Where to check your driver's license expiration date

Your driver's license expiration date is printed on the front of your card, usually in the bottom right corner. The format varies by state — some print it as MM/DD/YYYY, others as MM/DD/YY — but it will be labeled "Expires" or "Exp." If your license is in your wallet right now, that's the fastest way to find it.

If you don't have your physical card with you, most state DMV websites let you look up your license information online. You'll need your driver's license number, date of birth, and sometimes your Social Security number or the last four digits of it. The process takes a few minutes and shows your current expiration date when ready.

Some states also let you call the DMV directly and speak to someone who can read your expiration date over the phone. This works if you know your license number but don't have the card in front of you. A few states charge a small fee for phone lookups, but most do not.

Key Takeaways

  • Your expiration date is printed on the front of your physical license card in the bottom right corner, labeled "Expires" or "Exp."
  • Most state DMV websites have an online lookup tool that shows your expiration date when you enter your license number and date of birth.
  • You can call your state DMV and provide your license number to have a staff member read your expiration date to you.
  • Digital wallet versions of your license (Apple Wallet, Google Wallet) also display the expiration date if you've added your license to your phone.

Using your state DMV website to look up the date

Go to your state's official DMV website — search "[your state] DMV" to find the correct one. Look for a link labeled "Check License Status," "License Lookup," "Driver Record," or "License Information." The exact wording changes by state, but it's usually in the main navigation or under a "Services" section.

Click that link and you'll be asked to enter information to verify your identity. Most states require your driver's license number and date of birth. Some also ask for your Social Security number, the last four digits of your SSN, or your address on file. Enter what's requested and submit the form.

The system will return your license information, including the expiration date. Some states show additional details like restrictions, endorsements, or whether your license is suspended or revoked. Write down the expiration date or take a screenshot if you need it for reference later.

Calling the DMV by phone

Find your state DMV's main phone number on their website. When you call, you'll usually reach an automated system or a customer service representative. Tell them you need to look up your driver's license expiration date and have your license number ready.

If you reach an automated system, follow the prompts to enter your license number using your phone keypad. The system will read back your expiration date. If you reach a person, give them your license number and date of birth, and they'll look it up in their system and tell you when your license expires.

Wait times vary depending on how busy the DMV is. Calling early in the morning or mid-week usually means shorter hold times. Some states also offer callback options so you don't have to wait on hold.

Checking a digital wallet version of your license

If you've added your driver's license to Apple Wallet (on iPhone or Apple Watch) or Google Wallet (on Android), open that app and select your license. The expiration date appears on the digital version of your card, displayed the same way it is on your physical card.

Digital licenses are available in most states now, though not all states have rolled them out yet. If your state offers them, you can add your license through your state DMV's mobile app or through Apple Wallet or Google Wallet directly. The digital version is always current and syncs with the DMV's records.

What to do if you can't find your license number

If you've lost your license and don't remember the number, you can still look up your expiration date using your state DMV's website. Instead of entering your license number, look for an option that says "Search by Name" or "Lookup by Personal Information." You'll enter your full name, date of birth, and address instead.

Some states require you to call the DMV directly if you don't have your license number. Have your full legal name, date of birth, and address on file ready when you call. The representative will search their system and provide your expiration date.

Understanding what the expiration date means

Your expiration date is the last day your license is valid for driving. On that date, your license becomes expired and you cannot legally drive. You should renew your license before the expiration date arrives, not after.

Most states let you renew your license 30 to 90 days before it expires. Some states allow online renewal, while others require you to visit a DMV office in person. Check your state DMV website for renewal options and important date specific to your situation.

If your license has already expired, you'll need to renew it before you can drive legally. Driving with an expired license can result in a traffic citation and fine, even if your license expired just days ago.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive if my license expires tomorrow?

No. Your license becomes invalid on the expiration date itself. You cannot legally drive once that date passes. If your license is expiring very soon, contact your state DMV when ready to learn about renewal options — many states offer expedited renewal or temporary permits in urgent situations.

What if the DMV website shows a different expiration date than my physical card?

The DMV website is the official record, so that date is correct. Your physical card may have been printed with an error, or the expiration date may have been extended by your state (some states extended licenses during the pandemic). Contact your DMV to request a corrected card if the dates don't match.

Do I need to renew my license on the expiration date or before it?

You should renew before the expiration date. Once your license expires, it's no longer valid. Most states let you start the renewal process 30 to 90 days before expiration, so check your state's rules and begin early to avoid driving with an expired license.

Is there a fee to look up my expiration date online?

No. Looking up your expiration date through your state DMV website is free. Some states charge a small fee for phone lookups, but most do not. Renewing your license will have a fee, but checking the date itself should not.