How to Change Your Address at the DMV in Connecticut

Moving within Connecticut means more than updating your utilities and internet. You also need to update your address with the state’s driver and vehicle agency so your license, registration, and official notices stay accurate.

This guide walks through how the Connecticut DMV change of address process works, what you’ll need, and what to do if something goes wrong.

Connecticut DMV: Who Handles Address Changes?

In Connecticut, driver and vehicle services are handled by the Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).

In Connecticut, this single agency is responsible for:

• Driver’s licenses and learner’s permits
• State ID cards
• Vehicle registration and license plates
• Vehicle titles
• Address changes for all of the above

That means you do not need to track down separate offices for licensing and registration. Whether you’re changing the address on your driver’s license, registration, or both, you will work through the Connecticut DMV.

Because services and options can change, many drivers in Connecticut find it helpful to start on the DMV’s main website and look specifically for “change of address” or “online services” rather than relying on older instructions.

Why Updating Your DMV Address Matters in Connecticut

In Connecticut, this is typically handled as an important record-keeping update, not just a mailing preference. Keeping your address current affects several things:

Driver’s license and state ID

• Law enforcement and state databases will show your current legal address.
• Your license or ID is often used as proof of residency for schools, government benefits, and in-state tuition; an outdated address can cause delays or extra questions.

Vehicle registration and title

• Your vehicle registration is tied to your address. In Connecticut, local property tax notifications often rely on the address tied to your registered vehicle.
• If you sell or transfer the vehicle, the title needs correct ownership and address information for smoother transactions.

Official notices and renewals

The Connecticut DMV mails or otherwise sends notices about:

• License and registration renewals
• Suspensions, compliance issues, or insurance-related notices
• Emissions test requirements or reminders

If you don’t update your address, you might miss a deadline or notice. While this is not legal advice, in Connecticut, missing a required emission test or registration renewal because a notice went to your old address can still lead to extra steps, fees, or interruptions to your ability to drive.

Law enforcement and emergency situations

In CT, address information tied to your license and registration may be used by law enforcement for identification and in emergencies. A correct address helps ensure that information is accurate if it’s ever needed.

What You’ll Need to Change Your Address

The exact requirements can vary slightly based on whether you update online, by mail, or in person, but most Connecticut DMV change of address requests use similar information.

Common information and documents

Have these ready before you start:

• Current Connecticut driver’s license or state ID number
• Full legal name (exactly as it appears on your license)
• Date of birth
• Last four digits of your Social Security number (for identity verification, if requested)
• Old address on file (street, city, ZIP code)
• New physical address in Connecticut
• Mailing address, if different (for example, a PO box in addition to a street address)
• Vehicle information if you are also changing it for a registration:
  • License plate number
  • Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
  • Year, make, and model

Depending on your situation, you may also need:

• Proof of your new address (such as a lease, mortgage statement, or utility bill) if you go in person or if requested
• Proof of legal name change if you are updating name and address together (such as a marriage certificate or court order)

Many drivers in Connecticut find that gathering proof of address ahead of time (even if not always required online) helps if they later need to visit a branch or resolve any issues.

Why DMV address change requests get rejected

In Connecticut, change of address updates can be delayed, rejected, or flagged if:

• The personal information doesn’t match DMV records (wrong license number, misspelled name, wrong date of birth)
• The new address is incomplete (missing apartment number, incorrect ZIP code)
• The mailing address is outside Connecticut when a Connecticut residence is required
• There is a mismatch between name or date of birth on your driver record and your vehicle registration record
• You have a flag on your record that limits online changes (for example, certain compliance or verification issues)

If that happens, you may be directed to complete a Connecticut DMV change of address form in person or by mail rather than using an online option.

How to Complete a Connecticut DMV Change of Address

The DMV change of address in Connecticut can typically be done:

• Online, in many cases
• In person, when required or preferred
• By mail, if offered for your situation or if you cannot appear in person

In Connecticut, address changes for license/ID and vehicle registration may be processed together when you update your driver record, but they are not always automatically linked. It’s important to confirm both your driver’s license/ID address and your vehicle registration address have been updated.

