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Getting a REAL ID in Connecticut

The steps in plain English. Each one links to the Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) page it came from. Last checked Nov 15, 2026.

  1. Check that you are eligible: U.S. citizens, permanent residents, asylees and refugees.

    Source: portal.ct.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

  2. Gather a passport or birth certificate, your Social Security card and two recent proofs of address.

    Source: portal.ct.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

  3. Book an in-person appointment at a DMV office or DMV Express partner.

    Source: portal.ct.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

  4. Get it at renewal for no extra charge, or pay $30 for a duplicate if you are not due.

    Source: portal.ct.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

  5. Watch for the gold-star card in the mail within 20 business days.

    Source: portal.ct.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Check before you go: requirements and fees change, and some depend on your age or situation. The official page is the final word.

Related facts

REAL ID
A REAL ID license has a gold star in the top right corner. Your first REAL ID needs an in-person appointment. Since May 7, 2025, you need it (or a passport) to fly domestically.Source: portal.ct.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026
REAL ID fee
No extra cost when you renew. If you aren't due to renew, you pay the $30 duplicate fee.Source: portal.ct.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026
REAL ID documents
Usually a U.S. passport or birth certificate, a Social Security card, and two pieces of mail from different sources dated within 90 days.Source: portal.ct.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026
Social Security proof
DMV says Social Security documents are no longer required for REAL ID. The same page still lists the card under most cases, so bring it if you have it.Source: portal.ct.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

More in the Connecticut guide

Learner's permitSteps and official links →First licenseSteps and official links →RenewalSteps and official links →Moving to ConnecticutSteps and official links →Lost or replacement licenseSteps and official links →

Official Connecticut links

Agency home pageportal.ct.gov ↗Appointmentsportal.ct.gov ↗Driver handbookportal.ct.gov ↗Driver handbook (PDF)portal.ct.gov ↗Online renewalportal.ct.gov ↗REAL IDportal.ct.gov ↗Permit and first licenseportal.ct.gov ↗New residentsportal.ct.gov ↗Replace a licenseportal.ct.gov ↗Feesportal.ct.gov ↗

These links open official government websites. USA DMV is an independent study site and is not affiliated with any of them.

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Not a government website. USA DMV (usadmv.app) is an independent study resource. It is not affiliated with, endorsed by or operated by any state DMV, the Texas Department of Public Safety or any other government agency. Practice questions are written to reflect official driver handbooks but are not the official test questions. Always confirm current requirements with your state’s licensing agency.