How to Renew Your Connecticut Driver's License

What you need to do to renew in Connecticut

Connecticut lets you renew your driver's license in person at a DMV office, by mail, or online through the state's portal — but which method you can use depends on your license type and how long it has been expired. If your license is still valid or expired less than two years ago, you can renew online or by mail without visiting an office. If it expired more than two years ago, you must go to a DMV location in person.

The Connecticut DMV calls their online system the eServices portal. You log in with your driver's license number and date of birth, answer questions about any changes to your address or medical conditions, pay the renewal fee, and receive a temporary digital license when ready. Your physical card arrives by mail in about 7 to 10 business days. This is the fastest option if you are may be able to access.

If you prefer mail or cannot use the online system, you can request a renewal form from the DMV website or call 860-263-8354, fill it out, and send it with a check or money order to the address on the form. Mail renewal takes longer — typically 4 to 6 weeks — because the DMV must receive your form, process it, and mail your new license back to you.

Key Takeaways

Connecticut offers online renewal through the eServices portal if your license is not expired or expired less than two years ago, and you receive a temporary digital license the same day.
Mail renewal is available for the same group but takes 4 to 6 weeks, so plan ahead if you need your license by a specific date.
If your license expired more than two years ago, you must renew in person at a DMV office and bring a valid ID, proof of residency, and your Social Security number.
The renewal fee in Connecticut is $72 for a six-year license and $48 for a four-year license; the DMV website shows which term applies to your situation.
You do not need a new photo or vision test unless your license was suspended, revoked, or expired more than two years ago.

Online renewal through eServices

To renew online, go to ct.gov/dmv and look for the eServices link on the homepage. You will need your current driver's license number, date of birth, and a valid email address. The system asks you to confirm your address, report any medical changes, and choose whether you want a standard or REAL ID-compliant license. Connecticut's standard license works for driving within the state and domestic flights; a REAL ID license is required for federal buildings and airports starting in 2025, though the important date has been extended multiple times.

After you answer the questions and pay the fee online with a debit or credit card, the system generates a temporary digital license that you can screenshot or save to your phone. This temporary license is valid for driving when ready while you wait for your physical card. Your new card will arrive at the address on file, and you should not need to do anything else unless the DMV contacts you with a question.

The eServices system is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, so you can renew at any time that works for you. If you run into technical problems, you can call the DMV at 860-263-8354 during business hours, though wait times are often long.

Renewing by mail

To renew by mail, call the DMV at 860-263-8354 or visit ct.gov/dmv and request a renewal form. Fill out the form completely, including your name, address, date of birth, and license number. You must sign the form in front of a notary public or a DMV employee — you cannot just sign it yourself and mail it in. Some banks and libraries offer notary services for free or a small fee.

Include a check or money order for the renewal fee made out to "State of Connecticut DMV." Do not send cash. Mail the form and payment to the address listed on the form or on the DMV website. Keep a copy for your records. Mail renewal takes 4 to 6 weeks from the time the DMV receives your form. If you need your license by a certain date, online renewal is much faster. If your mail does not arrive after 6 weeks, call the DMV to check the status of your renewal.

In-person renewal at a DMV office

You must renew in person if your license expired more than two years ago. Connecticut has DMV offices in Wethersfield, Waterbury, Norwalk, and Danielson. You can find hours and locations at ct.gov/dmv. Most offices are open Monday through Friday during business hours, and some have limited Saturday hours.

Bring your current or expired driver's license, a valid photo ID if your license is expired, proof of your current address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days), and your Social Security number or card. You do not need to make an appointment at most offices, but you can check the website to see if your local office uses an online waiting system. The DMV will take a new photo and may ask you to take a vision test. The visit usually takes 15 to 45 minutes depending on how busy the office is. You will receive a temporary paper license to drive with when ready, and your plastic card will arrive by mail in about 7 to 10 business days.

What happens if your license is suspended or revoked

If your license has been suspended or revoked — for example, due to unpaid fines, a DUI conviction, or too many points — you cannot renew it through the online or mail system. You must go to a DMV office in person, and the DMV will tell you what steps you need to take to restore your driving privileges. This might include paying fines, completing a defensive driving course, or waiting out a suspension period.

Call the DMV at 860-263-8354 to find out the status of your license before you go to an office. This saves you a trip if there are conditions you need to meet first.

Renewal fees and license types

Connecticut offers two renewal terms: a four-year license for $48 and a six-year license for $72. When you renew online or by mail, you choose which term you want. The six-year license costs more but means you will not need to renew again for six years. The four-year license is cheaper if you want to renew sooner or if you are not sure you will keep your current address.

If you are renewing a REAL ID license — which has a gold star in the top right corner — the fee is the same, and you can choose to keep it as a REAL ID or switch to a standard license. The DMV website shows which type of license you currently have.

What to do if you lose your license before renewal

If your license is lost or stolen before you renew it, you must get a replacement first. You can order a replacement online through eServices, by mail, or in person at a DMV office. Once you have your replacement license, you can renew it using any of the methods described above.

If your replacement and renewal happen close together, you may be able to combine them into one transaction — call the DMV at 860-263-8354 to ask. This can save you time and money if both need to happen within a short window.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if I moved to a different address?

Yes. When you renew online or by mail, you report your new address as part of the renewal process, and your new license will be mailed to that address. If you renew in person, bring proof of your new address, such as a utility bill or lease dated within the last 60 days.

What if I need my license before the mail arrives?

If you renew online, you get a temporary digital license when ready that you can use for driving and identification. If you renew by mail or in person, ask the DMV for a temporary paper license that is valid while you wait for your plastic card.

Do I need a new photo when I renew?

No, unless your license expired more than two years ago or was suspended or revoked. Online and mail renewals use your existing photo. In-person renewals for expired licenses take a new photo as part of the process.

What if I want a REAL ID license?

When you renew online or by mail, you can choose to get a REAL ID license by selecting that option during the renewal process. In person, tell the DMV employee you want a REAL ID. You do not need to bring extra documents if you are just renewing — the REAL ID fee is included in the standard renewal fee.

How long is my temporary digital license valid?

Your temporary digital license from online renewal is valid for driving and identification until your physical card arrives, which is usually 7 to 10 business days. A temporary paper license from in-person renewal is valid for 30 days.

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.