Learn About Connecticut Real ID Appointment Booking

What Connecticut Real ID Is and Why It Matters

Connecticut Real ID is a form of identification that meets federal security standards set by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Starting May 7, 2025, federal Real ID or another acceptable form of identification will be required to board domestic flights within the United States. This means if you want to use your Connecticut driver's license or ID card for air travel, it will need to be marked as Real ID compliant.

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Connecticut's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) issues Real ID driver's licenses and ID cards that display a gold star or other marking to show they meet these federal standards. The state began issuing Real IDs in 2018, and many Connecticut residents already have them. However, if your license was issued before this change or does not have the Real ID marking, you may want to know more about the appointment booking process.

Real ID also serves as acceptable identification for entering federal buildings, nuclear facilities, and military bases. Some people renew their licenses or get new ones simply to have a form of identification that works for multiple purposes. Others may need to understand the process if they are planning air travel or expect to visit federal facilities.

The Real ID process requires you to visit a Connecticut DMV location in person. You cannot complete this through the mail or online. Connecticut has more than 20 DMV branch locations across the state, from Hartford to Stamford to New Haven. Each location operates on its own schedule, and some branches handle Real ID appointments while others may have different procedures.

Practical takeaway: Before scheduling an appointment, check whether your current Connecticut driver's license or ID card displays a gold star in the upper right corner. If it does, you already have Real ID. If not, you may want to learn more about the appointment process to understand what to expect when you visit.

How to Schedule a Connecticut DMV Real ID Appointment

Connecticut's DMV offers an online appointment scheduling system through its official website at ct.gov/dmv. This system allows you to select a specific date and time at a DMV branch location near you. The online booking system is available 24 hours a day, and you do not need to create a user account to schedule an appointment.

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To schedule an appointment, visit the DMV website and look for the appointment booking option. You will be asked to choose which type of transaction you need—in this case, Real ID issuance or renewal. Next, you select your preferred DMV branch location from a list of available branches. The system then shows you open time slots for that location, typically ranging several weeks into the future.

Connecticut DMV typically has appointment slots available at various times throughout the week, including some early morning slots starting as early as 7:00 a.m. and evening slots that may extend to 5:00 p.m. or later, depending on the branch. Weekend appointments are limited, and some locations may not offer Saturday hours. The availability of slots varies by location and season, with some busy branches having fewer open times during peak periods.

When you select your appointment time, the system will ask you to confirm a few basic details. Have your current Connecticut driver's license or ID card number handy when you book. You may also want to have information about your current address and phone number available. The system will provide you with a confirmation that includes your appointment date, time, and location. Many people save or print this confirmation to bring with them to their appointment.

Practical takeaway: Write down or save your appointment confirmation details, including the branch location address and your appointment time. Arriving 10 to 15 minutes early helps ensure the appointment stays on schedule, and having your confirmation with you shows the DMV staff that you have a scheduled time.

Documents You Will Need to Bring to Your Appointment

Connecticut DMV requires specific documents to issue a Real ID. You must bring proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, proof of residency, and proof of citizenship or legal presence. Understanding which documents satisfy each requirement helps you prepare before your appointment and avoid delays at the DMV.

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For proof of identity, Connecticut accepts a valid passport, passport card, military ID, or unexpired driver's license. If you are renewing your license to get Real ID, bringing your current license serves this purpose. A passport is the strongest form of identity proof because it also establishes citizenship at the same time.

Proof of Social Security number can be a Social Security card, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, or a Social Security benefit statement. If you are bringing a W-2 or 1099, make sure your Social Security number is visible on the document. You do not need to bring the original Social Security card, but you do need to bring a document that shows your number.

Proof of residency requires documentation showing your current Connecticut address. The DMV accepts utility bills, mortgage statements, lease agreements, bank statements, insurance policies, or tax returns dated within the past 60 days. The document must clearly show your name and your current address. A bill or statement from a phone company, electric company, water company, or internet provider all work. If you recently moved to Connecticut, bring a lease or a utility bill with your new address. If you are living with family or do not have a bill in your name, you may bring documentation like a property deed, voter registration card, or court documents.

Proof of citizenship or legal presence is required for Real ID. United States citizens should bring a valid passport, passport card, birth certificate, or naturalization certificate. Non-citizens who are lawfully present in the United States must bring documents such as a valid visa, employment authorization document, permanent resident card, or other federal documentation showing legal status.

Practical takeaway: Make a folder or envelope with all your required documents before your appointment. Check your documents for current dates and legible information. Bringing documents organized and ready shortens your time at the DMV on the day of your appointment.

What to Expect During Your Real ID Appointment

On the day of your appointment, plan to arrive at the DMV branch about 10 to 15 minutes early. Bring all your required documents in a single folder or envelope so you can access them quickly. The DMV branch will have a waiting area where you may sit until it is time for your appointment. Even with a scheduled appointment, you may wait a few minutes if the office is busy, but appointments generally move faster than walk-in service.

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When it is your turn, a DMV staff member will call you to a counter or window. The staff member will review your documents and verify that you have brought everything required. They will check your identity, confirm your Social Security number, verify your residency address, and confirm your citizenship or legal presence status. This process typically takes 10 to 20 minutes depending on the completeness of your documents and how busy the location is.

You will be asked to sign forms and confirm that the information on your application is correct. Connecticut DMV uses a digital system to process Real ID applications, so the staff member may enter information into a computer terminal while you watch. You may have the chance to review what has been entered before it is submitted. Make sure all your information—name, address, Social Security number, date of birth—is correct before you confirm.

You will have your photograph taken if you are getting a new license or ID card. Connecticut DMV uses digital photos for Real IDs. The photo will be taken at the DMV branch during your appointment, so you do not need to bring a photo. Wear something you are comfortable being photographed in. The photo is taken facing forward, similar to a passport or government ID photo. If you wear glasses, you may wear them for your photo.

Once the application is complete, you will pay the fee. Connecticut charges a fee for Real ID driver's licenses and ID cards. The cost depends on whether you are renewing an existing license, getting a new one, or converting an existing license to Real ID. The DMV accepts cash, check, and card payments. Ask the staff member for the exact fee amount for your situation.

Practical takeaway: Bring documents organized, arrive slightly early, and listen carefully to the DMV staff member's instructions. If something is unclear, ask for explanation before signing. This helps prevent errors and ensures your Real ID is processed correctly the first time.

Real ID Appointment Wait Times and Booking Availability

Connecticut DMV's appointment availability and wait times vary by location and season. Popular branches in larger cities like Hartford, New Haven, and Stamford may have appointment slots filling weeks in advance, especially during summer and near the May 7, 2025

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