How to Renew Your Connecticut Driver's License

The fastest way to renew in Connecticut

You can renew your Connecticut driver's license online through the DMV portal, by mail, or in person at a DMV office. Online renewal takes about 10 minutes and you'll have your new license within 7 to 10 business days. Mail renewal takes 2 to 3 weeks. In-person renewal at a DMV office is when ready if you bring the right documents, but you'll wait in line.

Your renewal method depends on whether your license is still valid, whether you've changed your address, and whether you need a REAL ID-compliant license. If your current license is expired by more than 5 years, you cannot renew by mail or online — you must go to a DMV office in person.

Key Takeaways

Online renewal through the Connecticut DMV website works only if your license expired within the last 5 years and you have not changed your address.
Mail renewal requires you to send your current license, a completed process form, and a check or money order to the DMV address in Wethersfield.
In-person renewal at any Connecticut DMV office requires a valid form of identification, proof of residency, and your current license.
A REAL ID-compliant license requires an in-person visit and additional documents like a birth certificate or passport, even if you are renewing online-may be able to access.
Connecticut licenses are valid for 8 years, and you can renew up to 6 months before expiration or up to 5 years after expiration.

Renewing online through the DMV website

Go to ct.gov/dmv and select "Renew Your License" from the homepage. You'll need your current Connecticut license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth. The system will verify your identity and pull up your record.

Online renewal is available only if your license expired within the last 5 years, your address has not changed, and you do not need a REAL ID upgrade. If any of those conditions don't explore, the system will tell you and direct you to mail or in-person renewal instead. Pay the renewal fee by debit or credit card — Connecticut charges $72 for an 8-year license. Your new license will arrive by mail in 7 to 10 business days.

Renewing by mail

read the process for Driver License or Permit (Form DL-43) from ct.gov/dmv or pick one up at any DMV office. Fill in all sections completely, including your current address. Sign and date the form. Include your current license, a check or money order for $72 made out to "State of Connecticut," and mail everything to the Connecticut DMV, 60 State Street, Wethersfield, CT 06161.

Mail renewal takes 2 to 3 weeks from the time the DMV receives your envelope. Do not mail your license if you still need to drive — the DMV will not process your renewal until they receive it. If you need to drive while waiting, go in person instead. Mail renewal is not available if your license expired more than 5 years ago.

Renewing in person at a DMV office

Bring your current Connecticut license, a valid form of identification (passport, military ID, or state ID), and proof of your current address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days). Walk into any Connecticut DMV office during business hours — no appointment is required, though wait times vary by location and time of day. The DMV office locator at ct.gov/dmv shows hours for each branch.

The DMV will take your photo, verify your information, and issue your new license on the spot. You'll pay $72 at the counter. If you need a REAL ID-compliant license, bring your birth certificate or passport in addition to the documents above — REAL ID processing takes the same amount of time but requires the extra document. In-person renewal is the only option if your license expired more than 5 years ago.

What happens if your license is expired by more than 5 years

Connecticut does not allow online or mail renewal if your license has been expired for more than 5 years. You must visit a DMV office in person. Bring your expired license, a valid form of ID, proof of address, and your Social Security card or a document showing your Social Security number. The DMV will treat this as a standard renewal, not a new license process, so the process is the same as renewing an unexpired license.

If you have moved out of state and your Connecticut license is expired, you can still renew it in person at any Connecticut DMV office if you can travel there. Otherwise, you will need to obtain a license from your current state of residence.

Getting a REAL ID-compliant license during renewal

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 in 2025. If you want to upgrade to REAL ID during renewal, you must renew in person — online and mail renewal do not offer the REAL ID option. Bring your current license, a valid ID, proof of address, and one of the following: a birth certificate, U.S. passport, passport card, or naturalization certificate.

The fee is the same ($72 for 8 years), and you'll receive your REAL ID license on the spot. If you do not upgrade to REAL ID now, you can do so at your next renewal or visit a DMV office anytime to upgrade without renewing your license.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Connecticut license if I've moved to another state?

If you still have a Connecticut address on file or can provide a Connecticut address, you can renew by mail or online. If you have permanently moved and changed your address, you must renew in person at a Connecticut DMV office or obtain a license in your new state. Most states require you to switch to their license within 30 to 60 days of moving.

What if I lost my current license?

You cannot renew online or by mail without your current license. Go to a DMV office in person and bring your ID and proof of address. The DMV will issue a replacement license and treat it as a renewal if your original license is still valid. The fee is the same as a standard renewal.

How long does my new license take to arrive if I renew online?

Online renewals are mailed within 7 to 10 business days of approval. Mail renewal takes 2 to 3 weeks total from the time the DMV receives your envelope. In-person renewal is when ready — you walk out with your new license the same day.

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

No appointment is required for license renewal at any Connecticut DMV office. Walk-ins are accepted during all business hours. Wait times vary by location and time of day — visiting early in the morning or mid-week typically means shorter lines.

What if my name has changed since my last license?

If you changed your name due to marriage, divorce, or court order, bring a certified copy of the document proving the change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order) along with your other renewal documents. You can renew by mail or in person, but not online. The fee remains $72.

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.