You can renew an expired California license, but the process depends on how long it has been expired
A California driver's license that has passed its expiration date is still renewable, but the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) treats it differently depending on whether it expired within the last five years or longer ago. If your license expired fewer than five years ago, you can renew by mail or online without visiting a DMV office. If it expired more than five years ago, you will need to go to a DMV office in person and may need to retake the written test and vision test.
The reason for this split is that the DMV considers a license expired for more than five years as essentially inactive — too much time has passed to assume your information and driving ability are still current. A license expired for fewer than five years is treated as a straightforward renewal, similar to renewing before expiration.
Key Takeaways
- If your license expired within the last five years, you can renew online through the DMV website or by mail without visiting an office.
- If your license expired more than five years ago, you must visit a DMV office in person and will likely need to pass the written and vision tests again.
- Online renewal costs $39 and takes about two weeks; mail renewal costs $39 plus postage and takes three to four weeks.
- You will need your expired license, proof of California residency, and proof of legal presence to renew in person.
- If you cannot locate your expired license, you can still renew, but you will need to provide additional identity documents at the DMV office.
Renewing online if your license expired within five years
The fastest route is the DMV's online renewal system, which is available at dmv.ca.gov. You will need your expired license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth. The system will ask you to verify your current address and confirm that your vision and medical information have not changed since your license was issued.
Online renewal costs $39 and you will receive a temporary digital license when ready that you can display on your phone while your physical card is mailed to you. The physical license typically arrives within two weeks. You can drive legally using the temporary license during this time.
Online renewal is not available if you need to change your name, address, or other information on your license, or if you have medical conditions that require DMV review. In those cases, you will need to renew by mail or in person.
Renewing by mail if your license expired within five years
If you prefer not to renew online, you can mail a completed Form DL 44 (process for California Driver License or Identification Card) along with your expired license and a check or money order for $39 to the DMV address listed on the form. You can read the form from dmv.ca.gov or request it by phone at 1-800-777-0133.
Mail renewal takes three to four weeks from the time the DMV receives your envelope. You should not drive during this period unless you have a valid license from another state or country. Keep a copy of your mailed documents for your records in case the DMV reports not receiving them.
Renewing in person if your license expired more than five years ago
Once a license has been expired for more than five years, the DMV requires you to visit an office in person. You will need to bring your expired license (or other identity documents if you cannot find it), proof of California residency such as a utility bill or lease, and proof of legal presence such as a birth certificate, passport, or permanent resident card.
At the office, you will take the vision test and the written knowledge test — the same test new drivers take. You will not need to take the behind-the-wheel driving test. The written test covers California traffic laws and road signs. If you have not driven in more than five years, you may want to review the DMV handbook before your appointment.
The renewal fee is $39. Your new license will be mailed to you within two weeks. Some DMV offices allow you to get a temporary paper license on the spot that you can use while waiting for your card.
What to bring to a DMV office for in-person renewal
| Document Type | Examples | Why You Need It |
|---|---|---|
| Proof of identity | Expired driver's license, passport, birth certificate | Shows who you are |
| Proof of California residency | Utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, bank statement dated within 60 days | Shows you live in California |
| Proof of legal presence | U.S. birth certificate, passport, permanent resident card, visa | Shows you are authorized to be in the U.S. |
| Social Security number | Social Security card, W-2, tax return | Required for all California driver's licenses |
Making a DMV appointment and what to expect
You can schedule a DMV office appointment online at dmv.ca.gov or by calling 1-800-777-0133. Appointments are strongly recommended because walk-ins may face long waits or be turned away if the office is at capacity. Most offices have appointment availability within one to three weeks.
When you arrive, bring all required documents and your renewal fee of $39 in cash, check, or debit card. The appointment typically takes 15 to 30 minutes. You will take the vision test first, then the written test on a computer. If you pass both, the DMV will process your renewal on the spot and mail your new license within two weeks.
If you cannot find your expired license
A missing expired license does not prevent you from renewing. If you are renewing online or by mail and cannot locate your license, you will need to visit a DMV office instead. Bring two forms of identity — such as a passport and birth certificate, or a passport and Social Security card — along with proof of residency.
The DMV will look up your license record using your name, date of birth, and Social Security number. Once they confirm your identity, you can proceed with renewal. There is no additional fee for a lost or missing license during renewal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive with an expired license while waiting for my renewal to be processed?
No, driving with an expired license is illegal in California, even if you have applied for renewal. If you received a temporary digital or paper license from the DMV, you can drive with that. Otherwise, you should not drive until your new license arrives.
Do I have to retake the written test if my license expired less than five years ago?
No. If your license expired within five years, you renew without retaking any tests. You only confirm that your vision and medical information have not changed. The written and vision tests are required only if your license expired more than five years ago.
What happens if I fail the written test at the DMV office?
You can retake the written test the same day or schedule another appointment. There is no additional fee for retakes. Most people are allowed to take the test again when ready if they fail on their first attempt.
How much does it cost to renew an expired California license?
The renewal fee is $39 whether you renew online, by mail, or in person. Online renewal is the fastest option. Mail renewal adds the cost of postage. In-person renewal may require additional documents but has no extra fees beyond the $39.
Can I renew my license if I have an outstanding traffic ticket or unpaid fine?
Yes, you can renew your license even with unpaid traffic tickets or fines. However, the DMV may suspend your license if you fail to pay a court-ordered fine. Check your DMV record online or call 1-800-777-0133 to see if there are any holds on your license before you renew.