What you need to do to renew your California driver license

California lets you renew your driver license in three ways: online through the DMV website, by mail, or in person at a DMV office. Most people can renew online if their license is not expired and they have not had certain violations or medical suspensions. If you cannot renew online, you will need to go to a DMV office or mail in your renewal form.

Your license is valid for five years from the date it was issued. The DMV sends renewal notices to your mailing address about 60 days before your license expires, but you do not have to wait for that notice to start the process. You can renew up to six months before your expiration date.

Key Takeaways

  • You can renew online at dmv.ca.gov if your license is not expired and you have no medical holds or certain traffic violations on your record.
  • Online renewal costs $44 and takes about 10 minutes; your new license arrives by mail in 10 to 14 business days.
  • If you cannot renew online, you can mail Form DL 44 to the DMV or visit a DMV office in person.
  • You must renew before your expiration date to keep your license valid, though you can start the process up to six months early.
  • If your license has been expired for more than five years, you will need to take a written test and vision test at a DMV office.

Renewing online through the DMV website

Online renewal is the fastest option if you are may be able to access. Go to dmv.ca.gov, click "Renew Your Driver License," and enter your driver license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The system will check whether you can renew online based on your driving record and license status.

If the system approves you, you will pay $44 with a credit or debit card. You do not need to take a new photo or pass a vision test online. Your renewed license will be mailed to the address on file, arriving in 10 to 14 business days. You can continue driving on your current license until the new one arrives.

You cannot renew online if your license has been suspended or revoked, if you have certain medical conditions on file with the DMV, if you have unpaid traffic violations, or if your license has been expired for more than five years. The online system will tell you when ready if you do not meet the requirements.

Mailing in your renewal form

If you cannot renew online, you can mail your renewal to the DMV. Request Form DL 44 (process for California Driver License) from the DMV website or call 1-800-777-0133. You will also need to include a completed Form DL 44, proof of your Social Security number (such as a Social Security card or tax return), and proof of your current address (such as a utility bill or lease dated within the last 60 days).

Mail your completed form and documents to the DMV address listed on the form. Processing takes about four to six weeks from the date the DMV receives your envelope. You can continue driving on your current license while your renewal is being processed. If your license expires before your new one arrives, you are still legal to drive as long as your renewal is in the mail.

Keep a copy of everything you send and consider using certified mail so you have proof of delivery. If your renewal does not arrive within six weeks, contact the DMV at 1-800-777-0133 to check the status.

Renewing in person at a DMV office

Visit a DMV office if you need to renew in person. Bring your current driver license, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your current address. You will need to take a vision test and have your photo taken. If your license has been expired for more than five years, you will also take a written test on California traffic laws.

Make an appointment before you go. Visit dmv.ca.gov and click "Make an Appointment" to find available times at your nearest office. Walk-ins are accepted but may have long wait times. The renewal fee is $44. You will receive a temporary paper license on the spot and your permanent license by mail in 10 to 14 business days.

What happens if your license has expired

If your license expired fewer than five years ago, you can still renew using any of the three methods above. You will not need to retake the written test or vision test if you renew online or by mail, though you will need to take the vision test if you renew in person.

If your license has been expired for more than five years, you must renew in person at a DMV office. You will take a written test on California traffic laws, a vision test, and have a new photo taken. Bring the same documents you would for a regular in-person renewal. The fee is still $44.

Costs and what to bring

The renewal fee is $44 regardless of which method you choose. This covers a five-year license. You do not pay extra for processing or mailing.

For online renewal, you need only your driver license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. For mail or in-person renewal, bring your current driver license, proof of your Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2, tax return, or bank statement showing your full number), and proof of your current address dated within the last 60 days (utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or insurance bill). If your address on your license is outdated, bring two proofs of your new address.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if it has been expired for two years?

Yes. If your license expired fewer than five years ago, you can renew online, by mail, or in person without retaking the written test. You will only need to take a vision test if you renew in person. If you renew online or by mail, you will not take any tests.

How long does it take to get my renewed license after I explore online?

Your new license arrives by mail in 10 to 14 business days after you complete your online renewal. You can drive on your current license until the new one arrives. If it takes longer than 14 days, contact the DMV at 1-800-777-0133 to check the status.

What if my address has changed since I got my current license?

You can update your address during online renewal. For mail or in-person renewal, bring two proofs of your new address dated within the last 60 days. Your renewed license will be mailed to your new address.

Do I need an appointment to renew in person at the DMV?

Appointments are strongly recommended and can be made at dmv.ca.gov. Walk-ins are accepted but often have long wait times. Making an appointment takes a few minutes online and saves you time at the office.

What if I lost my Social Security number proof?

You can use a W-2, tax return, bank statement, or other official document showing your full Social Security number. If you do not have any of these, contact the DMV at 1-800-777-0133 to ask what other documents they will accept.