Connecticut driver's license renewal basics
Connecticut lets you renew your driver's license online, by mail, or in person at a DMV office, depending on your situation and how much time you have. The online option is fastest — you can complete it in minutes from home — but it's only open to people whose licenses haven't expired more than five years ago and who don't need to change their address or name. If you're outside that window or need to update information, you'll mail documents to the DMV or visit an office in person.
Your renewal notice arrives in the mail about 45 days before your license expires. It includes your renewal number, which you'll need for any method. Connecticut licenses are valid for six years, so you won't need to renew again until that date passes.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal takes about 10 minutes and costs $72 for a six-year license, but only works if your license expired within the last five years and you're not changing your address or name.
- Mail renewal requires you to send your renewal notice, current license, and a check or money order to the DMV address listed on your notice.
- In-person renewal at a DMV office is necessary if your license has been expired for more than five years, if you need to change your address or name, or if you prefer to renew face-to-face.
- Connecticut's DMV offices operate by appointment only, so you'll need to book a time slot before you go.
- Bring your Social Security number, proof of Connecticut residency, and your renewal notice to any in-person appointment.
Renewing online through the Connecticut DMV website
The Connecticut DMV website (ct.gov/dmv) has an online renewal portal. To use it, you'll need your renewal notice (which has your renewal number), your current driver's license number, and your Social Security number. The system will ask you to verify your identity, confirm your address and name are still correct, and choose whether you want a standard or REAL ID-compliant license.
Once you submit, you'll pay the renewal fee by credit or debit card. Connecticut charges $72 for a six-year renewal. Your new license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. During that time, your current license remains valid, so you can still drive.
Online renewal is not available if your license expired more than five years ago, if you need to change your address or legal name, or if you want to update your photo. In those cases, you'll need to renew by mail or in person.
Renewing by mail
Mail renewal works for most people and requires no appointment. Your renewal notice will include the DMV mailing address and a checklist of what to send. Typically, you'll mail your renewal notice, your current driver's license, and a check or money order for the renewal fee ($72 for six years). Do not send cash.
Write your renewal number on the check or money order. Mail everything to the address on your renewal notice. Processing takes 2 to 3 weeks from the date the DMV receives your envelope. Your current license stays valid while you wait, so you can continue to drive.
Keep a copy of your renewal notice for your records. If you're concerned about mail delivery, you can request a tracking number from the DMV before you send your documents, though this is not required.
Renewing in person at a DMV office
Connecticut DMV offices operate by appointment only. You cannot walk in without one. To book an appointment, go to ct.gov/dmv and select "Schedule an Appointment." Choose the office closest to you, pick a date and time that works, and you'll receive a confirmation number.
Bring your renewal notice, your current driver's license, your Social Security number, and proof of Connecticut residency (such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days). If you're changing your name, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. If you're changing your address, bring proof of your new address.
The appointment itself usually takes 15 to 30 minutes. You'll have your photo taken, verify your information, and pay the renewal fee by cash, check, debit card, or credit card. Your new license will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days. Your current license remains valid until the new one arrives.
When you need to renew in person instead of online or by mail
Some situations require an in-person visit. If your license expired more than five years ago, the online system won't accept it, and you must go to an office. If you need to change your legal name or address, you cannot do that online — you'll need to bring supporting documents to an office or mail them with your renewal notice.
If you want to update your photo, you must renew in person. Connecticut allows you to keep the same photo for two consecutive renewals (12 years), but after that a new photo is required. If you're upgrading to a REAL ID-compliant license and don't already have one, you can do this online, by mail, or in person — all three methods support it.
What happens if your license has already expired
Connecticut allows you to renew your license up to five years after it expires. If you're within that window, you can use any of the three methods above. If your license expired more than five years ago, you'll need to explore for a new license rather than renew, which involves a written test, vision test, and in-person appointment. Contact the DMV directly at 860-263-5700 to understand what you'll need.
If your license is currently expired and you've been driving, you're operating without a valid license, which is illegal in Connecticut. Renewing or reapplying as soon as possible protects you from fines and other consequences.
Costs and payment methods
Connecticut charges $72 for a six-year driver's license renewal. This is the standard fee whether you renew online, by mail, or in person. If you're upgrading to a REAL ID-compliant license at the same time, there is no additional charge.
Online renewal accepts credit and debit cards. Mail renewal requires a check or money order — do not send cash. In-person renewal accepts cash, check, debit card, and credit card. If you're mailing your payment, write your renewal number on the check or money order so the DMV can match it to your process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Connecticut license if I live out of state now?
No. Connecticut requires you to be a resident to hold a Connecticut license. If you've moved out of state, you should transfer your license to your new state's DMV. If you still own property in Connecticut or have other ties to the state, contact the Connecticut DMV at 860-263-5700 to discuss your situation.
What if I lost my renewal notice?
You can still renew online or by mail without it, though the renewal notice makes the process easier. If you're renewing online, you can use your driver's license number and Social Security number instead. If you're renewing by mail, contact the DMV at 860-263-5700 to request a replacement notice or instructions on how to proceed.
How long does it take to get my new license after I renew?
Online and in-person renewals both result in a new license arriving by mail within 7 to 10 business days. Mail renewal takes 2 to 3 weeks from the date the DMV receives your envelope. Your current license stays valid while you wait, so you can continue to drive.
Do I need a REAL ID-compliant license to fly domestically?
Yes, starting May 7, 2025, you'll need a REAL ID-compliant license or another acceptable form of ID (such as a passport) to board a domestic flight. Connecticut offers REAL ID renewal online, by mail, and in person at no extra cost. If you're renewing now, you can choose the REAL ID option during the process.
What if my name or address changed since my last license?
You can update your address online during renewal, but you cannot change your legal name online. To change your name, renew by mail or in person and bring a certified copy of the document showing the change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). To change your address, you can do it online, by mail, or in person.