Bring these documents when you renew in person

California requires you to bring specific documents to the DMV when you renew your driver license in person. You will need proof of identity, proof of California residency, and your current driver license. The exact documents accepted vary slightly depending on your citizenship status, but the core list is the same for most people renewing.

Bring originals, not copies. The DMV staff will examine them and hand them back to you — they do not keep them. If a document is in a language other than English, bring the original plus an official English translation.

Key Takeaways

  • You must bring your current California driver license, one proof of identity, one proof of residency, and your Social Security number or ITIN to renew in person.
  • A passport, birth certificate, or consular ID all work as proof of identity; a utility bill, lease, or bank statement all work as proof of residency.
  • If you are a permanent resident or non-immigrant, bring your immigration documents — USCIS approval notice, green card, or visa — in addition to the standard documents.
  • The DMV does not accept screenshots or digital copies of documents; bring physical originals or certified copies.
  • If you cannot find a required document, ask the DMV staff at your appointment whether a substitute is available for your situation.

Proof of identity documents the DMV accepts

You need one document that proves who you are. A U.S. passport is the simplest choice — it covers both identity and citizenship in one document. If you do not have a passport, a certified birth certificate works, as does a consular ID (matrícula consular) issued by a Mexican or Central American consulate.

Other identity documents that work include a military ID, a tribal ID card issued by a federally recognized tribe, or a school or work ID paired with a document showing your date of birth. If you are renewing and your current license is not expired, your current license itself can serve as your identity document. The key is that the document must show your full name and either your date of birth or a photo that matches your appearance.

Proof of residency documents the DMV accepts

You need one document showing you live in California. A recent utility bill (gas, electric, water, or internet) is the most common choice. The bill must show your name and current address and be dated within the last 60 days.

Other documents that work include a lease or rental agreement with your name and address, a mortgage statement, a property tax bill, a bank or credit card statement, a homeowners or renters insurance policy, or a document from a government agency (like a tax return or benefit notice) showing your name and address. Like the utility bill, these must be recent — generally dated within the last 60 days — and show your current address.

If you have moved recently and your documents do not yet show your new address, bring two documents: one showing your old address (dated within 60 days of your move) and one showing your new address. A signed lease or purchase agreement counts as proof of your new address even if you have not yet received a utility bill there.

What to bring if you are not a U.S. citizen

If you are a permanent resident, bring your green card (Permanent Resident Card) or your USCIS approval notice (Form I-797). If you are a non-immigrant with a valid visa, bring your passport and the visa itself, or bring your passport and an approved USCIS form showing your status (such as Form I-797 or Form I-94).

If you are a Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipient, bring your Employment Authorization Document (EAD) issued by USCIS. If you are a Temporary Protected Status (TPS) holder, bring your EAD or your approved USCIS notice showing your TPS status. Regardless of your immigration status, you still need to bring proof of identity and proof of California residency in addition to your immigration documents. Your immigration document does not replace these requirements.

Your Social Security number or ITIN

You will need to provide your Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) at your appointment. You do not need to bring a document proving this number — you will straightforward tell the DMV staff the number when they ask.

If you do not have either a Social Security number or an ITIN, tell the DMV staff at your appointment; they will explain what options are available in your situation. Some people may be able to renew without providing either number, depending on their circumstances, but this is rare and the DMV staff can advise you on whether it applies to you.

Documents you do not need to bring

You do not need to bring proof of California residency if you are renewing by mail or online, though you will still need to provide your current address on the form or process. You do not need to bring your Social Security card itself — the number is all that is required. You do not need to bring documents proving you passed your vision test or medical exam; the DMV will conduct these at your appointment.

You do not need to bring documents related to traffic violations, insurance, or registration, unless the DMV has specifically told you to bring them for your renewal. If you received a notice from the DMV asking you to bring specific documents, follow that notice — it means your file has a flag that requires additional paperwork.

What happens if you forget a document

If you arrive at your appointment and realize you are missing a required document, the DMV staff will tell you what you need to bring back. You can reschedule your appointment and return with the missing document, or in some cases the staff may be able to suggest a substitute document that serves the same purpose. Do not assume you can come back later — some documents (like proof of residency) must be current, so waiting weeks to return may mean your document is no longer dated within the required window.

If you are missing a document and cannot obtain it quickly, ask the DMV staff whether you can renew by mail or online instead. Not all renewal types allow this, but some do, and the document requirements are different for mail and online renewals. This can sometimes be a faster path than rescheduling an in-person appointment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a screenshot of my utility bill instead of bringing the paper copy?

No. The DMV requires physical originals or certified copies. Screenshots and digital photos are not accepted. If your utility bill is online only, contact the utility company and ask them to mail you a printed copy, or ask whether they can issue a certified statement showing your name, address, and account status.

My lease is in my spouse's name, not mine. Can I still use it as proof of residency?

No, the document must show your name. If you are on the lease but it has not been updated, contact your landlord and ask for a signed statement on their letterhead confirming you live at that address. Some landlords will provide this; if yours will not, use a different residency document that shows your name.

What if my current driver license is expired?

You can still use it as your proof of identity if it expired within the last five years. If it expired more than five years ago, bring a different identity document from the list above. Your expired license alone will not work as proof of identity if it is more than five years old.

Do I need to bring my Social Security card?

No. Bring your Social Security number written down or memorized, but the card itself is not required. If you have an ITIN instead of a Social Security number, you do not need to bring any document for that either — just tell the DMV staff the number.

Can I renew without bringing documents in person?

Yes, if you renew by mail or online. The document requirements are different for those methods — you will not need to bring physical documents to an office. Check the California DMV website to see whether your renewal type is available by mail or online.