Connecticut driver's licenses expire every eight years, and you can renew yours online, by mail, or in person at a DMV office

Connecticut's DMV handles license renewals through three routes: online through the state's portal, by mail using a renewal form, or in person at a DMV branch. Which route you can use depends on your age, whether your license is still valid, and how much time you have before expiration. Online renewal is the fastest and requires no trip to an office, but not every driver is may be able to access. The state charges a renewal fee that varies based on how many years you're renewing for.

Your license expiration date is printed on the front of your card. Connecticut sends renewal notices about 60 days before that date, but you don't have to wait for the notice to start the process. You can renew up to one year before your license expires.

Key Takeaways

  • Connecticut driver's licenses are valid for eight years, and you can begin renewing up to one year before expiration.
  • Online renewal through the DMV portal is available to most drivers and takes minutes, but you must have a valid Social Security number and current address on file.
  • If you cannot renew online, you can mail a completed DL 43 form with your current license and payment, or visit a DMV office in person.
  • The renewal fee depends on whether you renew for four years or eight years, and payment methods vary by renewal route.
  • If your license is expired, you cannot renew online and must use mail or in-person renewal instead.

Online renewal through the Connecticut DMV portal

The Connecticut DMV website allows you to renew online if your license is still valid and you meet basic requirements. You'll need your current license number, Social Security number, date of birth, and a valid email address. The process takes about 10 minutes and you can pay by credit or debit card. Once approved, your new license will be mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days.

You are not may be able to access for online renewal if your license has already expired, if you need to update your address or name, or if you have certain medical conditions flagged on your record. You also cannot renew online if you've had a license suspension or revocation. In those cases, you must visit a DMV office or use mail renewal.

To start online renewal, go to the Connecticut DMV website and select the license renewal option. You'll be asked to verify your identity and confirm your current information. If the system cannot verify you, it will tell you when ready and direct you to mail or in-person renewal.

Mail renewal using the DL 43 form

If you cannot renew online, you can mail your renewal to the Connecticut DMV. You'll need to complete form DL 43, which is available on the DMV website or by calling the DMV at 860-263-5700. Include your current driver's license, a check or money order for the renewal fee, and the completed form in an envelope addressed to the DMV.

Mail renewal takes longer than online renewal—typically 4 to 6 weeks from the time the DMV receives your envelope. If you're close to your expiration date, mail renewal may not be fast enough. You can send your renewal by regular mail or certified mail; certified mail gives you a receipt showing the DMV received it, which is useful if your license expires while your renewal is being processed.

The DMV address for mail renewals is listed on form DL 43 and on the Connecticut DMV website. Do not mail your renewal to a local DMV office; it must go to the central processing location. If you include a return address, the DMV will mail your new license directly to you.

In-person renewal at a Connecticut DMV office

You can renew your license in person at any Connecticut DMV branch. Bring your current driver's license, proof of your Social Security number (such as a Social Security card or tax return), and payment. You do not need an appointment at most offices, but wait times vary by location and time of day. The DMV website shows current wait times for each branch.

In-person renewal is the right choice if your license has expired, if you need to update your address or name at the same time, or if you want your new license when ready. The DMV can issue a temporary paper license on the spot while your permanent card is mailed, though this temporary license has restrictions—it's valid only in Connecticut and cannot be used for air travel.

DMV offices are open Monday through Friday, with some locations offering Saturday hours. Hours vary by branch, so check the DMV website for the office nearest you. If you have questions about what documents to bring or whether you're may be able to access to renew, call the DMV before you go.

Renewal fees and payment methods

Connecticut charges different fees depending on whether you renew for four years or eight years. The eight-year renewal costs more but is the standard option for most drivers. You can pay online by credit or debit card, by check or money order if renewing by mail, or by cash, check, or card if renewing in person. The DMV does not accept personal checks by mail, only money orders.

If you renew online, your payment is processed when ready when you submit your process. If you renew by mail, include your payment in the same envelope as your form and license. If you renew in person, you can pay at the counter. The DMV will not process your renewal without payment.

What happens if your license expires before your renewal arrives

If you've started the renewal process but your license expires before you receive your new one, you are still considered to have a valid license as long as you can show proof that you applied. Keep any confirmation email from online renewal or any receipt from mail renewal. If you were pulled over, show the officer your expired license and your proof of process.

However, you cannot drive with an expired license if you did not start a renewal before it expired. If your license has been expired for more than a few weeks and you have no proof of process, you must renew in person at a DMV office before you can legally drive.

Updating your address or name during renewal

If you've moved or changed your name, you cannot use online renewal. You must renew in person or by mail and provide proof of your new address or name. For a name change, bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. For an address change, bring a utility bill, lease, or other document showing your current address dated within the last 60 days.

In-person renewal is faster if you need to update information, because the DMV can verify your documents on the spot and issue a temporary license while your permanent card is mailed. If you renew by mail with a name or address change, include copies of your proof documents with your process.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Connecticut license if I'm out of state?

Yes. You can renew online from anywhere if you're may be able to access, or you can mail your renewal form and current license to the DMV. You cannot renew in person at a DMV office unless you're physically present in Connecticut.

What if I lost my current license?

You cannot renew online or by mail without your current license. You must visit a DMV office in person with proof of identity, such as a passport or birth certificate, and request a replacement license. The DMV can issue a new license on the same day.

How long is my license valid after I renew?

Your new license is valid for eight years from the date it is issued, unless you chose the four-year renewal option. The expiration date is printed on your new card.

Do I need a new photo for online renewal?

No. Online renewal uses your existing photo from your current license. If you want a new photo, you must renew in person at a DMV office.

What if the DMV rejects my online renewal process?

The system will tell you why and direct you to mail or in-person renewal. Common reasons include an address mismatch, an expired license, or a flag on your record. Call the DMV at 860-263-5700 to ask what the issue is before you try again.