Renewing an expired California driver's license

You can renew your California driver's license after it expires, but the process depends on how long it has been expired. If your license expired fewer than five years ago, you can renew by mail, online, or in person at a DMV office. If it expired more than five years ago, you must renew in person and may need to retake the written test and vision test.

The fastest route for most people is online through the California DMV website, which takes about 10 minutes and costs $39 for a five-year renewal. You will receive your new license by mail within two to three weeks. If you cannot renew online, the DMV office is your next option, though wait times vary by location.

Key Takeaways

  • Licenses expired fewer than five years ago can be renewed online, by mail, or in person; licenses expired more than five years ago require an in-person visit and retesting.
  • Online renewal through the California DMV website is the fastest option and costs $39 for a five-year license.
  • You will need your Social Security number, current address, and a payment method to renew online.
  • If you renew in person, bring your expired license, proof of residency, and payment; processing takes about 30 minutes.
  • If your license has been expired more than five years, you will retake the vision test and written test at the DMV office.

Renewing online through the DMV website

Online renewal is available only if your license expired fewer than five years ago and you have not had any major changes to your driving record or medical conditions. Go to the California DMV website and select "Renew Your Driver License or ID Card." You will need your driver's license number, Social Security number, date of birth, and current address.

The system will ask you to confirm your information and upload a new photo or use the one on file. You can take a new photo with your phone or computer camera, or keep your existing photo if it is still acceptable. After you submit payment by debit card or credit card, your new license will be mailed to your address on file within two to three weeks.

If the online system tells you that you cannot renew this way, it means your record requires an in-person visit. This happens if your license has been expired more than five years, if you have unpaid traffic tickets, or if you have medical conditions that need to be reviewed by a DMV examiner.

Renewing by mail

Mail renewal is an option if your license expired fewer than five years ago and you do not want to go online or visit an office. read the DL 44 form from the California DMV website or pick one up at any DMV office. Fill out the form with your current information, sign it, and mail it with your expired license and a check or money order for $39 to the DMV address listed on the form.

Mail renewal takes four to six weeks from the time the DMV receives your envelope. There is no way to track your process by mail, so if you need your license quickly, online or in-person renewal is better. Keep a copy of the form and your payment receipt in case you need to follow up.

Renewing in person at a DMV office

You can renew in person at any California DMV office if your license expired fewer than five years ago, or if it expired more than five years ago and you are willing to retake the tests. Bring your expired driver's license, proof of your current address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days), and payment of $39 for a five-year renewal or $24 for a two-year renewal.

You will fill out the DL 44 form at the office, take a new photo, and pass a vision test. If your license has been expired more than five years, you will also take the written knowledge test. Processing usually takes 30 minutes to an hour, depending on how busy the office is. You will receive a temporary license on paper that day and your permanent license by mail within two to three weeks.

To reduce wait times, make an appointment through the DMV website before you go. Many offices now require appointments, and walk-ins may be turned away during busy hours.

What to do if your license expired more than five years ago

If your license has been expired more than five years, you cannot renew online or by mail. You must visit a DMV office in person. Bring your expired license, proof of residency, and payment. You will take the vision test and the written knowledge test, just as you would for a first-time license.

The written test covers California traffic laws and safe driving practices. You can study using the California Driver Handbook, which is available free on the DMV website. The test has 36 questions, and you need to answer at least 30 correctly to pass. If you fail, you can retake it the same day or schedule another appointment.

Plan for your visit to take one to two hours, since you will need to complete the written test, vision test, and photo. Bring reading glasses if you use them for driving.

Proof of residency and what documents work

If you renew in person, you must show proof that you live at the address on your process. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank or credit card statement, or government mail (such as a tax return or jury notice) dated within the last 60 days. The document must show your name and current address.

If you have recently moved and do not have a document in your new name yet, bring a lease or rental agreement signed by you and your landlord, or a utility bill process showing your name. If you are staying with someone else, bring a signed letter from the person whose name is on the utility bill, along with a copy of that bill.

Costs and payment methods

A five-year driver's license renewal costs $39. A two-year renewal costs $24. These fees are the same whether you renew online, by mail, or in person. If you renew online or by mail, you can pay by debit card or credit card. If you renew in person, you can pay by cash, check, debit card, or credit card.

Some DMV offices accept payment by phone or online before your appointment, which can speed up your visit. Check your local DMV office's website to see if this option is available.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive with an expired license while I wait for my renewal?

No. Once your license expires, you cannot legally drive. If you renew in person, you receive a temporary paper license that day, which you can use to drive while you wait for your permanent license by mail. If you renew online or by mail, you should not drive until your new license arrives.

What if I lost my expired license and cannot find it?

You can still renew. If you renew online, you will need your driver's license number, which you can find on old insurance documents, vehicle registration, or by calling the DMV. If you renew in person, bring your Social Security number and two forms of identification instead of your expired license.

How long does it take to get my new license after I renew?

Online and mail renewals take two to three weeks by mail. In-person renewals give you a temporary paper license on the day of your visit, and your permanent license arrives by mail within two to three weeks. If you need to drive before your permanent license arrives, use the temporary license.

Do I need to retake the written test if my license expired a year ago?

No. You only retake the written test if your license expired more than five years ago. If it expired fewer than five years ago, you only need to pass the vision test and provide updated information.

Can I renew my license if I have an outstanding traffic ticket?

It depends on the ticket. If you have unpaid tickets or a suspended license, the DMV system will flag your record and prevent online renewal. You must visit a DMV office in person. Bring proof that you have paid the ticket or made a payment arrangement with the court, and the DMV can process your renewal.