Option 1: Change your address online (if eligible)

Online is usually the fastest way, if your situation qualifies.

1. Go to the official Connecticut DMV website

   • Use a search engine to look for “Connecticut DMV online services” or “Connecticut DMV change of address” and select the official state site (typically ending in .gov).
   • From there, look for the online address change or license/ID services section.

2. Verify eligibility
   In Connecticut, online address change services may:

   • Require that your license or ID be valid and not expired
   • Be limited if you have certain restrictions or holds on your record
   • Ask that your last address on file be within Connecticut

3. Log in or provide identifying information
   You may be asked to enter:

   • Driver’s license or ID number
   • Date of birth
   • Last four digits of your Social Security number
   • Audit or document number from your credential (if requested)

4. Enter your new address information

   • Provide your new physical address (street address in Connecticut).
   • If your mailing address is different (for example, you receive mail at a PO box in a small Connecticut town but live at a rural street address), enter that separately if the system allows.

5. Decide whether to update vehicle registration at the same time

   • In Connecticut, the online process may give you the chance to apply the new address to your vehicle registration as well.
   • If this option appears, it’s generally best to select it so your driver and vehicle records stay consistent.

6. Review and confirm

   • Double-check spelling, apartment numbers, and ZIP codes.
   • Confirm your submission. In CT, you may receive a confirmation page or reference number—save or print it.

7. Check for updated documents

   • In some cases, the online update may change your DMV records only and not automatically issue a new physical license or registration.
   • Many drivers in Connecticut choose to verify whether a replacement license or updated registration document will be mailed or if it must be requested separately.

If the system cannot process your request, it may instruct you to use a Connecticut DMV change of address form in person or by mail.

Option 2: Change your address in person

In-person updates are useful if:

• You don’t qualify for online service
• You are changing your name and address together
• You prefer to speak with a DMV representative
• You have a complicated situation (out-of-state move to CT, certain immigration or identification issues, or a record hold)

1. Locate an office that handles address changes

   • Visit the official Connecticut DMV website and look for the office locations or hub offices page.
   • Confirm that the location you choose handles license/ID services and registration services, since some satellite locations may be limited.

2. Check whether you need an appointment

   • In Connecticut, certain DMV offices rely heavily on appointments for license or ID services.
   • The DMV site will indicate whether walk-ins are accepted or an appointment is required.

3. Bring required identification and documents
   Common items include:

   • Your current Connecticut driver’s license or ID
   • Any vehicle registration documents if you’re updating a vehicle at the same time
   • Proof of your new address (for example, a recent utility bill, lease, or mortgage document in your name at the new address), if requested
   • If you are combining a name change and address change, bring the original legal documents that support your name change

4. Request an address change at the counter

   • Inform the DMV staff that you need to update your address.
   • Ask specifically whether this will update:
     • Your driver’s license or ID record
     • Your vehicle registration record(s)

5. Complete any necessary form(s)

   • You may be asked to complete a change of address form provided at the office.
   • In Connecticut, this may be a single form that covers both driver and vehicle records, or separate forms, depending on DMV procedures at the time.

6. Ask about new documents

   • Clarify whether:
     • A new license or ID will be issued with your updated address, or
     • Your card will stay the same and only the DMV records will change
   • Ask if you will receive an updated registration certificate or other document for your vehicle.

For Connecticut residents in more rural areas, driving to a full-service DMV or partner location can take time. Many drivers in northeastern or northwestern parts of Connecticut find it helpful to call or check online before making a long trip, to confirm services and hours for that specific office.

Option 3: Change your address by mail (if available)

Some residents, especially those temporarily out of state or with limited internet access, look for a mail-in DMV change of address Connecticut option.

