You want to know why Connecticut requires drivers to renew their licenses every four years instead of every 10 years, for example.

Connecticut requires drivers under age 65 to renew their licenses ever four years (CGS § 14-41). Older drivers may renew every two years (CGS § 14-41a). The legislature passed the latter provision for the convenience of seniors who did not necessarily want to pay for a four-year license. The four-year license costs $35.50 and the two-year license costs $17.75.

It appears that the main rationale for a shorter license term is that it gives the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) more frequent opportunities to check applicants to determine fitness to drive and to take action more quickly. But according to DMV, a longer term could benefit both the department and customers. It would be more convenient to the public and reduce the number of customers in branch offices, and the reduction in the number of licenses would lower department costs in the long run.

Assuming that department expenses associated with issuing a license remains at $8.88 annually, a five-year license would cost $44.38 and a six-year license, $53.25. The department estimates revenue acceleration of $10.65 million for a five-year license or $21.3 million for a six-year license over a four-year period.

Table 1 shows the license renewal period throughout the country. In 26 states, the license is valid for four years; in 16, it is valid for five years. Four states have a six-year term and two, an eight-year term.

Table 1: DRIVER LICENSE RENEWAL TERM IN THE UNITED STATES

Source: Department of Motor Vehicles

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