Eligibility requirements:

IMPORTANT: Documented individuals arriving in the U.S. with an I-94 stamp in your passport must visit the U.S. Customs and Border Protection website to obtain a hard copy of your I-94 document. Present this document to the DMV along with all other required documents. Please see below for acceptable forms of identification for non-U.S. citizens. 

To be eligible, you’re required to prove: 

Identity: Please refer to the document checklist (English version (PDF) | Spanish version (PDF) for acceptable forms of identification. 

Legal presence in the United States: If you were not born in the U.S. and you don’t provide the DMV with a valid U.S. passport, then your immigration status will be verified through the Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlement Program (SAVE). This includes applicants with certificates of citizenship and naturalization. Verification of legal status with USCIS may take 10 days or more, and applicants may be asked to return to the same DMV office when the immigration results have been approved. 

Connecticut Residence: Please refer to Section 3 of the document checklist (English version (PDF) | (Spanish version (PDF) for required forms of proof of Connecticut residency. 

Review the new federal identification requirements for commercial driver licenses and permits, as well as the CLP entry-level driver training requirements. 

Note: Non-U.S. citizens must show proof of legal presence in the United States and present a valid employment authorization document to be eligible for a CDL or CLP. If you are not a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident, you will be issued a non-domicile CDL or CLP.

You may be eligible for a drive-only license if you have the formal documents required by the drive-only license document checklist (English version (PDF) | Spanish version (PDF) and can’t establish legal presence in the United States or don't have a Social Security Number. 

Note: U.S. citizens, documented immigrants, and non-immigrants, including B1/B2, waiver-tourist (WT), or waiver-business (WB) visitor status with unexpired U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) documents, are not eligible to apply for a drive-only license.

Please review federal eligibility for this program. Applicants who present an I-94 or a valid Employee Authorization Card (EAC), but do not have a valid passport or other primary document as outlined in the identification document checklist (English version (PDF) | Spanish version (PDF) may be eligible to receive a regular, non-verified (i.e., not considered a REAL ID) driver's license or non-driver ID card. The I-94 or the EAC will serve as a primary form of identification. Applicants must provide a valid, signed Social Security card along with two different pieces of address verification dated within 90 days. Issuance is contingent on valid results of the Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlement Program (SAVE).

Please note: DMV now accepts all Employment Authorization Cards, with any category listed, as a primary identity document. Applicants may be eligible to receive a regular, non-verified (i.e., not considered a REAL ID) driver's license or non-driver ID card if they meet the requirements outlined in the identification document checklist linked above.

Diplomats must obtain a license from the U.S. Department of State, Office of Foreign Missions located at: 

OFM New York
799 United Nations Plaza, 8th floor
New York, NY 10017

For more information, please call the Office of Foreign Missions at (646) 282-2825 or e-mail OFMNewYork@state.gov.

• CT DMV applicants with an A1, A2, G1 or G4 immigration classification must provide a letter from the Department of State indicating that they are not eligible to participate in the U.S. Department of State's driver licensing program. Contact the Office of Foreign Missions New York Regional Office for assistance.

Office of Foreign Missions - FAQs - United States Department of State

Non-U.S. citizens who want to get a first-time Connecticut learner's permit or driver's license must go to a DMV hub office to apply in person. Locate your closest DMV hub office.

U.S. territories:

Licenses from American Samoa, Guam, or the U.S. Virgin Islands are considered an out-of-state license. However, you must obtain an history of your driver record, known as an abstract, from your home territory prior to transferring your license to Connecticut.

The DMV will waive the requirement for an applicant to present his or her driving history when transferring a non-CDL license from Guam for active-duty military personnel and their family members. The applicant's military identification or the family member's dependent identification is required.

Note: The Marshall Islands are no longer a territory of the U.S. Residents of the Marshall Islands must provide proper immigration documents to be eligible for a Connecticut DMV-issued license.

