Where to renew and what you need before you start
Connecticut driver's licenses renew every eight years. You can renew in person at any DMV branch, by mail if you meet certain conditions, or online through the Connecticut DMV website if your license is not expired and you have not had any address changes. The method you choose depends on whether your license is still valid, how soon you need it, and whether your personal information has changed.
Before you begin, gather your current Connecticut driver's license, proof of your Social Security number (your Social Security card, W-2, or 1099 form), and proof of your current address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days). If you have changed your name since your last license was issued, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.
Key Takeaways
- Connecticut licenses renew every eight years, and you can renew online, by mail, or in person depending on your situation.
- Online renewal is available only if your license is not expired, you have not moved, and you have not changed your name.
- Mail renewal takes about two to three weeks and costs the same as in-person renewal but requires you to send original documents.
- In-person renewal at a DMV branch takes about 30 to 60 minutes and is the fastest way to get a new license the same day.
- If your license has been expired for more than five years, you must renew in person and may need to retake the written test.
Online renewal through the Connecticut DMV website
Online renewal is the fastest option if you are may be able to access. You can renew online only if your current license is not expired, your address has not changed, your name has not changed, and you do not wear corrective lenses (or your vision correction has not changed). Go to the Connecticut DMV website, select "Renew Your License," and follow the prompts to verify your identity and pay the renewal fee with a credit or debit card.
The fee for an eight-year renewal is $155. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days. During that time, you can continue to drive using your current license. If you are not sure whether you meet the online renewal requirements, the DMV website has a tool that walks you through your specific situation.
Mail renewal when you cannot visit a branch
Mail renewal is an option if your license is not expired and your address has not changed. Complete the process for Renewal of Driver's License (Form DL 43), which you can read from the Connecticut DMV website or request by phone. Include your current license, proof of your Social Security number, and a check or money order for $155 payable to "Connecticut DMV."
Mail your completed process and documents to the address listed on the form. Processing takes about two to three weeks from the date the DMV receives your envelope. Your new license will be mailed to your address on file. Do not send cash, and keep a copy of everything you mail in case the DMV needs to contact you about missing information. If your documents are incomplete, the DMV will return them and you will have to resubmit, which adds another two to three weeks.
In-person renewal at a Connecticut DMV branch
Visit any Connecticut DMV branch with your current license, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your current address. You do not need an appointment, but wait times vary by location and time of day. Branches are typically less crowded on weekday mornings. Bring all your documents in original form — the DMV does not accept photocopies of your license or Social Security card.
The renewal fee is $155, and you can pay by cash, check, debit card, or credit card. You will have a new photo taken, and your new license will be printed on site. You can leave with your new license the same day. The entire process usually takes 30 to 60 minutes, depending on how busy the branch is. If you need your license for a specific reason on a specific date, call ahead to ask about current wait times at your nearest branch.
What happens if your license has been expired for more than five years
If your license expired more than five years ago, you cannot renew by mail or online. You must renew in person at a DMV branch. The DMV treats this as a new license process rather than a renewal, which means you will need to retake the written knowledge test and the road test. Bring your current (expired) license, proof of your Social Security number, proof of your address, and proof of your identity such as a passport or birth certificate.
You will also need to show proof of Connecticut residency — a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. Schedule your road test appointment before you visit the branch, as the DMV does not conduct road tests on the same day as the written test. The written test costs $10 and the road test costs $35, in addition to the $155 license fee.
Renewing with a name change or address change
If your name has changed since your last license was issued, you must renew in person. Bring your current license, the document that shows your name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order), proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your current address. The DMV will update your name in their system and issue a new license with your current name.
If your address has changed, you can update it during any renewal method. For online renewal, your new address will be entered during the process. For mail renewal, write your new address on the process form. For in-person renewal, tell the DMV staff your new address when you arrive. Your new license will be mailed to your new address. If you move before your new license arrives, contact the DMV to request that it be held at a branch for you to pick up, or provide a forwarding address.
Fees and payment methods
A standard eight-year license renewal costs $155 in Connecticut. This fee is the same whether you renew online, by mail, or in person. If you renew online or by mail, you pay by credit card, debit card, or check. If you renew in person, you can also pay with cash. The DMV does not issue refunds if you change your mind after paying, so make sure you are ready to complete the renewal before you submit payment.
Some DMV branches accept only certain payment methods, so if you plan to pay with a check or cash, call ahead to confirm. If you are renewing by mail and paying by check, make it payable to "Connecticut DMV" and include it in the same envelope as your process and documents.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Connecticut license if it expired while I was out of state?
Yes. Connecticut does not penalize you for renewing after expiration if you were living outside the state. However, if your license has been expired for more than five years, you must renew in person and retake the written and road tests. If it expired less than five years ago, you can renew by mail or in person.
What do I do if I lost my current license before renewal?
You cannot renew a lost license by mail or online. You must visit a DMV branch in person with proof of your identity (passport, birth certificate, or state ID), proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your address. The DMV will issue a replacement license and count it as your renewal, so your new license will be valid for eight years from the date of issue.
How long does it take to get my renewed license if I renew online?
Your new license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days after you complete the online process. You can continue to drive using your current license during this time. If you need your new license sooner, you must renew in person at a DMV branch instead.
Do I need to retake the vision test when I renew?
No, unless your vision correction has changed or you no longer wear corrective lenses when you previously did. If your vision has changed, you must renew in person so the DMV can administer a new vision test. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them with you to your renewal appointment.
Can I renew my license if I have an outstanding ticket or fine?
Yes. Connecticut does not suspend your license renewal for unpaid traffic tickets or fines. However, if your license has been suspended for other reasons — such as failure to pay child support or a DUI conviction — you must resolve the suspension before you can renew. Contact the DMV to find out whether your license is currently suspended.