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 standard license can renew online or by mail without visiting an office. If you're over 70, have a commercial license, or your license has been expired for more than five years, you'll need to go to a DMV office in person.
Your license is valid for five years from the date you renew it. California sends renewal notices about 60 days before your license expires, though you don't have to wait for the notice to start the process. You can renew up to six months before your expiration date.
Key Takeaways
- California offers online renewal through their website for most drivers, which takes about 10 minutes and costs $39 for a five-year renewal.
- Mail renewal is an option if you haven't renewed by mail in the last 12 years and meet other basic requirements, though it takes two to three weeks.
- In-person renewal at a DMV office is required if you're over 70, have a commercial license, or your license expired more than five years ago.
- You'll need your current license number, Social Security number, and a valid payment method to renew online.
- If your address has changed, you must update it during renewal, and some changes (like a new name) require an in-person visit.
Renewing online through the DMV website
The California DMV website (dmv.ca.gov) has an online renewal system that works for most standard licenses. You'll need your current driver's license number, your Social Security number, and a credit or debit card. The process takes about 10 minutes and costs $39 for a five-year renewal.
Online renewal is available if your license is not expired, you have no medical conditions that affect your driving, and you haven't had any address changes that require a new photo. If you've moved, you can update your address online during the renewal, but you won't get a new photo on your license—your current photo will stay on file.
After you complete the online renewal, the DMV mails your new license to the address on file. Delivery typically takes 10 to 14 business days. You can continue driving on your current license until the new one arrives.
Renewing by mail
Mail renewal is slower but requires no visit to a DMV office. You're may be able to access if your license is not expired, you haven't renewed by mail in the last 12 months, and you have no medical conditions or address changes. To renew by mail, you'll need to request a renewal form from the DMV website or call 1-800-777-0133.
Fill out the form, include a check or money order for $39, and mail it to the address listed on the form. The DMV processes mail renewals in the order they receive them, which typically takes two to three weeks. Your new license will be mailed to you once it's processed.
Mail renewal is useful if you prefer not to use the internet or if you want a paper record of your renewal. However, like online renewal, you won't receive a new photo—your current photo remains on your license.
Renewing in person at a DMV office
You must renew in person if you're over 70, have a commercial driver's license, your license has been expired for more than five years, or you have a medical condition that requires a new evaluation. In-person renewal also applies if you need a new photo, have changed your name, or want to update your address and receive a new license card with the new address printed on it.
To renew at a DMV office, bring your current driver's license, proof of residency (such as a utility bill or lease), and payment of $39. Some offices allow you to make an appointment online through the DMV website, which can reduce your wait time. Walk-ins are accepted, but wait times vary by location and time of day.
In-person renewal is completed on the spot. You'll have your photo taken, answer a few health questions, and take a vision test. Your new license is mailed to you within 10 to 14 business days.
Documents and information you'll need
For any renewal method, have your current driver's license number and Social Security number ready. If you're renewing in person, bring your actual license card and proof that you live at your current address—a recent utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or government mail all work.
If your name has changed since your last renewal, you'll need to bring a document that shows the change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. Name changes require an in-person visit and a new photo.
Payment is $39 for a five-year renewal. Online and mail renewal accept credit cards, debit cards, or electronic checks. In-person offices accept cash, check, debit card, or credit card.
What happens if your license is already expired
If your license has been expired for five years or less, you can still renew it by mail or online using the same process as a current license. If it's been expired for more than five years, you must renew in person at a DMV office and will need to retake the written test and vision test.
Driving with an expired license is illegal in California, even if you're in the process of renewing. If you're stopped by law enforcement, you can show proof that you've submitted a renewal process, which may help, but it does not prevent a citation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license before it expires?
Yes. You can renew up to six months before your expiration date. This is useful if you're planning a trip or want to avoid the rush near your expiration date. Your new license will be valid for five years from the date you renew, not from your old expiration date.
What if I want a new photo on my license?
Online and mail renewal keep your current photo. If you want a new photo, you must renew in person at a DMV office. You can also visit a DMV office to request a new photo without renewing your license, though there may be a separate fee.
How long does it take to get my new license after I renew?
Online and mail renewals take 10 to 14 business days for delivery after the DMV processes your request. In-person renewals are completed when ready, but your physical license card is mailed to you and arrives in 10 to 14 business days. You can drive on your old license until the new one arrives.
What if my address changed since my last renewal?
You can update your address during online or mail renewal, but your license card will still show your old address. If you want your new address printed on your license, you must renew in person at a DMV office.
Can I renew my license if I have a medical condition?
Some medical conditions require an in-person renewal so the DMV can evaluate whether you're safe to drive. If you have a condition that affects your vision, hearing, or ability to control a vehicle, contact the DMV before renewing to find out whether you need an in-person visit.