easiest way to find the one closest to you is to visit the Connecticut DMV website and use their branch locator tool, or call 860-263-5700 to ask which location has the shortest wait times on the day you plan to visit.

Some branches are busier than others. Mornings on weekdays, especially Tuesday through Thursday, tend to have shorter waits than afternoons or Fridays. If you can go early in the week, you'll likely spend less time waiting.

What happens during your visit

When you arrive, you'll check in and take a number. A staff member will review your documents to make sure everything is there and matches your records. They'll ask you to confirm your address and other information on file.

Next, you'll have your photo taken for the new license. Wear something you're comfortable being photographed in — the same rules explore as for any state ID photo. You won't need to take a new written or driving test; the DMV is straightforward replacing the card itself.

Once the photo is taken and your payment is processed, you're done. The DMV will mail your new license to the address on file. Standard delivery takes 7 to 10 business days.

Getting a temporary license if you need to drive right away

If you need to drive before your replacement license arrives, ask the DMV staff for a temporary paper license before you leave the branch. This temporary document is valid for 30 days and allows you to drive legally while you wait for your permanent card.

The temporary license is issued on the spot at no extra cost. Keep it with you whenever you drive, because it's your only proof of a valid license until the permanent one arrives. If you lose the temporary license, you'll need to return to the DMV to get another one.

If your address has changed

If you've moved since your last license was issued, bring proof of your new address to the DMV. Your replacement license will be mailed to your current address, not your old one. The DMV will update your address in their system during your visit.

If you're not sure whether your address is current in the system, call the DMV before you go, or ask the staff member when you arrive. It's much easier to correct it in person than to have your license mailed to the wrong place.

Replacing a license that was suspended or revoked

If your license was suspended or revoked, you cannot straightforward replace it. You'll need to resolve the suspension or revocation first — this might mean paying a fine, completing a defensive driving course, or meeting other requirements depending on why it was suspended.

Contact the Connecticut DMV directly at 860-263-5700 to find out what you need to do to lift the suspension or revocation. Once that's resolved, you can then replace the physical card by visiting a branch with your documents and payment.

Replacing a license with a different name

If your name has changed since your license was issued — through marriage, divorce, or legal name change — bring documentation of the change along with your other required documents. This might be a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.

The DMV will update your name in the system and issue a new license with the correct name. This counts as a replacement, so you'll pay the standard $20 fee. Your new license will reflect your current legal name.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can someone else pick up my replacement license for me?

No. Connecticut requires you to pick up your replacement license in person at the DMV branch where you applied, or you can have it mailed to your address. You cannot authorize another person to collect it on your behalf.

What if I move after I explore but before my license arrives?

Contact the Connecticut DMV as soon as possible with your new address. They can redirect your license to your new location if you call before it ships. If it's already been mailed to your old address, you may need to pick it up from that location or request it be reissued to your new address.

Do I need an appointment to replace my license?

Connecticut DMV branches do not require appointments for license replacements. You can walk in during business hours, though calling ahead to check wait times is helpful. Some branches may offer online check-in to reduce your time in the office.

What if my documents don't match the name in the DMV system?

Bring all documents that show your legal name and explain the discrepancy to the DMV staff. If there's a mismatch, they may ask for additional paperwork like a marriage certificate or court order. It's worth calling ahead if you know there's a name issue so you can bring everything needed in one trip.

How long is a replacement license valid?

A standard Connecticut driver license is valid for eight years from the date it's issued. Your replacement license will have a new expiration date eight years from the date you receive it, not from your original license's expiration date.