Where to renew your Los Angeles driver's license
You can renew your California driver's license at any Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office in Los Angeles County, or by mail if you meet certain conditions. The DMV has multiple locations across the county — the main office is downtown on North Figueroa Street, but there are also offices in Van Nuys, Long Beach, Pasadena, and several other cities. You can find the full list and hours on the official California DMV website.
If you are renewing a standard license (not a commercial license), you may be able to renew by mail instead of going in person. Mail renewal is available if your license is not suspended or revoked, you have no medical conditions on file that need review, and your current address matches your mailing address. The DMV will send you renewal forms in the mail before your license expires — watch for them about 60 days before your expiration date.
Online renewal through the DMV website is also an option for some drivers, though it has stricter requirements than mail renewal. You can renew online only if you are renewing a standard (non-commercial) license, your license is not expired by more than one year, and you have no changes to your address, name, or other information on file.
Key Takeaways
- You can renew in person at any DMV office in Los Angeles County, by mail if your license is not expired and your address has not changed, or online through the DMV website if you meet specific requirements.
- Bring your current driver's license, proof of residency (such as a utility bill or lease), and payment for the renewal fee, which varies depending on how long you are renewing it for.
- The DMV mails renewal notices about 60 days before your license expires, so check your mail regularly to see if you are may be able to access for mail or online renewal.
- If you renew in person, you will need to pass a vision test and may need to take a new photo, so plan for a visit that could take 30 minutes to over an hour depending on how busy the office is.
- Your renewed license will be mailed to you within two to three weeks after you renew, whether you renew in person, by mail, or online.
What documents and fees you need
Bring your current California driver's license to any in-person renewal appointment. If you cannot find it, bring a state ID card or passport instead. You will also need to show proof that you live in California — a utility bill, lease agreement, bank statement, or government mail with your current address all work. The document needs to show your name and address and be dated within the last 60 days.
The renewal fee depends on how long you are renewing your license for. A standard four-year renewal costs one amount, while an eight-year renewal costs more. The DMV website shows the current fee amounts, which can change. If you are renewing by mail, include a check or money order with your process — do not send cash.
If you are renewing online, you will pay by credit or debit card through the DMV website. For mail renewal, you can also pay by check or money order, or in some cases the DMV will bill you.
What happens during an in-person renewal visit
When you arrive at the DMV office, take a number and wait to be called. You will hand your documents to a clerk, who will check that your proof of residency is current and that your license information is correct. If anything has changed — your address, name, or medical conditions — tell the clerk now.
Next, you will go to the vision station, where an employee will test your eyesight using a machine. You need to read letters on a screen from a certain distance. If you wear glasses or contacts, wear them to the appointment. If you fail the vision test, the DMV will not renew your license until you see an eye doctor and bring back a vision clearance form.
After the vision test, you will have your photo taken for your new license. Wear something you are comfortable being photographed in — the photo will be on your license for four or eight years. The photo is taken against a plain background, and you cannot wear hats, sunglasses, or heavy makeup that obscures your face.
How long the process takes
If you renew in person, you should expect to spend 30 minutes to over an hour at the DMV office, depending on how busy it is. Los Angeles DMV offices are typically busier on weekday mornings and afternoons, and less busy on weekday mornings before 10 a.m. or late afternoons after 4 p.m. You can check wait times on the DMV website before you go.
After you complete your in-person renewal, your new license will be mailed to you within two to three weeks. You can continue to drive on your old license until the new one arrives. If you need to drive before your new license comes, you can request a temporary paper license at the DMV office, though this is not always available.
Mail and online renewals take longer overall. If you renew by mail, the DMV will receive your process, process it, and mail your new license to you — this usually takes four to six weeks total. Online renewal is faster; your new license is typically mailed within two to three weeks.
Renewing before your license expires
You can renew your license up to six months before it expires. Many people renew early to avoid the rush near the expiration date or to make sure they have a valid license for travel. If you renew early, your new license will have a new expiration date that is four or eight years from the date you renew, not from your old expiration date.
If your license has already expired, you can still renew it, but the process may be different. An expired license can usually be renewed by mail or online if it expired less than one year ago. If it expired more than one year ago, you will need to renew in person and may need to retake the written test and vision test.
What to do if you cannot find your renewal notice
The DMV mails renewal notices about 60 days before your license expires, but mail can be delayed or lost. If you do not receive a notice, you can still renew — you do not need the notice to explore. You can go to any DMV office in person, renew by mail by requesting an process form from the DMV website, or renew online if you meet the requirements.
If you are not sure when your license expires, check the expiration date printed on your current license. You can also call the DMV or check your information on the DMV website by entering your driver's license number and date of birth.
Renewing a commercial driver's license in Los Angeles
If you hold a commercial driver's license (CDL), you cannot renew by mail or online. You must renew in person at a DMV office. You will need to bring your current CDL, proof of residency, and payment for the renewal fee. Commercial license renewals cost more than standard license renewals.
During a CDL renewal, you will take a vision test and have your photo taken, just as with a standard license renewal. Depending on your CDL class and any endorsements you hold, you may also need to pass a written test or medical examination. Ask the DMV office what you need to bring when you call or visit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if I have unpaid traffic tickets or fines?
Yes, you can renew your license even if you have unpaid tickets or fines. However, if you have a suspended license due to unpaid fines or other violations, you cannot renew until the suspension is lifted. Contact the DMV or the court that issued the ticket to find out whether your license is suspended and how to resolve it.
What if my address has changed since my last license?
If your address has changed, you must renew in person at a DMV office — you cannot renew by mail or online. Bring your current license and proof of your new address. The DMV will update your address on your new license at the same time you renew.
Do I need an appointment to renew my license at the DMV?
Appointments are not required, but you can schedule one online through the DMV website. Scheduling an appointment can reduce your wait time. If you do not have an appointment, you can walk in and take a number, but you may wait longer during busy times.
What if I lose my renewed license before it arrives in the mail?
If your renewed license is lost or stolen in the mail, contact the DMV as soon as possible. You can request a replacement license, and the DMV will mail you a new one. There is a fee for a replacement license, which is different from the renewal fee.
Can I renew my license if I am not a U.S. citizen?
Yes, you can renew your California driver's license if you are a lawful permanent resident, have a valid visa, or hold a valid passport from your country. You will need to bring proof of your immigration status along with your other documents. The requirements vary depending on your immigration status, so check the DMV website or call ahead to confirm what you need to bring.