Welcome to Connecticut! As a new resident, you have 90 days to transfer your out-of-state driver’s license to a CT license.
We have great news: Connecticut makes this process easy. Because of reciprocity agreements, if your current U.S. license (from any 50 state), Canadian, German, or French license is valid, you DO NOT need to take the written knowledge test or the road test. You will only be required to take a vision test.
This guide will walk you through the simple, step-by-step process.
License vs. Registration: A Quick Note This guide is only for transferring your driver’s license (which you have 90 days to do). Registering your car is a separate process with different documents (like proof of insurance) and must be done within 30 days.
CT License Transfer Required Document Checklist
This is the most important step. You must bring original documents from all 5 categories to your appointment.
1. Your Out-of-State Driver’s License
- You must surrender your physical, out-of-state license. It must be valid or have been expired for less than two (2) years.
- (If expired for more than 2 years, you must apply as a new driver and take all tests.)
2. Proof of Identity (1 Document)
- U.S. Birth Certificate or Birth Registration
- Valid U.S. Passport or Passport Card
- Permanent Resident Card (“Green Card”)
3. Proof of Social Security Number (1 Document)
- Social Security card
- W-2 form (from the past year)
- Paystub (must show your full name and SSN)
4. Proof of CT Residency (2 Documents)
- You must provide two different pieces of mail from two different sources, addressed to you at your new CT address.
- Examples: Lease or rental agreement, utility bill (gas, electric, water), bank statement, or paystub.
5. Form R-229: Application for Non-Commercial Driver’s License
- This is the official application form. To save time, you can download it here and fill it out at home before your appointment.
How to Transfer Your License (Step-by-Step)
- Gather Your Documents: Use the checklist above to collect all 5 required items.
- Book Your Appointment: You cannot walk in. You must book an appointment online.
- Go to the CT DMV appointment portal.
- Select the service: “New Resident – Transfer Out-of-State License.”
- Choose a DMV office location and an available time and date.
- Visit the DMV Office: Arrive at your scheduled time with:
- Your completed Form R-229.
- All your original documents (from Step 1).
- Your out-of-state license (which you will surrender).
- Pass the Vision Test: A DMV employee will administer a simple vision screening.
- Pay the Fees (In-Person): You will pay the fees at the counter. Payment can be made with a credit card or debit card.
- $40 Application Fee
- $84 New 7-Year License Fee
- Total: $124
- Get Your Temporary License: Once you pay, you will be given a temporary paper license before you leave.Your new, permanent CT driver’s license will be mailed to your address within 20 business days.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
You have 90 days from the day you establish residency to transfer your license. (Note: This is different from your car, which must be registered within 30 days).
No. As long as your valid license is from any U.S. state, U.S. territory, Canada, Germany, or France, you only need to pass the vision test.
If it has been expired for less than 2 years, you can still transfer it by following the steps above. If it has been expired for more than 2 years, you are no longer eligible for a transfer and must apply as a new driver (which requires the written test and road test).
Yes. You will follow the same process, but your “Proof of Identity” document will be your “Proof of Legal Presence” (e.g., Permanent Resident Card, Employment Authorization Card, or valid foreign passport with visa).
You are eligible to apply for a “Drive for All”license. This is a license for driving only and cannot be used for federal identification. This is a separate process with different document requirements.
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