How to Renew Connecticut DMV Driver’s License

We know going to the DMV can be a hassle. Here, we break down the process into manageable steps you can follow to ensure the quickest and most painless experience! 

Make sure to read over this article for details, such as fee structure, who is eligible, and the procedures for different types of licenses. Details may vary if the driver’s license holder is military, senior, incarcerated, and in other special cases. 

Skip the long lines! In Connecticut, most drivers can renew their driver’s license online. See section 2 below for further instructions. 

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What Do I Need to Renew My CT Driver’s License?

Before heading to the DMV, make sure you have these items available for referral:

  • Your full name (first and last), matching your driver’s license info exactly; 
  • Your date of birth;
  • Your home street address; 
  • A credit or debit card to pay applicable fees; 
  • Your driver’s license number—this is the nine-digit number listed near the top of your license; 
  • Your nine-digit social security number;
  • Your current license (if applicable).

How to Renew Online

There are various reasons a Connecticut driver may want to avoid traveling to a DMV location. In that case, they can avoid traveling and waiting in line by renewing online. 

Go to https://dmv.service.ct.gov/CustomerOnlineServices/s/ to begin the online renewal process. The page will take you through a series of questions: 

  • Verifying U.S. citizenship;
  • Verifying ownership of a Real ID;
  • Checking possible license suspension, and;
  • Asking whether you need to update your name. 

After answering these questions, click the blue “Renew Driver’s License” button to continue the process. The page will give you the option to log in to your CT.gov State of Connecticut account as a shortcut to the DMV Customer Center. 

If this does not apply to you, click “Continue As Guest.” The next screen asks you to enter information to help locate your driving records, such as name, street, date of birth, driver’s license number, and social security number. 

This page also gives users the option to renew a non-driver’s license. Simply choose “non-driver’s license” at each step to clarify. 

Who’s Eligible

Any U.S. citizen in the state of Connecticut may renew their license under certain restrictions.  

If your driver’s license is suspended or expired for more than two years, you cannot renew your license and need to follow other procedures. 

Otherwise, you may renew your license on its date of expiration or as early as six months (180 days) before the expiration. 

When You Cannot Renew Online

If your current license is not a Real ID or does not include a photo, you will need to visit the DMV in person. If you need to update your name (such as marriage or other legal name change), this cannot be done online.

There are also restrictions if your license is expired, you hold a commercial driver’s license, or are active duty/honorably discharged military seeking a no-charge renewal. 

Fees

Be prepared to pay for your renewed license on the day you renew it. 

Most CT DMV locations accept cash, money orders, personal checks, bank checks, and credit/debit options. Mastercard, American Express, Visa, Discover, and most debit cards with a Mastercard or Visa logo are all valid forms of payment. 

If paying by check, make the check payable to the Connecticut DMV. Visit this page for more info on DMV payment. 

If your license has expired, there is an additional $25 charge to the regular fees. 

Be aware that there are no refunds to any DMV transactions!

Conventional pricing system:

  • $72 for a six-year renewal;
  • $96 for an eight-year renewal; 
  • $24 for a two-year renewal (age 65+ only);
  • Gratis – Military personnel who are active duty or honorably discharged in the past 60 days or less can renew their driver’s license free of charge. This only applies to in-person renewals by appointment. Other details: 

How to Renew in Person 

Please note: An appointment is required to visit the Connecticut DMV in person. 

Who’s Eligible 

Any U.S. citizen in the state of Connecticut may renew their license. 

If your driver’s license is suspended or has been expired for more than two years, you cannot renew your license and need to follow other procedures. 

Otherwise, you may renew your license on its date of expiration or as early as six months (180 days) before the expiration. 

Public Passenger Endorsement Renewals

“S.V.A.F.” holders should follow these steps: 

  • Obtain a medical certificate before renewing. The certificate must be handled by a Certified Medical Examiner on file at the DMV;
  • Fax your current certificate to (860) 263-5568, or email [email protected];
  • Print a confirmation;
  • Use the mailed renewal form you received (if applicable). 

“S.” holders should follow these steps: 

  • Pass the entirety of the skills test (this is to ensure you receive the proper endorsements);
  • Wait two to five days for test results to be logged in the system;
  • At renewal, verify that the skills test is no older than one year. 

