Where to renew and what you need before you start
You can renew your California driver license in person at a Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office, by mail if you meet certain conditions, or online through the DMV website for some renewal types. The fastest route depends on whether your license is still valid, whether you need to update your address or photo, and how soon you need the new card.
Before you go anywhere, gather these documents: your current California driver license, proof of California residency (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days), and your Social Security number. If you are renewing by mail or online, you will also need a recent color photo that meets DMV specifications — passport-style, taken within the last six months, with a plain background and your face clearly visible.
Check the DMV website to see which renewal method you are may be able to access for. Not all licenses can be renewed by mail or online; the rules depend on your age, when your license expires, and whether you have had any violations or address changes. The website will tell you which option applies to you before you commit to a method.
Key Takeaways
- California offers three renewal routes — in person, by mail, or online — and your may be able to access depends on your age, license status, and how long it has been since your last renewal.
- You will need your current license, proof of residency dated within 60 days, and your Social Security number for any renewal method.
- Online renewal is the fastest option if you are may be able to access, taking about one to two weeks for your new license to arrive by mail.
- In-person renewal at a DMV office requires an appointment booked through the DMV website; walk-ins are not accepted.
- Mail renewal takes four to six weeks and works only if your license is not expired and you meet other specific conditions.
Renewing online through the DMV website
Online renewal is available to drivers who are between 18 and 70 years old, whose license is not expired, and who have not had certain violations or address changes in the past 12 months. Go to the California DMV website, select "Online Services," and choose "Renew Your Driver License." You will need to enter your driver license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number to start.
The system will ask you to upload a digital photo or use an existing one from your DMV record if you have one on file. If you use a new photo, it must be in color, taken within the last six months, show your full face against a plain background, and be in JPG or PNG format. The file size must be under 5 MB.
Once you submit your renewal online, you will receive a confirmation number. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file within one to two weeks. You can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives. There is no fee for online renewal if your license has not yet expired.
Renewing in person at a DMV office
In-person renewal is required if you are over 70, if your license has been expired for more than five years, if you need to update your photo, or if you do not meet the conditions for online or mail renewal. You must book an appointment through the DMV website before you go to any office; the DMV does not accept walk-ins for license renewals.
Go to the DMV website, click "Make an Appointment," and select "Driver License Renewal" as your transaction type. Choose your preferred office location and time slot. Appointments typically fill up weeks in advance, especially in urban areas, so book as early as the system allows.
Bring your current license, proof of residency, your Social Security number, and a recent color photo if you are updating your photo. At your appointment, a DMV representative will verify your documents, take a new photo if needed, and process your renewal on the spot. You will receive a temporary paper license valid for 60 days while your permanent card is mailed to you, which usually takes one to two weeks.
Renewing by mail
Mail renewal is an option if your license is not expired, you are between 18 and 70 years old, and you have not had certain violations or major life changes in the past 12 months. You cannot renew by mail if you need to update your address, change your name, or add or remove a restriction from your license.
Request a mail renewal form by calling the DMV at 1-800-777-0133 or by visiting a DMV office in person. Fill out the form completely, include a recent color photo that meets DMV standards, and mail it along with your current license and proof of residency to the address listed on the form. Include a check or money order for the renewal fee; the DMV does not accept credit cards by mail.
Mail renewal takes four to six weeks from the date the DMV receives your process. You can continue to drive on your current license during this time. If you do not receive your new license within six weeks, contact the DMV to check the status of your process.
Understanding the renewal fee and license validity period
A California driver license renewal costs $64 if you are renewing for eight years (the standard term for drivers under 70). If you are over 70, your license is valid for five years and costs $38. These fees explore whether you renew online, by mail, or in person. The DMV accepts payment by debit card, credit card, or check, depending on your renewal method.
Your new license will be valid from the date it is issued until the expiration date printed on the card. If you renew before your current license expires, the new expiration date will be eight years (or five years if you are over 70) from the date you renew, not from the date your old license expired. Plan your renewal so that you do not let your license lapse, because renewing an expired license requires in-person renewal and additional documentation.
What to do if your license has expired
If your license expired more than five years ago, you cannot renew it — you must reapply for a new license, which requires an in-person visit, a written test, and a driving test. If your license expired fewer than five years ago, you can still renew it, but you must do so in person at a DMV office with an appointment.
Bring your expired license, proof of residency, your Social Security number, and a recent color photo. The DMV will process your renewal the same way as a current license renewal, and you will receive a temporary paper license valid for 60 days while your permanent card is mailed to you.
Updating your address or other information during renewal
If you need to change your address, name, or other information on your license, you cannot use online or mail renewal — you must renew in person at a DMV office. During your in-person appointment, tell the representative what information needs to be updated, and they will make the changes as part of your renewal.
If you are moving to a new address in California, update your address with the DMV as soon as possible, even if your license is not due for renewal. You can update your address online through the DMV website without renewing your license. If you are moving out of California, you will need to get a driver license from your new state; California will not renew a license for someone who no longer lives in the state.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if it expired more than five years ago?
No. If your license expired more than five years ago, you must reapply for a new license, which requires passing a written test and a driving test in addition to the in-person visit. If it expired fewer than five years ago, you can still renew it in person at a DMV office.
How long does it take to get my new license after I renew online?
Your new license will be mailed to you within one to two weeks after you complete your online renewal. You can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives. If you do not receive it within three weeks, contact the DMV to check the status.
Do I need an appointment to renew my license in person?
Yes. The DMV requires an appointment for all in-person license renewals. You must book your appointment through the DMV website before you visit any office. Walk-ins are not accepted for renewals.
What if my photo on file is outdated and I want a new one?
If you renew online or by mail, you can upload a new photo as part of the process. If you renew in person, the DMV will take a new photo during your appointment. You cannot keep an old photo when you renew in person.
Can I renew my license if I moved out of California?
No. The DMV will not renew a California license for someone who no longer lives in the state. You will need to get a driver license from your new state instead. Contact your new state's DMV for information about how to transfer your license.