Frequently Asked Questions

Notifying the police in the event of a lost drivers license or stolen driving license is not required by law in Connecticut. However, you should still report your license to drive as lost or stolen with your local police department so as to avoid possible fraud and/or identity theft.

For more information: Replace a Lost, Stolen, or Mutilated Connecticut Driver’s License or ID Card

You can download a copy of the Connecticut Drivers Manual or view it online. The Manual is an essential resource in passing the DMV test as all the questions in the written test are based on information provided in the Manual. The CT Drivers Manual also contains information regarding traffic laws and regulations as well as suggestions for safe driving.

For more information: How to Apply for a New Driver’s License in Connecticut

You Connecticut drivers license is valid for six years. When your drivers license is about to expire, the CT DMV will send you a renewal notice in the mail. You are allowed to renew as early as four months before your license expires.

Renewing drivers licenses starts by visiting a Connecticut DMV near you and following the steps provided:

• Your current or expired driving license. If not available, provide acceptable proof of identity. If the CT DMV does not have your image on file, you must present two documents as proof of identification.
• Present the drivers license renewal application you received in the mail.
• Pay the $72 renewal fee.

If you are requesting a “verified” renewal, you will need to submit the necessary documents through the Real ID program.

Renew your CT driving license on time as late fees apply.

For more information: How to Renew a Driver’s License in Connecticut

In order to apply for a Connecticut drivers license, you must have held a CT learners permit for at least 90 days and have successfully completed a safe driving practices course, which you can attend at a state-approved commercial driving school or at a secondary/high school.

To obtain a CT drivers license, you must visit a DMV location near you and do the following:

• Present your current learners permit
• Present proof of identification
• Present proof of CT residency
• Present proof of Social Security Number
• Present your drivers education certificate.
• Submit a completed Application for Non-Commercial Learner Permit and/or Driver License (form R-229).
• Provide a valid Motor Vehicle Registration Certificate
• Provide a proof of Connecticut car insurance
• Pass the on-the road skills test in a properly registered and insured vehicle, which you are required to provide
• Pay applicable fees

For more information: How to Apply for a New Driver’s License in Connecticut

If you are eligible for a special operator s permit in Connecticut, you can apply for a work or education permit. To apply for a work permit, complete the Application for Special Permit to Operate a Motor Vehicle To and From Work (form A-62) and send proof of employment, such as a state-issued Tax I.D. Card or copy of the most recent business income tax return.

To apply for an education permit, you need to:

• Complete an Application for Special Permit for Higher Education (form P-225).
• Present a certified copy of your class schedule.
• Give a copy of a release under the Family Educations Rights and Privacy, obtainable from your accredited institution of higher learning or private occupational school.

The applications with original signatures and the $100 application fee must be sent to the Connecticut DMV:

Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles Driver Services Division 60 State Street Wethersfield, CT 06161-2525

For more information: Suspended License Information for Connecticut

Connecticut only allows the issuance of duplicate drivers licenses by mail under certain circumstances. If you are an active-duty member of the military and you are currently stationed out of state or overseas, you are eligible to replace your driving license by mail.

To replace driving licenses by mail, CT drivers need to complete a Request for a Connecticut Driver s License/Identification Card by Mail (Form B-350) and provide a check or money order made out to “DMV” for the drivers license replacement fee.

Mail the form and the payment to:

Department of Motor Vehicles

60 State Street

Wethersfield, CT 06109

Attention: Mail-in License Transaction Unit

You can also send your application form by email or fax to the CT Department of Motor Vehicles. In that case you need to pay by credit card.

Keep in mind that the delivery process will be longer if you are replacing your lost drivers license or stolen drivers license by mail.

For more information: Replace a Lost, Stolen, or Mutilated Connecticut Driver’s License or ID Card

After the Connecticut DMV receives your reinstatement fee and corresponding paperwork, it usually needs 10 business days to process the payment and documentation. If you have not received your restoration notice within ten business days, contact the Connecticut DMV. Please keep in mind that you are not allowed to operate a motor vehicle in Connecticut until your driving privileges have been restored.

