How to Renew Your Expired California Driver's License

Renewing an expired California driver's license

You can renew your California driver's license after it has expired, but the process depends on how long it has been expired and whether you can renew by mail or online. If your license expired fewer than five years ago, you can renew it without taking a new written test or vision test — you just need to submit the renewal form, pay the fee, and provide an updated photo. If it expired more than five years ago, you will need to visit a Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office in person to retake the written and vision tests and have a new photo taken.

The fastest route for most people is online renewal through the California DMV website, which takes about 10 minutes and costs $41 for a five-year renewal. If you cannot renew online, you can mail in your renewal or visit a DMV office. Processing times vary: online renewals typically arrive within two to three weeks, mail renewals take four to six weeks, and in-person renewals are completed the same day.

Key Takeaways

If your license expired fewer than five years ago, you can renew without retaking tests by going online, by mail, or in person at a DMV office.
Online renewal through the California DMV website is the fastest option and costs $41 for a five-year license or $26 for a ten-year license if you are 62 or older.
If your license expired more than five years ago, you must visit a DMV office in person to retake the written test, vision test, and have a new photo taken.
You will need your Social Security number, current address, and a valid email address to renew online; mail renewal requires Form DL 44 and a check or money order.
Your new license will be mailed to you within two to three weeks for online renewals or four to six weeks for mail renewals.

Renewing online through the DMV website

Online renewal is available if your license expired fewer than five years ago and you have a valid email address. Go to the California DMV website, select "Renew Your Driver License or Identification Card," and follow the prompts. You will need your driver's license number, date of birth, Social Security number, and current mailing address. You will also need to upload or confirm a digital photo — you can use a recent photo from your DMV record, or you can upload a new one that meets DMV photo requirements (plain background, face clearly visible, taken within the last six months).

Payment is made by credit card, debit card, or electronic check. The renewal fee is $41 for a five-year license. Once you submit your process, you will receive a confirmation email. Your new license will be mailed to your address on file within two to three weeks. During this time, you can still drive legally using your expired license as long as you have the confirmation email from the DMV on your phone or printed out.

Renewing by mail

Mail renewal works if your license expired fewer than five years ago and you prefer not to go online. Request Form DL 44 (process for California Driver License or Identification Card) 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 information. You do not need to include a new photo for mail renewal — the DMV will use your existing photo from your record.

Mail your completed form along with a check or money order for $41 (five-year renewal) to the DMV address listed on the form. Do not send cash. Include a copy of a document proving your current address, such as a utility bill or lease. Mail renewal typically takes four to six weeks. You can track the status of your renewal by calling the DMV or checking the DMV website if you have a confirmation number.

Renewing in person at a DMV office

You can renew in person at any DMV office if your license expired fewer than five years ago. Bring your expired driver's license, proof of your current address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement), and payment of $41. You do not need to retake the written or vision test. A DMV staff member will take a new photo, verify your information, and issue your new license on the spot. You can drive home with a temporary license valid for 60 days while your permanent license is mailed to you.

Wait times at DMV offices vary widely by location and time of day. To reduce your wait, make an appointment through the DMV website before you go. Some offices allow walk-ins, but appointment holders are served first. Bring all required documents to avoid being turned away and having to return another day.

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

If your license has been expired for more than five years, you cannot use the online or mail renewal process. You must visit a DMV office in person and retake the written test and vision test, just as if you were getting your first license. You will also need to have a new photo taken. Bring your expired license, proof of your current address, and proof of your Social Security number (such as a Social Security card or tax return).

Schedule an appointment through the DMV website before you go, as walk-in service for this type of renewal may not be available at all offices. The appointment will include time for the written test, vision test, and photo. You will receive a temporary license valid for 60 days, and your permanent license will arrive by mail within two to three weeks.

Fees and what they cover

The renewal fee for a standard five-year California driver's license is $41. If you are 62 years old or older, you can renew for a ten-year license for $26. These fees cover the cost of the new license card and processing. If you renew online or by mail, there are no additional fees. If you renew in person at a DMV office, the fee is the same — you pay it at the office when you submit your process.

The fee does not include any corrections to your name, address, or other information beyond what is already on your expired license. If you need to change your name or address, you may need to complete additional forms or provide additional documents, which could affect processing time.

Driving legally while your renewal is being processed

If you renew online or by mail, you can continue to drive legally using your expired license while you wait for your new one to arrive, as long as you have proof that you have submitted your renewal (such as a confirmation email from the DMV or a receipt from mailing your process). Keep this proof with you when you drive. If you are stopped by law enforcement, show them your expired license and your renewal confirmation.

If you renew in person at a DMV office, you will receive a temporary license valid for 60 days. This temporary license is your proof that you have renewed, and you can drive legally with it until your permanent license arrives.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if I have an out-of-state address?

You can renew your California license by mail or online if you have an out-of-state address, as long as your license expired fewer than five years ago. You will need to provide your current out-of-state address on the renewal form, and your new license will be mailed there. If you need to renew in person, you will need to visit a California DMV office.

What if my name has changed since my license was issued?

If your name has changed due to marriage, divorce, or other reasons, you cannot renew online or by mail. You must visit a DMV office in person and bring a document proving your name change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The DMV will issue a new license with your updated name.

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

Online renewals typically arrive within two to three weeks. Mail renewals take four to six weeks. In-person renewals are completed the same day, and you receive a temporary license valid for 60 days while your permanent license is mailed to you. Actual delivery times depend on mail service and DMV processing volume.

Can I renew my license if it is suspended or revoked?

No. If your license is suspended or revoked, you cannot renew it. You must first resolve the suspension or revocation by paying any outstanding fines, completing required programs, or meeting other requirements set by the DMV. Contact the DMV to find out what you need to do to clear the suspension or revocation before you can renew.

What if I do not have a current address to put on my renewal?

You must provide a current mailing address on your renewal form. If you do not have a permanent address, you can use the address of a friend, family member, or shelter where mail can reach you. The DMV will mail your new license to this address. If your address changes after you submit your renewal, you can update it on the DMV website or call the DMV to have your new license redirected.

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.