Obtaining a Driver's License

Driving in Connecticut

Connecticut permits a student to operate a motor vehicle in Connecticut for a period of up to one year with his or her foreign license. If the license is in a language other than English or Spanish, the license must be accompanied by an International Driver Permit (IDP) which serves as an English translation of the foreign license.

A valid license from Canada, Germany or France can be transferred to Connecticut using the same procedures for an out-of-state license. Review the Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) website for further information.

Obtaining a State ID/Connecticut Driver’s License

Follow the instructions below to apply for a Connecticut State ID or Connecticut Driver’s License before scheduling your appointment at the DMV. Do not go without following the steps below as the DMV will turn you away and your application will remain pending with the DMV's SAVE system for an unknown period of time.

  1. Complete the State ID/Driver's License Support Letter request in your ISS student portal for address verification and SSN Ineligibility Support Letter before ordering a transcript.
  2. Certified Transcript: The DMV requires a Certified Transcript when applying for a State ID or Driver License. Follow instructions below for your degree level to obtain the certified transcript.
    • Undergraduate or Graduate Students: Visit the Transcripts Requests website. Read the information and select the link Request your transcript link at the bottom of the page.
    • ESL Students: Information on obtaining your transcript will be emailed to you after completing the State ID/Driver License Support Letter request in your ISS student portal.
  3. If you do not have a social security number (SSN), you must get a SSN Ineligibility Letter from the Social Security Administration (SSA) office. The Office of International & Immigration Services will issue a SSN Ineligibility Support Letter and detailed instructions after student has completed the request in the ISS portal.
  4. Schedule an appointment at the DMV after getting your Certified Transcript and SSN Ineligibility Letter.

The closest DMV in Connecticut is located at 95 Sylvan Avenue, Bridgeport, CT. If you do not live in Connecticut, refer to that state’s Department of Motor Vehicle website for instructions. You must go to the DMV office in the state where you are living.

Car Ownership

If you plan to buy a car, the State of Connecticut requires all cars to be registered with the DMV. In order to register your car, you will be required to purchase automobile insurance and you must have a Connecticut State ID or Connecticut driver’s license. Do not drive a car before having it registered or insured as these are serious violations. Review the DMV website for further information.

Connecticut DMV Links