In Connecticut, whether you can change your address by mail may depend on:

• The type of credential (driver’s license, ID, or registration)
• Whether additional identity or residency documentation is required
• Current DMV policies at the time you submit

If a mail option is available:

1. Obtain the official Connecticut DMV change of address form

   • Go to the official Connecticut DMV website.
   • Search for “change of address” and look for a PDF form or instructions for mailing.

2. Fill out the form completely
   Typical information requested:

   • Full name and driver’s license/ID number
   • Old address on file
   • New physical address and mailing address (if different)
   • Vehicle information if you are updating registration(s)

3. Attach any required copies

   • You may be asked to include photocopies (not originals) of proof of address documents.
   • Read the instructions carefully to avoid including unnecessary sensitive information.

4. Mail to the correct address

   • Use the exact mailing address shown on the form or DMV website.
   • It’s often best to keep a copy of the completed form for your records.

5. Allow time for processing

   • Processing by mail takes longer than online or in person.
   • After a reasonable time, you can contact the DMV or use online services to verify that your address was updated.

Do License and Registration Update Together in Connecticut?

In Connecticut, your driver’s license/ID record and your vehicle registration record are related but not always updated in one step unless:

• You specifically request both be updated, or
• The online or in-person process clearly indicates it’s updating all linked records

To avoid issues:

• When you change your address, ask or confirm that the new address has been applied to:
  • Your driver’s license or ID record
  • Each vehicle registration listed under your name
• If you own more than one vehicle, ensure that every plate number you want updated is included.

Many drivers in Connecticut find that double-checking their vehicle registrations a few weeks after updating their license helps catch any missing updates early.

What Happens After You Submit Your Address Change

Once you’ve completed a Connecticut DMV change of address by any method:

Confirmation

• Online: You may receive a confirmation page or reference number. Save or print it.
• In person: You may receive a receipt or printed confirmation.
• By mail: You may not get immediate confirmation; you might instead confirm later using an online lookup or by contacting the DMV.

New license or ID card

• Sometimes, the DMV may update your record but not automatically issue a new card.
• In other cases, especially if your card is nearing renewal, you may be given or offered a replacement license or ID showing your new address.
• Confirm at the time of your request whether:
  • A new physical card will be sent, and
  • Whether any separate application or fee is involved (if applicable).

Updated vehicle registration

• The DMV may update your vehicle registration record and, in some cases, send you an updated registration certificate by mail.
• In Connecticut, registration documents often matter for local property tax and emissions purposes, so having the current address on them can be important for future mailings.

Timing

• Processing and mailing times can vary based on workload, time of year, and whether you used online, in-person, or mail options.
• Avoid assuming the change is instant; verify before relying on the updated address as your official record.

Special Address Change Situations in Connecticut

In Connecticut, some groups and situations have extra considerations when changing a DMV address.

Commercial driver’s licenses (CDL)

• CDL holders often have stricter identity and residency requirements.
• Changes may need to be made in person, especially if you hold endorsements (such as hazardous materials).
• Check the Connecticut DMV website for CDL-specific instructions before assuming an online change is allowed.

Active-duty military and families

If you are stationed in Connecticut but maintain residency elsewhere, or if you are a Connecticut resident stationed out of state:

• Review the DMV’s military and veterans information to understand how your residency and address affect your license and registration.
• In some cases, you may be able to use an out-of-state mailing address while still maintaining a Connecticut license, but requirements can be specific and change over time.

College and university students

Many college students in Connecticut live in campus housing part of the year:

• Decide whether your Connecticut address for DMV purposes will be:
  • Your campus address, or
  • A permanent address in another part of the state (for example, your parents’ home)
• If you change dorms or move off campus, remember that your DMV address may need an update again to keep mail and records accurate.

New residents moving to Connecticut from another state

If you’ve just moved to CT from another state:

• You generally need to apply for a Connecticut driver’s license and register your vehicles in Connecticut, not just change the address on your old out-of-state documents.
• Look on the DMV site for services aimed at new Connecticut residents, which often outline the steps for titling your vehicle and converting your license.

