Connecticut requires you to replace a lost or damaged license in person at a DMV office, and the process takes about 15 minutes if you bring the right documents

Connecticut does not allow online or mail-in replacement for a lost or damaged driver's license. You must visit a DMV office in person, present identification, and pay a replacement fee. The state will issue you a new license with the same number and expiration date as your original, so you do not lose time on your license's validity. Most people complete the transaction in one visit.

The replacement fee is $20 for a standard license and $30 for a REAL ID-compliant license. You will receive your new license when ready at the counter — you do not have to wait for it to arrive by mail. If your license was damaged rather than lost, bring the damaged card with you; if it was lost, you will need to explain the circumstances, but Connecticut does not require a police report for a lost license.

Key Takeaways

  • You must replace your license in person at any Connecticut DMV office; online and mail-in replacement are not available.
  • Bring a valid passport, birth certificate, or other state ID, plus proof of your current address such as a utility bill or lease.
  • The replacement fee is $20 for a standard license or $30 for a REAL ID license, and you receive the new license when ready.
  • Your new license will have the same number and expiration date as your original, so you do not lose validity time.
  • If your license was damaged, bring the damaged card; if it was lost, you do not need a police report.

Documents you need to bring to the DMV

Connecticut requires two forms of identification to replace a lost or damaged license. One must be a primary ID — a valid U.S. passport, passport card, birth certificate, or another state's driver's license. The second can be a secondary ID such as a Social Security card, military ID, or school ID. If you do not have a passport or birth certificate, you can order one before your DMV visit, but this adds time to the overall process.

You also need proof of your current Connecticut address. The DMV accepts a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail dated within the last 60 days. A piece of mail with your name and address will work; it does not have to be an official document. If you have recently moved and do not yet have mail at your new address, bring a lease or utility bill in your name, or ask your landlord or utility company for a letter confirming your residency.

Bring your damaged license if you have it. If your license was lost, you do not need to file a police report first, though you may want to do so if you are concerned about identity theft. The DMV will process your replacement request without one.

Where to go and how to find your nearest DMV office

Connecticut operates DMV offices in multiple locations across the state. The main office is in Wethersfield, but there are branch offices in Danbury, Hamden, Waterbury, and Norwich. You can visit any of these offices; you do not have to go to the one closest to your home or the one where you originally obtained your license.

Find your nearest office and current hours on the Connecticut DMV website at ct.gov/dmv. The site lists each office's address, phone number, and hours of operation. Some offices have longer wait times than others, particularly in the morning and on Fridays. If you call ahead, staff can tell you how busy the office is at that moment, which can help you choose the best time to visit.

You do not need an appointment for a license replacement in Connecticut. Walk-ins are accepted at all DMV offices during regular business hours. However, if you prefer to schedule a time slot, you can reserve one through the DMV website, which may reduce your wait time.

What happens when you arrive at the DMV

When you arrive, take a number from the dispenser near the entrance and wait for your number to be called. Bring all your documents with you — your primary ID, secondary ID, proof of address, and your damaged license if you have it. Tell the DMV representative that you are replacing a lost or damaged license.

The representative will review your documents, verify your information in the system, and ask you to confirm your address and any other details on file. If your address has changed, update it now. You will then pay the replacement fee — $20 for a standard license or $30 for a REAL ID license — by cash, check, or card, depending on what the office accepts. Ask before you pay if you are unsure which payment methods are available.

The representative will take a new photo and print your replacement license on the spot. You will receive it when ready and can leave. The entire process usually takes 10 to 20 minutes if the office is not busy. Your new license will have the same license number and expiration date as your original, so you do not lose any validity.

REAL ID versus standard license: which one to replace

When you replace your license, you can choose to get a standard Connecticut license or a REAL ID-compliant license. A REAL ID license has a gold star in the upper right corner and meets federal identification standards for domestic air travel and entry to federal buildings. A standard license does not have the star and cannot be used as ID for domestic flights after May 7, 2025, though it remains valid for driving and other purposes.

If you plan to fly domestically or enter a federal building, a REAL ID license is worth the extra $10. To get a REAL ID license, you must bring the same documents as for a standard replacement — primary ID, secondary ID, and proof of address — plus proof of your Social Security number, such as a Social Security card or tax return. If you do not have proof of your Social Security number, you can still get a standard license and upgrade to REAL ID later.

Many people choose REAL ID when replacing their license because the extra cost is small and the document is more widely accepted. However, if you already have a passport or passport card, you do not need a REAL ID license for air travel, since a passport works for all the same purposes.

If your license was stolen or you suspect identity theft

If your license was stolen rather than straightforward lost, or if you are concerned that someone may use your license number fraudulently, consider filing a police report before or after your DMV visit. A police report creates an official record and can help if fraudulent activity appears on your credit report later. You do not need the report to replace your license, but it is useful documentation if you need to dispute charges or accounts opened in your name.

You may also want to place a fraud alert or credit freeze with the three major credit bureaus — Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion — to prevent someone from opening accounts in your name. This is a separate step from replacing your license and is not required by the DMV, but it is a common precaution when identity theft is a concern.

Connecticut does not charge you for replacing a license that was stolen, just as it does not for one that was lost. The $20 or $30 fee applies in both cases.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I replace my license if I have an outstanding ticket or fine?

Connecticut does not suspend license replacement for unpaid tickets or fines. You can replace your license regardless of outstanding violations. However, if your license itself has been suspended for a separate reason — such as a DUI conviction or failure to pay child support — you cannot replace it until the suspension is lifted. Contact the DMV to check your license status before visiting an office.

What if I lost my license out of state?

You can replace your Connecticut license at any Connecticut DMV office, even if you lost it while traveling. Bring the same documents you would need if you lost it in Connecticut — primary ID, secondary ID, and proof of your Connecticut address. You do not need to be physically in Connecticut to replace it, though you must visit a Connecticut DMV office in person.

How long does a replacement license last?

Your replacement license has the same expiration date as your original license. Connecticut licenses are valid for eight years for drivers under 65 and five years for drivers 65 and older. When your license expires, you will need to renew it separately through the DMV.

Can I get a temporary license while I wait?

Connecticut does not issue temporary paper licenses. You receive your replacement license when ready at the DMV counter, so there is no waiting period. If you need to drive before your visit, you can use your damaged license if it is still readable, or bring a certified copy of your birth certificate or passport as ID until you replace your license.

What if I cannot find my birth certificate or passport?

You can order a certified copy of your birth certificate from the Connecticut Department of Public Health or from the town clerk where you were born. This usually takes one to two weeks. If you have a valid passport, you can use that instead. If you have another state's driver's license, that also works as a primary ID. Contact the DMV office before your visit if you are unsure whether your documents will be accepted.