Puerto Rico:

A driver’s license from Puerto Rico is also considered an out-of-state license. However, the DMV office you visit will verify your Puerto Rico license with your home territory prior to transferring your Puerto Rico license to Connecticut. The DMV will notify you via mail of your Puerto Rico license status. The letter that you receive from the DMV will provide you with information on how to proceed with the licensing transaction.

Canada, Germany, or France:

A valid driver’s license from Canada, Germany, or France countries can also be transferred to Connecticut using the same process as an out-of-state license.

Note: If you are from another country not listed here, you are not able to transfer a driver’s license from your country to Connecticut. You’ll need to get an adult learner’s permit prior to getting a Connecticut driver’s license.

An international driver permit (or IDP) is essentially an English translation of a foreign-language license that was issued by a country outside of the U.S. An international driver permit can only be obtained in the country that issued the actual license.

Students and visitors to Connecticut:

Connecticut permits a student or visitor to operate a motor vehicle in Connecticut for up to one year with a foreign license. If the license is in a language other than English or Spanish, the license must be accompanied by an IDP, which serves as an English translation of the foreign license.

Note: Out-of-country licenses are not acceptable as a form of identification.

Connecticut residents traveling abroad:

If you hold a Connecticut driver's license and will be traveling abroad for an extended stay in a non-English speaking country and you plan to operate a motor vehicle there, you can obtain an IDP by contacting your local Automobile Association of America (AAA).

If you are not a U.S.-born citizen, you will be required to show proof of your legal status in this country. The DMV will verify your legal status with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

Note: Verification of legal status with USCIS may take ten days or more and applicants may be asked to return to the same DMV office when the immigration results have been approved.

The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services document(s) below must be presented to the DMV along with all other requirements as outlined in the document checklist: English version (PDF) | Spanish version (PDF)

Required U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services documents (must be valid and unexpired):

• Certificate of Citizenship*
• Naturalization Certificate*
• Permanent Resident (Green) Card
• Machine Readable Immigrant Visa (with Temporary I-551 Language)
• Temporary I-551 Stamp (on passport or I-94 form)
• Employment Authorization Card
• I-94 (Arrival/Departure Record) in Unexpired Foreign Passport**
• DS2019 - Exchange Visitor Certificate (J-1)
• I-20 - Nonimmigrant Student Certificate (F-1)
• Refugee Travel Document

* Citizens with older certificates may have to wait several weeks to be verified through USCIS. Please visit a DMV hub office as soon as you receive your renewal notice. If you can provide a valid U.S. passport, you will not need to be verified through USCIS.

** Individuals arriving in the U.S. with an I-94 stamp in your passport must visit the U.S. Customs and Border Protection website to obtain a hard copy of your I-94 document.

Other Requirements:

• All immigration documents must be valid at the time of Issuance.
• Immigration checks are only valid for one year (unless you were verified with a Certificate of Naturalization or Certificate of Citizenship).
• People with a B1/B2, waiver-tourist (WT), or waiver-business (WB) visitor status are NOT eligible to obtain a Connecticut credential.
• Foreign students with an F1 Visa status are required to show their passport, along with USCIS document I-20.
• J1 Visa holders are required to show their passport, along with USCIS document DS2019.
• Dependents of principal, child, or spouse may have to provide principal’s documents.

Adults 18 years of age and older who want to get a Connecticut driver's license are required to first get an adult learner's permit. Learn more about how to get an adult learner’s permit, including required training and fees, as well as when you’re able to make an appointment online to take the on-the-road skills test. 

Note: Road testing is only offered at DMV hub offices. Learn more about the on-the-road-skills test, including what you need to bring and what the test will evaluate.

Download the Guide to Passing Your Driving Test (Document Z-17) prior to your road test appointment for additional information.

Please review the different Connecticut license options below for more information:

Getting a driver’s license

1. Verified driver's license:

a. Residents 16 or 17 years of age
b. Residents 18 years of age and older

2. Drive-only license:

a. Undocumented individuals (all ages)

Transferring your license to Connecticut

Learn more about transferring a current driver’s license to a Connecticut license from out of state.