PO boxes and rural routes

In some areas of Connecticut, particularly where rural routes or PO boxes are common:

• The DMV may differentiate between your physical (residential) address and your mailing address.
• Even if your mail goes to a PO box or rural route, you will usually still need to provide a residential street address in Connecticut for your driver’s license record.

Changing your name and address together

If you have recently changed your name due to marriage, divorce, or court order and are also moving:

• The DMV may require that your name change be processed first, often with original legal documents.
• Once your name is updated on your record, you can then complete the address change.
• In Connecticut, doing both at once may require an in-person visit and additional documentation compared with a simple address update.

Troubleshooting: If Your Address Change Doesn’t Go Through

Even when you follow all the steps, issues can happen. Here’s how to handle common problems with a DMV change of address Connecticut request.

1. Online address change is rejected

If the online system won’t accept your change:

• Check your information:
  • Make sure your license/ID number and date of birth exactly match your card.
  • Confirm you spelled your name exactly as on your license.
• Try a different format for your address:
  • Use standard abbreviations (e.g., “St” for Street) or remove punctuation.
  • Include or correct your apartment or unit number.
• Look for eligibility messages:
  • The system may display a message indicating that your record isn’t eligible for online changes and may direct you to call or visit in person.

If errors persist, you may need to:

• Use the Connecticut DMV change of address form and submit it in person or by mail, or
• Contact the DMV’s customer service through the official number listed on their website for guidance.

2. You submitted the change, but records still show the old address

If, after what seems like a reasonable processing time, your address still hasn’t updated:

• Verify via official channels:
  • Log in again to the DMV’s online services, if available, and check your profile or driver record.
  • Check your vehicle registration through any available online lookup tools.
• Check for confirmation:
  • Confirm you actually completed the process and didn’t exit before the final submission.
• Contact the DMV:
  • Have your confirmation number or receipt ready.
  • Explain that you submitted an address change and need to confirm whether it was processed.

In Connecticut, this is typically handled by DMV customer service staff who can see whether a transaction is pending, completed, or failed and advise your next step.

3. Your request is formally rejected

If you receive a notice or message that your request was rejected:

• Review the explanation carefully.
  Common reasons:
  • Missing or inconsistent information
  • Address not recognized or incomplete
  • Documents not acceptable or not legible (for mail or in-person submissions)
• Correct the issue and resubmit:
  • Provide clearer documentation or corrected address details.
  • If you originally applied online or by mail, consider going in person so a staff member can review your documentation directly.

4. License address updated, but registration didn’t (or vice versa)

This is one of the most common problems.

If your license shows your new address but your registration still has the old address:

• Use DMV online services or contact the DMV to submit a separate address change specifically for your vehicle registration(s).
• Be ready with:
  • Your plate number
  • VIN
  • Your updated license information

If your registration was updated but your license or ID was not:

• Submit an address change request for your driver’s license/ID through the appropriate online form or in person.
• Confirm whether a new license card is needed or if your record alone will be updated.

5. You moved out of Connecticut

If you’ve moved from Connecticut to another state:

• You will typically need to follow your new state’s process to get a new driver’s license and vehicle registration.
• In many cases, when you register your vehicle and obtain a new license in another state, your Connecticut registration becomes invalid, and your CT license may no longer be valid.
• Check the Connecticut DMV site for information on canceling a registration or returning plates, if required, especially for insurance or tax purposes.

Quick Reference: Connecticut DMV Address Change Options

How to Safely Find the Official Connecticut DMV Pages

If you want to confirm details, locate forms, or check whether online services are available, you can visit the official Connecticut DMV website:

• Official site: https://portal.ct.gov/DMV

From there, you can search for:

• “change of address”
• “online services”
• “office locations”

These pages will provide the most current and specific instructions for your situation.

Keeping your address current with the Connecticut DMV helps you stay in good standing, receive important mail on time, and avoid avoidable complications with your license and vehicle registration. As you settle into your new home in CT, set aside a few minutes to complete your address change online, by mail, or at a DMV office, and then verify that both your driver record and vehicle registrations reflect your new address.