What you need to do to renew in California

California lets you renew your driver's license in person at a DMV office, by mail if you meet certain conditions, or online through their website. Most people under 70 with a license that hasn't been suspended can renew online or by mail without visiting an office. If you're over 70, have medical conditions listed on your license, or your license has been expired for more than five years, you'll need to go to a DMV office in person.

The state sends renewal notices about 60 days before your license expires, but you don't have to wait for the notice to start the process. You can renew up to 180 days before your expiration date. Your new license will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days if you renew online or by mail.

Key Takeaways

  • You can renew online at dmv.ca.gov, by mail, or in person at a DMV office, depending on your age and license status.
  • Online and mail renewals cost $39 for a four-year license or $64 for an eight-year license; in-person renewals may cost more if you need a new photo or Real ID upgrade.
  • You'll need your current license number, Social Security number, and a valid mailing address to renew online.
  • If your license has been expired for more than five years or you're over 70, you must renew in person at a DMV office.
  • Your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days; you can drive on your old license until the new one arrives.

Renewing online through the DMV website

The fastest way to renew is through dmv.ca.gov. Go to the "Renew Your Driver License" section and enter your driver's license number, date of birth, and last four digits of your Social Security number. The system will check whether you're allowed to renew online based on your age, license status, and medical restrictions.

If you're approved, you'll pay the renewal fee using a credit or debit card. The fee is $39 for a four-year license or $64 for an eight-year license. After you pay, the DMV mails your new license to the address on file. You can continue driving your current license until the new one arrives.

Online renewal is not available if you need to update your address, change your name, add or remove medical restrictions, or upgrade to a Real ID. In those cases, you'll need to renew by mail or in person.

Renewing by mail

If you don't want to renew online, you can mail your renewal to the DMV. You'll need to send your current driver's license, a completed Form DL 44 (process for California Driver License or Identification Card), and a check or money order for the renewal fee. The form is available at dmv.ca.gov or at any DMV office.

Mail your packet to the DMV office that serves your county. You can find the correct address on the DMV website by entering your zip code. Processing takes about two weeks from the time the DMV receives your envelope, though mail delivery adds time on both ends.

Like online renewal, mail renewal doesn't work if you need to update your address, change your name, or add medical information. You also cannot renew by mail if your license has been expired for more than five years.

Renewing in person at a DMV office

You must renew in person if you're over 70, your license has been expired for more than five years, you have medical restrictions that need to be reviewed, or you want to upgrade to a Real ID. You'll also need to come in person if you want to change your address, name, or organ donor status on your license.

Bring your current driver's license, proof of your Social Security number (your Social Security card, W-2, or tax return), and proof of your current address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days). If you've changed your name, bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. You'll have a new photo taken at the office.

Wait times at DMV offices vary widely by location and time of day. You can check current wait times on dmv.ca.gov before you go. Many offices now let you make an appointment online, which can cut your wait time significantly. If you don't have an appointment, arrive early in the morning or on a weekday to avoid the longest lines.

Real ID and what it means for renewal

California's Real ID is a federal requirement for flying domestically and entering federal buildings. Your current driver's license may not be Real ID-compliant, even if it's still valid. If you want to upgrade to Real ID during renewal, you must do it in person at a DMV office.

To upgrade to Real ID, bring your current license, proof of your Social Security number, proof of your current address, and proof of citizenship or legal residency (your passport, birth certificate, or immigration documents). The Real ID upgrade costs an additional $24 on top of the renewal fee, making the total $63 for a four-year license or $88 for an eight-year license.

You don't have to upgrade to Real ID when you renew. Your current license remains valid for driving in California. However, starting May 7, 2025, you'll need a Real ID or a passport to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building.

What happens if your license is expired

If your license expired fewer than five years ago, you can still renew online or by mail using the same process as a standard renewal. The fee is the same whether your license is current or expired.

If your license expired more than five years ago, you cannot renew by mail or online. You must go to a DMV office in person and explore for a new license as if you were getting one for the first time. You'll need to pass a vision test and a written knowledge test. Bring proof of your Social Security number, proof of your current address, and proof of citizenship or legal residency.

If you're driving with an expired license, you can be cited by law enforcement. Renew as soon as possible to avoid a ticket.

Fees and payment methods

Online and mail renewals cost $39 for a four-year license or $64 for an eight-year license. In-person renewals at a DMV office cost the same, but if you need a new photo or want to upgrade to Real ID, additional fees explore. Real ID upgrade is $24. If you're renewing in person and need to change your address or name, there may be additional document fees.

For online renewal, you can pay with a credit card or debit card. For mail renewal, send a check or money order made out to the Department of Motor Vehicles. Do not send cash. If you're renewing in person, most DMV offices accept cash, check, debit card, and credit card, though some locations may have restrictions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive while I'm waiting for my new license to arrive?

Yes. Your current license remains valid until it expires, even after you've submitted your renewal. You can drive legally while your new license is in the mail. Once your new license arrives, the old one is no longer valid.

What if I move before my new license arrives?

Contact the DMV when ready with your new address. If your license is already in the mail, the DMV can try to redirect it, but this isn't always successful. You may need to update your address at a DMV office or online and request a replacement license with your new address.

How do I know if I'm allowed to renew online?

The DMV website will tell you during the online renewal process. Enter your license number and date of birth, and the system will check your may be able to access. If you're not allowed to renew online, it will explain why and direct you to mail or in-person options.

Do I need to take a new photo when I renew?

No, unless you're renewing in person at a DMV office. Online and mail renewals use your existing photo from your current license. In-person renewals always include a new photo taken at the office.

What if my name has changed since my last license?

You cannot renew by mail or online if your name has changed. You must go to a DMV office in person and bring legal proof of the name change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The DMV will issue a new license with your updated name.