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 — Gather your documents

For an in-person renewal, bring:

Your current Connecticut driver license.
Proof of identity (passport, certified birth certificate).
Proof of Connecticut residency — utility bill, lease, or bank statement showing your current address (most states require two documents).
Social Security card or W-2.
Payment for the renewal fee (cash, check, or card — varies by office).

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 license

You'll get a temporary paper license at the DMV that's valid for 30-60 days. Your permanent plastic license arrives by mail in 7-14 business days. If your renewal was online, expect 10-21 days mailing time.

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.
Walk-in waits can be 2-4 hours. Book an appointment online at any of Connecticut's DMV offices.

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.

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