Get a replacement license by visiting the DMV in person with proof of identity and residency

Connecticut's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) issues replacement licenses for lost, stolen, or damaged cards. You cannot order one by mail or online — you must appear in person at a DMV office with the right documents. The process takes about 30 minutes once you arrive, though wait times vary by location and time of day.

A replacement license costs $36 and is valid for the same expiration date as your original license. If your original license expired more than five years ago, you will need to renew it instead of replacing it, which involves a written test and a new photo. This guide covers replacement only — the faster path when your current license is straightforward lost or stolen.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit a DMV office in person with a valid photo ID and proof of Connecticut residency to get a replacement license.
  • Bring your Social Security number or a document showing it, because the DMV will verify it during the replacement process.
  • The replacement fee is $36, paid by cash, debit card, or credit card at the DMV office.
  • Your new license will have the same expiration date as your original license, so you do not lose time on your current validity period.
  • If your original license expired more than five years ago, you cannot replace it — you must renew instead, which requires a written test.

What documents you need to bring

Bring one valid photo ID and one proof of Connecticut residency. The photo ID can be a passport, a military ID, a state ID card, or an out-of-state driver's license. The residency proof must show your current Connecticut address and can be a utility bill, a lease, a mortgage statement, a bank statement, or a property tax bill. All documents must be current — utility bills and bank statements should be from the last 60 days.

You will also need your Social Security number. If you do not have it memorized, bring a document that shows it: a Social Security card, a W-2, a tax return, or a 1099 form. The DMV will not accept a photo of these documents — bring the original or a certified copy.

If you have changed your name since your original license was issued, bring a certified copy of the document that proves the change: a marriage certificate, a divorce decree, or a court order. A certified copy means the document has been stamped and signed by the issuing office, not a photocopy you made yourself.

Finding a DMV office and scheduling an appointment

Connecticut has DMV offices in Wethersfield, Danbury, Waterbury, Norwich, and Stamford. You can find the full list and hours on the Connecticut DMV website at ct.gov/dmv. Walk-ins are accepted, but appointment slots fill up quickly, especially in the morning and on Fridays. Scheduling an appointment online through the DMV website usually cuts your wait time in half.

To schedule an appointment, go to ct.gov/dmv, select "Schedule an Appointment," and choose the office closest to you. Pick a date and time slot, then confirm your appointment. You will receive a confirmation number — write it down or take a screenshot. Bring this number with you to the office.

If you cannot find an appointment slot online, call the DMV at 860-263-5700. The phone line is open Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Have your name, date of birth, and current license number ready when you call. Wait times on the phone can be long during midday hours — calling early morning or late afternoon usually connects you faster.

What happens at the DMV office

Arrive 10 minutes early with all your documents. Check in at the front desk and give the staff member your confirmation number if you have an appointment. They will verify your documents and take a new photo for your replacement license. The photo will be taken at the DMV — you cannot bring your own.

You will then pay the $36 replacement fee. The DMV accepts cash, debit cards, and credit cards. After payment, you will receive a receipt with a temporary license number that you can use when ready if you need to drive before your physical card arrives. This temporary number is valid for 30 days.

Your replacement license will be mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days. If you need to update your mailing address before you leave the office, tell the staff member — they can change it in the system before your card is printed. If your address changes after you leave, you can update it online at ct.gov/dmv or by visiting another DMV office.

If your license was stolen and you suspect fraud

If your license was stolen rather than lost, consider filing a report with the Connecticut State Police. This creates an official record that your license was taken without your permission. You do not need a police report to get a replacement license, but having one protects you if someone uses your stolen license to commit fraud.

To file a report, call the non-emergency line for your local police department or visit the State Police website at ct.gov/despp. Provide your name, license number, and the date you discovered it was missing. The police will give you a report number — keep this for your records.

If you discover fraudulent activity on your credit report or receive bills for accounts you did not open, contact the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) and place a fraud alert on your credit file. This alerts lenders to verify your identity before opening new accounts in your name.

Renewing instead of replacing if your license is expired

If your original license expired more than five years ago, the DMV will not issue a replacement — you must renew it instead. Renewal requires a written test on Connecticut traffic laws and road signs, a vision test, and a new photo. The renewal fee is $72 and the process takes longer than a straightforward replacement.

To renew, visit a DMV office with the same documents listed above (photo ID, residency proof, and Social Security number). You can schedule an appointment online or call 860-263-5700. Bring a study guide for the written test — the DMV provides one free on its website at ct.gov/dmv under "Study Materials." Most people spend 20 to 30 minutes studying before taking the test.

If your license expired fewer than five years ago, you can still replace it using the process described in this guide. The expiration date does not matter for replacement — only the five-year threshold does.

What to do if you cannot visit in person

Connecticut law requires you to appear in person for a replacement license — there is no mail-in or proxy option. If you are unable to visit a DMV office due to a medical condition or disability, call 860-263-5700 and ask about accommodations. The DMV may be able to arrange a visit at a different location or provide other options depending on your situation.

If you are out of state temporarily, you can still visit a Connecticut DMV office when you return. Your temporary license number (from your receipt) is valid for 30 days and can be used to drive during that time. If you need to drive before returning to Connecticut, contact your current state's DMV about a temporary license or permit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my temporary license number to drive right away?

Yes. The temporary number printed on your receipt is valid for 30 days and works as a legal license while you wait for your physical card to arrive by mail. Write down the number or take a photo of your receipt in case you are pulled over.

What if I lost my license and my Social Security card at the same time?

Bring a different document that shows your Social Security number, such as a W-2, tax return, or 1099 form. If you do not have any of these, contact the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213 to request a replacement card before visiting the DMV.

Do I need to bring my old license to get a replacement?

No. Since your license is lost, you cannot bring it. The DMV will look up your record using your name, date of birth, and Social Security number. If you have your old license number memorized, that helps, but it is not required.

How long does it take to receive my replacement license in the mail?

The DMV mails replacement licenses within 7 to 10 business days. This does not include weekends or state holidays. If you do not receive your license within two weeks, call 860-263-5700 to check the status.

Can I change my address at the same time I replace my license?

Yes. Tell the DMV staff member at the office that you want to update your address, and they will change it in the system before your new license is printed. Your replacement license will be mailed to your new address.