What is the REAL ID program?

The Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles renews driver’s licenses and DMV-issued ID cards based on federal REAL ID laws. This program stems from national security measures and federal identification standards set in place after the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks in the U.S.

The REAL ID program also offers additional protection to residents against identity theft.  The same identity verification for federal and state standards requirements for new license and ID card applicants have been offered by the DMV since October 2011.This identity verification is a one-time review of original identity documents.

Does verification cost extra?

No. A driver’s license or ID card renewal is the same cost if your identity is verified or not.

These are the fees for licenses:

• Regular license renewal for six years: $72
• License renewal for eight years: $96
• License renewal for those age 65 or over: $24 (two-year license, optional)
• Commercial driver’s license renewal valid for four years: $70
• DMV-issued ID cards valid for six years: $24
• DMV-issued ID cards valid for eight years: $32

If you don’t need to renew a license and want to obtain a new verified license or REAL ID card, you’ll be charged a one-time $30 fee.

A verified REAL ID driver’s license or DMV-issued ID card allows residents to fly on a domestic flight or enter certain federal buildings. A verified REAL ID is needed for these actions due to federal requirements that will take effect as of May 7, 2025.

The Connecticut DMV started offering this verification in October 2011 to allow ample renewal time for residents to become verified prior to May 2025.

Only U.S. citizens and permanent residents are eligible for a full-term REAL ID or ID credential. If you are not a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, you may be eligible for a limited term REAL ID.

Citizens presenting a Certificate of Naturalization or Certificate of Citizenship are subject to verification using the Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements Program (SAVE).

One of these forms of identification is required to verify: 

• Valid U.S. passport
• U.S. birth certificate
• U.S. Consular Report of Birth Abroad
• Certificate of Naturalization
• Certificate of Citizenship
• Permanent resident card

An Alien Registration Receipt Card (Form I-151) is not considered an acceptable document and must be updated before any Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles credentials are issued.

1. Documents to verify your identity. Examples include:

• An original birth certificate. If your name is different than what is printed on your birth certificate, another form of identification must be shown like an original marriage license, a divorce decree, adoption papers, or other legal documents. 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.
• Original papers that show permanent residency in the U.S.
• In addition to the above documents, bring two pieces of mail that show your name and current mailing address

View the entire REAL ID document checklist: English version (PDF) | Spanish version (PDF)

2. Make an appointment at the DMV or partner office.

3. Your verified ID arrives in the mail in 20 days. Track the delivery of your new card.

Non-U.S. citizens need to show a permanent resident card or other legal presence documents that prove permanent residency.

Certain residents with temporary lawful status can obtain a limited-term REAL ID in Connecticut.

Yes. Identity verification checks are done at DMV hub and branch offices, as well as participating DMV  AAA offices and Nutmeg State Financial Credit Union locations.

Non-U.S. citizens must visit a DMV office. Learn more about specific location information.

Yes. A $30 duplicate fee applies.

No. You can decline verification and just renew your current driver license or ID card.

Yes. You can renew your license and legally drive without verifying your ID. Without a REAL ID, your license doesn’t meet federal requirements for a verified ID, though.

Yes. The new identity-checked driver licenses and DMV-issued ID cards have a gold star in the upper right-hand corner that indicate your ID is verified.

ID cards without an identity check are stamped “Not for Federal Identification” since they don’t meet the federal standard for identification.

Yes. A valid U.S. passport can also be used because existing federal standards are built into them. See additional documents, other than a license, ID card, or passport, that TSA will accept at the airport.

No. Under current law, a drive-only license does not qualify for a verified license/REAL ID.

No. You don’t need to bring any additional documents to the DMV if there’s no changes needed to your license or ID (e.g., change in name or address).

Certain residents with temporary lawful status can obtain a limited-term REAL ID in Connecticut.

A limited-term REAL ID is a temporary, federally recognized credential that may be used for domestic air travel and entering certain federal buildings. 

Who is eligible for a limited-term REAL ID?

Currently, only residents with Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) status are eligible to apply for a limited-term REAL ID in Connecticut.  The Department is currently working on including other residents who may qualify for a limited term Real ID. 

What is the difference between a limited-term REAL ID and a full-term REAL ID?

A limited-term REAL ID is issued to residents authorized to stay in the U.S. for a defined period. Both the limited-term REAL ID and full-term REAL ID display a gold star in the top right corner of the applicable credential. While the limited-term REAL ID offers the same privileges as a full-term REAL ID, it is normally valid for a shorter duration than a full-term Real ID and must align with the expiration date on the resident’s legal status document(s). Additionally, the words “LIMITED-TERM” will appear on the limited-term Real ID, next to the gold star. 

What type of credentials are eligible for a limited-term REAL ID?

Limited-term REAL IDs are issued for driver’s licenses and non-driver identification cards.  Limited-term Class D learner’s permits are not currently available.  

If I switch to a limited-term REAL ID, can I go back to a regular full-term credential in the future?

No. Once you obtain a limited-term REAL ID, you cannot revert to a regular full-term credential. 

What documents are required to be eligible for a limited-term REAL ID?

DACA holders will need to present the following documents:

An individual’s legal status document(s) must have at least six (6) months remaining on such document(s) to be issued a limited-term REAL ID.  If an individual’s legal status document(s) has/have less than six (6) months remaining, such individual may be eligible for a full-term regular credential.

An individual’s legal status will be verified through Systematic Alien Verification of Eligibility (SAVE). This may take up to ten (10) business days or more to process.

How long is a limited-term REAL ID valid?

In accordance with the REAL ID Act, the expiration date of a limited-term REAL ID must align with the expiration date on the individual’s legal status document(s). If there is no expiration date on the legal status document(s), the REAL ID will be valid for one (1) year from the date of its issuance. Expiring limited-term credentials must be renewed in person. 

How much does a limited-term REAL ID cost?

• $84 new issuance Class D license fee (there is an additional $40 fee for out-of-state transfers)
• $28 new issuance non-driver ID fee

Since the Real ID credential will only be valid for as long as the legal status document(s), a Class D license and non-driver ID renewal will be prorated on a yearly basis, rounded to the full year.  

• $84 new issuance Class D license fee (there is an additional $40 fee for out-of-state transfers)
• $28 new issuance non-driver ID fee