Getting a motorcycle license

1. Find out how to get a motorcycle license, or “endorsement.” 
2. Find out how to get a motorcycle learner’s permit.

Note: You must possess a valid Connecticut driver’s license before you can get a motorcycle license. Additional fees are required.

Getting a commercial driver's license

1. Learn more about the process to get a commercial driver's license (CDL).

There are different fees for getting a driver’s license. Review fees for getting a driver’s license, as well as the acceptable forms of payment.

Many DMV transactions require that you pay a fee. Acceptable forms of payment vary by location. Please see below for details:
 

• DMV offices
  Acceptable forms of payment are cash, money orders, personal checks, bank checks, American Express, Mastercard, Visa, Discover, and most debit cards with a Mastercard or Visa logo. Please make all checks payable to DMV.


• AAA locations (considered a DMV express office that offers limited DMV services):
  Acceptable forms of payment are cash, money orders, personal checks, and bank checks. American Express, Mastercard, Visa, Discover, and most debit cards with a Mastercard or Visa logo. Please make all checks payable to DMV.
  Note: AAA locations may charge a convenience fee up to $8 per DMV transaction.


• Milford, North Haven and Norwalk Nutmeg State Financial Credit Union locations (considered a DMV express office that offers limited DMV services):
  Acceptable forms of payment are cash, money orders, personal checks, and bank checks. American Express, Mastercard, Visa, Discover, and most debit cards with a Mastercard or Visa logo. Please make all checks payable to DMV. 
  
  Note: Nutmeg State Financial Credit Union may charge a convenience fee up to $8 per DMV transaction. 
   
  

  Important: Checks drawn on foreign banks and third-party checks are not accepted at any location.

Learn more about fees for returned checks or rejected or dishonored credit and debit cards.

If you’ve moved out of state and have misplaced your driver’s license or vehicle registration, the DMV can provide you with verification so that you’re able to apply for a license or registration in your new home state. 

Note: Connecticut cannot require another state to honor verification documents.

1. Complete the Copy Records Request Form (Form J-23)
   
   • Check the box to request Driver License File Information or the box to request Registration File Information
   • Fill in Section 1 for Driver License or Section 2 and/or 3 for Registration
   • Complete Request Section at the bottom of the form
2. The fee for verification is $20. Include a personal or bank check or money order made payable to DMV with your request form.
3. Include two acceptable forms of identification* with your request form. Please refer to the document checklist (English version (PDF) | Spanish version (PDF)) for acceptable forms of identification.
   *Do not send original documents by mail.
   
4. Mail completed form, identification documents, and fee(s) to:
   
   Department of Motor Vehicles
   Copy Records Unit
   60 State Street
   Wethersfield, CT 06161
   
   Note: Requests for verification will take approximately 7-10 business days to process.

• Two forms of identification, as detailed below
• Proof of Social Security Number
• Proof of Connecticut residency
• Proof of legal presence in the U.S.
• Name change documentation (if applicable) 

Reminder: Documents need to be valid/unexpired original documents, or certified copies.

If you have questions regarding acceptable documents, please call the DMV call center at 860-263-5700.

Document requirements for getting a CT driver’s license:

• Two forms of the same identification will not be accepted. 
• If any document presented is in a language other than English, it must be translated by a DMV-approved translator. 
• Individuals arriving in the U.S. with an I-94 stamp in your passport can visit the U.S. Customs and Border Protection website to get a hard copy of your I-94 document. This document must be presented to the DMV along with all other required documents as outlined below.

Refer to the following list of acceptable documents and to the document checklist (English version (PDF) | Spanish version (PDF). Documents from categories 1, 2, and 3 from the checklist and the list below are required, and documents from categories 4 and 5 may be required if applicable:

1. Identity:

You’ll need to present two forms of identification, and at least one of the identification documents must be from the primary document list below.

