Moving to Connecticut, REAL ID and renewals

By the end of this topic you can

• You can explain how long new residents have to transfer a license.
• You can list what to bring and the fees for a transfer.
• You can describe the extra steps for 16 and 17 year olds and for expired licenses.
• You can tell a REAL ID from a standard license and plan a renewal.

What you need to know and understand

• New residents must transfer an out-of-state license within 90 days of establishing residency.
• Your out-of-state license must be current or expired no more than two years.
• Transfer fees are an $84 license fee and a $40 application fee, and a vision test is required.
• Teens transferring a license must complete the 8-hour Safe Driving Practices course, including 2 hours of parent training, and are subject to Connecticut's teen restrictions.
• Foreign visitors may drive for up to a year with a valid foreign license and an International Driving Permit.
• A REAL ID license has a gold star in the top right corner.
• You can renew online up to 180 days before your license expires, if you qualify.

Transferring an out-of-state license

1. Book an appointment at a DMV office within 90 days of becoming a Connecticut resident.
2. Bring your current out-of-state license, identity documents from the DMV list and a completed Form R-229.
3. Pass a vision test, wearing glasses or contacts if you need them.
4. Pay the $84 license fee and $40 application fee. If paying by check, write two separate checks to DMV.
5. Hand in your old license. Your new Connecticut license arrives by mail.

Special situations

• License expired more than two years: you need a Connecticut learner's permit, the 8-hour course and a road test.
• Lost your license: bring a certified copy of your driving record dated within the last 60 days.
• Aged 16 or 17: complete the 8-hour course with 2 hours of parent training, then take a vision test and road test. Holders under 16 cannot transfer.
• Licenses from Canada, Germany and France follow the same steps as out-of-state licenses.
• Full-time students with a home elsewhere, active-duty military and their dependents do not have to transfer.
• Out-of-state drive-only licenses cannot be transferred.

REAL ID and renewing

A REAL ID license shows a gold star and can be used for federal purposes such as boarding domestic flights. Getting one for the first time needs an in-person visit with your documents. If you are not due to renew, you can request a REAL ID as a duplicate for $30. You may also choose a standard license without the star.

Connecticut licenses last several years, and the expiry date is printed on your card. You can renew online on the expiry date or up to 180 days before it, unless you need a new photo or are applying for REAL ID for the first time. Check the DMV for the current renewal options before your card runs out.

Common mistakes

• Waiting until your old license expires to transfer. The 90-day clock starts when you become a resident.
• Forgetting to transfer your car registration in the same 90 days.
• Assuming a teen can just swap licenses. Connecticut also requires the 8-hour course and a road test.
• Trying to get your first REAL ID online. It needs an office visit.

Test yourself: Moving to Connecticut, REAL ID and renewals

Answer each question, then read the explanation. Questions come in a random order each time.

Go deeper

• Connecticut 8 Hour Safe Driving Practices Course
• CT Permit Test
• Connecticut Home Training and the 2 Hour Parent Class