The fastest way to renew in Connecticut

You can renew your Connecticut driver's license online through the DMV website, by mail, or in person at a DMV office. Online renewal takes about 10 minutes and costs $72 for an eight-year license. You'll need your current license number, Social Security number, and a valid payment method. The new license arrives by mail in about two weeks.

If you cannot renew online — because your license is expired by more than five years, or you need to change your address or name — you must go to a DMV office in person or mail in a paper process. In-person renewal at a DMV office typically takes 20 to 30 minutes once you're called, though wait times vary by location and time of day.

Key Takeaways

  • Online renewal through the Connecticut DMV website is available if your license expired within the last five years and you have no address or name changes.
  • The renewal fee is $72 for an eight-year license, and you can pay by credit card, debit card, or electronic check online.
  • If you renew online, your new license arrives by mail in approximately two weeks; you can continue driving with your old license until the new one arrives.
  • In-person renewal at a DMV office is required if your license expired more than five years ago, or if you need to update your address, name, or other information.
  • Connecticut DMV offices are located in multiple cities including Wethersfield, Norwalk, Waterbury, and New Haven; you can find hours and locations on the DMV website.

Online renewal through the Connecticut DMV website

Visit ct.gov/dmv and select "Renew Your License" from the homepage. You'll be asked to enter your current license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The system will pull up your record and confirm your current address and other information on file.

Review the information carefully. If your address, name, or other details are incorrect, you cannot fix them online — you'll need to visit a DMV office or mail in a paper form. If everything matches, proceed to payment. Connecticut accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, and electronic checks. After payment is processed, you'll receive a confirmation number by email.

Your new license will be mailed to the address on file. Standard mail delivery takes about two weeks. You can legally drive using your current license until the new one arrives, even after your license's expiration date passes — the new license is valid from the date you renew online, not from the date you receive it.

When you must renew in person at a DMV office

You cannot use online renewal if your license expired more than five years ago. You also cannot renew online if you need to change your address, legal name, or other information on your license. Additionally, if you want to upgrade to a REAL ID-compliant license (required for federal buildings and domestic flights after May 7, 2025), you must renew in person with proof of citizenship and residency.

To renew in person, visit any Connecticut DMV office. Bring your current license, proof of residency (a recent utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement), and payment of $72. 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 upgrading to REAL ID, bring your birth certificate or passport and a second form of ID.

You do not need to make an appointment at most Connecticut DMV offices, though some locations offer online appointment scheduling to reduce wait time. Check the DMV website for your nearest office's hours and whether appointments are available.

Renewing by mail

You can mail a renewal process to the Connecticut DMV if you cannot go online and prefer not to visit an office. read the "License Renewal process" form (DL 43) from ct.gov/dmv or request one by calling the DMV at 860-263-5700.

Fill out the form completely, sign it, and mail it with a check or money order for $72 payable to "Connecticut DMV" to the address listed on the form. Include a copy of your current license and proof of residency. Mail processing takes four to six weeks, which is longer than online or in-person renewal. Your old license remains valid during this time.

What happens if your license has been expired for a long time

If your Connecticut license expired more than five years ago, you cannot renew it — you must explore for a new license. This requires an in-person visit to a DMV office with your birth certificate or passport, a Social Security card or tax return, and two forms of proof of residency. The fee is $72 for an eight-year license.

The process is similar to a renewal appointment but takes longer because the DMV must verify your identity documents. Bring all required documents to avoid a second trip. You can find the full list of acceptable documents on the ct.gov/dmv website under "New License process."

REAL ID compliance and what it means for your renewal

Connecticut's standard driver's license will no longer be accepted for federal purposes — such as boarding domestic flights or entering federal buildings — after May 7, 2025. If you want to use your license for these purposes, you must upgrade to a REAL ID-compliant license during your renewal.

REAL ID renewal requires an in-person visit to a DMV office. You'll need to bring your birth certificate or passport, a second form of ID, and proof of residency. The fee is the same as a standard renewal ($72), and the process takes the same amount of time. If you renew your standard license online or by mail before May 7, 2025, you can upgrade to REAL ID at your next renewal without paying an extra fee.

DMV office locations and hours

Connecticut operates DMV offices in Wethersfield (the main office), Norwalk, Waterbury, and New Haven. Hours vary by location but most are open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with some Saturday hours at select locations. The Wethersfield office is typically the busiest.

Visit ct.gov/dmv to find the address, phone number, and current hours for the office nearest you. Some offices offer online appointment scheduling, which can significantly reduce your wait time. If you call ahead, the DMV can tell you the current wait time and whether appointments are available.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive after my license expires while I wait for my renewal?

Yes. If you renew online or by mail before your license expires, you can legally drive with your current license until your new one arrives. If your license has already expired, you cannot drive legally, even if you have a renewal process pending. Renew before your expiration date to avoid this problem.

What if I move to a different address before my renewed license arrives?

Contact the Connecticut DMV when ready at 860-263-5700 to update your address. If you've already renewed online or by mail, the DMV may be able to redirect your license to your new address. If you haven't renewed yet, you must renew in person at a DMV office with proof of your new residency.

How much does it cost to renew a Connecticut driver's license?

The renewal fee is $72 for an eight-year license, whether you renew online, by mail, or in person. This is the standard fee as of 2024. Payment methods online include credit cards and electronic checks; in person and by mail, you can pay by cash, check, or money order.

Do I need to take a new photo when I renew?

No. If you renew online or by mail, your current photo is used on your new license. If you renew in person at a DMV office, the DMV will take a new photo. If you want a new photo but are renewing online, you must renew in person instead.

What if my name changed since my last license?

You must renew in person at a DMV office and bring a certified copy of the document showing your name change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. You cannot change your name through online or mail renewal.