How to get a driver's license in Connecticut as an immigrant

Everything a new arrival in Connecticut needs to know, from driving on a foreign license to the documents the DMV accepts from non-citizens. Facts are quoted from official sources.

Quick answers

Drive on a foreign license?: Students and visitors may drive in Connecticut with a foreign license for up to one year.
Deadline after moving: 90 days after establishing residency (transfer page; another DMV page says 60 days)
License exchange without tests: 3 countries
License without immigration status: Yes
No SSN?: Present proof of your SSN; non-citizens not eligible for an SSN must present proof of ineligibility from the SSA. Drive-only applicants need no SSN.

Driving on a foreign license

Students and visitors may drive in Connecticut with a foreign license for up to one year. Deadline after moving: 90 days after establishing residency (transfer page; another DMV page says 60 days).

Exchanging a foreign license

Canada
Germany
France

A valid license from Canada, Germany or France is transferred using the same process as an out-of-state license: documents plus a vision test at a full-service office; $84 license fee plus $40 application fee.

If your country is not on the list

Licenses from any other country cannot be transferred. Get an adult learner's permit (vision and knowledge tests) and pass the road test. Applicants who previously held a license, including a foreign one, and show it (expired license or driving history) are exempt from the 90-day permit holding period.

If you are from another country not listed here, you are not able to transfer a driver's license portal.ct.gov

Documents for non-citizens

Examples of accepted immigration documents:

Permanent Resident (Green) Card
Employment Authorization Card
I-94 (Arrival/Departure Record) in Unexpired Foreign Passport
Machine Readable Immigrant Visa (with Temporary I-551 Language)
DS2019 - Exchange Visitor Certificate (J-1)
I-20 - Nonimmigrant Student Certificate (F-1)
Refugee Travel Document

License regardless of immigration status

Drive-only license (Public Act 13-89) for people who cannot establish legal presence or have no SSN; foreign passport or consular ID accepted as identity, two Connecticut residency proofs, and an affidavit that the applicant has applied or will apply to legalize status. Valid for driving only, not for federal identification or voting ID; applicants take the knowledge and road tests.

Legal status will be verified using Systematic Alien Verification of Eligibility (SAVE) portal.ct.gov

Social Security number

Present proof of your SSN; non-citizens not eligible for an SSN must present proof of ineligibility from the SSA. Drive-only applicants need no SSN.

Non-U.S. citizens not eligible for a Social Security Number must present proof of ineligibility from the Social Security Administration. portal.ct.gov

Proof of residency

Two different pieces of mail from two different sources, generally dated within 90 days.

You must provide two different pieces of mail from two different sources to prove you reside in the state of Connecticut. portal.ct.gov

Step by step

Gather identity, legal presence (or drive-only documents), SSN or SSA ineligibility letter, and two Connecticut residency proofs.
Canada, Germany or France license holders: transfer like an out-of-state license with a vision test, no knowledge or road test.
Everyone else: apply in person for an adult learner's permit and pass the vision test and 25-question knowledge test ($40 testing fee, $19 permit fee).
Take the eight-hour Safe Driving Practices Course.
Hold the permit at least 90 days, unless you previously held a license (foreign included) and bring the expired license or driving history.
Schedule the road test online; road tests are given only at DMV hub offices.
Pass the road test and pay the license fee; the license arrives by mail.

Fees

$19 adult learner's permit, $40 testing fee (vision, knowledge and road tests); $84 license fee (stated on the transfer page).

$40 testing fee – covers vision, knowledge, and road tests portal.ct.gov

Prepare for the knowledge test Exam languages in Connecticut

Checked against official sources on October 27, 2026. Rules change: confirm with the DMV before your visit. This is not legal advice.