“V.” holders must present a copy of the R-360 training certificate, no more than one-year-old. 

Fees

If your license has expired, there is an additional $25 charge to the regular fees. 

Nutmeg State Financial Credit Union and AAA may charge a convenience fee per transaction at the DMV, not to exceed $8.

Be aware that there are no refunds to any DMV transactions!

Conventional pricing system:

  • $72 for a six-year renewal;
  • $96 for an eight-year renewal;
  • $24 for a two-year renewal (age 65+ only);
  • Gratis – Military personnel who are active duty or honorably discharged in the past 60 days or less can renew their driver’s license free of charge. This only applies to in-person renewals by appointment. Other details: 

How to Renew by Mail or Email

Who’s Eligible 

Any U.S. citizen in the state of Connecticut may renew their license on its date of expiration or as early as six months (180 days) before the expiration. Special cases include: 

  • Free renewal by mail for active-duty U.S. military, or those honorably discharged within two months (60 days);
  • Those currently not in Connecticut who can have a renewal form mailed to their out-of-state or out-of-country address;
  • Those with a medical condition that prevents them from traveling to a DMV location, using this form to request a renewal; 
  • Those currently incarcerated can provide their inmate number and have the license sent to their facility. 

Who’s Not Eligible 

If your driver’s license is suspended or expired for more than two years, you cannot renew your license and need to follow other procedures. 

If you have recently moved from Connecticut to another state, you must process your license renewal in your new state of residence. 

If your current license is not a Real ID or does not include a photo, you will need to visit the DMV in person. If you need to update your name (such as marriage or other legal name change), this cannot be done by mail. 

Commercial Driver’s Licenses, Public Service Endorsements, and Drive Only licenses cannot be renewed by mail. 

Please note: the Connecticut DMV does not work with mail forwarding and will only send your new license to the address you provide. 

Fees

If your license has expired, there is an additional $25 charge to the regular fees. 

Be aware that there are no refunds to any DMV transactions!

Conventional pricing system:

  • $72 for a six-year renewal;
  • $96 for an eight-year renewal; 
  • $24 for a two-year renewal (age 65+ only);
  • Gratis – Military personnel who are active duty or honorably discharged in the past 60 days or less can renew their driver’s license free of charge. This only applies to in-person renewals by appointment. Other details: 

Do You Need an Appointment to Renew in CT? 

The Connecticut DMV is only open for driver’s license renewals by appointment. This is also true for anyone taking a road skills test, such as in the case of a Public Passenger ”S” Endorsement Renewal. 

If you decide to renew your license in person, visit the website to make an appointment. 

If you decide to renew online, by mail, or by email, no appointment is necessary. Simply fill out the appropriate forms and submit them on your own time (but ensure this is done well in advance of the license’s expiration date). 

When Do I Renew, and What Are the License Expiration Dates?

Expiration dates for Connecticut driver’s licenses are listed on the license as the third number near the top (under the license number and date of birth). 

It is possible to make an in-person appointment for the same date your license expires. Be aware that there is a $25 extra fee (added to regular renewal fees) for handling an expired license, so don’t wait too long! 

It is possible to renew your driver’s license up to 180 days, or almost six months, before the expiration date. 

We recommend you begin the process of renewing your license well in advance of the expiration date. For those renewing online or by mail, start the process about one month before the expiration to ensure your license doesn’t expire due to unforeseen delays. 

Expiration dates may vary slightly depending on the type of license issued, as well as the date of issuance. 

Due to COVID-19, renewal deadlines in Connecticut are extended. See the governor’s order here, then choose from the list below to determine which applies to you.

  • Non-CDL driver’s licenses with a deadline of March 1, 2020, to December 31, 2020: deadline is one year after printed expiration date.;
  • Non-CDL driver’s licenses with a deadline of January 1, 2021, to March 31, 2021: deadline is December 31, 2021;
  • New Connecticut residents: deadline extended by 180 days;
  • CDL driver’s licenses with a deadline of March 1, 2020, to December 31, 2020: deadline is one year after printed expiration date.