Connecticut DMV will issue you a replacement learner's permit at no charge if you report it lost before it expires

If your Connecticut learner's permit is lost, stolen, or damaged, the DMV will replace it without charging you a fee. You do not need to retake the written test or the vision screening. You will need to visit a DMV office in person with proof of identity and proof of Connecticut residency, and you will receive a replacement permit on the same day in most cases.

The replacement permit is valid for the same expiration date as your original permit. If your original permit has already expired, you cannot get a replacement — you would need to explore for a new learner's permit and pass the written test again. The key difference is timing: a lost permit reported while still valid is replaced; an expired permit requires you to start over.

Key Takeaways

  • Report your lost permit to the DMV in person at any Connecticut DMV office; there is no phone or online reporting system for lost permits.
  • Bring a government-issued photo ID (passport, state ID, or military ID) and proof of Connecticut residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days).
  • The replacement permit costs nothing and is issued the same day, valid through your original expiration date.
  • If your original permit has expired, you must pass the written test again to get a new learner's permit; a replacement is not an option.

What documents you need to bring to the DMV

Connecticut DMV requires two pieces of documentation to issue a replacement learner's permit. First, you need a government-issued photo ID. A U.S. passport, Connecticut state ID card, military ID, or tribal ID all work. A school ID or work ID does not.

Second, you need proof that you live in Connecticut. The DMV accepts a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or insurance policy — any document showing your current name and Connecticut address, dated within the last 60 days. A bill in someone else's name will not work, even if you live there.

Bring the originals, not copies. The DMV staff will examine them at the counter. You do not need to bring your old permit card if you have lost it, though if you still have it, bring it along — it can speed up the process.

Which DMV office to visit and how long it takes

Connecticut has six full-service DMV offices where you can report a lost permit and receive a replacement. They are located in Wethersfield (headquarters), Waterbury, Norwich, Danbury, Stamford, and Norwalk. You can visit any of them; there is no requirement to go to the office in your town.

Wait times vary by location and time of day. The Wethersfield office typically has longer waits than regional branches. Visiting early in the morning on a weekday (Tuesday through Thursday) usually means a shorter wait than afternoons or Fridays. The DMV does not take appointments for permit replacement, so you will be served on a first-come, first-served basis.

Most people receive their replacement permit within 30 to 45 minutes of arriving, though this can stretch to two hours during peak times. The permit is printed on-site and given to you before you leave the office.

What happens if your permit has already expired

If your original learner's permit expired before you reported it lost, the DMV will not issue a replacement. Instead, you must explore for a new learner's permit. This means taking the written test again and passing a vision screening.

You can take the written test at any DMV office. The test covers Connecticut traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You have 30 days from the date you pass the vision screening to pass the written test; if you do not pass within that window, you must repeat the vision screening.

There is a fee for a new learner's permit. As of 2024, Connecticut charges $75 for a learner's permit valid for two years. This is different from a replacement, which is free.

If you lose your permit a second time

Connecticut does not limit the number of times you can report a permit lost and receive a replacement, as long as the original permit has not expired. Each replacement is free and issued the same day.

However, if you report a permit lost multiple times in a short period, DMV staff may ask questions about what happened. If there is a pattern of loss or suspected fraud, the DMV can deny a replacement and require you to explore for a new permit instead. This is rare, but it is worth keeping your replacement permit in a safe place once you receive it.

Driving while waiting for your replacement

You cannot legally drive with a lost learner's permit, even if you have reported it to the DMV and are waiting for the replacement. A learner's permit is a physical card that must be in your possession while driving. Without it, you are driving without a valid license, which is a violation in Connecticut.

You must wait until you receive your replacement permit before you drive again. This is why visiting the DMV in person is important — you get the replacement the same day and can resume driving when ready after you leave the office.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I report my lost permit over the phone or online?

No. Connecticut DMV requires you to report a lost permit in person at a DMV office. There is no phone or online reporting system. You must visit an office with your ID and proof of residency to receive a replacement.

What if I lost my permit out of state?

You can still get a replacement by visiting any Connecticut DMV office when you return to the state. Bring your ID and proof of Connecticut residency. The replacement is free and valid through your original expiration date, regardless of where you lost it.

Do I have to retake the written test to get a replacement?

No. A replacement permit does not require you to retake any test. You only need to provide ID and proof of residency. The written test is required only if your original permit has expired and you are explore for a new one.

How long is a replacement permit valid?

A replacement permit is valid through the same expiration date as your original permit. If your original was set to expire in six months, your replacement will also expire in six months. You do not get a new two-year term.

What if I find my original permit after I get a replacement?

You can keep both. Connecticut does not require you to destroy or return the original. However, you should use only the replacement permit for driving. If you are stopped by police, show the replacement, which is the current valid card in the system.