Where to Get a Replacement License in Connecticut

Connecticut's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) handles all driver's license replacements. You can replace your license in person at any DMV office, by mail, or through an online renewal if your license is still valid and you only need a duplicate. The method you choose depends on whether your license is expired, damaged, or straightforward lost.

If your license is lost or stolen, you should report it to local police and request a report number — some DMV offices ask for this when you explore. The DMV will issue you a new license with the same number as your original, so you don't need to worry about your license number changing.

Key Takeaways

  • Connecticut DMV offices accept replacement requests in person, by mail, or online if your license is still valid and not expired.
  • You will need a valid form of identification, proof of Connecticut residency, and the replacement fee, which varies depending on how much time remains on your current license.
  • In-person replacements typically take 10 to 15 minutes, while mail requests take two to three weeks and online renewals take five to seven business days.
  • If your license is expired, you must renew it rather than straightforward replace it, which requires an in-person visit and a vision test.
  • A police report is not required to replace a lost license, but having one can speed up the process if the DMV suspects fraud.

What You Need to Bring to the DMV

For an in-person replacement, bring a valid form of identification such as a passport, military ID, or state ID card. You will also need proof that you live in Connecticut — a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days works. The DMV accepts documents in your name or jointly with a spouse.

Bring your Social Security card or a document showing your Social Security number, such as a W-2 or tax return. If you don't have your Social Security card, you can bring a birth certificate, naturalization papers, or an employment authorization document instead. You will also need to pay the replacement fee at the time of your visit.

If you are replacing a license that was damaged rather than lost, bring the damaged license itself. The DMV will keep it and issue you a new one. If you lost your license and don't have it, straightforward tell the DMV staff — they will process the replacement without it.

Replacement Fees and How Much Time Remains on Your License

Connecticut charges different fees depending on how much validity your current license has left. If your license expires within one year, the replacement fee is $20. If it expires between one and two years from now, the fee is $40. If it expires more than two years away, the fee is $60.

The DMV calculates the fee based on your current license's expiration date, not the date you explore. So if your license expires in eight months, you pay $20 even if you replace it today. This means it sometimes makes sense to wait until closer to your expiration date to replace a lost license, since you will pay less — but only if you don't need the license urgently.

In-Person Replacement at a DMV Office

Walk into any Connecticut DMV office during business hours with your documents and fee. Most offices are open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., though some have extended hours on certain days. Saturday hours vary by location, so check the DMV website for your nearest office before you go.

You will take a number and wait your turn. The process itself takes 10 to 15 minutes once you reach the window. The DMV will take a new photo and print your replacement license on the spot. You will walk out with your new license the same day.

No appointment is required, but arriving early in the morning or mid-week typically means shorter waits. If you go on a Friday afternoon or Saturday, expect to wait longer. Some DMV offices are busier than others — the DMV website shows wait times for each location.

Replacement by Mail

If your license is not expired and you only need a duplicate, you can mail your request to the DMV. Fill out form B-43 (process for Duplicate License), include a copy of your proof of residency and a valid ID, and mail it with your fee to the address listed on the form. You can find form B-43 on the Connecticut DMV website.

Mail your request to the DMV address shown on the form. Processing takes two to three weeks from the date the DMV receives your envelope. Your new license will arrive by mail at the address on file. If you need your license faster, use the in-person or online method instead.

The mail method works only if your license is still valid. If your license is expired, you must visit a DMV office in person because Connecticut requires a new photo and a vision test for renewals.

Online Replacement for Valid Licenses

If your current license is not expired, you can request a duplicate online through the Connecticut DMV website. Log in with your driver's license number and date of birth, answer a few security questions, and pay the fee by credit or debit card. The DMV will mail your replacement license to your address on file.

Online requests take five to seven business days to process. Your new license will arrive in the mail within that timeframe. This method is the fastest option if you don't need your license when ready and your current license is still valid.

The online system works only for duplicates of valid licenses. If your license is expired or suspended, you cannot use this method — you must visit a DMV office.

What to Do If Your License Is Expired

If your license has already expired, you cannot straightforward replace it — you must renew it instead. Renewal requires an in-person visit to a DMV office because Connecticut law requires a new photo and a vision test. You cannot renew by mail or online.

Bring the same documents you would for a replacement: valid ID, proof of residency, and your Social Security card or equivalent. The fee for renewal depends on how long you want your new license to be valid — typically three, five, or eight years. Renewal fees range from $60 to $120 depending on the term you choose.

The vision test takes a few minutes and is performed at the DMV office. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them with you. If you fail the vision test, the DMV will not issue your license until you provide a letter from an eye doctor saying you can see well enough to drive safely.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get a replacement license in Connecticut?

In-person replacements are issued the same day, taking 10 to 15 minutes at the window. Mail requests take two to three weeks. Online requests for valid licenses take five to seven business days. If your license is expired, you must renew in person, which also takes 10 to 15 minutes but requires a vision test.

Can I drive while I wait for my replacement license?

If you received your replacement license in person at the DMV, you can drive when ready — you leave with the new license in hand. If you ordered by mail or online, you cannot legally drive until your replacement arrives, since you no longer have a valid license. Consider visiting a DMV office if you need to drive before your replacement arrives by mail.

What if I lost my license out of state?

You can still replace it through Connecticut DMV by mail or online if it is not expired. If you are in Connecticut and need to drive, visit any DMV office with your documents. If you are out of state and need a license quickly, contact the DMV by phone to ask about expedited options.

Do I need a police report to replace a lost license?

No, a police report is not required. However, if you suspect your license was stolen and used fraudulently, filing a report and providing the report number to the DMV can help protect you. The DMV may investigate if they see suspicious activity on your license record.

Can someone else pick up my replacement license for me?

If you ordered by mail or online, your license arrives at your address on file — no one needs to pick it up. If you ordered in person but cannot return to the DMV to collect it, contact the DMV office directly to ask about mailing options or having someone else retrieve it on your behalf.