Connecticut driver's license renewal by mail or online

Connecticut lets you renew your driver's license by mail or through the DMV's online portal without visiting an office, as long as your license is not expired by more than five years and you have no medical suspensions. If your license expired more than five years ago, you need a vision test and must renew in person at a DMV branch. The online renewal process takes about 10 minutes and costs $72 for an eight-year license; mail renewal takes two to three weeks and costs the same.

To renew online, go to ct.gov/dmv, select "Renew Your License," and log into your Connecticut DMV account. You will need your current license number, Social Security number, and a valid payment method. The system will ask you to confirm your address and vision status. Once approved, your new license ships to your mailing address within 7 to 10 business days.

Mail renewal requires the form DL 43 (process for Renewal of Driver's License), which you can read from ct.gov/dmv or request by calling the DMV at 860-263-5700. Fill it out, include a check or money order for $72 payable to "Commissioner of Motor Vehicles," and mail it to the address listed on the form. Processing takes two to three weeks from receipt.

Key Takeaways

  • Connecticut offers online and mail renewal for licenses not expired more than five years, without visiting a DMV office.
  • Online renewal costs $72 and takes 7 to 10 business days; mail renewal costs $72 and takes two to three weeks.
  • If your license expired more than five years ago, you must renew in person at a DMV branch and pass a vision test.
  • You will need your current license number, Social Security number, and a valid mailing address to renew by either method.

When you must renew in person at a DMV office

In-person renewal is required if your license has been expired for more than five years, if you have a medical suspension on your record, or if you need to change your name or address due to a legal document like a marriage certificate or court order. You also must renew in person if you are explore for a REAL ID-compliant license for the first time, because the DMV must verify your identity documents in front of you.

To renew in person, bring your current license, proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within 60 days), and your Social Security card or a document showing your number. If you are changing your name, bring the legal document (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). Visit ct.gov/dmv to find your nearest branch and book an appointment; walk-ins are accepted but appointments move faster.

What happens if your license is expired

Driving with an expired Connecticut license is illegal and can result in a fine. However, the state does not penalize you for renewing late—there is no grace period, but there is also no additional fee or waiting period once you renew. You cannot legally drive until your new license arrives.

If you need to drive before your renewal is processed, you can request a temporary paper license at a DMV office. The paper license is valid for 30 days and costs $5. This option is useful if you are renewing in person and need to drive home the same day, or if you are waiting for a mailed renewal and need to drive before it arrives.

REAL ID compliance and Connecticut licenses

Connecticut licenses issued after October 1, 2020, are REAL ID-compliant by default, meaning they meet federal standards for domestic air travel and entry to federal buildings. If your current license was issued before that date and does not have a gold star in the upper right corner, it is not REAL ID-compliant. You do not have to upgrade, but you will need a passport or other federal ID to fly domestically or enter a federal courthouse.

If you want to upgrade to a REAL ID license during renewal, you must renew in person and bring original or certified copies of your birth certificate, proof of Social Security number, and two documents proving your current address. The fee is the same as a standard renewal ($72 for eight years). The process takes about 15 minutes at the DMV office.

License renewal fees and validity periods

Connecticut driver's licenses cost $72 for an eight-year renewal and are valid for eight years from the date of issue. The state does not offer shorter renewal periods. If you are under 21, your license is valid for four years and costs $36. Senior drivers (65 and older) can renew for five years at a reduced cost of $45.

Payment by mail must be by check or money order. Online renewal accepts credit cards, debit cards, and electronic checks. There are no additional fees for processing or shipping.

Tracking your renewed license

Once your renewal is processed, you will receive a confirmation email if you renewed online, or a receipt if you renewed by mail. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file. Standard mail delivery takes 7 to 10 business days for online renewals and two to three weeks for mail renewals.

If your license does not arrive within the expected timeframe, contact the DMV at 860-263-5700 with your confirmation number or receipt. The DMV can check the status of your license and reissue it if it was lost in transit. Do not assume it is lost before checking—delays sometimes occur during high-volume periods.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Connecticut license if I moved out of state?

No. Connecticut only renews licenses for residents with a valid Connecticut address. If you moved, you must obtain a license from your new state. You can surrender your Connecticut license by mail or at any DMV office, though this is not required.

What if my name changed since my last license?

You must renew in person and bring the legal document proving the change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). Mail and online renewal do not allow name changes. Bring your current license, the legal document, proof of address, and your Social Security card.

Do I need a new photo when I renew?

No. Connecticut uses your existing photo for mail and online renewals unless your license photo is more than eight years old. If you want a new photo, you must renew in person at a DMV office.

What if I lost my license before it expired?

You can still renew by mail or online using your license number. If you do not have your license number, you can call the DMV at 860-263-5700 to look it up using your name and date of birth, then proceed with renewal.

Can I renew early?

Yes. Connecticut allows renewal up to six months before your license expires. Renewing early does not shorten the validity of your new license—it will still be valid for eight years from the date of issue.