Identification Cards in Connecticut

Your Guide to ID Cards in Connecticut

In Connecticut, a non-driver identification card can be used as photo identification if you don't have a CT driver's license or if your license has been suspended. You can use your CT identification card for a number of things, including traveling, getting an apartment, or opening a bank account.

REAL IDs in Connecticut

The Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles now issues both federally-compliant REAL IDs as well as non-compliant identification cards. A REAL ID allows you to use your CT ID card as approved identification for activities such as boarding an airplane or entry into federal and military buildings.

Most ID cards issued will be verified REAL IDs, but if you don't qualify, you'll receive a non-compliant ID card—details are outlined below.

CT ID Card Eligibility Requirements

If you are a resident of Connecticut, you can apply for a non-driver photo ID card at any age. You must be able to prove your:

  • Identity.
  • Social Security number.
  • Residency in Connecticut.
  • Legal status in the U.S. if you are not U.S.-born.If you have a current Connecticut driver's license, you can still apply for a CT ID card, but you must surrender your CT driver license.
    • You must be either a U.S. citizen or a permanent resident to be eligible for a verified REAL ID.

Apply for a Connecticut ID Card

New Connecticut ID cards must be applied for in person. You cannot apply for a new ID card online or by mail.

You cannot apply for a new ID card at the Putnam Satellite office, any DMV Photo License Center, or any AAA office.

If you are a U.S. citizen, you must apply for a CT identification card in person at one of the approved Connecticut DMV offices

For more information about CT DMV office locations and opening hours, visit the Connecticut DMV website.

What You Need to Apply

You will need the following to apply for a Connecticut ID card:

  • A completed Connecticut Identification Card Requirements and Application (Form B-230).
  • Documents verifying your:
    • Identity/legal presence (2 documents, of which 1 document must be from a "primary" source).
    • Social Security number.
    • CT residency (2 pieces of mail, each from 2 different sources).
      • The CT DMV offers a full list of acceptable documents. If you follow this list, and you're a citizen/permanent resident of the U.S., you should receive a verified/REAL ID card.
  • Payment for the $28 fee either by cash, money order, personal check, bank check, MasterCard, or Visa credit/debit card. All checks are to be made payable to “DMV."
    • Your municipality may also charge up to $8 as a processing fee.

If you are living in a homeless shelter or transitional house, you are eligible for a free CT ID card if you provide proof of residency and your Connecticut Identification Card Requirements and Application (Form B-230) is signed by an official from your housing location.

If you are a blind veteran, you are eligible for a free CT ID card if you can provide a DD214 showing that you have been honorably discharged and either a:

Connecticut ID Card Fees

Connecticut ID cards are valid for 7 years and will cost you:

  • $28 for a first-time card.
  • $28 to renew an ID card.
  • $30 to replace a lost or stolen ID card.
  • $30 to change your name.
  • $8 for a processing fee (applicable with certain municipalities).

The fee for your CT ID card:

  • Living in a homeless shelter and can provide a proof of residency from a Connecticut authorized shelter or transitional house the ID card is free.
  • An honorably discharged blind veteran. You will need to provide a DD214 and a Certificate of Blindness or a letter from a doctor/optometrist stating you are clinically blind the ID card is free.

Renew Your CT Identification Card

You must visit a Connecticut DMV office or AAA office in person to renew your Connecticut ID card. You can renew your CT ID card by mail in special situations only, and you cannot renew online.

REAL IDs & Renewals

If you currently have a standard-issue identification card, you have the option to upgrade to a verified REAL ID card when you renew—to do so, you'll need to follow the steps for in-person renewals below.

Renew in Person

The Connecticut DMV will mail you a renewal notice before your CT ID card expires. You can only renew your card if it is current or it expired less than 2 years ago.

You will need:

  • Your renewal notice (if you have it).
  • Your current Connecticut ID card.
  • Acceptable identity documents, if you are upgrading to a verified REAL ID.
  • If you have changed your name, an original or certified copy of your name change document (i.e. marriage license, civil union certificate, divorce decree, or official court document).
  • Payment for your new CT non-driver ID card.
  • If you are an honorably discharged blind veteran, you will also need to provide a DD214 and a Certificate of Blindness, or a letter from a doctor/optometrist stating you are clinically blind.

If your CT identification card expired over 2 years, ago you will need to re-apply for a brand new ID card.

Renew by Mail

You can renew your Connecticut ID by mail if you are:

  • An active member of the US military and your residence is in Connecticut.
  • Unable to visit a DMV office due to a medical condition.
  • Temporarily out of state or outside of the U.S.
  • Incarcerated.

