Where to find your expiration date on your California driver license
Your California driver license expiration date is printed on the front of the card in the bottom right corner. It appears as a date in the format MM/DD/YYYY — for example, 03/15/2028. This is the last day your license is valid for driving.
If you cannot read the date clearly on your physical card, you can also view it online through your DMV account. Go to the California Department of Motor Vehicles website, select "Online Services," and log in with your driver license number and date of birth. Your account will show your current license status and expiration date.
You can also call the DMV at 1-800-777-0133 to confirm your expiration date by phone. Have your driver license number ready when you call.
Key Takeaways
- Your expiration date is printed in the bottom right corner of your California driver license card.
- You can check your expiration date online through your DMV account or by calling 1-800-777-0133.
- Standard driver licenses expire every 10 years, but some licenses expire sooner based on your age or immigration status.
- You should renew your license before the expiration date if you want to continue driving legally in California.
How long California driver licenses are valid
Most California driver licenses are valid for 10 years from the date they are issued. However, the length of validity depends on your age and immigration status when you receive the license.
If you were under 70 years old when you got your license, it will expire 10 years later. If you were 70 or older, your license expires after 5 years. Licenses issued to people with conditional immigration status may have shorter expiration periods set by federal law.
Your license expiration date is set when the DMV issues it, so you will know the exact date from the moment you receive your card.
What happens if your license expires
Driving with an expired license is illegal in California. If you are stopped by law enforcement, you can receive a citation and a fine. The amount of the fine depends on how long your license has been expired and whether you have prior violations.
An expired license also means your vehicle insurance may not cover you in an accident, even if you have an active policy. Insurance companies can deny claims if you were driving without a valid license at the time of the incident.
If your license expired recently and you were not aware, you should renew it as soon as possible to avoid these consequences.
Renewing your license before it expires
California allows you to renew your driver license up to 60 days before the expiration date. This means you can start the renewal process two months early and avoid driving with an expired license.
You can renew online through the DMV website if you meet certain requirements: your license must not be suspended or revoked, you must be between 18 and 69 years old, and your license must have been issued at least 15 years ago. Online renewal takes about 10 minutes and costs less than renewing in person.
If you do not meet the online requirements, you will need to visit a DMV office in person. Bring your current license, proof of residency, and any required documents. Processing times at DMV offices vary by location, so check ahead to see if you need an appointment.
Grace periods and late renewal
California does not have an official grace period that allows you to drive after your license expires. However, if your license expired within the last six months, you may be able to renew it without taking a new written or driving test — you can do this by mail or online if you meet the requirements.
If your license has been expired for more than six months, you will need to take the written test and vision test again, and you may need to take a driving test depending on your age and how long it has been since your last license was issued.
The sooner you renew after expiration, the fewer requirements you will face. Waiting longer makes the process more complicated and time-consuming.
Special situations that affect expiration dates
If you have an AB 60 license — a California license issued to people without proof of legal presence — your expiration date follows the same 10-year rule as a standard license, but the card itself looks slightly different and is marked as such.
Military members stationed outside California may be able to renew by mail or online even if they normally would not meet the requirements. Contact your local DMV office to ask about military renewal options.
If you are a commercial driver license (CDL) holder, your expiration date may be different from a regular driver license. CDLs typically expire every five years, and renewal requirements are stricter. Check your CDL card for the specific expiration date.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive if my license expires tomorrow?
No. Your license must be valid on the day you drive. If it expires tomorrow, you cannot legally drive after that date. You should renew before the expiration date to avoid this situation.
What if I lost my license and do not know the expiration date?
You can check your expiration date through your DMV online account or by calling 1-800-777-0133. You will need your driver license number and date of birth. If you need a replacement card, you can order one online or visit a DMV office.
Do I need to renew my license if I do not drive anymore?
If you do not plan to drive, you do not need to renew your license. However, many people keep a valid license for identification purposes, such as boarding flights or entering federal buildings. The choice is yours.
How much does it cost to renew a California driver license?
The cost varies depending on how you renew. Online renewal costs less than in-person renewal. Visit the DMV website or call 1-800-777-0133 for current fees, as they change periodically.
Can I renew my license if it has been suspended or revoked?
No. You must clear any suspension or revocation before you can renew. Contact the DMV to find out why your license was suspended or revoked and what steps you need to take to restore it.