Connecticut issues duplicate licenses through the DMV, and you can request one by mail, online, or in person
A duplicate license in Connecticut is an exact copy of your current driver's license with the same number, expiration date, and restrictions. You need one if your license is lost, stolen, or damaged beyond use. The Connecticut DMV processes duplicates faster than standard renewals — usually within one to two weeks by mail, or the same day if you go to a DMV office in person.
Connecticut offers three ways to get a duplicate: through the DMV's online portal (fastest for most people), by mail with a form and payment, or by visiting a DMV office. You do not need to retake the written or road test. Your new license will look identical to the one you're replacing, except for a new issue date.
The fee for a duplicate license in Connecticut is $20. This is separate from renewal fees and applies whether you request it online, by mail, or in person.
Key Takeaways
- Connecticut's online duplicate request system is the fastest option for most people and takes about five to ten business days.
- You can request a duplicate by mail using form DL-43 with a $20 check or money order, which takes one to two weeks.
- Walking into a DMV office with your ID and payment gets you a duplicate the same day, though wait times vary by location.
- A duplicate keeps your original license number and expiration date — it is not a renewal and does not extend your license validity.
- If your license was stolen, you should report the theft to local police and mention the report number when you request the duplicate.
Requesting a duplicate online through the DMV portal
The Connecticut DMV's online system is the easiest route for most people. Go to ct.gov/dmv, log into your account (or create one if you don't have one), and select "Order a Duplicate License." You'll need your current license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a valid email address. The system will ask why you need the duplicate — select "lost," "stolen," or "damaged" as appropriate.
Pay the $20 fee with a debit or credit card. Connecticut will mail your duplicate to the address on file within five to ten business days. If you've moved recently and your address on the DMV system is outdated, update it before you order, or your license will arrive at the old address.
You'll receive a confirmation email with a reference number. Keep this number in case you need to check on your order or contact the DMV. If your license was stolen, you can also file a police report at the same time — the report number is helpful to include in your DMV request, though it is not required.
Requesting a duplicate by mail
If you prefer not to use the online system, you can mail a request to the Connecticut DMV. read or print form DL-43 (process for Duplicate License) from ct.gov/dmv. Fill in your name, license number, date of birth, and current address. Include a check or money order for $20 made payable to "Connecticut DMV."
Mail the form and payment to the address listed on the form — this is typically the DMV's central processing office in Wethersfield. Include a note explaining why you need the duplicate (lost, stolen, or damaged). Mail delivery takes three to five days, and the DMV typically processes the request within one to two weeks after receiving it, so plan for two to three weeks total.
Do not send cash. If you mail a check and it bounces, the DMV will contact you, and you may face additional fees. Money order is safer if you're concerned about the mail.
Getting a duplicate in person at a DMV office
Connecticut has DMV offices in multiple locations, including Wethersfield, Waterbury, Norwalk, and Norwich. Bring your current driver's license (or state ID if your license is lost), proof of your Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2, or tax return), and $20 in cash or card. You do not need an appointment at most offices, but wait times vary — offices are typically less crowded early in the morning on weekdays.
The DMV will take a new photo and issue your duplicate on the spot. Your new license will be valid when ready, though you'll receive a temporary paper license at the counter and the plastic card will arrive by mail within one to two weeks as a backup. If your original license was stolen, tell the staff member — they may note this in the system.
Check ct.gov/dmv for office hours and locations before you go. Some offices have reduced hours on certain days, and a few close for lunch.
What to do if your license was stolen
If your license was stolen rather than lost or damaged, file a police report with your local police department. You don't need to wait for the report to be filed before requesting a duplicate from the DMV — you can request the duplicate right away. However, having the police report number is useful: some identity theft can occur with a stolen license, and the report creates an official record.
When you request your duplicate (online, by mail, or in person), mention that the license was stolen. The DMV does not cancel your old license number when ready, but noting the theft in your request helps if someone tries to use the stolen license fraudulently. If you notice suspicious activity on your credit report or receive bills for accounts you didn't open, contact the police department again with the report number and the DMV with your duplicate request number.
Scam alert: Fake duplicate license services
Do not use third-party websites or services that claim to speed up your duplicate license or charge extra fees. The only legitimate way to request a Connecticut duplicate is through ct.gov/dmv, by mail to the official DMV address, or in person at a DMV office. Any website asking for your license number, Social Security number, or payment outside of these three channels is a scam.
Scammers sometimes advertise "rush duplicate licenses" or "same-day delivery" for $50 or more. Connecticut's official in-person service is already same-day and costs $20. If a service is charging significantly more or promising something the DMV doesn't offer, it is fraudulent. Report suspicious websites to the Connecticut Attorney General's office.
Timeline and what to expect after you request
Here's what happens after you submit your request, depending on which method you use:
| Method | Processing time | When you get it |
|---|---|---|
| Online | 5–10 business days | Mailed to your address on file |
| By mail | 1–2 weeks after DMV receives it | Mailed to your address on file |
| In person at DMV office | Same day | Temporary paper license at counter; plastic card mailed within 1–2 weeks |
If you don't receive your duplicate within the expected timeframe, contact the DMV with your reference number (if you ordered online) or your name and license number. Processing delays can happen during high-volume periods, especially in spring and summer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my duplicate license right away if I ordered it online or by mail?
No. Your duplicate is only valid once you receive the physical card in the mail. If you need to drive before it arrives, you'll need to request an in-person duplicate at a DMV office instead, which gives you a temporary paper license you can use when ready.
Does getting a duplicate extend my license expiration date?
No. A duplicate keeps the same expiration date as your original license. If your license expires in six months, your duplicate will also expire in six months. When your license does expire, you'll need to renew it separately.
What if I lost my license and don't know my license number?
If you're ordering online, you'll need your license number. If you don't have it, go to a DMV office in person with your ID and proof of Social Security number — staff can look up your number and issue a duplicate on the spot. You can also call the DMV at 860-263-5700 to ask for your license number before you order online.
Can I request a duplicate if my address has changed?
Yes, but update your address with the DMV first. If you order online or by mail with an outdated address on file, your duplicate will be mailed to the old address. You can update your address through the online portal, by mail, or in person at a DMV office before you request the duplicate.
What if my license was damaged but still readable — do I need a duplicate?
Not necessarily. If your license is still readable and the photo is clear, you can continue using it. A duplicate is mainly for lost, stolen, or severely damaged licenses (water damage, torn, faded to the point of being unreadable). If you're unsure, bring your license to a DMV office and ask staff whether a duplicate is needed.