Where to renew and what you need to bring

You can renew your Connecticut driver's license in person at any DMV branch, by mail if you meet certain conditions, or online through the Connecticut DMV website if your license hasn't expired more than five years ago. The in-person route is fastest and handles most situations; the mail and online routes work only if your license is still valid or expired less than five years, you have no medical restrictions, and your address hasn't changed.

If you're renewing in person, bring your current Connecticut license, proof of your Social Security number (your Social Security card, W-2, or 1099 form), and proof of your current address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days). You do not need to retake the written or road test unless the DMV has flagged your record or your license was suspended.

Walk-in appointments are available at all DMV branches, but you can also book a time slot online at ct.gov/dmv to avoid waiting. The DMV branches are located in Wethersfield (main office), Danbury, Hamden, Waterbury, and Norwich.

Key Takeaways

  • Connecticut allows online renewal for licenses expired five years or less, by mail for valid licenses with no address changes, or in person at any DMV branch.
  • In-person renewal requires your current license, proof of Social Security number, and proof of current address dated within 60 days.
  • You can book a time slot online at ct.gov/dmv to skip the walk-in line, or arrive without an appointment.
  • Your renewed license is valid for eight years from the date of renewal, and the DMV mails it to your address within two weeks.
  • If your license has been suspended or you have medical restrictions, you must renew in person and may need additional documents or a medical evaluation.

Online renewal through the Connecticut DMV portal

Online renewal is the fastest option if your license expired five years ago or less and you have no address change, medical restrictions, or suspension history. Go to ct.gov/dmv, select "Renew Your License," and follow the prompts. You'll need your current license number, date of birth, and a valid payment method (debit or credit card). The fee is $72 for an eight-year renewal.

After you submit your process online, the DMV processes it within three to five business days and mails your new license to the address on file. You should receive it within two weeks. Your old license remains valid until the new one arrives, so you can continue driving legally during that time.

If the system rejects your process during the online process, it will tell you why—usually because your license is too old, your address has changed, or there's a flag on your record. In that case, you'll need to renew in person instead.

Mail renewal for valid licenses

You can renew by mail only if your license is still valid (not yet expired), your address hasn't changed, and you have no medical restrictions or suspension history. read the process for Renewal of Driver License (Form DL 43) from ct.gov/dmv, fill it out completely, and mail it with a check or money order for $72 to the Connecticut DMV, 60 State Street, Wethersfield, CT 06161.

Include a photocopy of your current license and proof of your Social Security number (a copy of your card or a recent tax document). Do not send original documents—the DMV will not return them. Mail renewal takes two to three weeks for processing, plus mailing time both ways, so plan ahead if your license is expiring soon.

If anything on your process is incomplete or illegible, the DMV will return it to you, which delays your renewal by another week or more. Double-check that your name, date of birth, and address are correct before you mail it.

In-person renewal at a DMV branch

Bring your current Connecticut license, proof of Social Security number, and proof of your current address to any DMV branch. The proof of address must be dated within the last 60 days and can be a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail with your name and address. A driver's license from another state does not count as proof of address.

The DMV will take a new photo, verify your information, and collect the $72 renewal fee. The entire process usually takes 15 to 30 minutes if you have an appointment, or 30 to 60 minutes if you walk in. You'll receive a temporary paper license when ready, valid for 30 days while the DMV mails your plastic card.

If your address has changed since your last license, bring two documents showing your new address—one dated within 60 days and one older document (like a lease from when you moved in). The DMV uses both to verify you actually live there.

Fees, timelines, and what happens after you renew

Connecticut charges $72 for an eight-year driver's license renewal, whether you renew online, by mail, or in person. You can pay by cash, check, money order, debit card, or credit card, depending on your method. Online and in-person renewals accept all payment types; mail renewals require check or money order only.

Your new license is valid for eight years from the date you renew, not from the date you receive it. If you renew on January 15, 2025, your license expires on January 15, 2033, regardless of when the DMV mails it to you. The DMV mails plastic licenses within two weeks; you can drive on your temporary paper license until it arrives.

Connecticut does not send renewal reminders, so mark your license expiration date on your calendar. Driving on an expired license is illegal and can result in a fine. If your license expires while you're out of state, you can still renew online or by mail from anywhere.

Renewing a suspended or medically restricted license

If your license has been suspended or you have medical restrictions (such as corrective lenses required, hearing aid required, or left-foot accelerator only), you must renew in person at a DMV branch. The DMV will review the reason for the suspension or restriction and determine whether it still applies.

Bring your current license, proof of Social Security number, proof of address, and any medical documentation the DMV has requested. If your suspension was due to unpaid fines or child support, you'll need proof that the debt has been paid. If it was due to a medical condition, you may need a letter from your doctor stating that the condition no longer prevents you from driving safely.

Contact the DMV before you go in person to confirm what documents you need. Call 860-263-5700 or use the online chat at ct.gov/dmv to ask about your specific situation. Processing a renewal with a suspension or medical issue can take longer than a standard renewal—sometimes four to six weeks.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes. If you still live in Connecticut, you can renew online or by mail. If you've moved out of state, you should get a license from your new state instead, because Connecticut requires you to have a license from your state of residence. Contact your new state's DMV to learn their renewal process.

What if my name has changed since my last license?

You must renew in person and bring proof of your name change—a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The DMV will update your name in the system and issue a new license with the correct name. Online and mail renewal do not allow name changes.

How long is my temporary paper license valid?

Your temporary paper license is valid for 30 days from the date the DMV issues it. If your plastic license hasn't arrived by then, contact the DMV at 860-263-5700 to request a replacement temporary license or to check the status of your card.

Can I renew if my license was suspended for a DUI?

You must renew in person and bring proof that your suspension period has ended. The DMV will verify this in their system. If your suspension is still active, they will not renew your license. Contact the DMV before you go to confirm your suspension has been lifted.

What if I lost my current license?

You cannot renew a lost license online or by mail. You must go in person to a DMV branch and request a replacement license instead of a renewal. Bring proof of Social Security number and proof of address. The fee is the same ($72), and you'll receive a temporary paper license when ready.