What you'll pay to renew your California driver's license

A standard California driver's license renewal costs $38 if you renew by mail or online, or $39 if you renew in person at a DMV office. The difference reflects the in-person service fee. These are the base renewal fees for a standard four-year license.

If you're renewing a commercial driver's license (CDL), the cost is higher: $98 by mail or online, or $99 in person. CDL renewals also require a medical examination, which is a separate cost paid directly to the medical examiner, not to the DMV.

The fee you pay depends on which renewal method you choose and what type of license you hold. Real ID compliant licenses cost the same as standard renewals — California does not charge extra for Real ID compliance. If you're renewing a license that expired more than five years ago, you'll need to renew in person and may face additional processing fees.

Key Takeaways

  • Standard California driver's license renewals cost $38 online or by mail, and $39 in person at a DMV office.
  • Commercial driver's license renewals cost $98 by mail or online, or $99 in person, plus a separate medical exam fee paid to the examiner.
  • Real ID compliant licenses cost the same as standard renewals — there is no extra charge for Real ID compliance.
  • If your license expired more than five years ago, you must renew in person and may pay additional processing fees beyond the base renewal cost.
  • Payment methods vary by renewal type: online renewals accept credit and debit cards, mail renewals require a check or money order, and in-person renewals accept cash, check, debit card, or credit card.

How to pay when you renew online

Online renewal through the California DMV website accepts credit cards and debit cards only. You cannot pay by check, money order, or cash through the online system. The payment is processed when ready when you submit your renewal process, and you'll receive a confirmation number on screen.

The online renewal fee is $38 for a standard license. If your card is declined, the system will prompt you to try again or choose a different payment method. You can also start the process over and select mail renewal instead if you prefer to pay by check or money order.

How to pay when you renew by mail

Mail renewal requires payment by check or money order made payable to "Department of Motor Vehicles." Do not send cash through the mail. Write your driver's license number on the back of the check or money order so the DMV can match it to your process.

The renewal fee is $38. Include the check or money order in the same envelope as your renewal process and required documents. Mail everything to the address listed on the renewal notice you received. Processing typically takes two to three weeks after the DMV receives your process, not counting mail delivery time in both directions.

How to pay when you renew in person

In-person renewal at a DMV office accepts cash, check, debit card, and credit card. The renewal fee is $39. You do not need an appointment for a standard renewal, though you may wait in line. Some DMV offices offer appointment scheduling through the DMV website, which can reduce wait time.

Bring a valid form of payment with you. If you pay by check, make it payable to "Department of Motor Vehicles." The DMV will process your payment and issue your new license on the spot if everything is in order. You'll receive a temporary paper license valid for 60 days while your plastic card is mailed to you.

Additional fees you might encounter

If you're renewing a license that expired more than five years ago, you cannot renew by mail or online — you must go to a DMV office in person. The base renewal fee remains $39, but you may also pay a late renewal penalty. This penalty varies depending on how long your license has been expired.

If you need to change your name, address, or other information during renewal, there is no additional fee for most changes. However, if you need a replacement license due to damage or loss, that's a separate transaction with its own fee ($38 by mail or online, $39 in person).

For commercial driver's licenses, the medical examination fee is separate from the $98 or $99 DMV renewal fee. The medical examiner sets their own fee, which typically ranges from $50 to $150, but you pay that directly to the examiner, not to the DMV.

What happens after you pay

Once your payment is processed, your renewal is submitted to the DMV. If you renewed online or in person, you'll receive a confirmation when ready. If you renewed by mail, the DMV will send you a confirmation letter after they receive and process your process.

Your new plastic license card will be mailed to the address on file within two to three weeks. If you renewed in person, you'll get a temporary paper license valid for 60 days. If you renewed by mail or online, you can continue using your current license until the new one arrives, even if it's expired.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I pay the renewal fee in installments?

No. The California DMV does not offer payment plans for driver's license renewals. You must pay the full fee upfront — $38 by mail or online, or $39 in person. If cost is a barrier, you may be able to request a fee waiver through the DMV, though waivers are granted only in specific hardship situations.

What if my check bounces or my card is declined?

If you pay by mail and your check bounces, the DMV will return your process and ask you to resubmit with a valid payment. If your card is declined during online renewal, the system will prompt you to enter a different card or choose another payment method. In-person, you can try a different card or pay by cash or check.

Do I have to pay if I renew early?

Yes. The renewal fee is the same whether you renew early or wait until your license is about to expire. You can renew up to 60 days before your license expires without penalty, but you still pay the full $38 or $39 fee.

Is there a discount if I renew multiple licenses at once?

No. Each license renewal is charged separately at the full rate. If you're renewing both a standard driver's license and a commercial license, you'll pay both fees — $38 or $39 for the standard license, plus $98 or $99 for the CDL.

What if I lose my license before the new one arrives?

You'll need to report it lost and request a replacement, which is a separate transaction with its own $38 or $39 fee. The replacement and your pending renewal are handled as two different applications by the DMV.