To obtain a new (first time) learner permit, driver license or identification card, a certified U.S. birth certificate, valid passport, certificate of citizenship or naturalization, or permanent resident card must be presented, in addition to one form of identification from the list below.  At least one of the documents must include a photograph of the applicant or have both the applicant’s full name and date of birth. 

To obtain a replacement driver license or identification card, two forms of identification must be presented.  One of these forms of identification must be from the Primary Document list.

Two forms of the same identification will not be accepted. By law, the name shown on the primary document is presumed to be your full legal name.  The Commissioner will not put any other name on your learner permit, driver license, or identification card unless you also present an original or certified copy of a court order or decision concerning a change of name or gender, marriage or civil union certificate, marriage or civil union dissolution.  If any document presented is in a language other than English it must be translated by an approved translator (a list of approved translators can be obtained in any one of our full service branch offices).

Primary Documents: (Photocopies will not be accepted)

• U.S. birth certificate or registration of birth (must be original or certified copy, have a seal, and be issued by an authorized United States government agency such as the Bureau of Vital Statistics or State Board of Health. (Hospital issued certificates are not acceptable).
• Valid Passport (if foreign passport, must include appropriate U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) documents, as specified below).

Secondary Documents: (Photocopies will not be accepted)

• Valid U.S. / U.S. Territory or Canadian photo driver license (non U.S. citizens must also prove legal status)
• Valid out-of-state or Canadian issued photo learner permit (non U.S. citizens must also prove legal status)
• Connecticut non-driver identification card if original issue date is October 1, 2001, or later (must be surrendered when driver license is issued)
• Connecticut learner permit if original issue date is August 1, 2008, or later (must be surrendered when driver license is issued)
• Military ID or dependent card with photograph.
• Connecticut pistol or firearm permit
• Military discharge/separation papers (DD-214)
• Court Order: Must be original or certified copy and contain full name and date of birth. Examples include name change, adoption, marriage or civil union certificate, marriage or civil union dissolution, gender change. (Does not include abstract of criminal or civil conviction)
• Marriage license (certified copy only)
• Pilot's license (issued by the U.S. DOT Federal Aviation Administration)
• School record/transcript (must be certified)
• Social Security card (laminated or metal cards are not acceptable)
• Connecticut State Department of Social Services (DSS) issued photo public assistance card
• Connecticut Department of Corrections original certificate of identification
• Baptismal certificate or similar document
• State or Federal Government Employee Identification with signature and photograph and/or physical description with or without date of birth.

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) documents (must be a valid unexpired document) as follows:

• Certificate of Naturalization
• Certificate of Citizenship
• I-551 Stamp contained in valid foreign passport
• I-94 card contained in valid foreign passport
• Alien Registration Receipt card (Resident Alien Card)
• Temporary Resident card
• Employment Authorization card
• Refugee Travel document

Note: If you are not a citizen of the United States, you will be required to show proof of your legal status in this country.

• Holders of a B1 or B2 Visitor's Visa are not eligible for a driver's license or identification card unless a valid USCIS Employment Authorization Card and verification of an application pending for Adjustment of Status Lawful to Permanent Residence is provided
• Foreign students with an F1 Visa status must show USCIS document I-20 and verification of current enrollment in a Connecticut school
• J1 Visa holders are required to show USCIS document DS2019
• H1B Visa holders are required to show a valid USCIS Employment Authorization Card and an employee verification letter from a Connecticut employer