When your driver license expires depends on which state issued it
Driver license expiration dates are set by each state's Department of Motor Vehicles or equivalent agency, and they vary widely. Some states renew licenses every four years, others every five or eight years, and a few have different schedules based on your age. Your license will show an expiration date printed on the front or back — that is the date you need to renew before you can legally drive.
The expiration date is not the same as when you must renew. Most states give you a grace period of 30 to 90 days after expiration to renew without penalty, though you cannot legally drive on an expired license. Some states mail renewal notices 30 to 60 days before expiration, but you are responsible for tracking the date yourself if you do not receive one.
Key Takeaways
- Expiration dates are printed on your physical license and vary by state, ranging from four to eight years depending on where you live.
- You cannot legally drive on an expired license, even if you are within a grace period for renewal.
- Most states allow you to renew online, by mail, or in person at a DMV office, though the options depend on your state and license type.
- Some states renew licenses on your birthday or on a fixed schedule; check your state's DMV website to confirm your specific expiration date.
Expiration schedules by state
The following table shows the standard renewal period for each state. Some states offer longer licenses to older drivers or shorter licenses to younger drivers, so check your state's DMV website for exceptions based on your age.
| State | Standard Renewal Period |
|---|---|
| Alabama | 4 years |
| Alaska | 5 years |
| Arizona | 5 years (12 years for drivers 65+) |
| Arkansas | 4 years |
| California | 5 years |
| Colorado | 5 years (10 years for drivers 65+) |
| Connecticut | 6 years |
| Delaware | 5 years (8 years for drivers 65+) |
| Florida | 6 years |
| Georgia | 5 years (8 years for drivers 65+) |
| Hawaii | 5 years |
| Idaho | 5 years (8 years for drivers 65+) |
| Illinois | 4 years |
| Indiana | 4 years (6 years for drivers 75+) |
| Iowa | 4 years |
| Kansas | 6 years |
| Kentucky | 4 years (6 years for drivers 65+) |
| Louisiana | 4 years |
| Maine | 6 years |
| Maryland | 5 years |
| Massachusetts | 5 years |
| Michigan | 4 years (8 years for drivers 65+) |
| Minnesota | 4 years |
| Mississippi | 5 years |
| Missouri | 6 years |
| Montana | 4 years (8 years for drivers 65+) |
| Nebraska | 5 years |
| Nevada | 4 years (8 years for drivers 65+) |
| New Hampshire | 5 years |
| New Jersey | 4 years |
| New Mexico | 4 years (8 years for drivers 75+) |
| New York | 5 years |
| North Carolina | 5 years (8 years for drivers 65+) |
| North Dakota | 4 years (8 years for drivers 65+) |
| Ohio | 4 years (8 years for drivers 65+) |
| Oklahoma | 4 years |
| Oregon | 4 years (8 years for drivers 50+) |
| Pennsylvania | 4 years |
| Rhode Island | 5 years |
| South Carolina | 5 years |
| South Dakota | 5 years |
| Tennessee | 5 years |
| Texas | 5 years (8 years for drivers 79+) |
| Utah | 5 years |
| Vermont | 4 years (6 years for drivers 65+) |
| Virginia | 5 years (8 years for drivers 70+) |
| Washington | 5 years |
| West Virginia | 5 years |
| Wisconsin | 5 years |
| Wyoming | 4 years (6 years for drivers 65+) |
Many states offer longer renewal periods to drivers over a certain age — typically 65 or older — as a convenience. Some states also issue shorter licenses to younger drivers or to people renewing for the first time. Your actual expiration date is always printed on your license itself, so that is the most reliable source.
How to find your expiration date
Your expiration date is printed on the front or back of your physical driver license. Look for a line labeled "Expires," "Expiration Date," or "Valid Until." The date format varies by state — some use MM/DD/YYYY, others use different formats — but the label will be clear.
If you cannot locate your physical license or need to check before renewal, visit your state's DMV website and look for a "Check License Status" or "License Information" tool. Most states allow you to enter your license number and date of birth to see your expiration date online. Some states also show this information in a mobile app or through an online account.
What happens if your license expires
Driving on an expired license is illegal in every state, even if you are only one day past the expiration date. If you are stopped by law enforcement, you can be cited for driving with an expired license, which may result in a fine or other penalties depending on your state. An expired license is also not valid identification for other purposes, such as boarding a plane or entering a federal building.
Most states give you a grace period of 30 to 90 days after expiration to renew without additional penalty, but you still cannot legally drive during that time. Some states waive late fees if you renew within the grace period. Once the grace period ends, renewal may cost more or require you to retake the written test or vision test.
How to renew before expiration
Start the renewal process at least 30 days before your expiration date to avoid driving on an expired license. Most states offer three renewal methods: online through the DMV website, by mail, or in person at a DMV office. Online renewal is fastest and usually takes a few days to a week; mail renewal takes two to three weeks; in-person renewal is when ready but requires a trip to the DMV.
Check your state's DMV website to see which method you are may be able to access for. Some states allow online renewal only if your license is not expiring due to a medical condition or if you have not had a vision test in a certain number of years. If you are renewing in person, bring your current license, proof of residency, and any other documents your state requires. Fees vary by state but typically range from $20 to $100 for a standard license renewal.
Renewing after your license has expired
If your license has already expired, you can still renew using the same methods available for pre-expiration renewal, though you may face additional fees or requirements. Some states charge a late fee if you renew after the grace period ends. A few states require you to retake the written test or vision test if your license has been expired for more than a certain period — usually one to three years — so check your state's rules before you go to the DMV.
If your license has been expired for a long time, you may need to renew in person rather than online or by mail. Bring your expired license, proof of residency, and any other documents your state requires. The DMV staff can tell you whether you need to retake any tests when you arrive.
Special situations: military, temporary licenses, and commercial licenses
Military members stationed overseas can often renew their licenses by mail or online even after expiration, and some states extend the expiration date automatically for active-duty service members. Check your state's DMV website for military renewal options.
Temporary licenses issued at the DMV counter expire much sooner than standard licenses — usually within 30 to 90 days — and cannot be renewed. You must obtain a standard license before the temporary one expires. Commercial driver licenses (CDLs) have their own expiration schedules, usually four or five years, and have stricter renewal requirements including medical certification and a written test.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive if my license expires tomorrow?
No. You cannot legally drive on an expired license, even for one day. If you are stopped, you can be cited. Renew before the expiration date, or if it has already passed, do not drive until you have renewed.
Do I need to retake the written test when I renew?
Most states do not require a written test for standard renewal if your license is still valid or only recently expired. However, if your license has been expired for more than one to three years, or if you are renewing after a suspension, your state may require a written test. Check your state's DMV website or call ahead to confirm.
What if I lost my license and do not know the expiration date?
Visit your state's DMV website and use the online license status tool, or call the DMV directly. You will need your license number or date of birth. If you cannot find your license number, you can explore for a replacement license, which will show the expiration date.
Can I renew my license early?
Most states allow you to renew up to six months before expiration, though some allow earlier renewal. Check your state's DMV website to see the earliest date you can renew. Early renewal extends your expiration date from the new renewal date, not from your old expiration date.
What if my state changed the expiration schedule after I got my license?
Your license will expire on the date printed on it, regardless of changes to the state's renewal schedule. When you renew, you will receive a license with the new expiration schedule. You do not need to do anything until your current license expires.