How to Renew Your Connecticut Driver's License

Connecticut driver's license renewal by mail or online

Connecticut lets you renew your driver's license by mail or through the DMV website without visiting an office, as long as your license is not expired by more than two years and you have no medical suspensions. The online renewal process takes about 10 minutes and costs $72 for an eight-year license. Mail renewal takes longer — typically two to three weeks — but works the same way: you fill out the form, send it with your fee, and receive your new license by post.

If your license expired more than two years ago, you have a medical suspension, or you need to change your address or name, you must visit a DMV office in person. The same applies if you want to renew early or if you lost your license and need a replacement.

Key Takeaways

Online renewal through the Connecticut DMV website is the fastest option and takes about 10 minutes if your license is current or expired less than two years.
Mail renewal costs the same as online ($72 for eight years) but takes two to three weeks from the time the DMV receives your form and payment.
You cannot renew by mail or online if your license expired more than two years ago, if you have a medical suspension, or if you need to change your name or address.
An eight-year Connecticut driver's license costs $72; a four-year license costs $48 if you prefer a shorter renewal period.

Steps for online renewal on the DMV website

Go to ct.gov/dmv and select "Renew Your License" from the homepage. You will need your current license number, Social Security number, and a valid payment method (debit or credit card). The system will ask you to confirm your address and answer questions about medical conditions and driving violations. Once you submit the form and pay the $72 fee, you will receive a confirmation number.

Your new license will arrive by mail within two to three weeks. Connecticut will mail it to the address on file, so update your address before you renew if you have moved. You can continue driving on your current license until the new one arrives.

Mailing in your renewal form

read the driver's license renewal form (Form DL-43) from the Connecticut DMV website or pick one up at any DMV office. Fill out the form completely, including your current license number, name, address, and date of birth. Sign and date the form — an unsigned form will be returned.

Mail the completed form along with a check or money order for $72 (eight-year license) or $48 (four-year license) to the address listed on the form. Do not send cash. Include a copy of your current license if possible, though it is not required. Mail processing typically takes two to three weeks after the DMV receives your envelope, so send it at least four weeks before your license expires if you need it by a specific date.

When you must visit a DMV office in person

Visit a Connecticut DMV office if your license expired more than two years ago, if you have an active medical suspension, or if you need to change your legal name or address. You will also need to go in person if you lost your license and need a replacement, or if you want to upgrade to a REAL ID-compliant license (which requires proof of citizenship and identity documents).

Bring your current license, proof of residency (a utility bill or lease dated within the last 60 days), and your Social Security card or a document showing your number. If you are changing your name, bring a certified copy of the document that changed it — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. Visit ct.gov/dmv to find the office nearest you and check current wait times before you go.

REAL ID upgrade during renewal

Connecticut's standard driver's license is not REAL ID-compliant, which means you cannot use it to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building after May 7, 2025. If you want to upgrade to a REAL ID license during renewal, you must do so in person at a DMV office.

Bring your current license, proof of citizenship (a birth certificate or passport), proof of identity (a Social Security card or tax return), and proof of residency (a utility bill or lease). The REAL ID license costs the same as a standard renewal ($72 for eight years) and is valid for the same period. You cannot upgrade by mail or online.

License validity periods and expiration dates

Connecticut driver's licenses are valid for either four or eight years, depending on which you choose at renewal. An eight-year license costs $72; a four-year license costs $48. Your license expires on your birthday in the year it is due — for example, if you renew in 2024 and choose an eight-year license, it expires on your birthday in 2032.

You can renew up to six months before your license expires. If you renew early, your new expiration date is calculated from your current expiration date, not from the date you renew, so you do not lose time on your license. Check the expiration date printed on your current license to know when you become may be able to access to renew.

What to do if your license is already expired

If your license expired fewer than two years ago, you can still renew by mail or online using the same process as a current license. If it expired more than two years ago, you must visit a DMV office and may need to retake the written test and vision test, depending on how long it has been expired. Call the DMV at 860-263-5700 to ask whether you need to test before you visit.

Do not drive with an expired license. If you are stopped by police, you can be cited for driving with an expired license even if you have applied for renewal. Renew as soon as you notice your license has expired, or contact the DMV to ask about the fastest path forward in your situation.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. You must have a Connecticut address on file to renew a Connecticut license. If you moved permanently, you should obtain a driver's license from your new state instead. If you moved temporarily, update your address back to Connecticut before you renew online or by mail.

How long does it take to get my license if I renew online?

Online renewal is processed when ready, but your physical license arrives by mail in two to three weeks. You can drive on your current license during this time. If you need your new license faster, visit a DMV office in person and request expedited processing.

What if I lost my license and need to renew at the same time?

You must visit a DMV office in person. Bring your proof of identity, Social Security card, and proof of residency. The DMV will issue a replacement license and renew it in one visit. The cost is $72 for an eight-year license.

Do I need to take a new photo for online renewal?

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

Can I renew my license if I have unpaid traffic tickets or fines?

Connecticut does not automatically block renewal for unpaid tickets, but the court or DMV may suspend your license for other reasons. If you have outstanding fines, contact the court that issued the ticket to ask about payment plans before you renew.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.