REAL ID in Connecticut
Connecticut REAL ID
REAL IDs are optional in Connecticut. However, beginning in October, 2021, a U.S. passport or federally compliant REAL ID will be required to:
- Board a plane (even domestic flights).
- Enter federal facilities.
- Enter nuclear power plants.
Connecticut REAL IDs have a star in the upper-right corner.
Obtaining a REAL ID for the first time requires presenting additional documents when you renew your license. Consider making an appointment beforehand to spend less time waiting in line.
Apply for a CT REAL ID
To get a Connecticut REAL ID, visit your local DMV office or DMV express location and provide* your:
- Proof of identity. 2 documents are required. At least 1 item must be a PRIMARY document. Primary documents include a:
- U.S. birth certificate.
- U.S. passport.
- U.S. Certificate of Naturalization or Citizenship.
- Secondary documents include a:
- Social security card.
- Valid Connecticut or out-of-state driver’s license.
- Employment authorization card.
- Secondary documents include a:
- Connecticut residency (2 documents required). This may include a:
- Bank statement.
- Pay stub.
- Credit card, utility, or hospital bill.
- Lawful U.S. presence. This may include:
- U.S. passport.
- I-94 form.
- Refugee travel document.
- Permanent resident card.
- Proof of social security number (SSN). This may include your:
- Social security card.
- W-2 or 1099 tax form (within the last 5 years).
- Proof of ineligibility from the Social Security Administration.
- Payment for the applicable fee.
*The Connecticut DMV has a complete list of acceptable documents.
Connecticut REAL ID Fees
There is no additional fee to upgrade your Connecticut license or photo ID to a REAL ID unless you are NOT due for a renewal. The renewal window opens 6 months before your current card expires. Upgrading outside this window costs $30 and your card will keep its current expiration date.
CT license and ID renewal fees are as follows (length of validity is randomly generated):
- Driver’s license:
- $72 for 6 years.
- $96 for 8 years.
- $24 for 2 years (optional for driver’s 65 years old and older).
- Non-driver ID:
- $24 for 6 years.
- $32 for 8 years.
- CDL renewal: $70 (valid 4 years).