Primary document list

Born in the U.S.

• U.S. passport or passport card
• U.S. or U.S. Territory Birth Certificate or Registration of Birth. Note: Hospital-issued and Puerto Rico-issued documents prior to July 1, 2010, are no longer acceptable. A U.S. birth certificate with foreign place of birth must also be accompanied by a U.S. passport or passport card, or certificate of citizenship. Please see category 4 below: legal presence in the United States (non-us born)

Non-U.S. born

• U.S. passport or passport card
• Foreign passport with supporting documents as detailed in category 4 below*
• Certificate of Naturalization*
• Certificate of Citizenship*
• Permanent Resident Card*
• U.S. Consular Report of Birth Abroad (The CRBA Form FS-240 is issued by the Department of State)

* Subject to verification using Systematic Alien Verification of Eligibility (SAVE). For more information, please see category 4 below: Legal Presence in the United States, non-U.S. born.

Secondary document list

• Out-of-state U.S. driver’s license with photo
• U.S. Territory or Canadian driver’s license with photo
• Out-of-state U.S.- or Canadian-issued learner’s permit with photo
• Connecticut-issued non-driver ID card, driver’s license, or learner’s permit (note: your driver’s license or ID may need to be surrendered)
• U.S. military ID or dependent card with photo
• Connecticut state Permit to Carry Pistols or Revolvers
• Military discharge/separation papers (Form DD-214)
• Court order—such as name change, adoption, marriage or civil union dissolution, or marriage or civil union certificate (or a certified copy issued by town/city). Does not include abstract of criminal or civil conviction. Court order needs to contain your full name and date of birth.
• Pilot’s license (issued by the U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Aviation Administration)
• Certified school transcript (school photo ID not acceptable)
• Social Security card (not laminated or metal; age 16 years or older must sign card)
• Connecticut Department of Corrections certificate (Form CN101503)
• Baptismal certificate or similar document
• State or federal employee identification with signature and photo and/or physical description, with or without date of birth
• Employment authorization card
• Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC)
• Federally recognized tribal member ID card
• Department of Homeland Security Trusted Traveler cards (e.g., Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST)

2. Social security number:

By law, you must present one of the following to prove your Social Security Number (SSN). Forms 1099 or W-2 need to show your full SSN and is only for proof of SSN, not proof of identity.

• Social Security card
• W-2 (issued within past five years)
• 1099 (issued within past five years)

Note: Non-U.S. citizens not eligible for a Social Security Number must present proof of ineligibility from the Social Security Administration.
 

3. Connecticut residency:

You must provide two different pieces of mail from two different sources to prove you reside in the state of Connecticut. (People with dual residency in another state are permitted to get a Connecticut driver’s license.) The documents don’t need to include a postmarked envelope. Both documents must:

• Show your name and your Connecticut residence address
• Be dated within 90 days, unless stated otherwise below
• Be computer-generated (typed)

Acceptable documents include:

• Postmarked mail (address may be handwritten)
• Bill from a bank or mortgage company, utility company, credit card company, doctor, or hospital
• Bank statement or bank transaction receipt showing the bank’s name and mailing address
• Pre-printed pay stub showing your employer’s name and address
• Property or excise tax bill, or Social Security Administration or other pension or retirement annual benefits summary statement that’s dated within the previous 12 months
• Medicaid or Medicare benefit statement
• Current valid homeowners, renters, or motor vehicle insurance card or policy that’s dated within the previous 12 months
• Current valid Connecticut motor vehicle registration
• Current motor vehicle loan statement for a motor vehicle registered in your name
• Residential mortgage or similar loan contract, lease, or rental contract showing signatures from all parties needed to execute the agreement and dated within the previous 12 months
• Connecticut voter registration card
• Change-of-address confirmation from the United States Postal Service showing your prior and current address (Form CNL107)
• Survey of your Connecticut property issued by a licensed surveyor
• Official school records showing enrollment

Note: Parents or legal guardian of minor (person under the age of 18) may provide any two of the aforementioned documents addressed to the parent residing at same address to prove minor residency or use their own Connecticut driver’s license or ID that shows the same address as one of the two documents required.
 

