Yes, you can renew after expiration, but the process changes depending on how long it has been expired

California allows you to renew your driver's license after it expires, but the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) treats an expired license differently than one that is still valid. If your license expired fewer than five years ago, you can renew by mail, online, or in person using a simpler process. If it expired more than five years ago, you must take a new written test and vision test, and you cannot use the mail or online options — you have to go to a DMV office in person.

The reason for this distinction is that California considers a license expired for more than five years to be essentially the same as never having had one. The DMV wants to make sure you still know the rules of the road and can see well enough to drive safely.

Key Takeaways

  • If your license expired within the last five years, you can renew online at dmv.ca.gov, by mail, or at a DMV office without retaking tests.
  • If your license expired more than five years ago, you must visit a DMV office in person and pass the written knowledge test and vision test again.
  • Online renewal costs $44 and takes about two weeks; in-person renewal at a DMV office usually takes longer due to wait times.
  • You will need your expired license, proof of California residency (such as a utility bill or lease), and proof of your Social Security number to renew.
  • If you cannot find your expired license, you can still renew, but you will need to bring additional documents to prove your identity.

Renewing online if your license expired within five years

The fastest and easiest way to renew is through the DMV website at dmv.ca.gov if your license expired fewer than five years ago. You will need your expired driver's license number, your date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The DMV will ask you to confirm your current address and answer a few questions about whether anything has changed since your last renewal — such as whether you have new medical conditions or take medications that might affect your driving.

Online renewal costs $44 and you can pay by credit card or debit card. The DMV will mail your new license to the address on file, which usually takes about two weeks. You do not need to take any tests or visit an office. Your expired license remains valid for driving until your new one arrives.

Renewing by mail if your license expired within five years

If you prefer not to renew online, you can mail in your renewal. read the DL 44 form from dmv.ca.gov or pick one up at a DMV office. Fill it out completely, sign it, and mail it along with your expired license and a check or money order for $44 to the DMV address listed on the form.

Mail renewal takes longer than online renewal — usually four to six weeks from the time the DMV receives your envelope. There is also a small risk that your envelope could be lost in the mail. For this reason, many people choose online renewal instead. If you do mail your renewal, keep a copy of everything you send and consider using certified mail so you have proof of delivery.

Renewing in person at a DMV office if your license expired within five years

You can also walk into any DMV office and renew in person if your license expired within five years. Bring your expired license, proof of your current address (such as a recent utility bill, lease, or bank statement), and proof of your Social Security number (such as a Social Security card or tax return). The fee is $44.

In-person renewal is the slowest option because DMV offices have long wait times, but it is useful if you need your new license quickly and want to confirm everything is correct before you leave. You will receive a temporary paper license on the spot that you can use for driving while you wait for your permanent license to arrive by mail.

What to do if your license expired more than five years ago

If your license has been expired for more than five years, you cannot use online, mail, or the simplified in-person process. You must visit a DMV office and take the written test and vision test again, just as if you were getting your first license. You will also need to provide proof of your identity, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your California residency.

Bring your expired license if you still have it, but if you have lost it, bring two documents that prove your identity instead — such as a passport, birth certificate, or state ID. The DMV will charge you the standard renewal fee, which is $44 for a license valid for five years. You will need to schedule an appointment at a DMV office through dmv.ca.gov or by calling 1-800-777-0133, because walk-ins for knowledge tests are not accepted at most locations.

Documents you will need to bring

The documents required depend on whether your license expired fewer than five years ago or more than five years ago. For renewals within five years, you need your expired license, proof of your current address, and proof of your Social Security number. Proof of address can be a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail addressed to you. Proof of Social Security number can be your Social Security card, a W-2 form, or a tax return.

If your license expired more than five years ago, you need the same documents plus a valid form of identification if you cannot bring your expired license. The DMV accepts a U.S. passport, birth certificate, state ID, military ID, or tribal ID as proof of identity. If you are not sure whether a document will work, call the DMV at 1-800-777-0133 before you go.

What happens if you drive with an expired license

Driving with an expired license is against California law, even if your license expired just one day ago. If you are stopped by police, you can be cited and fined. The fine amount varies, but it is typically between $100 and $250 for a first offense. If your license expired more than six months ago, the penalty is higher.

For this reason, it is important to renew before your license expires, not after. If you know your license is about to expire, you can start the renewal process up to 60 days before the expiration date. However, if your license has already expired, renew as soon as you can to avoid driving illegally.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive while my renewal is being processed?

Yes, if your license expired fewer than five years ago and you have submitted your renewal process online or by mail, your expired license remains valid for driving until your new license arrives. If your license expired more than five years ago, you cannot drive legally until you have taken the tests and received your new license, because the simplified renewal process does not explore to you.

What if I lost my expired license and cannot find it?

You can still renew without your expired license. Bring two other forms of identification instead, such as a passport and birth certificate, plus proof of your address and Social Security number. The DMV will look up your record using your name and date of birth.

How much does it cost to renew my driver's license in California?

The renewal fee is $44 for a license valid for five years. This is the same whether you renew online, by mail, or in person. If your license expired more than five years ago and you must retake the tests, the fee is still $44.

Can I renew my license if I moved out of California but still have a California address on file?

No. To renew your California license, you must be a California resident. If you have moved to another state, you need to get a driver's license from that state instead. Contact your new state's DMV for information about how to transfer or get a new license.

How long does it take to get my new license after I renew online?

The DMV usually mails your new license within two weeks of your online renewal. However, during busy times or if there are processing delays, it can take up to three weeks. You can check the status of your renewal on dmv.ca.gov using your driver's license number.