How to Replace a Lost Connecticut Driver's License

The fastest way to replace your lost Connecticut license

You can replace a lost Connecticut driver's license in person at any DMV office, by mail, or online through the Connecticut DMV portal — but the method you choose depends on whether you need the license quickly and whether you want to renew your photo at the same time. The in-person route takes about 30 minutes and you walk out with a temporary license the same day. Mail takes 7 to 10 business days. Online replacement is available only if your license hasn't expired and you don't need a new photo, and it produces a digital license you can use when ready on your phone while the physical card arrives by mail.

Connecticut charges a replacement fee of $20 for a standard license. You'll need to bring proof of identity (your Social Security card, birth certificate, or passport), proof of Connecticut residency (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days), and your signature. If you're replacing a license that was suspended or revoked, you cannot use the online or mail method — you must go to a DMV office in person.

Key Takeaways

In-person replacement at a Connecticut DMV office takes about 30 minutes and gives you a temporary license to use when ready.
Mail replacement costs $20 and takes 7 to 10 business days, and requires the same documents as in-person replacement.
Online replacement through the Connecticut DMV website works only if your license hasn't expired and you don't need a new photo.
You must bring proof of identity, proof of residency dated within 60 days, and be ready to sign; Social Security card, birth certificate, or passport all work for identity.
If your license was suspended or revoked, you must replace it in person at a DMV office, not by mail or online.

In-person replacement at a Connecticut DMV office

Walk into any Connecticut DMV office with your documents and you can replace your license on the spot. The office will take your photo, verify your identity and residency, collect the $20 fee, and issue you a temporary paper license valid for 30 days. Your permanent plastic license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. This method is the only one that lets you update your photo if your license photo is outdated or if you straightforward want a new one.

Connecticut DMV offices are located in Wethersfield (main office), Danbury, Hamden, Waterbury, and Norwich. You do not need an appointment at most locations, but wait times vary — the Wethersfield office typically has longer lines during mid-morning and mid-afternoon. Check the Connecticut DMV website for current hours at each location before you go. Bring your documents in original form; photocopies of your birth certificate or passport are not accepted, though a photocopy of a utility bill for residency proof is fine.

Mail replacement without a new photo

If you don't need a new photo and your license hasn't expired, you can mail your replacement request to the Connecticut DMV. Send a completed Form DL-43 (process for Duplicate License), a copy of your proof of identity, a copy of your proof of residency, and a check or money order for $20 to the Connecticut DMV, 60 State Street, Wethersfield, CT 06161. Include a note stating that your license was lost.

Processing takes 7 to 10 business days from the date the DMV receives your envelope. Your new license will arrive by mail at the address you provide. This method works well if you're not in a hurry and don't mind waiting, but you won't have a temporary license during the replacement period — if you need to drive before your new license arrives, you'll need to use the in-person method instead.

Online replacement through the Connecticut DMV portal

The Connecticut DMV allows online replacement if your current license has not expired and you don't need a new photo. Log into your account on the Connecticut DMV website, select "Replace License" from the menu, confirm your personal information, pay the $20 fee by credit or debit card, and submit. You'll receive a digital license on your phone within minutes that you can show to police or use for age verification at businesses that accept digital IDs.

Your physical license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. The digital license is valid in Connecticut and is increasingly accepted by retailers and law enforcement, though some businesses and officers may still ask for the physical card. If your license has expired or if you need a new photo, you cannot use this method — you must go in person or use the mail method with a new photo process (Form DL-44).

What to bring: documents and proof requirements

Connecticut requires three categories of documents for any replacement method. First, proof of identity: your Social Security card, birth certificate, U.S. passport, or military ID. Second, proof of residency dated within the last 60 days: a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or insurance bill showing your current Connecticut address. Third, your signature — you'll sign in person at the DMV office, or your signature on the mail form counts as your signature for mail and online methods.

Bring originals of your identity document and residency proof. The DMV will not accept photocopies of a birth certificate or passport, but a photocopy of a utility bill or lease is acceptable for residency. If you're using the mail method, you can send photocopies of everything except your identity document — send a copy of your birth certificate or passport, not the original. Do not send cash by mail; use a check or money order.

Suspended or revoked licenses: in-person only

If your Connecticut license was suspended or revoked, you cannot replace it by mail or online. You must go to a DMV office in person. The DMV staff will verify the reason for the suspension or revocation and may require additional documents or payment before issuing a replacement. Common reasons for suspension include unpaid traffic fines, failure to pay child support, or medical conditions reported to the DMV.

Call the Connecticut DMV at 860-263-5700 before you visit to confirm what documents you need to bring and whether any fines or fees must be paid. Bring proof of payment if you've already settled the underlying issue. The replacement process itself is the same — you'll receive a temporary license on the spot and your permanent license by mail — but the DMV may take longer to process your case if they need to verify that the suspension or revocation has been lifted.

Timeline and what to expect after you explore

If you replace your license in person, you leave the DMV office with a temporary paper license valid for 30 days. This temporary license has the same legal standing as a permanent license for driving purposes. Your permanent plastic license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. If it doesn't arrive within that window, contact the Connecticut DMV to check the status.

If you replace by mail or online, your temporary or digital license is available when ready (online) or you have no temporary license at all (mail). Your permanent license arrives within 7 to 10 business days. If you chose the mail method and need to drive before your new license arrives, you'll have no legal document to show — you should have gone in person instead. Track your replacement by calling the DMV or checking your account on the Connecticut DMV website if you used the online method.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I replace my license if it expired?

You can replace an expired license in person or by mail using the standard replacement process. Online replacement is not available for expired licenses — you must choose in-person or mail. If you're replacing an expired license in person, the DMV will issue you a new license with a new expiration date, typically eight years from the replacement date.

What if I lost my license out of state?

You can still replace your Connecticut license by mail or online from anywhere. If you need a temporary license to drive when ready, you'll need to travel back to Connecticut to visit a DMV office in person, or you can request an expedited replacement by calling the Connecticut DMV at 860-263-5700 to ask about rush processing options.

Do I need to report my lost license to the police?

Connecticut does not require you to file a police report for a lost driver's license. However, if you believe your license was stolen and you're concerned about identity theft, you can file a report with local police and consider placing a fraud alert with the credit bureaus. The DMV replacement process itself does not depend on a police report.

Can someone else pick up my replacement license for me?

No. If you replace your license by mail, it arrives at the address you provide on your process. If you replace in person, you must be present to receive the temporary license and sign the process. You cannot authorize someone else to pick up your license at a DMV office.

How much does replacement cost?

Connecticut charges $20 to replace a lost driver's license, regardless of whether you replace in person, by mail, or online. This is the same fee for all three methods. If you need expedited processing, call the DMV to ask whether rush fees explore.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.