What you need to do to renew your driver's license
You can renew your driver's license either online, by mail, or in person at your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) — which option is available depends on your state and how long it has been since your last renewal. Most states let you renew online or by mail if your license is not expired yet and you have not had any major changes to your information. If your license is already expired, you will almost certainly need to go in person. The fastest route is usually online if your state offers it, since you get your renewal confirmation when ready and your new license arrives by mail within one to three weeks.
Before you start, gather your current driver's license, your Social Security number, and a valid form of identification if you are renewing by mail. You will also need to know your license number and the address where you want the new license mailed. Some states charge a renewal fee that ranges from $20 to $100 depending on how long the new license is valid for — check your state DMV website for the exact amount before you begin.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal is the fastest option in most states and takes five minutes, but you can only use it if your license is not yet expired and you have not changed your name or address.
- By-mail renewal works in many states and takes two to four weeks total, but requires you to mail in your old license and wait for the new one to arrive.
- In-person renewal at your DMV is required if your license is expired, and you will need to bring your current ID, proof of residency, and your Social Security number.
- Your state DMV website tells you which renewal method you are allowed to use based on your specific situation — do not assume all three options are open to you.
- Renewal fees vary by state and by how long your new license will be valid, so check your state's fee schedule before paying.
Renewing online through your state DMV website
Go to your state's official DMV website and look for a link labeled "Renew Your License Online" or "Online Renewal." You will be asked to enter your driver's license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number to verify your identity. The website will then show you whether you are allowed to renew online — if you see a message saying you cannot, it means your license is expired, you have changed your name, or your state does not allow online renewal for your situation.
If you are approved, the website will ask you to confirm your address or enter a new one if you have moved. Review all your information carefully before you submit, because mistakes here will appear on your new license. Pay the renewal fee using a debit card or credit card. You will receive a confirmation number when ready, and your new license will be mailed to the address you provided within one to three weeks. You do not need to do anything else — your old license remains valid until the new one arrives.
Renewing by mail if your state offers it
Not all states allow mail renewal, and those that do often have restrictions — you usually cannot renew by mail if your license is expired or if you have changed your name or address. Check your state DMV website first to see if mail renewal is an option for you. If it is, the website will tell you what documents to send and which address to mail them to.
Typically you will need to mail in your current driver's license, a completed renewal form (which you can read from the DMV website or request by phone), and a check or money order for the renewal fee made out to your state's DMV. Write your name and license number on the back of the check. Mail everything together in an envelope and keep a copy of the form for your records. Processing takes two to four weeks, and your new license will be mailed back to you. During this time, your old license is still valid for driving.
Renewing in person at your DMV office
You must renew in person if your license is expired, if you have changed your name, or if your state does not allow online or mail renewal. Go to your state DMV website, find the office nearest you, and check whether you need to make an appointment or if you can walk in. Many states now require appointments to manage wait times, and booking ahead can cut your visit from two hours to 15 minutes.
Bring your current driver's license, a valid form of identification (such as a passport or state ID), proof of your current address (a recent utility bill or lease works), and your Social Security number. You will also need to bring the renewal fee in cash or card, depending on what the DMV accepts. At the office, you will be asked to verify your information, have your photo taken, and sign a form. You will receive a temporary paper license on the spot that is valid for driving, and your permanent license will arrive by mail within one to three weeks.
What to bring to the DMV if you renew in person
Gathering the right documents before you go to the DMV saves time and prevents you from having to make a second trip. Your current driver's license or state ID proves who you are, and most states also require a secondary form of identification such as a passport, military ID, or birth certificate. Proof of your current address — a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days — confirms where you live and must match the address you want on your new license.
You will also need your Social Security number, which you can provide verbally or in writing. Bring payment for the renewal fee in the form your DMV accepts: cash, debit card, or credit card. If you have changed your name since your last license, bring the legal document proving the change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The DMV will not process your renewal without it.
What happens after you submit your renewal
Once you have renewed online, by mail, or in person, your old license remains valid for driving until your new one arrives. If you renewed in person, you will get a temporary paper license when ready that you can use right away. If you renewed online or by mail, your old license is still good — do not stop carrying it.
Your new license will arrive by mail within one to three weeks in most states. If more than three weeks have passed and you have not received it, go to your state DMV website and look for a "Check Renewal Status" tool, or call the DMV directly with your confirmation number. Once your new license arrives, destroy your old one by cutting it up — do not throw it away intact, since it contains your personal information.
Common reasons your renewal might be delayed or rejected
Your renewal can be held up if the address you provided does not match what the DMV has on file, if your name has changed and you did not provide a legal document proving it, or if there is a problem with your payment. If the DMV needs more information, they will send you a letter explaining what is missing. Check your mail regularly during the two to three weeks after you renew.
If you renewed online or by mail and your renewal was rejected, you will need to renew in person instead. Bring the rejection letter with you to the DMV office, along with any documents the letter asked for. If your license has already expired by the time you find out about the rejection, you will not be able to drive legally until you complete the in-person renewal, so check your renewal status within a week of submitting if you are concerned.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive with an expired license while I wait for my renewal to arrive?
No. Once your license expires, you cannot drive legally, even if you have submitted a renewal and are waiting for the new one to arrive. If your renewal is taking longer than expected, go to your DMV office in person with your confirmation number and ask for a temporary license that you can use while you wait.
What if I moved and my renewal was mailed to my old address?
Contact your state DMV when ready with your confirmation number and new address. They can remail your license to the correct address, though this may take an additional one to two weeks. In the meantime, if your old license has expired, you will need to get a temporary license from your DMV office to drive legally.
Do I need to take a new photo for my renewal?
If you renew online or by mail, the DMV will use your photo from your current license. If you renew in person, you will have a new photo taken. Some states let you request a new photo even if you are renewing online or by mail — check your state DMV website to see if that option is available.
What if my name has changed since my last license?
You cannot renew online or by mail if your name has changed. You must renew in person and bring a legal document proving the name change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The DMV will update your name and issue a new license with the correct name.
How much does it cost to renew my driver's license?
Renewal fees vary by state and range from about $20 to $100. The fee also depends on how long your new license will be valid — a four-year renewal costs less than an eight-year renewal. Check your state DMV website for the exact fee before you renew.