How to Renew Your California Driver's License

Where to renew and what you'll need

You can renew your California driver's license through the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) in person, by mail, or online — but not all three routes work for everyone. The online option is fastest if you're under 70, your license isn't suspended, and it expired less than five years ago. If you don't meet those conditions, you'll need to visit a DMV office or mail in your renewal.

Before you start, gather your current driver's license, proof of California residency (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 90 days), and your Social Security number. If your name has changed since your last license, bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. You'll also need to pay the renewal fee — $38 for a standard four-year renewal, or $48 for an eight-year renewal if you're 62 or older.

Key Takeaways

Online renewal takes about two weeks and costs $38, but only works if your license expired within the last five years and you're under 70.
Mail-in renewal requires the same documents as in-person renewal and takes four to six weeks, but you avoid a DMV visit.
In-person renewal at a DMV office is the only option if your license has been suspended, you're 70 or older, or you need to update your address or organ donor status.
Your new license will arrive by mail within two to three weeks of approval, whether you renewed online, by mail, or in person.

Renewing online through the DMV website

Go to dmv.ca.gov and select "Renew Your Driver License" from the homepage. You'll be asked to enter your driver's license number, date of birth, and last four digits of your Social Security number. The system will verify your identity and tell you when ready whether you're may be able to access for online renewal.

If you're approved, you'll upload a new photo or use the one on file, review your information, and pay the $38 fee with a debit or credit card. The DMV will mail your renewed license to the address on file. You don't need to visit an office, but you also won't receive a temporary license — your old one remains valid until the new one arrives, which usually takes two weeks.

If the system says you're not may be able to access, it will tell you why and direct you to either mail in your renewal or schedule an in-person appointment. Don't ignore an ineligibility message; it means you need to use one of the other routes.

Renewing by mail

read the DL 44 form from dmv.ca.gov or pick one up at any DMV office. Fill it out completely, including your current address and any changes to your name or organ donor status. Attach a copy of your proof of residency and your $38 check or money order — the DMV does not accept credit cards by mail.

Mail everything to the address listed on the form, which varies by county. Include a copy of your current driver's license if possible. The DMV will process your renewal in four to six weeks and mail your new license to the address you provided. Keep your old license until the new one arrives.

Mail renewal is slower than online renewal but works for anyone whose license has expired, regardless of age or how long ago it expired. It's also useful if you want to avoid a DMV office visit but don't meet the online renewal requirements.

Renewing in person at a DMV office

Schedule an appointment online at dmv.ca.gov before you go — walk-ins are accepted but wait times are often two hours or more. Bring your current driver's license, proof of residency, and your Social Security number. If you're renewing an eight-year license (available to drivers 62 and older), bring proof of your age as well.

At the appointment, a DMV employee will take a new photo, verify your information, and collect the $38 renewal fee. You'll receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while your permanent license is mailed to you. The permanent license usually arrives within two to three weeks.

In-person renewal is required if your license has been suspended, you're 70 or older, you need to change your address or organ donor status, or you want to renew an eight-year license. It's also the fastest way to get a temporary license if you need to drive when ready.

What happens after you renew

Once your renewal is processed — whether online, by mail, or in person — the DMV will mail your new license to your address on file. You don't need to do anything else. Your old license remains valid to drive until your new one arrives.

If your new license doesn't arrive within three weeks of approval, contact the DMV at 1-800-777-0133 to check the status. Have your driver's license number ready. If there's a problem with your address or the license was lost in the mail, the DMV can reissue it.

Renewing if your license expired more than five years ago

If your California driver's license expired more than five years ago, you cannot renew it — you must take the written test and driving test again, just as if you were getting your first license. This is true even if you've been driving the whole time. You'll need to start with a learner's permit (DL 44) and pass both tests before you can get a new license.

Schedule an appointment at your local DMV office to take the written test. Bring your proof of residency, Social Security number, and proof of your legal presence in California (a passport, birth certificate, or visa). After you pass the written test, you'll be issued a temporary learner's permit and can schedule a driving test appointment.

Renewing if your address has changed

If you've moved since your last license, you can update your address during renewal. Online renewal will use the address on file with the DMV — if it's wrong, you'll need to renew by mail or in person instead. When you renew by mail or in person, write your new address on the form or tell the DMV employee, and your new license will be mailed to that address.

You don't need a separate address change form if you're renewing your license at the same time. The renewal process updates both your license and your DMV record.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if it's already expired?

Yes. If it expired less than five years ago, you can renew it online, by mail, or in person using the same process as a license that hasn't expired yet. If it expired more than five years ago, you must retake the written and driving tests.

Do I need a new photo for renewal?

For online renewal, you can use the photo on file or upload a new one. For in-person renewal, the DMV takes a new photo automatically. For mail renewal, you don't submit a photo — the DMV uses the one on file unless you request a new one in person.

What if I need to drive before my new license arrives?

If you renewed in person, you receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days. If you renewed online or by mail, your old license remains valid to drive until the new one arrives. If you need a temporary license for online or mail renewal, you must visit a DMV office in person.

Can I renew my license if I have an outstanding ticket or fine?

Yes. Unpaid tickets or fines do not prevent you from renewing your license. However, if your license has been suspended for a separate reason (such as a DUI or failure to appear in court), you cannot renew until the suspension is lifted.

How long is a renewed license valid?

A standard renewal is valid for four years. If you're 62 or older, you can choose an eight-year renewal instead, which costs $48. Your new license will show the expiration date on the front.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.