How to Renew Your Expired California Driver's License

Renewing an expired California driver's license online or by mail

You can renew an expired California driver's license through the DMV website, by mail, or in person at a DMV office. The method you choose depends on how long your license has been expired and whether you need to update your photo or address. If your license expired fewer than five years ago, you may be able to renew without visiting an office. If it expired more than five years ago, you will need to go in person and retake the written test and vision screening.

The fastest route is usually the DMV website at dmv.ca.gov. You can start a renewal there, pay the fee, and receive a temporary license by email the same day while your permanent card is mailed to you. Mail renewal takes longer — typically two to three weeks — but requires no office visit and no online account. In-person renewal at a DMV office takes about an hour once you arrive, though wait times vary by location and time of day.

Key Takeaways

If your license expired fewer than five years ago, you can renew online, by mail, or in person without retaking the written test or vision screening.
Online renewal through dmv.ca.gov is the fastest method and gives you a temporary license by email while your permanent card is mailed.
Mail renewal requires a completed form, your expired license, and a check or money order, sent to the DMV address listed on the form.
If your license expired more than five years ago, you must renew in person at a DMV office and pass the written test and vision screening again.
The renewal fee for a standard driver's license is $64 for an eight-year renewal, though the exact amount depends on your license type and expiration date.

Renewing online through the DMV website

Go to dmv.ca.gov and select "Renew Your Driver License or ID Card" from the homepage. 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 whether you want to keep your current address or update it. If you need to change your photo, you cannot do it online — you will need to renew by mail or in person instead.

Once you complete the online form and pay the fee with a debit or credit card, the DMV will email you a temporary license within minutes. This temporary license is valid for 60 days and can be printed or shown on your phone. Your permanent license will arrive by mail in approximately two to three weeks. You do not need to visit an office unless you are changing your address, updating your photo, or your license expired more than five years ago.

Renewing by mail

read or request Form DL 44 from the DMV website, or call 1-800-777-0133 to have one mailed to you. Fill out the form completely, including your current address and any changes to your name or medical conditions. Enclose your expired driver's license, a check or money order for the renewal fee, and mail everything to the DMV address listed on the form instructions.

Mail your renewal package to the address shown in the form — this varies by county. Include a return envelope if you want your expired license sent back to you. Processing takes two to three weeks from the date the DMV receives your package. You will not receive a temporary license by mail, so if you need to drive before your new card arrives, you should renew online instead or visit an office in person.

Renewing in person at a DMV office

Bring your expired driver's license, proof of California residency (a recent utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement), and payment for the renewal fee. You do not need an appointment at most DMV offices, but you can schedule one online at dmv.ca.gov to reduce wait time. Arrive early in the day or on a weekday if possible, as afternoons and Fridays are typically busier.

At the office, you will take a new photo, pass a vision screening, and pay the fee. If your license expired fewer than five years ago, you will not retake the written test. The DMV will issue you a temporary license on paper that is valid for 60 days, and your permanent card will arrive by mail in two to three weeks. If you need to drive when ready and cannot wait for the card, the temporary license is sufficient for most purposes.

What happens if your license expired more than five years ago

If your license has been expired for more than five years, you cannot renew online or by mail. You must visit a DMV office in person. You will need to retake the written test and pass a vision screening, just as if you were getting your first license. Bring your expired license, proof of California residency, and payment for the renewal fee.

Schedule an appointment online at dmv.ca.gov if possible to shorten your wait. The in-person visit will take longer than a standard renewal because of the written test, so plan for one to two hours. Once you pass the test and vision screening, you will receive a temporary license and your permanent card will arrive by mail in two to three weeks.

Renewal fees and what they cover

The standard renewal fee for a California driver's license is $64 for an eight-year renewal. If you are renewing early (before your expiration date), the fee is prorated based on how many years remain on your current license. If you are renewing late (after your expiration date), you pay the full $64 fee with no discount.

The fee covers the new license card, processing, and mailing. If you need to change your address, update your photo, or correct information on your license, there is no additional charge — these changes are included in the renewal fee. If you are paying by check or money order through mail renewal, make it payable to the Department of Motor Vehicles.

What to do if you need to drive before your new license arrives

If you renew online or in person, you will receive a temporary license when ready that is valid for 60 days. This temporary license can be printed from your email (online renewal) or given to you on paper (in-person renewal) and is accepted by law enforcement and most businesses as proof of a valid license. You can drive legally with this temporary license while you wait for your permanent card.

If you renew by mail, you will not receive a temporary license, so you cannot legally drive until your new card arrives. If you need to drive before then, renew online or in person instead. If you have already mailed in your renewal and need to drive when ready, you can visit a DMV office and request an expedited temporary license for a small additional fee.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. The DMV will not renew your license if you have an unpaid traffic citation or fine on record. You must resolve the ticket or fine before you can renew. Contact the court listed on your citation to pay the fine or set up a payment plan, then try your renewal again.

What if my name has changed since my license expired?

If you changed your name due to marriage, divorce, or court order, you must renew in person at a DMV office and bring a certified copy of the document that shows the name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). Online and mail renewal do not allow name changes. You can update your address online or by mail, but not your name.

Do I need a new photo if I renew by mail?

No. Mail renewal uses your existing photo from your expired license. If you want a new photo, you must renew in person at a DMV office. Online renewal also keeps your existing photo, so if updating your photo is important to you, visit an office in person.

How long is my temporary license valid?

A temporary license issued online or in person is valid for 60 days. This gives you time to drive legally while your permanent card is mailed to you. Once your permanent card arrives, the temporary license is no longer needed, though you can keep it as a backup.

What if my permanent license doesn't arrive after three weeks?

Contact the DMV at 1-800-777-0133 to check the status of your renewal. Provide your driver's license number and date of birth. If there is a problem with your mailing address or the renewal was not processed correctly, the DMV can reissue your card or correct the issue. In the meantime, your temporary license remains valid for 60 days.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.