Renewing your Connecticut driver's license online, by mail, or in person
Connecticut lets you renew your driver's license through three routes: online at the DMV website, by mail if you meet certain conditions, or in person at a DMV office. Most people can renew online without visiting an office, which takes about 10 minutes. If you cannot renew online, the mail route typically takes two to three weeks, while in-person renewal is fastest if you walk in during a quiet time.
Your license is valid for six years in Connecticut. The DMV sends renewal notices about 60 days before expiration, but you do not have to wait for the notice to start the process. You can renew up to one year before your license expires.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal through the Connecticut DMV website works if your license is not suspended, you have no medical restrictions, and your address has not changed since your last renewal.
- Mail renewal is available if you meet online requirements but prefer not to use the website; send your current license, the renewal form, and the fee to the DMV address on the form.
- In-person renewal at a DMV office is required if your address changed, you have medical conditions listed on your license, or your license is suspended or revoked.
- Connecticut charges $72 for a six-year renewal; fees are the same whether you renew online, by mail, or in person.
- Your new license arrives by mail within 10 business days of online or mail renewal; in-person renewal produces a temporary paper license you can use when ready.
Renewing online through the Connecticut DMV website
Go to ct.gov/dmv and select the online renewal option. You will need your current license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a valid payment method (debit card, credit card, or electronic check). The system checks your information against DMV records and tells you right away whether you can renew online.
Online renewal works only if all of these are true: your license is not suspended or revoked, you have no medical restrictions or conditions noted on your license, your address has not changed since your last renewal, and you are not renewing a commercial driver's license (CDL). If any of these do not explore to you, the website will direct you to mail or in-person renewal instead.
After you complete the online form and pay the $72 fee, you receive a confirmation number. Your new license is mailed to the address on file and arrives within 10 business days. You can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives.
Renewing by mail if you cannot go online
If the online system tells you that you do not meet the requirements, or if you straightforward prefer to renew by mail, request the renewal form from the Connecticut DMV. You can read it from ct.gov/dmv, call the DMV at 860-263-5700, or visit a DMV office to pick one up in person.
Fill out the form completely, include your current license, and send both to the address printed on the form along with a check or money order for $72. Do not send cash. Mail renewal takes two to three weeks from the time the DMV receives your envelope. You can track your process status on the DMV website using your license number.
Your new license arrives by mail at the address you listed on the form. You can continue driving on your current license while you wait. If your current license expires before your new one arrives, contact the DMV to request a temporary extension.
Renewing in person at a DMV office
Visit a Connecticut DMV office if your address changed, you have medical restrictions on your license, your license is suspended or revoked, or you are renewing a commercial license. Bring your current license, proof of your current address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days), and payment of $72 in cash, check, or card.
DMV offices are located in Wethersfield, Norwalk, Waterbury, and New Haven. Hours vary by location; check ct.gov/dmv for the office nearest you and current hours before you go. Wait times are typically shorter early in the week and early in the day.
When you arrive, take a number and wait to be called. The clerk will review your documents, take a new photo, and process your renewal on the spot. You receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days, which you can use to drive when ready. Your permanent license arrives by mail within 10 business days.
What to do if your address changed
If you have moved since your last renewal, you must renew in person at a DMV office. Bring proof of your new address along with your current license and payment. The DMV will not process an online or mail renewal if your address differs from what is in their system.
Proof of address can be a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail dated within the last 60 days. A piece of mail with your name and new address is usually sufficient. If you do not have a document yet, contact the DMV before your visit to ask what alternatives they accept.
If your license is suspended or revoked
You cannot renew online or by mail if your license is suspended or revoked. You must visit a DMV office in person. Before you go, contact the DMV at 860-263-5700 to find out why your license was suspended or revoked and what you need to do to restore it.
Suspensions and revocations have different causes — unpaid traffic fines, failure to appear in court, medical conditions, or violations of license restrictions. The DMV will tell you what documents or actions are required before renewal is possible. In some cases, you may need to pay a reinstatement fee in addition to the renewal fee.
Renewing a commercial driver's license (CDL)
Commercial licenses cannot be renewed online or by mail in Connecticut. You must visit a DMV office in person with your current CDL, proof of address, and payment of $72. If you have medical conditions or restrictions on your CDL, bring any required medical certificates or documentation.
CDL renewals take longer than standard license renewals because the clerk must verify your commercial driving record and any endorsements (such as hazmat or passenger). Plan for a longer wait time and bring all documents with you to avoid a second trip.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license before it expires?
Yes. Connecticut allows you to renew up to one year before your license expires. You do not need to wait for the renewal notice from the DMV. Renewing early is useful if you are traveling or want to avoid the rush near your expiration date.
What if I lost my license and need to renew at the same time?
You cannot renew online or by mail if you do not have your current license. Visit a DMV office in person and bring proof of identity (passport, birth certificate, or state ID) and proof of address. The clerk will issue a replacement license and process the renewal together.
How long does it take to get my new license after I renew?
Online and mail renewals take about 10 business days for delivery. In-person renewal gives you a temporary paper license on the spot, valid for 30 days, while your permanent license arrives by mail within 10 business days. If your current license expires before the new one arrives, contact the DMV for a temporary extension.
Can I renew my license if I have a medical condition?
If your current license has medical restrictions or conditions noted on it, you must renew in person at a DMV office. Bring any required medical certificates or documentation from your doctor. The DMV will review these documents before issuing your new license.
What happens if I let my license expire?
Driving with an expired license is illegal in Connecticut. If your license has been expired for more than one year, you may need to retake the written and road tests instead of straightforward renewing. Contact the DMV at 860-263-5700 to find out what is required in your situation.