Connecticut driver's license renewal by mail, online, or in person

Connecticut lets you renew your driver's license through three routes: online if your license is not expired and you have not renewed online in the past two years, by mail if you meet similar conditions, or in person at a DMV office if your license is expired or you need to update information. The fastest option is online through the Connecticut DMV website, which takes about 10 minutes and costs $72 for an eight-year license. Mail renewal takes two to three weeks and costs the same. In-person renewal at a DMV office typically takes 30 to 45 minutes once you arrive, though wait times vary by location and time of day.

Your renewal important date is your birthday. Connecticut sends no reminder notice, so you are responsible for tracking when your license expires — check the expiration date on the front of your card. Renewing before your birthday avoids driving with an expired license, which is illegal and can result in a fine.

Key Takeaways

  • Online renewal through the Connecticut DMV website is the fastest option if your license is not expired and you have not renewed online in the past two years.
  • Mail renewal takes two to three weeks and costs $72 for an eight-year license, the same as online renewal.
  • In-person renewal at a DMV office is required if your license is expired, if you need to change your address or other information, or if you do not meet the requirements for online or mail renewal.
  • Your renewal important date is your birthday, and Connecticut does not send reminder notices, so you must track your expiration date yourself.
  • A renewed Connecticut license is valid for eight years from the date of renewal.

Online renewal through the Connecticut DMV website

To renew online, go to ct.gov/dmv and select the online renewal option. You will need your current driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a valid payment method (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, or Discover). The system will verify your identity using these details and will not proceed if your information does not match DMV records.

Online renewal is available only if your license is not expired and you have not renewed online within the past two years. If you renewed online two years ago, you must use mail or in-person renewal this time. The fee is $72, charged to your card at the time you complete the transaction. Your new license will arrive by mail within 10 to 14 business days.

You cannot change your address, name, or other personal information through online renewal. If you need to update any information on your license, you must renew in person at a DMV office.

Mail renewal using the DMV form

To renew by mail, you must first obtain the renewal form from the Connecticut DMV. read it from ct.gov/dmv or request it by calling the DMV at 860-263-5700. The form is called the process for Driver's License or Permit (Form DL-43). Fill it out completely, sign it, and mail it with a check or money order for $72 payable to "State of Connecticut DMV."

Mail your completed form and payment to the address listed on the form — currently the Connecticut DMV, 60 State Street, Wethersfield, CT 06161. Processing takes two to three weeks from the date the DMV receives your envelope. Your new license will arrive by mail after processing is complete. Do not mail your current license; keep it until your new one arrives.

Like online renewal, mail renewal is available only if your license is not expired and you have not renewed online in the past two years. You cannot change your address or other information by mail. If you need to update information, renew in person.

In-person renewal at a Connecticut DMV office

Visit a DMV office if your license is expired, if you need to change your address or name, or if you do not meet the requirements for online or mail renewal. Bring your current driver's license, proof of your Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2, or tax return), and proof of your current address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the past 60 days). If your name has changed, bring a document proving the change, such as a marriage certificate or court order.

Connecticut has DMV offices in Wethersfield, Waterbury, Norwalk, and New Britain. You can walk in without an appointment, but wait times are shorter if you book a time slot online at ct.gov/dmv. Bring exact cash or a debit or credit card for the $72 fee. Your new license will be issued on the spot, though you may need to have your photo taken if your current license photo is more than eight years old.

Processing in person takes 30 to 45 minutes on average, but this varies by office and time of day. Offices are typically less busy on weekday mornings and more crowded on weekends and after 3 p.m. on weekdays.

What happens if your license expires before you renew

Driving with an expired license is illegal in Connecticut. If you are stopped by police, you can be fined. The amount varies but typically ranges from $75 to $150 for a first offense. An expired license also means your vehicle registration may be invalid, since Connecticut ties registration to a valid driver's license.

If your license has already expired, you cannot renew online or by mail. You must renew in person at a DMV office. Bring the same documents listed above. The fee remains $72 regardless of how long your license has been expired.

Changing your address or name during renewal

If you have moved or changed your name, you must renew in person at a DMV office. You cannot make these changes online or by mail. Bring proof of your new address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the past 60 days) and, if your name has changed, a document proving the change such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.

The $72 renewal fee covers the address or name change — there is no additional charge. Your new license will reflect your updated information and will be issued on the spot.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is a Connecticut driver's license valid after renewal?

A renewed Connecticut driver's license is valid for eight years from the date of renewal. Your new expiration date will be printed on the front of your license. You will receive a reminder only by tracking your own expiration date — Connecticut does not send notices.

Can I renew my license if it has been expired for more than a year?

Yes, but you must renew in person at a DMV office. The fee is still $72. Bring your expired license, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your current address. If your license has been expired for a very long time, the DMV may require additional documentation, so call 860-263-5700 before you visit.

What if I lost my driver's license and need to renew it?

You cannot renew a lost license online or by mail. You must visit a DMV office in person and report the loss. Bring proof of your Social Security number and proof of your current address. The DMV will issue a replacement license on the spot for $72. If you suspect your license was stolen, you may also want to file a police report.

Do I need an appointment to renew my license in person at a DMV office?

Appointments are not required, but booking one online at ct.gov/dmv can reduce your wait time. Walk-ins are accepted at all four DMV offices. Weekday mornings typically have shorter waits than afternoons or weekends.

What if my name or address information in the DMV system is incorrect?

You must correct this information in person at a DMV office. Bring documents proving your correct name or address, such as a marriage certificate or utility bill. The DMV will update your record and issue a new license with the correct information for the standard $72 renewal fee.