California driver's licenses expire based on your age and license type

A standard California driver's license is valid for five years from the date of issue. If you were under 70 when you got your license, it expires on your birthday in the fifth year after you received it. For example, if you got your license on March 15, 2023, it expires on March 15, 2028.

Drivers aged 70 and older face a different renewal schedule. Once you turn 70, California requires you to renew your license every two years instead of five. This shorter window applies whether you renew in person or by mail, and it continues for every renewal after that.

Commercial driver's licenses (CDLs) follow their own timeline: they expire every five years, but the state may impose additional restrictions or require more frequent medical certifications depending on the type of commercial driving you do.

Key Takeaways

  • Standard California driver's licenses last five years from the issue date and expire on your birthday in year five.
  • Drivers aged 70 and older must renew every two years, not five.
  • Your expiration date appears on the front of your license card in the format MM/DD/YYYY.
  • You can renew up to 60 days before your license expires, and the state recommends doing so at least two weeks early to avoid delays.
  • Expired licenses cannot be used for identification or driving, even if you were only expired for one day.

Where to find your expiration date

Your expiration date is printed on the front of your California driver's license in the lower right corner. It appears as a four-digit year preceded by a red X or a red "EXPIRES" label, depending on when your license was issued. The format is always MM/DD/YYYY — for instance, 03/15/2028.

If you cannot locate your physical card or need to check your expiration status before renewing, you can log into your DMV account at dmv.ca.gov using your driver's license number and date of birth. The online portal shows your current license status and the exact expiration date.

Renewing before your license expires

California allows you to renew your license up to 60 days before it expires. The DMV recommends submitting your renewal process at least two weeks before the expiration date to account for processing time. If you wait until the last few days, you risk your renewal not being processed in time, leaving you with an expired license.

You have three renewal options: online through the DMV website (for certain drivers), by mail, or in person at a DMV office. Online renewal is the fastest and is open to most drivers whose licenses are not suspended or revoked and who do not need to update their address or photograph. Mail renewal takes longer — typically two to three weeks — while in-person renewal can be completed the same day, though wait times at DMV offices vary by location.

What happens if your license expires

An expired California driver's license cannot be used for driving or as a valid form of identification. If you are stopped by law enforcement while driving with an expired license, you can be cited. The penalty depends on how long your license has been expired: driving with an expired license for less than six months is typically a minor infraction, but longer expirations carry steeper fines and potential points on your driving record.

For identification purposes — such as boarding a domestic flight, entering a federal building, or proving your age — an expired California license is not accepted. You would need to carry a passport, passport card, or other federally approved ID instead.

Renewing after your license has already expired

If your license has already expired, you can still renew it, but your options are more limited. You cannot renew online if your license has been expired for more than six months. Instead, you must renew by mail or in person at a DMV office.

When renewing an expired license in person, bring your expired license card, proof of California residency (such as a utility bill or lease), and proof of your Social Security number (such as a Social Security card or tax return). If your license expired more than five years ago, the DMV may require you to retake the written test and vision test, even if you have been driving continuously.

Special cases: Temporary licenses and extensions

If you are unable to renew before your license expires due to a medical condition, military deployment, or other hardship, you may be able to request an extension. Extensions are not automatic — you must contact the DMV directly to explain your situation. The state does not grant extensions for straightforward inconvenience or forgetfulness.

Temporary licenses issued at the DMV office are valid for a shorter period and are meant only as a placeholder while you wait for your permanent card to arrive in the mail. A temporary license is typically valid for 60 days and cannot be extended.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive if my license expires tomorrow?

No. Your license must be valid on the date you drive. An expired license, even by one day, is not legal for driving. If you are stopped, you can be cited. Renew before the expiration date to avoid this.

What if I renew online but my new license hasn't arrived yet?

Once you complete an online renewal, the DMV issues a temporary digital license that you can display on your phone. This is valid for driving while you wait for your physical card to arrive by mail, which typically takes two to three weeks.

Do I have to renew in person if I'm over 70?

No. Drivers over 70 can renew by mail or online, just like younger drivers. The two-year renewal cycle applies regardless of which method you choose. In-person renewal is an option but not a requirement.

What if I lost my license and need to know when it expires?

Log into your DMV account at dmv.ca.gov with your driver's license number and date of birth to see your expiration date. You can also call the DMV at 1-800-777-0133, though wait times are often long.

Can I use an expired California license to fly domestically?

No. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) does not accept expired driver's licenses for domestic flights. You must carry a valid passport, passport card, or other federally approved ID instead.