What You Need to Renew in Connecticut
Connecticut lets you renew your driver's license by mail, online, or in person at a DMV office. The method you choose depends on how much time you have and whether your license has expired. If your license is still valid or expired less than two years ago, you can renew by mail or online without visiting an office. If it expired more than two years ago, you must renew in person.
Your renewal notice arrives in the mail about 45 days before your license expires. The notice includes your renewal number, which you'll need for online or mail renewal. Keep it handy—you cannot renew without it.
Key Takeaways
- Connecticut sends a renewal notice by mail 45 days before your license expires; use the renewal number on that notice to renew online or by mail.
- Online renewal takes about 10 minutes and costs $72 for a six-year license; you'll receive your new license by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
- Mail renewal requires sending your renewal notice, a check or money order, and a new photo to the DMV; processing takes 2 to 3 weeks.
- In-person renewal at a DMV office is required if your license expired more than two years ago, and you must bring your current ID and proof of residency.
- Connecticut does not offer online renewal for commercial driver's licenses or licenses with certain restrictions; those require in-person renewal.
Renewing Online Through the Connecticut DMV Portal
Online renewal is the fastest option if your license is still valid or expired less than two years ago. Go to the Connecticut DMV website and select "Renew Your License Online." You'll enter your driver's license number, renewal number (from your notice), date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The system will verify your identity and show you the renewal fee.
Connecticut charges $72 for a six-year renewal license. You pay by credit card or debit card during the online transaction. Once you submit, you'll receive a confirmation number. Your new license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. You can use your old license until the new one arrives.
Online renewal is not available if you need to change your name, address, or other information on your license. If any of your details have changed, you must renew by mail or in person.
Renewing by Mail
Mail renewal works if your license is still valid or expired less than two years ago. You'll need your renewal notice, a new passport-style photo (2 by 2 inches), and payment. Mail renewal takes longer than online—typically 2 to 3 weeks—because the DMV must process your photo and verify your information by hand.
Fill out the back of your renewal notice with your signature and new photo. Include a check or money order for $72 made out to "Connecticut DMV." Mail everything to the address listed on your renewal notice. Do not send cash. Keep a copy of your notice for your records.
Your new license will arrive by mail. You can continue using your old license until the new one arrives. If you don't receive your new license within three weeks, contact the DMV to check the status of your renewal.
Renewing in Person at a DMV Office
You must renew in person if your license expired more than two years ago, if you need to change information on your license, or if you hold a commercial driver's license. Bring your current driver's license or state ID, proof of your current address (a utility bill or lease dated within the last 60 days), and payment.
Connecticut DMV offices are located in Wethersfield, Norwalk, Waterbury, and Danielson. You can walk in without an appointment, but wait times vary. The DMV website shows current wait times for each office. Bring a new passport-style photo if you want to update the photo on your license; otherwise, the office will take one for you.
In-person renewal takes about 15 to 20 minutes once you reach the counter. You'll pay $72 for a six-year license by cash, check, or card. You'll receive a temporary paper license on the spot and your new plastic license by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
What to Bring and What It Costs
The documents you need depend on which renewal method you choose. For online renewal, you need only your renewal notice and a payment method. For mail renewal, bring your renewal notice, a new photo, and payment. For in-person renewal, bring your current ID, proof of address, and payment.
Connecticut charges $72 for a standard six-year driver's license renewal. This fee is the same whether you renew online, by mail, or in person. If you renew in person and want a new photo, there is no additional charge—the office takes it as part of the renewal. If you mail in a photo, you must provide your own.
| Renewal Method | Documents Needed | Cost | Processing Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online | Renewal notice, payment method | $72 | 7–10 business days |
| Renewal notice, new photo, payment | $72 | 2–3 weeks | |
| In person | Current ID, proof of address, payment | $72 | 7–10 business days for plastic license |
When Your License Expires and Renewal important date
Your Connecticut driver's license is valid for six years from the date of issue. The expiration date is printed on the front of your license. You can renew your license up to one year before it expires, so there is no rush to wait until the last moment.
If your license has already expired, you can still renew by mail or online if it expired less than two years ago. If it expired more than two years ago, you must renew in person. Driving with an expired license is illegal in Connecticut, even if you have already submitted a renewal.
The DMV sends renewal notices by mail about 45 days before your license expires. If you don't receive a notice, you can still renew online or in person—you just won't have the renewal number. Contact the DMV to request a renewal notice or to renew without one.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Connecticut license if I've moved out of state?
If you still have a Connecticut address on file, you can renew online or by mail. If you've moved and changed your address, you must renew in person at a DMV office and bring proof of your new address. If you've moved permanently to another state, you should get a license from that state instead of renewing in Connecticut.
What if I lost my renewal notice?
You can still renew online or in person without the notice. To renew online, call the DMV at 860-263-5700 to request your renewal number, or visit a DMV office in person. In-person renewal does not require a renewal notice—just bring your current ID and proof of address.
How long can I drive on an expired Connecticut license?
You cannot legally drive on an expired license in Connecticut. Once your license expires, you must have a valid license to operate a vehicle. If you are stopped by police, you can be cited for driving with an expired license, even if you have submitted a renewal.
Can I renew my commercial driver's license online?
No. Connecticut requires all commercial driver's license renewals to be done in person at a DMV office. Bring your current CDL, proof of address, and payment. You may also need to pass a medical examination depending on the type of commercial license you hold.
What if my renewal is taking longer than expected?
Online and in-person renewals typically arrive within 7 to 10 business days. Mail renewals take 2 to 3 weeks. If you haven't received your license after these timeframes, contact the DMV at 860-263-5700 with your confirmation number or renewal notice to check the status.