California driver's licenses expire based on your age and when you renewed

A California driver's license is valid for five years if you are under 70 years old. If you are 70 or older, your license is valid for two years. The expiration date is printed on the front of your card — it is the date after "Expires."

The five-year or two-year period starts from the date you received or renewed your license, not from when you were born. So if you got your license on March 15, 2022, and you are under 70, it expires on March 15, 2027. If you renewed it early — which California allows — the new five-year period starts from your renewal date, not your original issue date.

Your license does not automatically renew. You have to take action before the expiration date, or you will be driving with an expired license, which is illegal in California.

Key Takeaways

  • California driver's licenses are valid for five years if you are under 70, and two years if you are 70 or older.
  • The expiration date printed on your license tells you exactly when it stops being valid.
  • You can renew your license up to 60 days before it expires, which is useful if you have a trip planned.
  • The Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) sends renewal notices by mail about 60 days before expiration, but you should not rely on receiving it.

When the DMV sends you a renewal notice

The California DMV mails a renewal notice to the address on file about 60 days before your license expires. The notice tells you your expiration date, your renewal options, and the fee. However, mail gets lost, forwarded incorrectly, or delayed. Do not assume you will receive it.

If you have moved and did not update your address with the DMV, the notice will go to your old address and you will not see it. Checking your license itself — the expiration date is on the front — is more reliable than waiting for mail.

How to renew before your license expires

You have three ways to renew a California driver's license: online through the DMV website, by mail, or in person at a DMV office. Which option you can use depends on your age, how long it has been since your last renewal, and whether you need a new photo.

Online renewal is the fastest and most common route. You can renew online if you are under 70, your license is not suspended or revoked, you have not had a major change (like a new name or address), and your last renewal was in person at a DMV office. You will need your driver's license number, Social Security number, and a payment method. The process takes about 10 minutes and costs $39 for a five-year renewal as of 2024, though fees change periodically.

By-mail renewal is an option if you meet the same conditions as online renewal. You send in your renewal notice (or a form you read from the DMV website), a check or money order, and a new photo if your license is more than 12 years old. Processing takes two to three weeks.

In-person renewal at a DMV office is required if you are 70 or older, if you need a new photo, if your address has changed, or if you have other changes to report. You will need to bring your current license, proof of residency, and proof of your Social Security number. Wait times at DMV offices vary widely by location and time of day.

What happens if your license expires

Driving with an expired license is a violation in California. If you are stopped by law enforcement, you can receive a citation. The penalty depends on how long your license has been expired and whether you have prior violations, but it can include a fine.

If your license expired within the last six months, you can usually still drive legally to a DMV office to renew it, as long as you have proof of your renewal appointment or proof that you submitted a renewal request. After six months expired, you cannot legally drive until you renew.

If you let your license expire and then need to drive, renew it as soon as possible. Online renewal is fastest — you can complete it in minutes and print a temporary license to carry while you wait for your new card in the mail.

Renewing early and grace periods

California allows you to renew your license up to 60 days before it expires. This is useful if you have a trip coming up or you want to avoid the rush near your expiration date. Your new license will be mailed to you, and the five-year (or two-year) validity period starts from the date you renew, not from your old expiration date.

California does not have a grace period for expired licenses. Once your license expires, it is no longer valid, even if it expired yesterday. You cannot legally drive on an expired license and then renew it later.

Real ID and license renewal

If your California driver's license does not have a gold star or seal in the upper right corner, it is not Real ID compliant. Real ID is required to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building. When you renew your license, you can request a Real ID license at the same time.

To get a Real ID license, you will need to provide proof of your identity, Social Security number, and California residency. You cannot get Real ID online — you must renew in person at a DMV office. The fee is the same as a regular renewal ($39 for five years as of 2024).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive if my license expired last week?

No. California does not have a grace period. Once your license expires, it is no longer valid to drive. You need to renew it before you drive again. Online renewal takes about 10 minutes, and you can print a temporary license when ready.

What if I did not receive my renewal notice in the mail?

Check the expiration date on your license itself — it is printed on the front. You do not need the renewal notice to renew. You can renew online, by mail using a form from the DMV website, or in person at any DMV office.

Do I have to renew in person if I am over 70?

Yes. Drivers 70 and older must renew in person at a DMV office every two years. You will need your current license, proof of residency, and proof of your Social Security number. You cannot renew online or by mail.

How much does it cost to renew?

As of 2024, a five-year renewal costs $39 and a two-year renewal (for drivers 70 and older) costs $24. Fees are set by the state and change periodically. The exact fee will be shown when you start your renewal.

What if I changed my name or address since my last license?

You must renew in person at a DMV office. Bring your current license, proof of your new name (like a marriage certificate) or new address (like a utility bill), proof of your Social Security number, and proof of identity. You cannot renew online or by mail with a name or address change.