Connecticut replaces lost licenses through the DMV, either in person or by mail
If your Connecticut driver's license is lost, you have two paths: visit a DMV office in person, or request a replacement by mail. The in-person route takes about 30 minutes and you leave with a temporary license the same day. The mail route takes two to three weeks but requires no trip. Both cost the same — currently $30 for a standard replacement — and both require proof of identity and Connecticut residency.
The Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) processes all replacements. You do not need to report the loss to police unless you suspect identity theft, though you may want to notify your bank and credit card companies if the license contained sensitive information you're concerned about.
Key Takeaways
- In-person replacement at a DMV office takes about 30 minutes and costs $30; you receive a temporary license when ready and the permanent one by mail within two weeks.
- Mail replacement costs $30 and takes two to three weeks total, but requires no office visit and uses a straightforward form and copies of your documents.
- You must bring proof of identity (passport, birth certificate, or prior license) and proof of Connecticut residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days).
- The DMV office in Wethersfield is the main location, but you can also visit regional offices in Bridgeport, Waterbury, or Norwich, or use a AAA office if you are a member.
In-person replacement at a DMV office
Walk into any Connecticut DMV office with your documents and a completed process for Duplicate License form (Form DL-43). The office will take your photo, verify your identity and residency, and issue a temporary license on the spot. The permanent license arrives by mail within 10 to 14 days.
The main DMV office is at 60 State Street in Wethersfield, open Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Regional offices operate in Bridgeport, Waterbury, and Norwich with similar hours. No appointment is required, but arriving early in the morning or mid-week typically means shorter waits. If you are a AAA member, some AAA offices in Connecticut can process replacements without a DMV visit.
Bring your completed DL-43 form, proof of identity, and proof of residency. The DMV accepts a passport, birth certificate, or an expired Connecticut license as identity proof. For residency, bring a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. A driver's license photo is taken on-site, so you do not need to bring one.
Mail replacement without visiting an office
Complete the DL-43 form and mail it to the Connecticut DMV with photocopies of your identity and residency documents, plus a check or money order for $30. Mail your package to DMV, 60 State Street, Wethersfield, CT 06161. Processing takes two to three weeks from the date the DMV receives your envelope.
The mail route works best if you cannot reach an office during business hours or prefer to avoid a trip. You will not receive a temporary license, so plan ahead if you need to drive before the replacement arrives. The DMV will use your existing photo on file from your prior license, so no new photo is taken.
Do not send cash — only checks or money orders. Include a note with your current mailing address if it differs from the address on your lost license, so the new license arrives at the right place. Keep a copy of everything you send for your records.
Documents you need for either method
| Document Type | What Counts | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Proof of Identity | U.S. passport, birth certificate, expired Connecticut license, military ID, or prior license from another state | Must be an original or certified copy for mail; in-person offices will accept photocopies |
| Proof of Residency | Utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, bank statement, or insurance bill | Must be dated within 60 days of your process |
| process Form | Form DL-43 (process for Duplicate License) | Available on the Connecticut DMV website or at any DMV office |
| Payment | $30 by check or money order (mail) or cash/card (in-person) | No refunds if you change your mind after submission |
The identity document must be current or expired no more than five years. If your birth certificate is your only identity proof, bring the original or a certified copy from the Connecticut Department of Public Health or the state where you were born. Photocopies of birth certificates are not accepted by mail.
For residency, the document must show your current name and address. If you recently moved and your utility bill or lease still shows an old address, bring two documents — one old and one new — to show the DMV you have moved within Connecticut. A cell phone bill or credit card statement does not count as proof of residency.
What to do if you suspect identity theft
If you believe your lost license could be used fraudulently, contact the Connecticut DMV directly at 860-263-5700 to flag the license as lost or stolen. The DMV can mark it in their system so it cannot be used to obtain other documents. This step is optional but recommended if the loss occurred under suspicious circumstances.
You should also place a fraud alert with the three major credit bureaus — Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion — by contacting any one of them. A fraud alert tells lenders to verify your identity before opening new accounts in your name. You can also order a free credit report from each bureau through annualcreditreport.com to check for unauthorized activity.
Temporary license and driving while your replacement is in transit
If you replace your license in person, you receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days. This temporary is legal to drive with and satisfies police if you are stopped. Keep it with you until your permanent license arrives by mail.
If you replace by mail, you do not receive a temporary. You cannot legally drive until the new license arrives. If you need to drive before the replacement is processed, you must visit a DMV office in person instead.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to replace a lost Connecticut license?
The replacement fee is $30, whether you go in person or by mail. This is the standard duplicate license fee. If your license is damaged rather than lost, the fee is the same. Payment methods vary: in-person offices accept cash, check, debit card, and credit card; mail-in requests require a check or money order.
Can I use my temporary license to fly or cross state lines?
A Connecticut temporary license is not accepted for air travel or as federal ID. If you need to fly before your permanent license arrives, you must bring a passport or other federal ID. For driving across state lines, the temporary is legal, but some states may question it — bringing a passport as backup is wise.
What if I moved out of Connecticut after losing my license?
If you no longer live in Connecticut, you cannot replace a Connecticut license through the DMV. You must obtain a license from your new state of residence. Contact that state's DMV for their replacement process. If you still live in Connecticut but moved to a new address, include your new address on the DL-43 form or note it in your mail package.
How long does the permanent license take to arrive after I explore in person?
The permanent license typically arrives within 10 to 14 days of your in-person visit. Mail processing takes two to three weeks from the date the DMV receives your envelope. Delays can occur during high-volume periods, particularly around holidays. If your license does not arrive within three weeks of explore in person or four weeks of mailing, contact the DMV at 860-263-5700.
Can someone else pick up my replacement license for me?
No. The DMV mails all replacement licenses directly to the address on file. You cannot have someone else collect it at an office. If your mailing address is incorrect, contact the DMV before explore to update it, or include a note with your mail-in request asking them to send it to a different address.