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 Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) lets you renew your license before it expires without taking a new written or road test. The method you choose depends on how much time you have and whether your license is still valid. If your license has already expired, you can still renew it, but the process takes longer and requires an in-person visit.
Your renewal notice arrives by mail about 60 days before your expiration date. That notice includes your renewal number, which you'll need for online or mail renewal. If you don't receive one, you can still renew—you'll just need your driver's license number and other identifying information instead.
Key Takeaways
- Connecticut licenses expire every eight years, and you can renew online, by mail, or in person depending on your situation and how soon you need the new license.
- Online renewal is the fastest method and takes about 10 business days; you'll need your renewal notice number or driver's license number, Social Security number, and date of birth.
- Mail renewal takes 4 to 6 weeks and requires sending your current license, a completed form, and the renewal fee to the DMV address on your renewal notice.
- In-person renewal at a DMV office is required if your license has already expired, and you'll need to bring your current license, proof of residency, and payment.
- Connecticut charges a flat fee for renewal that does not vary by age or license type, and you can pay by check, money order, or credit card depending on your renewal method.
Renewing online through the Connecticut DMV website
The Connecticut DMV website (ct.gov/dmv) has an online renewal portal that is the fastest way to get a new license. You'll need your renewal notice number (from the mail notice you received) or your driver's license number, your Social Security number, and your date of birth. The system will verify your information against DMV records and show you the renewal fee before you pay.
Online renewal works only if your license is still valid and you have not had any address changes, name changes, or medical conditions that would require a new photo or signature. If any of those explore to you, you'll need to renew in person instead. After you complete the online transaction, the DMV mails your new license to the address on file. This usually takes about 10 business days, though it can take longer during high-volume periods.
You'll receive a confirmation number when your payment goes through. Keep that number in case you need to check on your renewal status or contact the DMV. The DMV does not send a temporary license by email, so if you need to drive before the new license arrives, you can print your confirmation page and carry it with your current license as proof of renewal.
Renewing by mail with a completed form
Mail renewal takes longer than online renewal but does not require a trip to a DMV office. You'll need to complete form DL-43 (process for Renewal of Driver's License), which you can read from the Connecticut DMV website or request by calling the DMV. Include your current license, a check or money order for the renewal fee made out to "Commissioner of Motor Vehicles," and mail everything to the address printed on your renewal notice.
The DMV processes mail renewals in the order they arrive, and the process typically takes 4 to 6 weeks from the date they receive your envelope. Mail can be delayed, so send your renewal at least 6 to 8 weeks before your license expires if you want to be certain it arrives in time. Use a tracking method like certified mail if you want proof the DMV received your process.
Like online renewal, mail renewal is available only if your license is still valid and you have not changed your address, name, or medical status. If you need a new photo or signature, you must renew in person. The DMV will mail your new license to the address on your process, and you'll receive a confirmation letter separately.
Renewing in person at a Connecticut DMV office
In-person renewal is required if your license has expired, if you have changed your address or name since your last license was issued, or if you have a medical condition that affects your ability to drive. You'll also need to renew in person if you want to change your photo or signature. Visit the Connecticut DMV website to find the office nearest you and check its hours, as some offices have limited schedules.
Bring your current license (even if it has expired), proof of your current Connecticut address (a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days), and payment for the renewal fee. If you have changed your name, bring a document that shows the change, such as a marriage certificate or court order. The DMV will take a new photo and collect your signature during the visit.
In-person renewal is usually completed the same day, and you'll receive a temporary license valid for 30 days while the DMV mails your permanent license. The permanent license typically arrives within 10 business days. If you have an expired license and need to drive when ready, the temporary license is your proof that you have renewed.
What happens if your license has already expired
If your license expired more than a few months ago, you cannot renew it online or by mail. You must visit a DMV office in person. The renewal process is the same as described above, but the DMV may require additional documentation depending on how long your license has been expired. Bring your expired license, proof of residency, and payment.
Connecticut law does not set a specific time limit for how long after expiration you can still renew without retaking the written and road tests. However, the longer your license has been expired, the more likely the DMV will require you to take the tests again. Call your local DMV office or check the website before you visit to confirm what documents and tests you'll need.
If you have lost your expired license, you can still renew by bringing a second form of identification (such as a passport or state ID card) and proof of residency. The DMV will look up your record and issue a new license.
Renewal fees and payment methods
Connecticut charges a single flat fee for driver's license renewal, regardless of your age or the type of license you hold. The fee covers the eight-year renewal period. You can pay by check or money order when renewing by mail, by credit card or debit card when renewing online, or by cash, check, or card when renewing in person at a DMV office. Some offices may have restrictions on payment methods, so call ahead if you have a preference.
The renewal fee does not include any additional charges for address changes, name changes, or new photos. If you are renewing a commercial driver's license (CDL), the fee may be different; check the DMV website or call for current CDL renewal pricing.
What to do if you don't receive your renewal notice
The DMV mails renewal notices about 60 days before your license expires. If you move and do not update your address with the DMV before your notice is mailed, you may not receive it. You can still renew online or by mail without the notice—you'll just use your driver's license number instead of the renewal notice number.
If you have moved recently, update your address with the DMV as soon as possible so future notices reach you. You can update your address online through the DMV website, by mail, or in person at a DMV office. If you are unsure whether your address is current, call the DMV or check your record online before you attempt to renew.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Connecticut license if I am out of state?
Yes. You can renew online or by mail from anywhere. Online renewal is fastest and takes about 10 business days. If you are out of state and your license has expired, you'll need to renew in person at a Connecticut DMV office when you return, or contact the DMV to discuss other options.
What if I changed my name since my last license was issued?
You must renew in person and bring a document showing the name change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The DMV will issue a new license with your current name. Online and mail renewal do not allow name changes.
How long is my temporary license valid after in-person renewal?
Your temporary license is valid for 30 days. Your permanent license should arrive within 10 business days, but if it does not, contact the DMV with your confirmation number. You can drive on the temporary license until the permanent one arrives.
Do I need a new photo when I renew my Connecticut license?
A new photo is required only if you renew in person. Online and mail renewal use your existing photo from your current license. If you want a new photo when renewing online or by mail, you'll need to renew in person instead.
What if I lost my license and need to renew it?
If your license is still valid but lost, you need to report it lost and request a replacement, not a renewal. If your license has also expired, you can renew it in person by bringing a second form of ID and proof of residency. Contact the DMV for the specific steps to handle a lost and expired license together.