How to Renew Your Connecticut Driver's License

Connecticut driver's license renewal steps and timelines

Connecticut allows you to renew your driver's license in person at a DMV office, by mail if you meet certain conditions, or online through the state's portal. The method you use depends on whether your license is still valid, whether you need a new photo, and how soon you need the renewed license in hand.

If your license is not yet expired, you can renew by mail or online without visiting an office. If your license has already expired, you must renew in person. Connecticut issues licenses valid for six years from the date of issue, so the expiration date on your current license tells you when you must renew by.

The Connecticut DMV processes mail renewals within two to three weeks of receipt. Online renewals are faster — you receive a temporary digital license when ready and the physical card arrives by mail within one to two weeks. In-person renewals at a DMV office are completed the same day you visit.

Key Takeaways

Connecticut driver's licenses expire six years from the issue date, and you can renew starting 180 days before expiration.
Online renewal is the fastest option if your license is still valid and you do not need a new photo; you get a digital license when ready and the card arrives within one to two weeks.
Mail renewal takes two to three weeks and works only if your license is not yet expired and you do not need a new photo.
In-person renewal at a DMV office is required if your license has expired, if you need a new photo, or if you are changing your name or address.
You will need your current license, proof of residency, and payment; the renewal fee is $72 for a six-year license.

Online renewal through the Connecticut DMV portal

The Connecticut DMV online renewal system is available at ct.gov/dmv. You can renew online if your license is still valid (not yet expired), you do not need a new photo, and your address and name have not changed. The process takes about 10 minutes.

You will need your current license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a valid payment method (debit or credit card). The renewal fee is $72. After you complete the online form and pay, you receive a temporary digital license that you can use when ready on your phone or print. Your physical renewed license arrives by mail within one to two weeks.

If you are not sure whether you meet the requirements, the DMV website has a tool that lets you check your renewal status before you start the process. This tool tells you whether you are may be able to access for online renewal or whether you must visit an office in person.

Mail renewal for valid licenses

You can renew by mail if your license is still valid and you do not need a new photo. Connecticut DMV mails renewal forms to drivers whose licenses are approaching expiration, but you do not have to wait for the form to arrive — you can request one from the DMV website or by calling 860-263-5700.

Complete the renewal form, include your current license, and mail both to the address shown on the form along with the $72 renewal fee (check or money order). The DMV processes mail renewals within two to three weeks of receipt. Your renewed license arrives by mail after processing is complete.

Mail renewal is slower than online renewal but works if you prefer not to use the online system or do not have when ready access to a computer. Keep in mind that your current license remains valid during the processing period, so you can continue to drive while you wait for the renewed license to arrive.

In-person renewal at a Connecticut DMV office

You must renew in person if your license has expired, if you need a new photo, if you are changing your name or address, or if you did not meet the requirements for online or mail renewal. Connecticut has DMV offices in multiple locations; you can find the office nearest you and check hours on the ct.gov/dmv website.

Bring your current license, proof of residency (such as a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days), and payment of $72. If you are changing your name, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). The DMV completes in-person renewals the same day, and you receive your renewed license before you leave the office.

Wait times at DMV offices vary by location and time of day. The DMV website shows estimated wait times for each office, updated throughout the day. Arriving early in the morning or on weekday mornings typically means shorter waits than afternoons or weekends.

What happens if your license has already expired

If your Connecticut license has expired, you cannot renew by mail or online — you must visit a DMV office in person. An expired license is no longer valid for driving, so you should not drive while your renewal is in process.

Bring the same documents you would for any in-person renewal: your expired license, proof of residency, and $72. The DMV will issue your renewed license the same day. If you have been driving with an expired license, you may face a traffic violation, so renewing as soon as possible is important.

Changing your name or address during renewal

If you are changing your name or address, you must renew in person at a DMV office. You cannot make these changes online or by mail. Bring your current license, proof of residency showing your new address (if applicable), and if you are changing your name, a certified copy of the document that shows the change.

Proof of residency must be dated within the last 60 days and can be a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail. If you are changing your address but the proof of residency is in a different name (for example, a spouse's name), bring an additional document that links the two names, such as a marriage certificate.

Renewal fees and payment methods

Connecticut charges $72 to renew a driver's license for six years. This is the standard fee for all renewal methods. If you renew online or by mail, you pay by credit or debit card (online) or by check or money order (mail). If you renew in person, the DMV accepts cash, check, debit card, and credit card.

The $72 fee covers the six-year license. There are no additional fees for standard renewal, though fees may differ if you are renewing a commercial driver's license or a license with special endorsements. The DMV website lists current fees for all license types.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Connecticut license before it expires?

Yes. Connecticut allows you to renew starting 180 days before your license expires. Renewing early does not shorten the validity of your new license — your new license will still be valid for six years from the date you renew. This means you can renew up to six months ahead of expiration without losing any validity time.

What if I lost my license and need to renew?

If your license is lost or stolen, you must visit a DMV office in person to report it and renew. Bring proof of residency and $72. The DMV will issue a replacement license the same day. You can report the lost or stolen license on the ct.gov/dmv website before you visit, which speeds up the in-person process.

Do I need a new photo when I renew?

You do not need a new photo unless your current license photo is damaged, you are changing your name, or more than 12 years have passed since your last photo. If you do not need a new photo, you can renew online or by mail. If you want a new photo even though you do not have to, you must renew in person.

How long does a Connecticut driver's license stay valid?

Connecticut driver's licenses are valid for six years from the date of issue. Your expiration date is printed on the front of your license. You can renew starting 180 days before expiration, so you have a six-month window to renew before your license expires.

What if I moved out of state — do I still renew in Connecticut?

If you no longer live in Connecticut, you should obtain a driver's license from your new state instead of renewing your Connecticut license. Connecticut licenses are for Connecticut residents. Contact your new state's DMV to learn how to obtain a license there. You may be able to transfer some information from your Connecticut license to speed up the process.

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.