DRIVERS LICENSE
DRIVER LICENSE

The following is summarized from the website of the Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles: http://www.ct.gov/dmv/site/default.asp
All driver’s licenses and learner’s permits are issued through the DMV.

HOW TO OBTAIN A LEARNER’S PERMIT: Applicants need to be 16 years old before they can apply for a Learner’s Permit. A parent, court-appointed legal guardian, or spouse over the age of 18 must accompany the applicant or provide a notarized 2D Certificate of Parental Consent:(www.ct.gov/dmv/LIB/dmv/20/29/2-D.pdf) The applicant must also provide verification of their residence (such as a postmarked letter) and two forms of identification such as birth certificates, passports, or social security cards. Applicants will be required to pay a fee and take a knowledge and a vision examination. The Connecticut Driver's Manual (www.ct.gov/dmv/cwp/view.asp?a=2594&q=245446) should be studied and the Guide to Passing Your Driving Test (www.ct.gov/dmv/LIB/dmv/20/29/pass.pdf) should be read prior to taking the test. After successfully completing the examination, a learner’s permit will allow the applicant to practice driving with a licensed driver who is at least 20 years old and has held a license for a minimum of 4 years OR a licensed driver instructor OR the permit holder's parents or legal guardians, at least one of whom must have a valid driver's license. Driving without a permit is a violation of State law and could extend the waiting time necessary to obtain a Connecticut driver’s license.
NOTE: As of August 1, 2008, learner's permit holders must have at least 40 hours of behind-the-wheel training before applying for their driver's license. Also, parents or legal guardians must complete a two-hour class on teen driving laws.

GRADUATED DRIVER'S LICENSE: Graduated licenses are required for 16 and 17 year old drivers.  During the first three months of licensure, the driver can only have one passenger in the vehicle who must be their parent or guardian, a licensed driving instructor, or a person who is age 20 or older and has had a license for at least four years.  For the next three months, drivers can transport multiple passengers, but only if they are immediate family members.
NOTE: As of August 1, 2008, the licensure period is increased to six months. There are additional laws with restrictions and penalties for 16 and 17 year old drivers. Details are posted on the DMV website: www.ct.gov/teendriving/lib/teendriving/handoutteen_lawssupplementfinal.pdf

HOW TO OBTAIN A CONNECTICUT DRIVER’S LICENSE: Applicants must schedule an appointment to take a driver’s license test. The following documents are needed at the time of the test:

1. Verification of Connecticut address (appointment letter, utility bill, etc.)
2. Two forms of Identification (birth certificates, passports, etc.)
3. Proof of Legal Status for applicants who are not U.S. citizens (Certificate of Naturalization, Foreign Passport, etc. validated by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services)
4. Social Security Number (or document from Social Security Administration stating applicant is ineligible for number)
5. Photograph - Passport size
6. Completed Application for Non-Commercial Drivers License (Form R229)

Applicants must pay a license fee and supply an insured and registered vehicle for the test. The examination consists of an eye test, a knowledge test, and a road test. A driver’s license is issued on successful completion of the tests. If the applicant does not pass the tests, they can re-schedule a new examination for a later date.
NOTE: As of October 1, 2008, applicants age 18 years or older must take an eight-hour course on safe driving practices if they have not previously had a Connecticut Driver's License or do not have a valid out-of-state license. A certificate showing proof of course attendance must be presented before the applicant is permitted to take a road test for their license.

HOW NEW RESIDENTS OBTAIN A DRIVER’S LICENSE: New residents of Connecticut have 30 days to obtain a Connecticut driver’s license. They must possess an out-of-state driver’s license that is currently valid or has not expired more than 60 days. At the time of application, the following documents must be presented:

1. Current out of state license to be surrendered at DMV office
2. Verification of Address (mortgage document, utility bill, etc.)
3. Two forms of Identification (birth certificate, passport, military ID, etc.)
4. Proof of Legal Status for applicants who are not U.S. citizens (Certificate of Naturalization, Foreign Passport, etc. validated by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services)
5. Social Security Number (or document from Social Security Administration stating applicant is ineligible for number)
6. Completed Application for Non-Commercial Drivers License (Form 229)

Fees must be paid for the application and the driver’s license. A vision test must be taken at the time of application. If a driver’s license has expired for more than 60 days, an appointment must be scheduled to take all driver’s license examinations.

HOW TO RENEW A DRIVER'S LICENSE: Driver's licenses can be renewed up to 120 days prior to the current driver's license expiring. License renewals must be done in person at a local DMV branch, satellite office, or photo license center. Regular driver's licenses can also be renewed at American Automobile Association (AAA) offices. Licenses are renewed for a six-year period with a $66 fee. Indivuals ages 65 or older have the option of renewing their licenses for two years. Effective July 1, 2011, a $25 late fee will be charged for renewals of expired driver's licenses.

Note: Beginning October 3, 2011, the Connecticut DMV will start the SelectCT ID program. Individuals renewing thieir driver's licenses will receive a gold star on their licenses that will verify their identities and allow them to meet federal identification standards that will expedite airport security screening, access to federal buildings, and any commercial transactions using such identification. Individuals who wish to participate in the program must present a birth certificate, a valid U.S. passport or other primary documents and proof of Social Security number, documents indicating any name changes, and proof of current address. Non-U.S. citizens must show Proof of Legal Status and various other identity documents. Further information can be found on the DMV website: www.ct.gov/dmv/cwp/view.asp?a=4078&q=477742

TO FIND PROVIDERS IN CONNECTICUT'S COMMUNITY RESOURCES DATABASE: Search by service name: Driver Licenses

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SOURCES: Connecticut Department. of Motor Vehicles website
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CONTENT LAST REVIEWED: September2012