4. Legal presence in the united states (Non-U.S. born):

Legal status will be verified using Systematic Alien Verification of Eligibility (SAVE), which may take 10 business days or more, unless you present a U.S. passport or passport card in which case SAVE verification is not necessary. 

Acceptable documents to prove immigration status:

• U.S. passport or passport card
• Form I-94
• I-551 stamp in foreign passport
• Permanent Resident card or Resident Alien card
• Employment authorization card
• Refugee travel document
• B1/B2 requires employment authorization card and verified adjustment of status application*
• Nonimmigrant Student certificate (F-1), also requires Forms I-20 and I-94
• Exchange Visitor certificate (J-1), also requires Forms DS2019 and I-94

*B1/B2 visitor status is not eligible to obtain a Connecticut credential (e.g., driver’s license)

Note: Non-U.S. citizens who are not eligible for a Social Security Number must present proof of ineligibility from the Social Security Administration. Only U.S. citizens and permanent residents are eligible for a REAL ID driver’s license or ID card (verified by a gold star on your credential).
 

5. Name change documents, if applicable:

Your new name must be verified with the Social Security Administration (SSA). Visit the SSA first to change your name and allow at least 48 hours for SSA to update.

Acceptable documents include:

• Marriage or civil union certificate (or certified copy issued by town/city)
• Marriage or civil union dissolution
• Probate court name change document
• Department of Homeland Security Petition for Name Change (USCIS Form N-662)

Note: If there have been multiple name changes, you must provide documentation to prove the continuity of the names.

Yes! In Connecticut, you can take your learner’s permit written test in the following languages: 

Note: The DMV can also provide you with a headset to take an audio version of the knowledge test. 

View directions and services offered for DMV hub offices, DMV branch offices and DMV express offices—including AAA locations. 

Certain services are not available at every DMV office location. Be sure to click the name of the office you’re interested in to make an appointment and to confirm that location offers the services you need.

Yes, in most cases. Learn more about the process to renew your license online. 

Updating your address is easy and should only take 5-7 minutes to complete online. Changes made online are effective as soon as your transaction has been successfully processed. Learn more about how to change your address.

If you have moved out of state and have misplaced your Connecticut license or registration, the Connecticut DMV can provide you with verification so you can apply for a new license or registration in the state where you now reside. However, Connecticut can’t require another state to honor this document.

Note: Verification documents are only issued only to verify that you held a valid license and/or registration in the state of Connecticut and are not intended to be used in lieu of a valid license and/or registration.

Please fill out a Copy Records Request (Form J-23) and refer to the following instructions:

1. Check the box requesting DRIVER LICENSE FILE or REGISTRATION FILE INFORMATION.
2. Fill in section 1 for DRIVER LICENSE FILE or section 2 and/or 3 for REGISTRATION FILE INFORMATION.
3. Complete the "requester" section at the bottom of the form—be sure to clearly print this information. Your out-of-state address and, if applicable, telephone number (including area code), are also required.
4. Submit a check or money order made payable to "DMV" for the required fee(s) noted on the form.
5. Submit copies of two forms of identification from the requestor. (One form must be photo identification and the other form also needs to identify the requestor; see page 2 of the Copy Records Request Form)
6. Mail completed form, documents, and fee(s) to:

Department of Motor Vehicles
Copy Records Unit
60 State Street
Wethersfield, CT 06161

Note: This request will take approximately 7-10 business days to process.

Welcome to Connecticut! Yes, transferring your out-of-state license is simple and takes just a few steps. Note that out-of-state learner’s permits are not transferable.

No, providing a photo to apply is not necessary. Your photo will be taken by the DMV during your in-person appointment.

