What You Need to Do to Renew in California
California lets you renew your driver's license online, by mail, or in person at a DMV office. Most people renew online through the DMV website if their license is not expiring within 30 days and they have not renewed online in the past 8 years. If you cannot renew online, you can mail in your renewal form or visit a DMV office in person. The method you choose depends on how much time you have and whether your situation meets California's online renewal rules.
Your renewal notice arrives in the mail 60 days before your license expires. That notice contains your renewal code, which you will need if you choose to renew online. If you have lost the notice or it did not arrive, you can still renew, but you will need to provide other information to verify your identity.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal through the DMV website is the fastest option and takes about 5 to 10 minutes if you have your renewal notice code.
- You cannot renew online if your license expires within 30 days, if you have renewed online in the past 8 years, or if you need to change your address or name.
- Mail-in renewal takes 2 to 3 weeks and requires you to send your current license and the renewal form to the DMV.
- In-person renewal at a DMV office is necessary if you need a new photo, have a medical condition affecting your driving, or cannot use online or mail options.
- Your new license arrives by mail within 2 to 3 weeks after you renew, whether you renew online, by mail, or in person.
Renewing Online Through the DMV Website
Online renewal is available at dmv.ca.gov and is the quickest way to renew if you meet the requirements. You will need your renewal notice (which contains your renewal code), your current driver's license number, and a valid payment method. The process takes about 5 to 10 minutes and you can complete it from home.
You cannot renew online if your license expires within the next 30 days, if you have already renewed online within the past 8 years, if you need to change your address or name, or if you are over 70 years old. You also cannot renew online if your license is suspended or revoked. If any of these explore to you, use the mail or in-person option instead.
After you complete online renewal, you will receive a confirmation number. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file within 2 to 3 weeks. You can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives.
Renewing by Mail
Mail-in renewal requires you to send your current driver's license and the renewal form DL 44 to the DMV. You can request form DL 44 online at dmv.ca.gov, by phone at 1-800-777-0133, or by visiting a DMV office. Include a check or money order for the renewal fee (the amount varies depending on your license type and how long you are renewing it for) and mail everything to the address shown on the form.
Mail-in renewal takes 2 to 3 weeks from the time the DMV receives your materials. During that time, you can still drive on your current license. If you do not receive your new license within 4 weeks, contact the DMV to check the status of your renewal.
You cannot renew by mail if you need a new photo, if you are over 70 years old, or if you have a medical condition that requires a DMV evaluation. In those cases, you must renew in person at a DMV office.
Renewing in Person at a DMV Office
Visit a DMV office if you need a new photo, if you are over 70 years old, if you have a medical condition affecting your ability to drive, or if you cannot renew online or by mail. Bring your current driver's license, proof of residency (such as a recent utility bill or lease), and payment for the renewal fee. You will have a new photo taken at the office.
Wait times at DMV offices vary by location and time of day. You can check wait times before you go by visiting dmv.ca.gov and entering your local office address. Many offices allow you to make an appointment online, which can reduce your wait time significantly. Your new license will be mailed to you within 2 to 3 weeks.
Renewal Fees and Payment Methods
The renewal fee depends on how long you are renewing your license for and your age. A standard 5-year renewal costs less than a 10-year renewal. Drivers over 70 pay a different rate. You can pay online with a credit or debit card, by mail with a check or money order, or in person with cash, check, debit card, or credit card at a DMV office.
If you renew online, the fee is charged to your credit or debit card when ready. If you renew by mail, include your payment with your form and license. If you renew in person, you can pay at the counter when you complete your renewal.
What Happens If Your License Has Already Expired
If your license has expired, you can still renew it by mail or in person, but you cannot renew online. You will need to bring your expired license and proof of residency to a DMV office, or mail your expired license with the renewal form and payment. Renewing an expired license follows the same process and timeline as renewing a current license — your new license will arrive within 2 to 3 weeks.
If your license has been expired for more than 5 years, the DMV may require you to retake the written test and vision test. Contact the DMV at 1-800-777-0133 to ask whether you need to test before you renew.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if I have moved to a different address?
You cannot renew online if you have moved. You must renew by mail or in person and provide proof of your new address, such as a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement. If you renew in person, bring your proof of residency to the DMV office.
What if I lost my renewal notice?
You can still renew online without your renewal notice code by visiting dmv.ca.gov and entering your driver's license number and other identifying information. If you prefer to renew by mail, you can request form DL 44 by calling 1-800-777-0133 or visiting dmv.ca.gov.
How long does it take to receive my new license after I renew?
Your new license arrives by mail within 2 to 3 weeks after you renew, regardless of whether you renew online, by mail, or in person. You can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives.
Do I need to take a new photo when I renew?
If you renew online or by mail, your photo from your current license is used on your new license. You only get a new photo if you renew in person at a DMV office. Drivers over 70 must renew in person and will have a new photo taken.
What if my name has changed since my last license?
You cannot renew online if your name has changed. You must renew in person at a DMV office and bring proof of your name change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The DMV will issue a new license with your updated name.