For more information: Suspended License Information for Connecticut

If your Connecticut license to drive is lost, stolen or damaged, you must obtain a duplicate drivers license. To replace lost drivers licenses or to replace stolen drivers license, drivers must follow the steps below:

• Visit a CT DMV location.
• Complete the Application for Duplicate of Current Driver’s License or Permit (form 1-B).
• Present acceptable forms of identification.
• Pay the $30 replacement fee.

For more information: Replace a Lost, Stolen, or Mutilated Connecticut Driver’s License or ID Card

Habitual Traffic Offenders in Connecticut must attend an Operator Retraining Program as part of their suspension requirements. If the driver completes the course before the suspension period expires, the CT DMV will reinstate the suspended drivers license after receiving confirmation from the course-provider.

If you have completed the Operator Retraining Program after the suspension on your CT driving license expires, you need to mail your suspension notice and the reinstatement fee to the Connecticut DMV to have your driving privileges restored.

For more information: Suspended License Information for Connecticut

Once you are eligible to reinstate your driving privileges, you need to send all the documents listed in your drivers license suspension notice to the DMV. Note that you must send the paperwork at least two weeks before your eligibility date. You should also send a check or money order for the applicable drivers license reinstatement fee. The documents you send to the CT DMV must contain your full name, current address and date of birth. Send the required paperwork and fee to the following address:

Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles Driver Services Division 60 State St. Wethersfield, CT 06161-2525

The CT DMV will send you a restoration notice within 10 days. Keep in mind that you are not allowed to drive until you have received your restoration notice in the mail.

For more information: Suspended License Information for Connecticut

Connecticut only allows the renewal of drivers licenses by mail under certain circumstances. You are eligible to renew driving licenses by mail if you are an active military member, you are medically unable to appear in person at the DMV, you are serving a prison sentence or you are currently residing out of state.

To renew driving license by mail, complete a Request for a Connecticut Driver s License/Identification Card by Mail (Form B-350) and provide a check or money order made out to “DMV” for the appropriate drivers license renewal fee. Mail the form and the payment to:

Department of Motor Vehicles

60 State Street

Wethersfield, CT 06109

Attention: Mail-in License Transaction Unit

Note that if you are renewing by mail, you must send the application form 10 days before your driving license expires or you will have to pay a late fee of $25.

For more information: How to Renew a Driver’s License in Connecticut

To replace your CT drivers license, visit a DMV location closest to you and provide the following documents:

• A completed Application for Duplicate of Current Driver’s License or Permit (form 1-B) .
• Proof of identification:

o US Passport or Passport Card

o I-94 and US Visa

o I-551 Stamp in foreign passport

o Permanent Resident card or Resident Alien card

• Proof of legal status in the country:

o Certificate of Naturalization

o Certificate of Citizenship

o Permanent Resident Card

o US Consular Report of Birth Abroad (Issued by the Department of State)

You must also pay the $30 replacement fee.

For more information: Replace a Lost, Stolen, or Mutilated Connecticut Driver’s License or ID Card

If you lost your CT license to drive while you are currently residing out of state, you are eligible to apply for a duplicate license by mail.

To replace driving licenses by mail, complete a Request for a Connecticut Driver s License/Identification Card by Mail (Form B-350) and provide a check or money order made out to “DMV” for the appropriate drivers license replacement fee. Mail the form and the payment to:

Department of Motor Vehicles

60 State Street

Wethersfield, CT 06109

Attention: Mail-in License Transaction Unit

You can also send your duplicate license application form by email or fax to the CT Department of Motor Vehicles. If choose either option, you will need to provide your credit card.

Keep in mind that the delivery process will be longer if you are replacing your lost drivers license or stolen drivers license by mail.

For more information: Replace a Lost, Stolen, or Mutilated Connecticut Driver’s License or ID Card

Passing a vision test is part of the requirements for obtaining a CT learners permit. You must be in possession of a driving permit in order to apply for an unrestricted Connecticut drivers license.

The DMV vision exam tests how clearly you see and how far you can see to either side while looking straight ahead. Minimum vision requirements for a CT driving license is 20/40 or better. Also you must have one hundred forty degrees of Binocular Peripheral Visual Field. The vision and written test are administered on the same day at your local CT DMV. Drivers who fail the vision test will not be allowed to move forward with the written test and will have to reschedule the appointment.

