Operators currently licensed in another state may apply for a Connecticut license at any DMV Full Service Branch Office or the Winsted  Satellite office, without an appointment during normal business hours Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday. 

The operator must possess an out-of-state license which has not expired for more than 2 years. A vision test will be administered prior to the issuance of the Connecticut license.  The knowledge and road tests may be waived at the discretion of the Sergeant.

All applicants must supply identification and address verification as follows:

1. Identification:  You must present your current out of state license, which must be surrendered at the time a Connecticut license is issued, plus your Certified Birth Certificate (hospital issued certificates are not acceptable) or a valid Passport. 
   • If your full legal name is different than that shown on your birth certificate or passport, you need to provide proof of your full legal name.  Proof can include original or certified copy of a court order, marriage or civil union certificate, marriage or civil union dissolution or certificate of adoption.
   Applicants who hold a temporary license issued by another jurisdiction must complete all testing (vision, knowledge and skills) as well as the eight hour Safe Driving course before obtaining a Connecticut license. The temporary license from the foreign jurisdiction must be surrendered upon issuance of the Connecticut license.
   
2.  Photocopies of documents are not acceptable.  Note:  Supporting documentation is required when a name change is requested. Supporting documents are a certified marriage license, certified civil union certificate, certified divorce decree or a certified probate certificate authorizing the name change. In addition, you must apply for a name change with the Social Security Administration within 30 days. If the current name is not recorded properly with SSA the license cannot be issued.   
   
   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 license or identification card unless a valid USCIS Employment Authorization Card and verification of an application pending for Lawful 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.
• All applicants will be verified through USCIS for legal status before a driver license or identification card will be issued.
  
  

1. Verification of Connecticut Resident Address (P.O. Box is not acceptable):  Verification may be in the form of a utility bill, mortgage document, lease or rental agreement, or a postmarked letter dated within 90 days if the resident address is the same as the mailing address.
   
2. Social Security Number:  In accordance with the Social Security Act 42 U.S.C. 666 (a) (13), the social security number (ssn) of any applicant applying for a new Connecticut driver license or must be recorded on the Application for a Non-Commercial Driver's License (form R229).  If you do not have a social security number, you must obtain a letter from the Social Security Administration (SSA) that states you are ineligible for a social security number.  This letter must be submitted to DMV when applying for your driver license, learner permit or ID card. The ssn of all applicants will be verified with SSA and must be in the same name as the application submitted for the license, permit or ID card. 
   
3. Application Fee:  The application fee of $40 (cash, check or money order made payable to DMV). See acceptable forms of payment.
   
4. License Fee:  The fee for your license will be either $66 or $77, depending on the number of years the license will be valid (five and one-half to seven years), which depends on your date of birth (cash, check or money order made payable to DMV). If paying by check please bring two checks for this process.

Note:

• If your out of state license has expired for more than two years, you will be required to take an 8 hour safe driving practices course at a Connecticut licensed driving school and take the vision, knowledge and skills test at a DMV office.

• If you have lost your license, or if it does not contain your photograph, you will need to obtain a replacement from your previous state. If you do not present the out-of-state license you will be considered an unlicensed operator and will be required to complete all testing and training.  The previous licensing state will be notified of the issuance of the Connecticut license, and your previous state license will be cancelled.  

• Full time students living in Connecticut but maintaining out of state or out of country permanent residency do not have to obtain a Connecticut license as long as full-time student status is in effect. Once full-time student status is terminated (according to school records), you have 30 days to obtain a Connecticut license.

• Military personnel and dependents stationed in Connecticut are not required to obtain a Connecticut license. If the military member holds a Connecticut license it must be kept current (renewed) during the time of enlistment.   

• Foreign travelers on a visitor's visa may operate a motor vehicle in Connecticut for one year with a valid out of country license and an International Driver Permit which is obtained from their home country.

• A license from American Samoa, Guam, Puerto Rico or U.S. Virgin Islands is the same as an out of state license (same requirements as above); however, you must obtain an abstract of your driver record from your home territory prior to transferring your license to Connecticut.

• A valid license from Canada, Germany or France can also be transferred to Connecticut using the same procedures for an out of state license.

• Connecticut does not accept a license issued to individuals who are under 16 years of age.

Reminder:  As a new Connecticut resident, you are required to transfer your out of state registration to Connecticut within 60 days.  Please see Requirements to Transfer Your Out of State Registered Vehicle for detailed information.

Special Requirements for 16 and 17 Year Olds:  Sixteen and seventeen year old applicants who hold a driver's license from another jurisdiction are required to attend driver education class and pass the road testing. Please see 16 and 17 Year Olds Who Hold an Out-of-State License  for more information. It is recommended that you study the Connecticut Driver's Manual before taking the test. 

Please be aware of the passenger restrictions and other laws for newly licensed 16-and 17-year-olds.