What You Need to Do to Renew Your California Driver License

California lets you renew your driver license online, by mail, or in person at a Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office. Which method you can use depends on how much time is left before your license expires and whether you need to update your address or other information. Most people renew online through the DMV website, which takes about 10 minutes and costs $39 for a five-year renewal or $69 for a ten-year renewal.

The state sends you a renewal notice in the mail about 60 days before your license expires. That notice contains a code you will need to start an online renewal. If you have lost the notice or did not receive one, you can still renew online by providing your driver license number and date of birth instead.

Key Takeaways

  • Online renewal through the DMV website is the fastest option and works if your license is not yet expired and you do not need to change your address or photo.
  • You will need your current driver license number, date of birth, and the renewal notice code (if you have it) to start an online renewal.
  • The DMV will mail your new license to the address on file, which typically arrives within two to three weeks after you complete the renewal.
  • If your license has already expired or you need to update your address, photo, or other information, you must renew in person at a DMV office.
  • Mail renewal is available only if your license is not expired and you received a renewal notice in the mail from the DMV.

Online Renewal Through the DMV Website

Go to the official California DMV website (dmv.ca.gov) and select the renewal option. You will be asked to enter your driver license number and date of birth. If you have your renewal notice, enter the code printed on it; if not, the system will verify your identity using other information.

The online form asks you to confirm your address, phone number, and emergency contact information. You can update your address at this time if you have moved. You cannot change your photo online, so if you want a new photo on your license, you will need to renew in person instead.

Once you submit the form and pay the renewal fee by debit or credit card, the DMV will send you a confirmation email. Your new license will be mailed to the address you provided, usually arriving within 10 to 21 days. You can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives.

Mail Renewal Using Your Renewal Notice

If you received a renewal notice in the mail from the DMV, you can renew by mail without visiting an office. Fill out the form on the back of the notice, sign it, and mail it to the address printed on the notice along with your payment. The DMV accepts checks, money orders, or credit card information written on the form.

Mail renewal takes longer than online renewal — typically three to four weeks from the time the DMV receives your form. To track whether your renewal has been processed, you can check the DMV website using your driver license number.

Mail renewal is not available if your license has already expired, if you need to change your photo, or if you have not received a renewal notice. In those cases, you must renew in person.

In-Person Renewal at a DMV Office

Visit your local DMV office with your current driver license and proof of residency (such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days). You will need to take a new photo and pass a vision test. Bring your renewal notice if you have it, though it is not required.

You can make an appointment online through the DMV website before you go, which usually reduces your wait time. Walk-in appointments are also accepted, but wait times vary by location and time of day. Bring your payment method — the DMV accepts cash, check, debit card, or credit card.

In-person renewal is required if your license has expired, if you want to change your photo, if you need to update your address and did not do so online, or if you have a commercial driver license. The new license is usually ready to pick up the same day or within a few days, depending on the office.

What Information You Will Need

For any renewal method, have your current California driver license ready. For online or mail renewal, you will need your driver license number and date of birth. If you have your renewal notice, the code on it will speed up the process.

If you are renewing in person, bring your driver license and proof that you live at the address on file (or proof of your new address if you have moved). Acceptable documents include a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement. A government-issued ID from another state or country is also helpful but not required if you have your California license.

If you have changed your name since your license was issued, bring a document that shows the name change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.

Renewal Fees and Payment Methods

A five-year renewal costs $39. A ten-year renewal costs $69. These are the standard fees as of 2024, though the DMV updates fees periodically. If you are over 70 years old, you may be charged a different fee — check the DMV website for current senior rates.

Online and in-person renewal accept debit cards, credit cards, and cash. Mail renewal accepts checks, money orders, and credit card information written on the form. The DMV does not accept payment plans or installments for license renewal.

How Long the Process Takes

Online renewal is the fastest: your confirmation arrives when ready, and your new license is mailed within 10 to 21 days. Mail renewal takes three to four weeks from the time the DMV receives your form. In-person renewal is the quickest if you need the license right away — you can pick it up the same day or within a few days, depending on the office.

During busy periods (such as the weeks before a holiday), processing times may be longer. The DMV website shows current processing times by location, so check before you mail your form or visit an office.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive with an expired license while I wait for my new one?

Yes, you can drive on your current license while your renewal is being processed, as long as you submitted your renewal before the expiration date. Once your new license arrives, the old one is no longer valid. If your license has already expired, you cannot drive legally until you receive your new license.

What if I moved and did not update my address before renewing?

If you renewed online or by mail without updating your address, your new license will be mailed to your old address. Contact the DMV as soon as possible to report the address change. You may need to visit an office in person or file a change of address form to have the license reissued to your new address.

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

If you renew online or by mail, your current photo is used on your new license. If you renew in person, you will take a new photo as part of the process. If you want a new photo but are renewing online or by mail, you will need to renew in person instead.

What happens if I miss my renewal important date?

If your license expires, you cannot drive legally. You will need to renew in person at a DMV office and may face additional requirements or fees. Renewing after expiration is more time-consuming than renewing before, so it is best to submit your renewal as soon as you receive your notice.

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

The DMV will not renew your license if you have an unpaid traffic fine or court-ordered debt. You must resolve the outstanding balance first. Contact the court or the agency listed on your notice to find out how to pay or set up a payment plan.