Yes, you receive a TPC at your in-person appointment.

A TPC is valid for driving purposes and can be used as a form of identification in some circumstances. 

• Registering a vehicle if you already have a CT driver’s license.
• Presenting your identity at places that require driver’s licenses and ID cards (e.g., banks, retail stores, alcohol retailers). Establishments that normally use licenses and ID cards for identity won’t accept the TPC as a standalone document. They will require both the TPC and your expiring/expired license or ID card.

A TPC is issued when the customer makes a material change, like a change of name. Depending on what information is changed, the customer may receive a new license or ID, which will be mailed. 

A TPC won’t be issued to customers who change their address. A marker can be used to write the new address on the reverse side of the TPC. Customers can keep their original license or ID card if there are no changes other than the address. 

Note: A TPC will not be issued for a drive-only permit.

The TPC contains a graphic of the credential (front and back) you applied for, including a black and white image. 

Information on your TPC includes demographic information (name, address, etc.) and credential information (endorsements, restrictions, etc.). The TPC also contains the expiration date of the temporary document, as well as a website where you can go to track the status of your permanent license or ID.

TSA (Transportation Security Administration) will not accept a temporary paper credential as a standalone identification document to pass through security or board a plane. They will accept the expiring or expired license or ID card along with the TPC as proof of the renewal. Customers should visit the TSA website for more information on the identification documents they will accept.

If you have not received your driver’s license within 20 business days from the issue date of your TPC, contact the DMV at 860-263-5700 (within the Hartford area or outside of Connecticut) or 800-842-8222 (elsewhere in Connecticut).

Yes. A new driver can use the TPC to drive. Law enforcement can verify the information on the TPC.

Central Issuance reduces opportunities for identity theft. It also improves the security of customer identities.

During your in-person visit, you’ll receive a temporary paper credential instead of your final driver’s license or ID card. You’ll then receive your permanent card in the mail within 20 days from a centralized, secure location. 

During the 20 days, the DMV verifies that an applicant:

• Hasn’t already received one or more driver’s licenses or ID cards under different names
• They aren’t already using a fake or stolen Social Security Number, immigration card, or birth certificate

We urge drivers to renew your licenses early. Don’t wait until your license or ID card expires, which is on your birthday. 

By renewing early, you can continue to use your currently valid license or ID card because it is not yet expired. Connecticut driver’s licenses can be renewed as early as six months prior to the driver’s renewal date.

Activities such as boarding airplanes and completing financial transactions will be easier with your permanent card in your possession.

 All security checks are done after you leave the DMV office.

No. The mailing process used to send driver’s licenses and IDs is similar to that used by the financial services industry to send credit and debit cards. There’s no indication on the outside of the envelope that it contains a driver’s license or ID card. If a license can’t be delivered, it will be returned to the DMV. Also, mailing the driver’s license and ID card helps us ensure that applicants provide us with legitimate addresses.

No. It will be mailed to the address originally provided.

Central Issuance provides greater security and helps protect against identity fraud. Under the federal REAL ID Act of 2005, Connecticut chose an option to make these licenses and ID cards more secure. New and renewed credentials will be produced at a secure location that meets federal requirements for both safeguarding the raw materials used to produce licenses and IDs, as well as mailing them to customers.

Yes. Most states have moved to centralized production of driver’s licenses and ID cards for the same reasons as Connecticut did. This method enables us to increase the security of the card itself as well as the overall issuance process. This protects you from identity fraud while also enabling us to work more efficiently and improve our service to you.

You will be issued a TPC and the DMV will keep your out-of-state license. Your permanent Connecticut driver’s license will be mailed within 20 calendar days.

Learn more about transferring an out-of-state license.

Customers may visit the CT DMV website or call 860-263-5700 (within the Hartford area or outside of Connecticut) or 800-842-8222 (elsewhere in Connecticut).