For more information: How to Apply for a New Driver’s License in Connecticut

If you are caught driving under the influence, your arrest report is immediately submitted to the Connecticut DMV and your drivers license will be suspended for failing or refusing to undergo a chemical test. In Connecticut, all drivers licenses suspensions given on the grounds of failing or refusing a chemical alcohol test last at least 45 days. The suspension period might be longer depending on the number of times the driver has been convicted of a DUI/DWI. In addition, Connecticut requires the installation of an ignition interlock device (IID) before the restoration of any DUI/DWI related suspensions.

For more information: Suspended License Information for Connecticut

Your CT drivers license is valid for six years, however you can renew your license four months before it expires. Several weeks before the expiration date on your CT license to drive, you will receive a renewal application in the mail by the CT DMV. You must present the renewal application when you visit the DMV location closest to you.

For more information: How to Renew a Driver’s License in Connecticut

No, Connecticut law does not require you to report your lost driving license or your stolen drivers license with the police. Even if you do file a police report, you will still be required to pay the $30 drivers license replacement fee.

For more information: Replace a Lost, Stolen, or Mutilated Connecticut Driver’s License or ID Card

The DMV might flag your drivers license number if another driver is pulled over by the police and presents your driving license as his or her own. Also, a DMV clerk might suggest that you should apply for a duplicate license. However, to be on the safe side, immediately report your drivers license as lost or stolen at your nearest Connecticut DMV.

For more information: Replace a Lost, Stolen, or Mutilated Connecticut Driver’s License or ID Card

No, there is no age limit to renew driving licenses in Connecticut. Your license is valid for 6 years, however if you are 65 years of age or older, you can renew your license for two years. The fee for a two-year license is $24.

For more information: How to Renew a Driver’s License in Connecticut

The Connecticut DMV only mails duplicate drivers licenses to out of state or out of country addresses. Therefore, if you are currently in CT, you must appear in person at the DMV to collect your drivers license replacement. Also note that if you have recently moved, you must notify the Connecticut DMV within 48 hours of the move.

For more information: Replace a Lost, Stolen, or Mutilated Connecticut Driver’s License or ID Card

Individuals 65 years of age or older are allowed to renew their drivers license for two years. They must do so in person at a CT DMV hub office. Senior drivers might be required to undergo a vision test or retake the written exam. Contact your local DMV to find out if you will need to retake the DMV test.

Note that you need to renew your CT license before it expires as late fees apply.

For more information: How to Renew a Driver’s License in Connecticut

There are a variety of reasons why the Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles would suspend your drivers license. Some of those violations include:

• Operating under the influence of alcohol
• Commitment of vehicular homicide
• Failure to appear in Court over a traffic violation
• Failure to complete an operator retraining course
• Accumulating more than 10 points on your driving record within two years

The duration of your driving license suspension and your reinstatement requirements will depend on the offense you have committed.

For more information: Suspended License Information for Connecticut

You are not allowed to operate a motor vehicle while your driving privileges are suspended or revoked. If you are caught driving with a suspended drivers license, you would have to pay a fine ranging from $150 to $200. You could also be sentenced to prison time. The consequences of driving on a suspended driving license are more serious if you are convicted of a second or third offense. In that case, you will have to pay higher fines and face stricter suspension requirements.

For more information: Suspended License Information for Connecticut

You must pay a fee in the amount of $30 to obtain a duplicate driving license in Connecticut. If you are replacing your license in person at an AAA office, you must also pay a $3 convenience fee. Check with your local CT DMV for the acceptable forms of payment. If you are requesting a duplicate drivers license by mail, you need to make the payment via check or money order made out to “DMV” and mail it to the Connecticut of Motor Vehicles.

For more information: Replace a Lost, Stolen, or Mutilated Connecticut Driver’s License or ID Card

Once your suspension period passes and you have satisfied all the requirements of your license suspension, you can reinstate your driving privileges. In the state of Connecticut, the reinstatement fee for each suspension is $175. You can pay the fee by check or money order made out to “DMV”. Make sure to send the payment at least two weeks before your reinstatement eligibility date.

