How to Renew Your Connecticut Driver's License

Connecticut driver's license renewal: in-person, online, and by mail

Connecticut offers three ways to renew your driver's license: online through the DMV website, by mail, or in person at a DMV office. Which route you can use depends on your age, how long your license has been expired, and whether you need a new photo. Most people under 65 with a valid or recently expired license can renew online or by mail without visiting an office. If your license expired more than five years ago, you must renew in person.

The online renewal process takes about 10 minutes and costs $72 for a six-year license. You'll need your current license number, Social Security number, and a valid payment method. The DMV will mail your new license within 7 to 10 business days. By-mail renewal follows the same fee and timeline but requires you to print and mail a form to the DMV address in Wethersfield.

In-person renewal at a DMV office takes about 30 minutes on average, though wait times vary by location and time of day. You'll need to bring your current license, proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement), and payment. If you're renewing in person, you'll get a new photo taken unless you request a waiver.

Key Takeaways

Connecticut residents can renew online, by mail, or in person, depending on age and license status.
Online and mail renewal cost $72 for a six-year license and take 7 to 10 business days to arrive.
You must renew in person if your license expired more than five years ago or if you're over 65.
Bring your current license and proof of residency to any in-person renewal appointment.
Connecticut offers a Real ID-compliant license for an additional $30 if you need it for federal travel or building access.

Online renewal through the Connecticut DMV website

The Connecticut DMV website (ct.gov/dmv) has a dedicated renewal portal. You can start a renewal at any time, even before your license expires. The system will ask for your license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number to verify your identity.

Once verified, you'll review your current information and make any changes to your address or name if needed. You'll then pay the $72 renewal fee by credit or debit card. The DMV will not mail a temporary license, so plan for the 7 to 10 business day wait before your new license arrives. If you need to drive before it arrives, your old license remains valid until the new one is issued.

Online renewal is not available if you're over 65, if your license has been suspended or revoked, or if you've had certain traffic violations in the past year. The DMV website will tell you when ready whether you're may be able to access when you enter your information.

By-mail renewal and what to send

Mail renewal uses the same form as in-person renewal but requires you to print and complete it yourself. You can read the form from ct.gov/dmv or request one by phone at 860-263-8354. The form is called the process for Connecticut Driver License or Permit (Form DL-43).

Mail your completed form, current license, payment ($72 by check or money order made out to "State of Connecticut"), and proof of residency to the DMV address in Wethersfield. The DMV processes mail renewals in the order received. Processing takes 7 to 10 business days after the DMV receives your envelope, plus mail delivery time in both directions. Send your renewal at least three weeks before your license expires to avoid driving with an expired license.

If you're renewing by mail, you will not get a new photo taken. Your old photo will remain on your license. If you want a new photo, you must renew in person.

In-person renewal at a Connecticut DMV office

Connecticut has DMV offices in Wethersfield, Waterbury, Norwalk, and New Britain. You can walk in without an appointment at any location, though appointments are also available through the DMV website. Walk-in wait times are typically shortest on weekday mornings before 11 a.m. and longest on Friday afternoons.

Bring your current driver's license, proof of residency (a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the past 60 days), and payment ($72 cash, check, or card). If your name has changed since your last license, bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the change. If you're renewing an out-of-state license for the first time in Connecticut, you'll also need proof of Social Security number and date of birth.

At the office, you'll have your photo taken, sign the back of your new license, and pay the fee. The DMV will issue you a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while your permanent license is mailed. Your permanent license arrives within 7 to 10 business days.

Real ID compliance and the additional cost

Connecticut offers a Real ID-compliant driver's license for an additional $30 on top of the standard $72 renewal fee. A Real ID license has a gold star in the upper right corner and is required for federal building access and domestic air travel starting May 7, 2025. If you renew without Real ID, you can still fly domestically with a passport or other federal ID.

To get a Real ID license, you must renew in person or by mail. You cannot add Real ID through online renewal. If you renew by mail or in person, you can request Real ID at the same time. You'll need to bring proof of Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2, or tax return) and proof of residency in addition to your current license.

If you already have a Real ID license, your renewal will automatically be Real ID-compliant at no extra charge.

What happens if your license is expired or about to expire

Connecticut allows you to renew your license up to one year before it expires. If your license has expired, you can still renew by mail or online if it expired fewer than five years ago. If it expired more than five years ago, you must renew in person and may need to retake the written test and vision test.

Driving with an expired license in Connecticut can result in a fine of $75 to $200 and points on your driving record. If you're pulled over, police may also impound your vehicle. Renewing before your expiration date avoids these penalties and the hassle of an in-person renewal with testing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Connecticut license online if I'm over 65?

No. Connecticut requires drivers over 65 to renew in person at a DMV office. You'll need to bring your current license, proof of residency, and payment. The in-person visit allows the DMV to verify your vision and may support you're still safe to drive.

How long does it take to get my new license after I renew?

The DMV mails new licenses within 7 to 10 business days of processing your renewal. If you renew in person, you'll receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while you wait for the permanent one. By mail and online renewals do not include a temporary license.

What if my address changed since my last license?

You can update your address during any renewal method. Online and by-mail renewal let you change it on the form. In-person renewal requires you to bring proof of your new address (utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within 60 days). The DMV will print your new address on your renewed license.

Do I need an appointment to renew in person at a Connecticut DMV office?

No. All Connecticut DMV offices accept walk-ins. Appointments are also available through ct.gov/dmv if you prefer to schedule a specific time. Walk-in wait times are usually shorter on weekday mornings.

What if I lost my license and need to renew it?

If your license is lost or stolen, you must renew in person at a DMV office. Bring proof of identity (passport, birth certificate, or state ID), proof of residency, and payment. The DMV will issue a replacement license with a new number.

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.