California driver licenses renew every five or ten years depending on your age and license type
California issues driver licenses that expire on your birthday. Standard licenses for people under 70 renew every ten years; licenses for drivers 70 and older renew every five years. You can renew starting 60 days before your expiration date, and you have a grace period of up to six months after expiration to renew without penalty, though driving on an expired license is not legal.
The Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) offers three renewal paths: online through their website, by mail, or in person at a DMV office. Which path you can use depends on your age, whether your address has changed, and how long it has been since your last in-person visit. Most people under 70 with no address change can renew online or by mail without visiting an office.
Key Takeaways
- California driver licenses expire on your birthday and can be renewed starting 60 days before that date.
- Online renewal is the fastest option for most people and takes about 10 minutes, but you must have renewed in person within the last 12 years.
- Mail renewal takes two to three weeks and requires you to send in your current license, a check or money order, and a completed form.
- In-person renewal at a DMV office is required if you have changed your address, if your last in-person renewal was more than 12 years ago, or if you are over 70.
- The renewal fee is $64 for a ten-year license or $32 for a five-year license, and you will need proof of residency if your address has changed.
Online renewal through the DMV website
Online renewal is available at dmv.ca.gov and is the quickest option if you meet the requirements. You must be under 70, have a valid California license that is not suspended or revoked, have renewed in person within the last 12 years, and have no address change. The process takes about 10 minutes and you pay the renewal fee by credit or debit card.
After you complete the online form and payment, the DMV mails your new license to the address on file. You should receive it within 10 to 14 business days. You can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives, even if your license has already expired, as long as you have proof of your online renewal process.
If the online system tells you that you do not meet the requirements, it will explain why and direct you to mail or in-person renewal. Common reasons include a recent address change, a license that has been expired for more than six months, or a last in-person visit that was more than 12 years ago.
Mail renewal with forms and payment by check
Mail renewal requires you to complete the process for Original, Renewal, or Duplicate Driver License or Identification Card, form DL 44 or DL 43 depending on whether you are renewing or replacing your license. You can read the form from dmv.ca.gov or pick one up at any DMV office. You will also need to include your current driver license and a check or money order for the renewal fee made payable to the Department of Motor Vehicles.
Mail your completed form, license, and payment to the DMV address listed on the form. Processing takes two to three weeks from the date the DMV receives your envelope. You can continue to drive on your current license during this time. The DMV will mail your new license to the address on your process once it is processed.
Mail renewal is not available if you have changed your address, if you are over 70, or if your last in-person renewal was more than 12 years ago. If any of these explore to you, you must renew in person or use online renewal if you meet those requirements.
In-person renewal at a DMV office
In-person renewal is required if you are over 70, if you have changed your address since your last license was issued, or if your last in-person visit to a DMV office was more than 12 years ago. You will need to bring your current driver license, proof of residency (such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days), and payment for the renewal fee. If your address has changed, bring documents that show your new address.
Visit dmv.ca.gov to make an appointment at your local DMV office. Walk-ins are accepted but appointments are faster and more reliable. Bring all required documents and arrive 10 to 15 minutes early. The DMV will take a new photo, verify your information, and process your renewal. You will receive a temporary paper license on the spot and your permanent license will be mailed to you within 10 to 14 business days.
If you are over 70, the DMV may require you to pass a vision test or take a written test about traffic laws. The DMV will tell you when you make your appointment whether these tests are required for your renewal.
What to bring and how to pay
For any renewal method, you will need your current California driver license and payment for the renewal fee. The fee is $64 for a ten-year license (for drivers under 70) or $32 for a five-year license (for drivers 70 and older). Online and in-person renewals accept credit cards, debit cards, and cash. Mail renewal requires a check or money order.
If your address has changed, bring proof of your new address. The DMV accepts utility bills, lease agreements, mortgage statements, bank statements, insurance policies, or government mail dated within the last 60 days. A piece of mail with your name and new address is usually enough.
If you are renewing in person and your vision has changed significantly, bring your glasses or contact lenses. The DMV will test your vision as part of the renewal process. If you fail the vision test, you may be required to take a written test or have restrictions added to your license.
Timeline and what to expect after renewal
Online renewal is the fastest: you receive your new license within 10 to 14 business days. Mail renewal takes two to three weeks from the date the DMV receives your envelope. In-person renewal gives you a temporary paper license when ready and your permanent license arrives within 10 to 14 business days.
You can drive legally on your expired license while you wait for your new one to arrive, as long as you have proof that you have renewed. For online renewal, print or save your confirmation page. For mail renewal, keep a copy of your mailed process. For in-person renewal, you will receive a temporary paper license at the office.
Your new license will have a new expiration date 10 years from the date of renewal (or 5 years if you are 70 or older). The DMV will mail it to the address you provided on your process. If you do not receive your new license within 30 days, contact the DMV at 1-800-777-0133 to check the status.
Special situations and restrictions
If your license has been suspended or revoked, you cannot renew it online or by mail. You must visit a DMV office in person. The DMV will tell you whether you are may be able to access to renew or whether you must complete additional steps (such as paying fines or completing a traffic safety course) before renewal is possible.
If your name has changed since your last license was issued, you will need to bring documents showing the name change (such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order) to an in-person appointment. You cannot renew online or by mail with a name change.
If you are a non-citizen, you can renew your driver license if it is still valid and you have not changed your immigration status. If your immigration status has changed or your work authorization has expired, you must visit a DMV office in person with updated immigration documents.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my driver license before the 60-day window?
No. The DMV will not process a renewal process until 60 days before your expiration date. If you try to renew earlier, the system will reject your process and tell you to try again after the 60-day window opens.
What happens if I drive on an expired license?
Driving on an expired license is illegal in California and can result in a traffic citation. However, you have a six-month grace period after expiration to renew without additional penalty. If you are stopped by law enforcement, show proof that you have renewed (such as your online confirmation page or temporary paper license).
How long does it take to receive my new license in the mail?
Standard mail delivery takes 10 to 14 business days after the DMV processes your renewal. Mail renewal applications take an additional two to three weeks to process before mailing. If you have not received your license within 30 days of your expected delivery date, contact the DMV at 1-800-777-0133.
Do I need an appointment to renew in person at the DMV?
Appointments are not required but are strongly recommended. You can make an appointment at dmv.ca.gov or by calling 1-800-777-0133. Walk-ins are accepted but wait times are often longer, especially during peak hours and near expiration dates.
Can I renew my license if I have moved out of California?
No. You must renew your license in the state where you now live. If you have moved to another state, you will need to obtain a driver license from that state. You can surrender your California license to the DMV or keep it as a form of identification.