Your renewal application must be received before your current CT ID card expires, or you will incur a $25 late fee.

Note: If you have moved to another state, you cannot renew your Connecticut ID card.

To renew your CT identification card by mail, you must complete a:

Send your completed form, a check or money order (payable to “DMV"), and a self-addressed stamped envelope to:

Department of Motor Vehicles
60 State Street
Wethersfield, CT 06161
Attention: Centralized Issuance Operations Unit

Include a self-addressed pre-paid envelope from an overnight carrier if you'd like your replacement ID card sent via overnight delivery.

Pay by Credit Card

Payment by credit card is only available for people who qualify for renewal via mail.

You can pay for your CT ID card renewal using your credit card by sending your completed Request for a Connecticut Driver's License/Identification Card by Mail (Form B-350) to the DMV at DMV.CIU@ct.gov.

You will be emailed a link in which to pay your renewal fee.

Change Your CT ID Card Information

Change Your Name

Before you apply to change your name with the Connecticut DMV, you must first change your name with the Social Security Administration (SSA). It may take up to 48 hours for the SSA to update your information after they process your application.

To change your name on your Connecticut ID card, you must visit a DMV office or AAA office in person. You cannot change your name online or by mail.

You will need:

  • A completed Change of Name Request (Form E-78).
  • Your current Connecticut ID card.
  • An original or certified copy of your name change document (i.e. marriage license, civil union certificate, divorce decree, or official court document).
  • Payment for your replacement CT ID card.

Change Your Address

By law you must notify the CT DMV within 48 hours if you have changed your address. You can also change your organ/tissue donor status at the same time.

To change your address, send a completed Change of Address form (Form B-58) to:

Department of Motor Vehicles
60 State Street
Wethersfield, CT 06161
Attn: Change of Address Unit

To get an address label for the back of your CT ID card, call the Connecticut DMV at (860) 263-5700 (from Hartford or outside of Connecticut) or (800) 842-8222 (from other areas in Connecticut), or any Connecticut Police Department.

Replace a Lost or Stolen CT ID Card

You must visit a DMV or AAA office in person to replace your Connecticut ID card. You can apply for a replacement by mail in special situations only, and you cannot apply for a replacement online.

Apply for a Replacement in Person

To apply for a replacement Connecticut ID card in person, you will need:

Your photo will not be retaken for your new Connecticut ID card. Your existing photo on file will be used.

Apply for a Replacement by Mail

You can apply for a replacement Connecticut ID by mail if you are:

  • An active member of the U.S. military and your residence is in Connecticut.
  • Unable to visit a DMV office due to a medical condition.
  • Temporarily out of state or outside of the U.S.
  • Incarcerated.

Note: If you have moved to another state, you cannot replace your Connecticut ID card.

To renew or apply for a duplicate CT identification card by mail, you must complete a:

Send your completed form, a check or money order (payable to “DMV"), and a self-addressed stamped envelope (first class if within the US and $1.10 if outside of the U.S.) to:

Department of Motor Vehicles
60 State Street
Wethersfield, CT 06161
Attention: Centralized Issuance Operations Unit

Include a self-addressed pre-paid envelope from an overnight carrier if you'd like your replacement ID card sent via overnight delivery.

Pay by Credit Card

This option is only available to those who qualify for a replacement by mail.

You can pay for your replacement CT ID card using your credit card by sending your completed Request for a Connecticut Driver's License/Identification Card by Mail (Form B-350) to the DMV via:

Call the Centralized Issuance Operations Unit at (860) 263-5401 to provide your credit card information and process your transaction.

The Centralized Issuance Operations Unit is open Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Forms

1-B
Application for Duplicate of Current Drivers License or Permit
Request a duplicate of any type of CT driver's license, instruction permit, OR identification card from the Department of Motor Vehicles
B-58
Change of Address and Organ/Tissue Donor Status
Use this form to notify the CT Department of Motor Vehicles of an address change (to be reflected on your records) OR to register to vote OR to change your voting information
E-78
Change of Name or Name Correction Request
Notify the DMV that you need to change OR correct your name on your Connecticut driver's license or ID card.
B-350
Request for a Connecticut Drivers License/Identifications Card by Mail
Request a renewal OR replacement CT driver's license, learner's permit, OR identification card by mail if you cannot go to a DMV agency in person.
B-230
Connecticut Identification Card Requirements and Application
The DMV's application for a Connecticut state identification card. You must request the form using the DMV's online system.
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