The Complete Connecticut DMV Document Checklist (for a Verified ID)

One of the most common and frustrating experiences at the Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) is waiting for your turn only to be sent away because of missing or incorrect paperwork. A failed trip wastes your time and delays your goal of getting on the road. The single best way to ensure a successful, one-visit appointment is to arrive fully prepared.

This definitive checklist will ensure you have every document you need, organized and ready. We will focus on the requirements for obtaining a Verified ID, which is Connecticut's version of the federally compliant REAL ID.

Why Get a Verified ID?

A Verified ID is a driver's license or ID card that meets the enhanced security standards set by the federal government. You can identify it by the gold star in the upper-right corner. Starting May 7, 2025, you will need a Verified ID or another federally approved document (like a U.S. passport) to board domestic flights and enter secure federal facilities.

Because it is a federally recognized credential, the document requirements are very strict. All documents must be original or certified copies. Standard photocopies will not be accepted.

The Core Document Categories for a Connecticut Verified ID

To get your Verified ID learner's permit or driver's license, you must provide documents that prove your identity, your Social Security number, and your Connecticut residency. [4]

1. Proof of Identity (Bring ONE)

This is your primary identity document. It must be an original or a certified copy from the issuing agency.

U.S. Birth Certificate (must have a raised seal and be from a state or county vital statistics office; hospital certificates are not accepted).
Valid, unexpired U.S. passport or passport card.
Valid, unexpired Permanent Resident Card (Green Card).
Certificate of Naturalization or Certificate of U.S. Citizenship.
Unexpired foreign passport with a valid U.S. visa and I-94 form.

You must provide a document that shows your full, correct Social Security number (SSN). The document cannot be laminated.

Social Security card.
W-2 form from the current or previous tax year.
1099 form from the current or previous tax year.
Paystub from an employer showing your full name and SSN.
If you are not eligible for an SSN, you must provide an official ineligibility letter from the Social Security Administration.

3. Proof of Connecticut Residency (Bring TWO)

You must present two separate documents from two different sources to prove you live in Connecticut. The documents must show your name and your current Connecticut residential address. Both documents must be dated or postmarked within the last 90 days. [4]

Bill from a bank or mortgage company.
Utility bill (gas, electric, water, cell phone, internet, cable, etc.).
Pre-printed bank statement or paystub.
Lease or rental agreement signed by you and your landlord.
Connecticut motor vehicle registration or insurance card.
Mail from a federal, state, or local government agency (like the IRS or town hall).
Property tax bill.

Important: Both documents must come from different companies. For example, your cable bill and your cell phone bill are acceptable if they are from two different providers.

What If Your Name is Different?

If your current legal name does not match the name on your primary identity document (e.g., your birth certificate), you must provide legal proof of the name change. You must show the complete paper trail linking the names.

Certified marriage or civil union certificate.
Divorce decree that specifies the name change.
Court-ordered name change document.

If your name has changed multiple times, you must bring the certified document for each and every change.

Additional Forms for Minors (Under 18)

Application Form (R-229): The "Application for a Non-Commercial Driver's License."
Parental Consent Form (2-D): Must be signed by a parent or legal guardian.
CS-1 Form: When applying for your license (not permit), you will need the Student Training Completion Certificate from your driving school.

Final Pre-Appointment Checklist

Before you head to your DMV appointment, organize your folder and run through this final check:

[ ] Proof of Identity: Do you have ONE original or certified document?
[ ] Proof of SSN: Do you have ONE unlaminated document showing your full SSN?
[ ] Proof of Residency: Do you have TWO different documents, both postmarked within 90 days?
[ ] Name Change Documents? (If applicable, are they certified copies showing the full chain of changes?)
[ ] Required Forms? (R-229, 2-D for minors)
[ ] Payment: Do you have an accepted form of payment (cash, check, card) for the fees?

Taking 20 minutes to gather and double-check these documents is the best guarantee for a fast, successful, and stress-free trip to the Connecticut DMV.