The fees to reinstate suspended drivers licenses may vary depending on the offense and the number of times the driver has been convicted of it. Your suspension notice lists all the requirements and fees you would have to meet to restore your suspended drivers license.

For more information: Suspended License Information for Connecticut

Drivers with a suspended driving license can apply for a special operator s permit to drive to and from work or school.

To be able to apply for an education/work permit in Connecticut you must not:

• Have a current suspension for failing to appear in court/pay a traffic ticket.
• Have a previous alcohol-related conviction.
• Have a suspension for operating a motor vehicle on a suspended license.
• Have been convicted of vehicular manslaughter or vehicular assault.
• Operate a commercial motor vehicle.

If your application for a special operator s permit is approved, you must carry the permit with you at all times.

For more information: Suspended License Information for Connecticut

If you fail the driving test, you will not be able to obtain a CT drivers license. You must wait for at least 14 days before retaking the test. You will also be required to repay the $40 testing fee.

Note that you must be in possession of an adult learners permit for at least 90 days before taking the driving exam. If you fail to present your current CT learning permit or a duplicate, you will not be allowed to take the test. In that case you would have to reschedule and pay the testing fee once again.

For more information: How to Apply for a New Driver’s License in Connecticut

To obtain a Connecticut drivers license, you must provide the following documents:

• Your current CT learners permit
• Proof of identification

o US Birth Certificate

o US Passport

• Proof of CT residency

o Bill from a bank or mortgage company, utility company

o Bank statement

o Pay stubs

• Proof of Social Security Number

o Social Security card

o W-2 form

• Your drivers education certificate (form CS-1), which is issued by a Connecticut licensed driving school after successful completion of the drivers ed course.
• Vehicle Registration
• Connecticut Insurance card. The proof of financial responsibility must be in the same name as the vehicle registration, with the exception of leased vehicles which may be in the name of the lessee.
• A completed Application for Non-Commercial Learner Permit and/or Driver License (form R-229).

You must also pass the vision and driving exam and pay all drivers license fees.

For more information: How to Apply for a New Driver’s License in Connecticut

To renew your Connecticut drivers license, you must visit a DMV office and provide your current or expired driving license. If not available, provide acceptable proof of identity, such as US Birth Certificate, US Passport or Passport Card.

You must also submit the renewal application you received in the mail and provide payment for all required fees and taxes. Check with your local CT DMV location to see the acceptable forms of payment.

For more information: How to Renew a Driver’s License in Connecticut

To replace your lost or stolen drivers license, visit a Connecticut DMV near you and submit a completed Application for Duplicate of Current Driver’s License or Permit (form 1-B) and acceptable forms of identification, such as a US birth certificate and/or US passport. You must also pay the $30 replacement fee.

For more information: Replace a Lost, Stolen, or Mutilated Connecticut Driver’s License or ID Card

The written knowledge test is part of the requirements for obtaining a CT learners permit. You can not apply for a Connecticut drivers license if you have not held to a adult learners permit for at least 90 days.

The knowledge test for a CT learning permit is available in:

• English
• Spanish
• Polish
• French
• Italian
• Portuguese

It is strongly recommended that you study the Connecticut Drivers Manual to prepare for the test. It is also a good idea to take a few practice tests before heading out to the CT DMV.

For more information: How to Apply for a New Driver’s License in Connecticut

Your CT drivers license is good for six years and the DMV allows you to renew your drivers license as early as four months before the expiration date. If you fail to renew your Connecticut license to drive, you will have to pay a $25 late fee. If you do not renew your driving permit within two years from the expiration date, you will be required to apply for a new drivers license. Also driving on an expired driving license may result in points being added to your driving record, as well as a license suspension.

For more information: How to Renew a Driver’s License in Connecticut

If you have not received your renewed license, contact the Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles. You can call the CT DMV at 860-263-5700 for the Hartford area and 800-842-8222 for the rest Connecticut, or make an in-person visit at the DMV location closest to you. Find a DMV near you by using our DMV locator.