No, you can’t headwear or dark glasses in your photo. The only exceptions are for individuals who have a sincere religious belief or persuasion that does not allow them to remove headwear, or who have a valid medical reason.

Yes, in accordance with the Social Security Act 42 U.S.C. 666 (a) (13), it will be required that the Social Security Number of any person applying for a new driver's license, learner's permit or non-driver ID card be recorded on the application. If you do not have a Social Security Number, you must obtain a letter from the Social Security Administration that states you are ineligible for a Social Security Number, and that letter must be submitted to the DMV when applying for your driver's license, learner's permit, or ID card.

If you fail the vision test, you won't be able to proceed to the knowledge test and will be required to reschedule.

If you fail your road test (or “driving test”), you’re required to wait a minimum of two weeks (14 days) before taking the road test again. 

Note: To take the road test again, you will need to pay another license exam fee of $40.

Yes—you will need to go to a DMV hub office with your current driver's license and complete an eye exam. If you no longer require the vision restriction on your license, a new license without the restriction will be issued for a duplicate license fee of $30.

Make your appointment at a DMV hub office now.

No, it’s not true. The minimum legal age to obtain a license in Connecticut has not changed and is still age 16.

If you hold a valid driver’s license from your country, you can get an International Driver Permit (IDP) to be able to drive in Connecticut. Learn more about how to get an IDP.

If you are from another country or were born outside of the U.S., please review the licensing process and requirements for naturalized and non-U.S. citizens.

Yes, identification documents need to be in English or translated to English by a DMV-approved translator. View the list of approved translators.

Getting-a-drivers-learner-permit-in-ct The first step toward getting a Connecticut driver’s license is getting a learner’s permit. Residents who are 16 years of age and older can apply for a learner’s permit, while adults 18 years of age and older may apply for an adult learner’s permit. Learn more about how to get a learner’s permit.

The DMV can issue a non-driver photo ID card to any applicant who does not possess a valid motor vehicle driver's license, or whose license is currently suspended. Learn more about getting a non-driver ID, including:

1. How to get a non-driver ID for the first time
   • Fee is $28
2. How to renew a current non-driver ID
   • Fee is $24 to renew for six years
   • Fee is $32 to renew for eight years
3. How to replace a current non-driver ID
4. How to change your name on a current non-driver ID
   
   

Note: Fees for a non-driver photo ID card may be waived if you are a blind veteran or currently housed in a shelter or transitional housing—learn more about this. 

To view any points or violations on your driving record, you may request a copy of your own driving history online, in-person by appointment, or by mail. Learn more about how to request your driving history.

Note: The fee to request your driving history is $20. Once your transaction is completed, your driving history will be accessible online via your CT.gov account for 30 days for no additional fee.

Resolve your ticket as soon as possible according to the instructions on the ticket you received. If you don’t resolve your ticket by its due date, the state that issued your ticket will notify Connecticut of the outstanding ticket and your Connecticut license may be suspended. For more information, please contact our Operator's License Suspension Telephone Center at 860-263-5720.

Please review the process on resolving a suspension and online payments associated with restoring a driver’s license. Additionally, you may contact our Operator's License Suspension Telephone Center at 860-263-5720. Check here to verify if your license has been restored.

Learn more about how to get a public service license, also known as a Public Passenger Endorsement (PPE), including eligibility and what documents are required. 

Testing is offered in person by appointment only at specific DMV offices. Learn more about the tests and how to make an appointment.

Note: The vision and knowledge tests are given during the same appointment.

If you are active-duty U.S. military and your home of record is Connecticut, you can renew your driver’s license mail for free. Learn more about how military personnel can renew by mail.

If your name has changed (e.g., due to marriage) and you need to update your name on your license or registration, please review the change of name process. 

Note: This service is provided by appointment only at a DMV office. Make an in-person appointment here.

Once you have completed the three-step process outlined above, you can track when your license will arrive in the mail.