How to Renew Your Connecticut Driver's License

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

Connecticut issues driver's licenses that are valid for eight years from the date of issue. When your license is about to expire, the Connecticut DMV will send you a renewal notice in the mail about 60 days before the expiration date. You have three ways to renew: online through the DMV website, by mail using the renewal form that comes with your notice, or in person at a DMV branch office. Which method works best depends on whether your address has changed, whether you need a new photo, and how quickly you need the renewed license.

The fastest route is online renewal if your address and name have not changed. If either has changed, or if you want a new photo, you must renew by mail or in person. All three methods result in a physical license mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days, though online and in-person renewal give you a temporary license to use when ready.

Key Takeaways

Connecticut sends renewal notices about 60 days before your license expires, and you should act on it before the expiration date to avoid driving with an expired license.
Online renewal through the DMV website is the fastest option if your address and name haven't changed and you don't need a new photo.
If your address has changed, your name has changed, or you want a new photo, you must renew by mail or in person, not online.
Mail renewal takes 2 to 3 weeks from when the DMV receives your form, so send your materials as soon as you receive your notice.
In-person renewal at any Connecticut DMV office is completed on the spot, and you receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while your physical card is mailed.

Online renewal through the Connecticut DMV website

Online renewal is the fastest way to renew your Connecticut driver's license if you meet the requirements. You can renew online if your address has not changed since your current license was issued, your name has not changed, you do not need a new photo, and your license is not suspended or revoked. To renew online, go to the Connecticut DMV website, enter your license number and date of birth, and follow the prompts to pay the renewal fee with a credit or debit card.

The online renewal process takes about 10 to 15 minutes, and your new license will be mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days. You will receive a temporary digital license via email that you can use while you wait for the physical card to arrive. This temporary license is valid for 30 days and can be shown on your phone if you are stopped by law enforcement. Keep the confirmation email from your online renewal as proof that you renewed on time.

Mail renewal when your address or name changed or you need a new photo

If your address has changed since your current license was issued, your name has changed, or if you want a new photo on your renewed license, you must renew by mail or in person—online renewal is not an option. When you receive your renewal notice in the mail, it will include a renewal form and instructions. Complete the form, include a new photo if you are renewing for a photo update, and mail everything to the address listed on the form along with the renewal fee.

Mail renewal typically takes 2 to 3 weeks from the time the DMV receives your completed form. Because of this delay, send your renewal materials as soon as you receive your notice. If your license expires before your renewed license arrives, you will be driving with an expired license, which can result in a traffic violation. Keep a copy of your mailed renewal form and the postmark date as proof that you renewed on time, in case you are stopped before your new license arrives. If your name has changed, include a copy of your legal name change document, such as a marriage certificate or court order.

In-person renewal at a Connecticut DMV office

You can renew your license in person at any Connecticut DMV branch office. Walk-ins are accepted at all locations, though you may wait longer during peak hours. Bring your current driver's license, proof of your current address (such as a utility bill or lease), and payment for the renewal fee. If you are renewing for a photo update, the DMV will take a new photo during your visit at no extra charge. If your name has changed, bring legal documentation of the change, such as a marriage certificate or court order.

In-person renewal is completed on the spot, and you will receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while your physical card is mailed to you. The DMV office locations and hours are listed on the Connecticut DMV website. Call ahead or check online wait times before you go, as some offices are busier than others depending on the day and time. Your physical license will arrive within 7 to 10 business days.

Renewal fees and what to bring

Connecticut driver's license renewal fees vary depending on how long you are renewing for. A standard eight-year renewal costs one amount, while a shorter renewal period costs less. The exact fee will be shown when you start your online renewal or listed on your renewal notice if you are renewing by mail. Payment methods include credit cards and debit cards for online renewal, and credit cards, debit cards, or checks for mail renewal.

For in-person renewal, bring your current driver's license and proof of your current address. If your address has changed since your last license was issued, bring a document that shows your new address, such as a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. If your name has changed, bring the legal document proving the change. If you are renewing for a photo update, no additional documents are needed—the DMV will photograph you during your visit.

What happens if your license expires before you renew

Driving with an expired license is a traffic violation in Connecticut. If you are stopped by law enforcement and your license has expired, you can be cited and fined. However, if you can show proof that you renewed before the expiration date—such as a copy of your online renewal confirmation or the postmark on your mailed renewal form—you may be able to contest the citation.

If your license has already expired and you have not yet renewed, renew when ready using whichever method is fastest for your situation. If you renewed online or by mail and your new license has not arrived yet, you can visit a DMV office to request a temporary paper license while you wait for your physical card. Do not drive with an expired license while waiting for your renewal to be processed.

Renewing a license that is suspended or revoked

If your Connecticut driver's license is suspended or revoked, you cannot renew it through the standard renewal process. You must first resolve the suspension or revocation by paying outstanding fines, completing a required course, or meeting other conditions set by the DMV. Contact the Connecticut DMV directly to find out what steps you need to take to lift the suspension or revocation before you can renew your license.

The DMV can be reached by phone or through their website, which lists the specific reason for your suspension or revocation and the steps needed to restore your driving privileges. Do not attempt to drive while your license is suspended or revoked, as this is a criminal offense in Connecticut. Once you have resolved the suspension or revocation, you can proceed with renewal using any of the three methods available.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Connecticut license before the renewal notice arrives?

Yes. You do not have to wait for the renewal notice to renew your license. You can renew online, by mail, or in person at any time during the 60 days before your license expires. However, you will need your license number and date of birth to renew online, so have your current license available.

What if I moved out of state after getting my Connecticut license?

If you no longer live in Connecticut, you should renew your license in your new state instead of renewing your Connecticut license. However, if you still need a Connecticut license for work or other reasons, you can renew it by mail or in person at a DMV office if you visit Connecticut. Contact the Connecticut DMV to discuss your specific situation.

How long is the temporary digital license valid?

The temporary digital license you receive via email after online renewal is valid for 30 days. During this time, you can show it on your phone to law enforcement if you are stopped. Your physical license will arrive within 7 to 10 business days and is valid for eight years from the renewal date.

Can I renew my license if I have an outstanding ticket or fine?

Outstanding tickets or fines do not prevent you from renewing your license through the standard renewal process. However, if your license has been suspended due to unpaid fines, you must resolve the suspension before you can renew. Check your DMV record online or call the DMV to see if your license is suspended.

What if my name changed since my current license was issued?

If your name has changed, you cannot renew your license online. You must renew by mail or in person and provide legal documentation of your name change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. Bring this document with you if renewing in person, or include a copy if renewing by mail.

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.