How to Renew Your Connecticut Driver License

Step-by-step guide for renewing your Connecticut license through CT DMV. Covers online, mail, and in-person options, fees, and what to bring.

Validity 6 years

Standard fee $72

Renew early Up to 180 days (6 months) before expiration

After expiration No grace period; $25 late fee for renewal of an expired license

Step 1 — Check if you can renew online

Eligible if license expires within 180 days or has just expired, you had a new photo at last renewal, you are a U.S. citizen, license is not suspended, and you do not hold a CDL, drive-only license, or S/V/A/F endorsements.

Start your online renewal at CT DMV →

Step 2 — Check what to bring

A straightforward renewal usually needs your current Connecticut licence and the fee. What else CT DMV asks for depends on whether you are also upgrading to REAL ID, changing your name or address, or renewing after a lapse — and those requirements differ by state. Check the current list on the CT DMV renewal page before you go.

Step 3 — Pay the renewal fee

CT DMV charges $72 for a standard non-commercial license renewal valid for 6 years. CDL and motorcycle endorsement renewals cost extra; check the official fee schedule for exact amounts.

Step 4 — Take a vision test (if required)

Most in-person renewals include a vision check at the counter. Bring your glasses or contacts if you wear them. If you fail, you'll need a doctor's note before the license can be issued.

Step 5 — Receive your new licence

Most agencies issue an interim credential you can drive on while the printed card is produced, then post the card separately. How long the interim lasts and how long the card takes are both set by CT DMV and published on its renewal page. Plan around the dates it gives rather than a general estimate.

REAL ID upgrade in Connecticut

First-time REAL ID applicants must make an in-person appointment with additional acceptable identification documents; no separate fee beyond the standard renewal ($72 for 6 years or $96 for 8 years).

Common pitfalls

Don't forget address updates. If you moved since your last renewal, update the address before renewing — many states won't mail to a non-matching address.
REAL ID upgrade requires originals. Photocopies of your birth certificate or passport will be rejected. Bring the originals or certified copies.
Book ahead where you can. Walk-in waiting times vary by office and time of year and we do not track them, but an appointment removes the question — see the Connecticut office list for locations and contact details.

Find your nearest Connecticut office

Use our Connecticut DMV office finder to locate the closest CT DMV location with addresses, hours, and turn-by-turn directions.