CT DMV – register to vote

CDL HOLDERS: As of June 16, 2025, DMV will no longer accept a paper medical certificate. Your certificate will be sent electronically to DMV. Learn more here.

SMISHING SCAM ALERT: We have been informed that some residents are receiving fraudulent text messages and phone calls. Please be advised that the CT DMV does NOT contact residents regarding motor vehicle related violations.

WALK-IN SERVICES: Walk-in services are not available at our Cheshire, Putnam, and Stamford locations. Additionally, none of our locations offer walk-in services on Saturdays. Residents should expect long wait times if they do not have an appointment. Our appointment system is updated in real time, with new appointments added regularly.

Options for registering to vote

Important Deadline for the November Election

If your voter registration application is submitted after October 17th through the Department of Motor Vehicles, it will not take effect until after the November general election. However, you may still register to vote in person with your local Registrar of Voters or through Same-Day Voter Registration. For more information, visit the Secretary of the State’s website at myvote.ct.gov.

Click here to check your voter registration status and find your polling place.

If you only need to register to vote at this time:

You can register to vote online through the Office of the Secretary of State.
You may also apply for voter registration or update your voter registration information through the mail at any time using the voter registration form found here: Secretary of the State election forms. You may complete and sign this form and submit it to your local registrar of voters.

If you are visiting DMV for a driver’s license, learner’s permit or non-driver identification card service (new, renewal or duplicate):

Each time you visit DMV for a driver’s license, learner’s permit, or non-driver identification card service (new, renewal or duplicate), you will have the opportunity to apply for voter registration or update your voter registration information.
You will be provided with a receipt and if you have chosen to apply for voter registration, DMV will transmit your voter registration application to election officials.
You will receive confirmation of your registration in approximately three weeks from your local registrar of voters.

If you are changing your address with DMV:

DMV’s change of address form also gives eligible citizens who are changing an address with DMV the opportunity to register to vote for the first time or change voter status (e.g. party affiliation).
If you are already a registered voter, the change of address form serves to transmit your voter registration information to your new town (or to update your new address in the same town) unless you indicate on the form that the change of address is not for voter registration purposes (opt out).

Questions?

Call your local Registrar of Voters or the Secretary of the State at 800-540-3764 or 860-509-6100 (TDD, 800-303-3161).

Voter registration FAQs

Who can apply to register to vote through DMV?

To apply for voter registration through DMV you must have a Connecticut driver’s license, learner’s permit or non-driver identification card, and you MUST be

A United States citizen;
A resident of a Connecticut city or town;
At least 17 years old and will be at least 18 years old on or before election day; and
Have not been convicted of a disenfranchising felony, or, if so, be eligible to register to vote.

How do I apply for voter registration or change my party affiliation through DMV?

You can apply for voter registration or update your voter registration information through DMV at any time.

You will be offered the opportunity to apply for voter registration or update your voter registration information when you apply for, renew or replace a driver’s license, learner’s permit or identification card. DMV will provide you with a receipt and if you have chosen to apply for voter registration, will transmit your voter registration application information to election officials.

If I apply to register to vote through DMV, am I automatically registered?

No, you are not officially registered to vote until your application is approved by the registrar of voters in the town where you live.

How long after I apply to register to vote or update my voter registration information will I receive confirmation from my local Registrar of Voters?

You should receive a confirmation notice in approximately three (3) weeks from the registrar of voters in your city or town of residence to confirm that your application has been received and accepted. If you do not, please contact your local registrar of voters.

I am already registered to vote and do not wish to change my party affiliation or I do not want to register to vote through DMV. Can I decline?

Yes. Declining at DMV will not affect your current voter registration status. The particular office at which you register to vote, or whether you decline to register, remains confidential and will be used only for voter registration purposes.

How do I change my address for voter registration purposes?

If you are changing your address with the DMV, your change of address form will be used to update your voter registration record unless you indicate on the form that the change of address is NOT for voter registration purposes (opt out).

I do not want to change my address for voter registration purposes. Can I opt out?

Yes. If you do not want your address changed for voter registration purposes, you may check a box on your change of address form to indicate that the change of address is not for voter registration purposes.

Register to vote through DMV