Get a REAL ID in Connecticut

Online or in person

No, one office visit · By appointmentThe DMV says you must visit a DMV site in person to get a REAL ID. The DMV says to get your first REAL ID at an in-person appointment. It warns of long waits without one, and there are no walk-ins on Saturdays or at the Cheshire, Putnam and Stamford locations.

Cost

No extra feeA renewal costs the same with or without the gold star: $72 for a six-year license, $24 for a six-year ID card.

You leave with

Temporary paper credentialThe card is mailed to you within 20 business days. TSA won't accept the paper credential on its own.

Your plan

1. Gather your documents

   • Primary identity document
     Original or certified copy. The full name on it is your legal name and is printed on your card.
     Show accepted documents (bring 1)

     • U.S. birth certificate (Hospital-issued certificates and Puerto Rico certificates issued before July 1, 2010 are not accepted)
     • U.S. passport or passport card
     • Consular Report of Birth Abroad (FS-240, DS-1350 or FS-545)
     • Certificate of Naturalization (N-550 or N-570) (Checked through the federal SAVE system)
     • Certificate of Citizenship (N-560 or N-561) (Checked through the federal SAVE system)
   • A second identity document
     A second primary document or one from this list. Two of the same kind are not accepted.
     Show accepted documents (bring 1)

     • A second document from the primary list (For example a passport and a birth certificate)
     • Social Security card (Not laminated or metal; signed if you are 16 or older)
     • Connecticut driver's license, learner's permit or ID card
     • Out-of-state U.S. or Canadian photo license, permit or ID card
     • Certified school transcript (A school photo ID is not accepted)
     • Certified marriage or civil union certificate
     • Court order with your full name and date of birth (For example name change, adoption or dissolution)
     • U.S. military ID or dependent card with photo
     • Military discharge papers (DD-214)
     • Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC)
     • Connecticut pistol or revolver permit
     • State or federal employee ID
     • FAA pilot's license
     • Federally recognized tribal member ID card
     • Trusted Traveler card (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST)
     • Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC)
     • Federal Bureau of Prisons ID card
     • CT Department of Correction certificate CN101503
   • Your Social Security number
     The DMV's REAL ID page says you no longer need documentation of your number for a REAL ID; it verifies the number with the Social Security Administration. Its Get a Driver's License page still says you must prove your number with a Social Security card, W-2 or 1099, so bring one if you have it.
     Show accepted documents (bring 1)

     • Your Social Security number
     • SSA ineligibility letter (Non-U.S. citizens not eligible for a number; you may then not qualify for a REAL ID)
   • Two proofs of Connecticut residency · 2 different documents
     From two different sources, showing your name and Connecticut address, dated within 90 days unless stated otherwise, typed and on paper. Parents or guardians at the same address can use their own documents for a minor.
     Show accepted documents (bring 2)

     • Postmarked mail (The address may be handwritten)
     • Bill from a bank, mortgage company, utility, credit card company, doctor or hospital
     • Bank statement
     • Pre-printed pay stub with your employer's name and address
     • Property or excise tax bill (Within the last 12 months)
     • Valid Connecticut license, permit or ID card with the same address
     • Homeowner's, renter's or car insurance card or policy (Within the last 12 months)
     • Current Connecticut vehicle registration
     • Current loan statement for a vehicle registered in your name
     • Mortgage, lease or rental contract signed by all parties (Within the last 12 months)
     • USPS change-of-address confirmation (CNL107)
     • Official school records showing enrollment, or a report card

2. Book an appointment

   Book online at a DMV hub or branch office, or at a participating AAA or Nutmeg State Financial Credit Union express office. Services vary by office: express offices list REAL ID with license and ID renewals, so check the office's service list first. Appointments are valid only for the service you select, and you need an email address or mobile number to book.

   Appointments on portal.ct.gov ↗

3. At the appointment

   You get a temporary paper credential, and the card is mailed to the address on your application within 20 business days. It won't be sent to a forwarding address. You can track the delivery online.

   Track your card on ct.gov ↗

4. Express office fee

   Express offices charge a convenience fee per DMV transaction: at AAA $6 for members and $8 for others; at Nutmeg State Financial Credit Union $8, waived for credit union members.

   Appointments on portal.ct.gov ↗