How to Replace a Lost Driver's License in Connecticut

What to do if your Connecticut driver's license is lost or stolen

If your Connecticut driver's license is lost or stolen, you need to request a replacement from the Connecticut DMV. The process is straightforward: you can explore in person at a DMV office, by mail, or online through the Connecticut DMV website. Most people complete this in one visit or within two weeks by mail. You will need to pay a replacement fee and provide proof of identity.

The Connecticut DMV treats a lost license the same way it treats a damaged one — you are requesting a duplicate of your current license with the same number and expiration date. You do not need to retake the written or road test. If your license has already expired, you will need to renew it instead of straightforward replacing it, which involves a different process and additional requirements.

Key Takeaways

You can replace a lost Connecticut license in person at any DMV office, by mail, or online at ct.gov/dmv without retaking any tests.
The replacement fee is $20 for a standard license and $30 for a REAL ID-compliant license, and you must show proof of identity.
If your license has expired, you must renew it rather than replace it, which requires additional documents and a vision test.
In-person replacement usually takes 15 to 30 minutes; by mail, expect two to three weeks for delivery.
If your license was stolen, you may want to report it to local police and monitor your credit, though this is separate from the DMV replacement process.

Replacing your license in person at a Connecticut DMV office

Walk into any Connecticut DMV office with your proof of identity and payment, and you can walk out with a temporary paper license the same day. Bring your Social Security number or a document showing it. The DMV will photograph you on the spot and print your replacement license before you leave. You do not need an appointment at most offices, though wait times vary by location and time of day.

Bring one of these forms of ID: a passport, a passport card, a military ID, a state ID card, a tribal ID, or a foreign national ID. If you do not have any of these, bring two documents from the secondary list: a birth certificate, a Social Security card, a W-2 form, a pay stub, a bank statement, a utility bill, or a lease. The document must show your current name and address or be accompanied by proof of your current address.

Pay the $20 replacement fee with cash, debit card, or credit card. If you want a REAL ID-compliant license (required for federal buildings and domestic flights starting May 2025), the fee is $30. Your replacement license will have the same number and expiration date as your lost license. If your license expired more than five years ago, the DMV may require you to renew instead.

Replacing your license by mail

Complete the process for Duplicate Driver's License or Identification Card (Form DL 43) and mail it to the Connecticut DMV with a check or money order for $20 (or $30 for REAL ID). Include a copy of your proof of identity — a photocopy of your passport, military ID, or state ID card. Do not send original documents; the DMV will not return them.

Mail your process to: Connecticut DMV, 60 State Street, Wethersfield, CT 06161. Your replacement license will arrive in two to three weeks. During this time, you can request a temporary paper license by phone at 860-263-5700 if you need to drive when ready, though availability varies. Keep your process receipt as proof you have requested a replacement.

Replacing your license online

Visit ct.gov/dmv and select the option to request a duplicate license. You will need to enter your license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The system will verify your identity against DMV records. If verification succeeds, you can pay the $20 or $30 fee online with a debit or credit card.

After you complete the online request, your replacement license will be mailed to the address on file within two to three weeks. You cannot upload a photo online; the DMV will use the photo from your current license. If your address has changed since your license was issued, update it before you request the replacement, or your new license will arrive at the old address.

What to do if your license was stolen

If your license was stolen rather than straightforward lost, consider reporting it to your local police department. This creates a record in case someone tries to use your license for fraud. You do not need a police report to request a replacement from the DMV, but having one on file can help if identity theft occurs later.

Monitor your credit report for suspicious activity. You can request a free credit report from each of the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) once per year at annualcreditreport.com. If you notice fraudulent accounts or inquiries, place a fraud alert with the credit bureaus and consider freezing your credit. These steps are separate from the DMV replacement process but protect you if someone misuses your license information.

If your license has expired

If your Connecticut license expired within the last five years, you can renew it by mail or online without visiting an office. If it expired more than five years ago, you must renew in person at a DMV office and pass a vision test. Renewal is different from replacement: you will need to provide proof of residency and your Social Security number, and the fee is higher ($72 for a standard license, $82 for REAL ID).

Check your license expiration date before you request a replacement. If it has passed, contact the DMV to confirm whether you can renew by mail or must come in person. Some people discover their license expired while trying to replace it, which delays the process.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive while waiting for my replacement license?

If you received a temporary paper license in person at the DMV, you can drive with it. If you applied by mail or online, you cannot legally drive until your replacement arrives, unless you request a temporary license by phone. Call 860-263-5700 to ask whether a temporary license is available in your situation.

What if I lost my license out of state?

You can still request a replacement from Connecticut by mail or online using the same process. You do not need to be in Connecticut to explore. If you need to drive when ready, contact the DMV by phone to ask about temporary license options, or visit a DMV office if you are back in Connecticut.

How much does a replacement license cost?

A standard replacement license costs $20. A REAL ID-compliant license costs $30. Payment is due when you explore, whether in person, by mail, or online. The fee is the same regardless of how long your current license is valid.

Will my replacement license have a new number?

No. Your replacement license will have the same number as your lost license and the same expiration date. The only thing that changes is the physical card itself.

What if the DMV cannot verify my identity online?

If the online verification fails, you will need to explore in person at a DMV office or by mail with a photocopy of your proof of identity. Verification usually fails if your name or address in the DMV system does not match your process exactly, or if your license number is entered incorrectly.

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.