Connecticut driver's license renewal basics

Connecticut lets you renew your driver's license in person at a DMV office, by mail, or online through the state's e-Services portal — but not all three routes work for everyone. Your age, license type, and how long it has been expired determine which method you can use. Most people under 65 with a standard license can renew online or by mail without visiting an office. If your license expired more than five years ago, you must renew in person.

The state sends renewal notices about 45 days before your license expires. The notice includes your renewal options and a barcode you'll need if you renew by mail. You do not have to wait for the notice to arrive — you can start the process as soon as you know your expiration date.

Key Takeaways

  • Connecticut offers three renewal routes: online through e-Services, by mail with your renewal notice, or in person at a DMV office, depending on your age and how recently your license expired.
  • Online renewal takes about one week for your new license to arrive by mail and costs $72 for an eight-year license; mail renewal takes two to three weeks and costs $72.
  • You must renew in person if your license expired more than five years ago, if you are 65 or older, or if you need to change your name, address, or medical information.
  • Connecticut does not issue temporary licenses during renewal, so plan ahead if you need a valid ID for travel or identification purposes.
  • Scammers pose as DMV offices and send fake renewal notices with links to fraudulent websites — only use ct.gov/dmv or the official Connecticut DMV app.

Online renewal through Connecticut e-Services

The fastest way to renew is through the state's e-Services portal at ct.gov/dmv. You log in with your Connecticut online account (or create one if you do not have one), answer questions about your current license, pay the $72 renewal fee by credit or debit card, and submit. The whole process takes about 10 minutes. Your new license arrives by mail in about one week.

Online renewal works only if your license is not expired, you are under 65, you have a standard driver's license (not a commercial license), and your address and name are current. If any of those conditions do not explore to you, use mail renewal or visit an office in person.

You will need your Connecticut driver's license number and your Social Security number to log in. If you do not remember your license number, you can look it up on your renewal notice or call the DMV at 860-263-5700.

Mail renewal with your renewal notice

If you received a renewal notice in the mail, you can renew by mailing it back to the address printed on the notice. Fill out the form on the back, include a check or money order for $72 made payable to "State of Connecticut," and mail it in the envelope provided. Your new license arrives in two to three weeks.

Mail renewal has the same restrictions as online renewal: your license cannot be expired, you must be under 65, and your address and name must be current. If your renewal notice included a barcode, include that too — it speeds up processing. Do not send cash.

Keep a copy of the form you mail in case the DMV loses it. The renewal notice itself is not a valid ID while you wait for your new license, so if you need to drive or show ID during the two to three weeks, you may want to renew in person instead.

In-person renewal at a Connecticut DMV office

Visit any DMV office with your current license, proof of residency (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 90 days), and payment of $72. Bring your Social Security card or a document showing your Social Security number. The office will take a new photo, update your information, and issue a temporary license on the spot that is valid for 30 days while your permanent license is mailed to you.

You must renew in person if your license expired more than five years ago, if you are 65 or older, if you need to change your name or address, or if you have medical conditions that affect your driving. You also need to renew in person if you want to change your license class (for example, from a standard license to a commercial license).

Connecticut DMV offices are located in Wethersfield, Norwalk, Waterbury, and Danielson. Hours and wait times vary by location. You can check current wait times and book an appointment online at ct.gov/dmv. Walk-ins are accepted, but appointments are faster.

What happens if your license is already expired

If your license expired fewer than five years ago, you can still renew by mail or online using the same process. If it expired more than five years ago, you must visit a DMV office in person. Driving with an expired license is illegal in Connecticut, even if you have submitted a renewal request.

Connecticut does not issue temporary licenses by mail or online, so if you need a valid ID right away, in-person renewal is your only option. The temporary license issued at the office is valid for 30 days and lets you drive legally while you wait for your permanent license to arrive.

Renewal fees and payment methods

A standard eight-year driver's license renewal costs $72 in Connecticut. If you are 65 or older, renewal costs $42 for a four-year license. Commercial driver's licenses cost more — check ct.gov/dmv for current rates.

Online and mail renewal accept credit cards, debit cards, or checks. In-person renewal accepts cash, check, credit card, or debit card. Do not send cash by mail. If you pay by check, make it payable to "State of Connecticut" and include your driver's license number on the back.

Scam alerts and how to stay safe

Scammers send fake renewal notices that look like official DMV mail but include a link to a fraudulent website. These sites steal your personal information and driver's license number. The real Connecticut DMV will never email you a renewal link or ask you to click a link in a text message. Renewal notices always come by postal mail.

If you receive an email or text claiming to be from the DMV, do not click any links. Go directly to ct.gov/dmv or call 860-263-5700 to verify. The official Connecticut DMV website has a blue address bar that says "ct.gov" — if the URL says anything else, it is fake. You can also use the official Connecticut DMV mobile app, available on iOS and Android, to renew online safely.

Never give your Social Security number, license number, or payment information to anyone who contacts you first. The DMV will never call you asking for these details.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license before it expires?

Yes. Connecticut lets you renew up to six months before your license expires. If you are planning a trip or know you will need a new license soon, you can start the renewal process early through any of the three methods.

What if I changed my name or address since my last license?

You must renew in person at a DMV office if your name or address has changed. Bring proof of your new address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 90 days) and your current license. If you changed your name, bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the change.

Do I get a temporary license while I wait for my new one?

Only if you renew in person at a DMV office. The office issues a temporary license valid for 30 days. If you renew online or by mail, you do not receive a temporary license, so plan ahead if you need a valid ID during the processing time.

How long does it take to get my new license after I renew?

Online renewal takes about one week. Mail renewal takes two to three weeks. In-person renewal gives you a temporary license when ready, and your permanent license arrives by mail in one to two weeks. Times may be longer during busy periods.

What if my renewal notice got lost in the mail?

Call the DMV at 860-263-5700 and ask them to send a replacement notice, or renew online through e-Services without the notice. You will need your driver's license number and Social Security number to renew online. If you have lost your license too, you must visit a DMV office in person.