What you need to do to change your address in Connecticut

The Connecticut DMV handles address changes through the Department of Motor Vehicles, and the method depends on what you're changing the address for — your driver's license, vehicle registration, or both. You can change your address online, by mail, or in person at a DMV office. Online is fastest if you have a valid Connecticut driver's license or ID card; by mail takes one to two weeks; in person is when ready but requires a trip to an office.

Connecticut does not charge a fee to change your address on your license or registration. You do not need to renew your license or registration early — the address change is separate from those processes and will not affect your renewal date.

Key Takeaways

  • Connecticut lets you change your driver's license address online through the DMV website if you have a valid license or ID card, and the change takes effect when ready.
  • Vehicle registration address changes can also be done online, by mail, or in person, and there is no fee for any method.
  • If you change your address but do not update your registration, you may receive tickets or renewal notices at your old address and could face penalties if stopped by police.
  • Mailed requests take one to two weeks to process, so plan ahead if you need proof of your new address for a lease or utility setup.
  • You will need your driver's license number or vehicle identification number (VIN) to start an online change, depending on which you are updating.

Changing your driver's license address online

Go to the Connecticut DMV website (ct.gov/dmv) and look for the "Online Services" section. You will need your driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth. The system will ask you to confirm your current address, then enter your new address. Once you submit, the change is recorded when ready and your license is valid at the new address right away.

You do not receive a new physical license card with the online change — your current card remains valid. If you want a card that shows your new address printed on it, you can request a replacement card through the same online system for a fee, or wait until your license renewal date.

The online system is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. If you run into an error message, try a different browser or clear your browser cache, as the system sometimes has compatibility issues with older browsers.

Changing your vehicle registration address online or by mail

For vehicle registration, visit ct.gov/dmv and select "Change Address" under vehicle services. You will need your vehicle identification number (VIN), license plate number, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. Enter your new address and submit. The change takes effect when ready online.

If you prefer to mail the change, read the "process for Registration" form (form H-8) from the DMV website or pick one up at a DMV office. Write your new address clearly, sign it, and mail it to the Connecticut DMV address listed on the form. Include your current registration card or a copy of it. Mail processing takes one to two weeks.

You can also change your registration address in person at any Connecticut DMV office. Bring your current registration card, proof of your new address (such as a utility bill or lease), and a valid ID. The change is completed on the spot.

What counts as proof of your new address

If you are changing your address in person or by mail, the DMV may ask for proof. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days and showing your new address. A piece of mail from a government agency (such as a tax notice) also works.

If you do not have a document yet because you just moved, bring what you have — a signed lease is usually enough. If you are moving to a temporary address or do not have a permanent address, contact your local DMV office to discuss your situation before you visit or mail in your request.

Why updating your address matters

Connecticut law requires you to notify the DMV of an address change within 10 days of moving. If you do not update your registration, renewal notices and violation tickets will go to your old address, and you may miss important date or not know about violations until it is too late. Police can also cite you for failing to report an address change.

Updating your license address is also important for insurance purposes — if you are in an accident and your license shows an old address, your insurance company may question the claim. Additionally, if you are stopped by police, an outdated address can create confusion and may result in additional questions.

Changing your address at a DMV office in person

Connecticut has DMV offices in Wethersfield, Danbury, Norwalk, New Haven, Waterbury, and Norwich. You can walk in during business hours or make an appointment online through the DMV website. Bring your current driver's license or registration card and proof of your new address. The change takes a few minutes and is completed on the spot.

Wait times vary by location and time of day. Early morning and mid-week visits are usually faster than afternoons and Fridays. If you are changing both your license and registration address, you can do both in one visit.

Scam alert: Fake DMV address-change services

Do not use third-party websites or services that claim to change your DMV address for you. These sites charge fees (sometimes $50 or more) for something you can do free on ct.gov/dmv. Some collect your personal information and do not actually submit anything to the DMV. Stick to the official Connecticut DMV website or visit an office in person.

Be especially cautious of emails or texts claiming to be from the DMV asking you to "verify" your address or offering to update it for you. The real DMV does not contact you by email or text to ask for personal information. If you receive such a message, do not click any links — go directly to ct.gov/dmv instead.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to change my address online?

The online change takes effect when ready once you submit it. You do not need to wait for anything in the mail or visit an office. Your new address is active in the DMV system right away.

Do I need to change my address if I move within Connecticut?

Yes. Connecticut law requires you to report any address change to the DMV within 10 days, whether you move across town or across the state. This applies to both your driver's license and vehicle registration.

What if I moved out of state — do I still need to update my Connecticut registration?

If you moved out of Connecticut, you should update your address with the Connecticut DMV and then register your vehicle in your new state. Contact your new state's DMV for their registration requirements. Keeping an out-of-state address on a Connecticut registration can cause problems with insurance and vehicle ownership.

Can I change my address if my license or registration is expired?

You can change your address online only if your license or ID card is currently valid. If your license is expired, you will need to renew it first. You can change your registration address by mail or in person even if your registration is expired, but you should renew it as soon as possible.

What if I do not have internet access to use the online system?

You can change your address by mail or in person at any Connecticut DMV office. By mail, read and print the form from ct.gov/dmv or call the DMV to request one be mailed to you. In person, visit any DMV office with your current registration or license and proof of your new address.