Where to renew and what you'll need

You can renew your California driver's license in person at a Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office, by mail if you're renewing early, or online through the DMV website if you meet certain conditions. The fastest route for most people is online renewal, which takes about 10 minutes and costs $39 for a four-year license or $69 for an eight-year license. If you can't renew online, the DMV will tell you why when you start the process.

Before you start, gather your current driver's license, proof of California residency (a recent utility bill, lease, or bank statement works), and your Social Security number. If your name has changed since your last renewal, bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. You'll also need a valid email address to receive your renewal confirmation.

If you're renewing by mail, the DMV will send you a renewal notice 60 days before your license expires. You can mail back the notice with a check or money order, but this route takes four to six weeks. In-person renewal at a DMV office takes about 30 minutes on average, though wait times vary by location and time of day.

Key Takeaways

  • Online renewal through the DMV website is the fastest option for most people and takes about 10 minutes if you're may be able to access.
  • You must renew before your license expires; the DMV cannot process renewals after the expiration date has passed.
  • If you renew online, you'll receive a temporary digital license when ready and a physical card by mail within 10 business days.
  • In-person renewal at a DMV office requires an appointment, which you can book online to avoid long waits.
  • If your license is suspended, revoked, or you have certain medical conditions, you cannot renew online and must visit a DMV office.

Renewing online through the DMV website

Go to the California DMV website and select "Renew Your Driver's License" from the homepage. You'll be asked to enter your driver's license number and date of birth to verify your identity. The system will then check whether you're may be able to access for online renewal. If you are, you'll proceed to upload a new photo or use your existing one from your last renewal.

After you confirm your address and any other information that needs updating, you'll pay the renewal fee using a debit or credit card. Once payment goes through, you'll receive a confirmation number and a temporary digital license that you can use when ready on your phone. Your physical license card will arrive by mail within 10 business days.

You cannot renew online if your license is suspended or revoked, if you have a medical condition that affects your driving, if you need to change your name, or if you're over 70 years old. The DMV website will tell you which of these applies if you're ineligible, and it will direct you to the next step.

Renewing in person at a DMV office

Book an appointment online through the DMV website before you go to an office. Walk-ins are accepted but typically wait longer. When you arrive, bring your current driver's license, proof of residency, and your Social Security number. If your name has changed, bring the legal document that shows the change.

At the counter, you'll have a new photo taken (unless you're renewing by mail), answer a few health and vision questions, and pay the renewal fee. The DMV will give you a temporary paper license valid for 60 days while your physical card is printed and mailed. Your permanent license arrives within 10 business days.

If you need to change your address, add or remove a restriction, or update your organ donor status, you can do all of that during an in-person renewal. You cannot make these changes online.

Renewing by mail

The DMV sends renewal notices 60 days before your license expires. The notice includes a postage-paid envelope and instructions for mailing back your renewal. Fill out the form, include a check or money order for the renewal fee, and mail it back to the address on the envelope.

Mail renewal takes four to six weeks from the time the DMV receives your envelope. You cannot use your expired license during this time, so plan ahead if you need to drive. Mail renewal is only available if the DMV determines you're may be able to access when you receive the notice.

If you don't receive a renewal notice 60 days before your license expires, contact the DMV to verify your address is correct in their system. You can also call the DMV at 1-800-777-0133 to request a renewal notice.

What happens if your license expires before you renew

Once your license expires, you cannot legally drive in California. The DMV cannot process a renewal after the expiration date. If your license has already expired, you must visit a DMV office in person to renew it. Bring all the same documents you would for a regular renewal, plus your expired license.

Driving with an expired license can result in a traffic citation and a fine. If you were stopped, the officer may impound your vehicle. Renewing as soon as you notice your license is expired prevents these consequences.

Understanding your renewal options by age and status

If you're under 70, you can renew for either four years or eight years. The eight-year renewal costs more but means you won't need to renew again for longer. If you're 70 or older, you must renew in person at a DMV office every two years, and you cannot renew online.

If you have a commercial driver's license (CDL), you cannot renew online under any circumstances. You must visit a DMV office. If your license has a restriction (such as corrective lenses required or automatic transmission only), you can renew online as long as the restriction doesn't change.

If you're a non-citizen with a valid visa or immigration status, you can renew online or in person using the same process as a citizen. You'll need to bring proof of legal presence, such as a valid passport or visa.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if it's suspended or revoked?

No. You must resolve the suspension or revocation before you can renew. Contact the DMV to find out why your license is suspended or revoked and what steps you need to take. This might involve paying a fine, completing a traffic safety course, or waiting out a suspension period.

What if I move out of California before my license expires?

You should renew your California license before you move if it's close to expiration. Once you move to another state, you'll need to get a driver's license from that state. If your California license expires after you move, you cannot renew it by mail or online; you would need to visit a California DMV office in person.

How long does a temporary digital license work?

Your temporary digital license is valid when ready after online renewal and works for 60 days or until your physical card arrives, whichever comes first. You can show it on your phone to a police officer or use it to verify your identity. It's not valid for air travel or to purchase alcohol.

What if I don't receive my renewed license in the mail?

If your license doesn't arrive within 15 business days of renewal, contact the DMV at 1-800-777-0133 with your confirmation number. The DMV can check the status of your card and reissue it if needed. In the meantime, your temporary digital license or temporary paper license remains valid.

Can I renew early?

Yes. You can renew up to 60 days before your license expires by mail or online. Renewing early doesn't change your expiration date; your new license will expire on the same date your old one would have. In-person renewal can happen anytime, but you'll pay the full renewal fee regardless of how early you renew.