For more information: How to Renew a Driver’s License in Connecticut

To obtain a CT drivers license you must pass a road exam. The DMV road test evaluates your ability to respond to traffic signals and operate your vehicle as well as your ability to interact with other drivers on the road. If you fail the driving test, you will have to wait for at least two weeks before retaking it.

Make sure you provide your own properly registered and insured vehicle to complete the driving exam in. In addition you will also have to provide your insurance card, vehicle registration and other required documentation.

For more information: How to Apply for a New Driver’s License in Connecticut

The types of noncommercial license endorsements and restrictions in Connecticut are as follows:

• Class D – Any motor vehicle that does not require a CDL.
• M = Motorcycle
• V = Student Transportation Vehicles
• A = Activity Vehicles, includes Taxi, Livery, Service Bus and Motor Coach
• F = Taxi, Livery, Service Bus, Motor Coach
• Q = Fire Apparatus

Restrictions:

• 3 = 3-Wheeled Motorcycle only
• B = Corrective Lenses
• C = Mechanical Aid
• D = Prosthetic Aid
• E = Automatic Transmission
• F = Outside Mirror
• G = Limited to Daylight Driving Only
• R = No Limited Access Roads
• U = Hearing Aid Required
• W = Medical Waiver Required
• Y = For Driving Purposes Only

For more information: How to Apply for a New Driver’s License in Connecticut

You can only reinstate your suspended drivers license after the expiration of your suspension period and once you have met all the requirements of your driving license suspension. The conditions to reinstate a CT drivers license vary depending on the offense and the number of times you have been convicted of it. The requirements specific to each case are listed on the license suspension notice. Check your drivers suspension notice and follow the instructions to restore your Connecticut driving privileges.

For more information: Suspended License Information for Connecticut

Your drivers license in Connecticut is valid for six years. Before your license is about to expire, the CT Department of Motor Vehicles will send you a renewal notice informing you to renew your license. You are allowed to renew as early as four months before the expiration date.

Failing to renew your CT driving license will result in late fees.

For more information: How to Renew a Driver’s License in Connecticut

The time it takes the CT DMV to process your replacement license application and issue a duplicate drivers license varies depending on the circumstances of your particular case. Check with your local DMV on the delivery status of your drivers license replacement. You can call the CT DMV at 860-263-5700 for the Hartford area and 800-842-8222 for the rest of Connecticut. The other option is making an in-person visit to the DMV location closest to you. Find a DMV near you by using our DMV locator.

For more information: Replace a Lost, Stolen, or Mutilated Connecticut Driver’s License or ID Card

You can check if your Connecticut drivers license is valid online by visiting the Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles website. Bear in mind that it takes about 10 business days for the CT DMV to process your reinstatement documents or payments. If your CT driving license has not been restored within 10 days, contact the Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles.

You can also check the status of your drivers license by obtaining your Connecticut driving record.

For more information: Suspended License Information for Connecticut

Please follow the link below for your nearest DMV location:

Connecticut DMV Office Contact Information

You can obtain a new CT drivers license at your local Connecticut DMV hub office. Bear in mind that you must make an appointment before you take the road test and get your new driving license. Contact the Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles at (860) 263-5700 (for the Hartford area) or at (800) 842-8222 (elsewhere in Connecticut) to schedule an appointment.

Also make sure that you provide all the required documentation, including your vehicle registration and proof of auto coverage, before heading out to a DMV location near you.

For more information: How to Apply for a New Driver’s License in Connecticut

No, the CT Department of Motor Vehicles does not require you to undergo an eye exam when renewing your drivers license. If you are 65 years or older, you may be required to take a vision test. Consult your local DMV on the documents you need to provide and the tests you might be required to take before heading out to renew your drivers license.

For more information: How to Renew a Driver’s License in Connecticut

Yes, the CT Department of Motor Vehicles will send you a notification in the mail informing you that your drivers license is about to expire. You must present the renewal application you received in the mail at the DMV when renewing your CT license to drive. You are allowed to renew your license as early as four months before your driving license expires. Note that even if you do not receive a renewal notice by mail, it is still your responsibility to check the status of your CT driving license and renew it before it expires.

For more information: How to Renew a Driver’s License in Connecticut