NOTE:  "REAL ID" will take effect on October 1, 2021.  The U.S. Federal Government extended the deadline in March 2020.

Since October 2011, DMV has asked renewing customers whether they want to show original identity documents to establish an historical record of their identity with the agency as well as for federal identification purposes. Customers can also decline the verification and simply get a regular driver's license or ID card.  

• The program began in Connecticut in October 2011 and the federal government has established a deadline of October 1, 2021 (deadline was extended in March 2020) for individuals wanting to board an airplane for domestic travel by just showing their driver’s license or ID card.  Travelers without a verified license or ID card will also have the option of showing other identity documents, such as a passport or military ID to board a plane.
• People wanting a license or ID card indicating their identity was verified by DMV will need to present certain original documents like a birth certificate, a valid U.S. passport or other primary documents, proof of Social Security number, proof of name changes including as a result of marriage, divorce, etc. as well as proof of current address. 
• Anyone not wanting this verification can simply decline and renew their regular license or DMV-issued ID card. If someone declines, a valid U.S. passport can serve the same purpose as the verified license or ID card at federal screening checkpoints.
• Non-U.S. citizens who request the identity check must show various identity documents and establish legal presence in the U.S. DMV will verify using the Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements Program (SAVE). Without legal presence, DMV will not renew the driver's license or DMV-issued ID card.  A Drive Only license is not eligible for verification.   
• Anyone with a renewed license can drive legally regardless of whether an identity check is done.

No. You will not need to bring any additional documents to the DMV if there is no change.

Yes. A $30 duplicate fee applies.  

WHAT IS THE REAL ID PROGRAM?

Based on the federal  REAL ID law, the Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles started a program for customers renewing driver licenses and DMV-issued ID cards. It stems from national security measures and federal identification standards resulting from the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks in the U.S. It is also designed to offer residents additional protection against identity theft. Since October 2011, DMV has offered customers renewing driver licenses and DMV-issued ID cards the option to have the same identity verification that existing federal and state standards require for new license and ID card applicants. This identity verification is a one-time review of original identity documents

WHAT DOES A VERIFIED ID DO FOR ME?

These identity-checked driver licenses and DMV-issued ID cards are part of a federal program showing that the credential holders meet a federal identity standard that will be in place on October 1, 2021 for flying domestically or entering certain federal buildings. Connecticut DMV started offering this verification in October 2011 so that everyone had an opportunity at renewal time to get the verification prior to October of 2020.

AM I ELIGIBLE FOR A VERIFIED CREDENTIAL?

Only U.S. citizens and permanent residents are eligible for a verified credential.  Citizens without a valid U.S. Passport, U.S. Birth Certificate or U.S. Consular Report of Birth Abroad will be subject to verification using the Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements Program (SAVE).  An Alien Registration Receipt card (Form I-151) is not considered an acceptable document and must be updated before any Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles credential can be issued.

WHAT DO I NEED TO DO TO GET IT?

This process generally will involve residents bringing in original proof of identity documents.

• Proof means: an original birth certificate and other primary documents, original Social Security card and original papers showing permanent residency in the U.S. 
• Also, if a name is different than as shown on a birth certificate, the person must also show proof of the name change: original marriage licenses, divorce decrees, legal documents name changes by court orders, adoption papers, etc. Certified copies will also be accepted.
• Everyone wanting the identity verification will also need to show their address on two items of proof.

ARE VERIFICATIONS DONE AT DMV OFFICES AND DMV EXPRESS OFFICES?