What you need to do to renew your California driver's license
California lets you renew your driver's license online, by mail, or in person at a DMV office. Which method you can use depends on how much time is left before your license expires and whether you need a new photo. If your license expired more than five years ago, you must renew in person. If it expired within the last five years, you can renew by mail or online. If you want a new photo or your address has changed, you'll need to go to a DMV office.
The fastest route for most people is online renewal through the California DMV website. You'll need your current driver's license number, your date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The process takes about 10 minutes, costs $41 for a five-year renewal or $71 for a ten-year renewal, and you'll receive your renewed license by mail within two to three weeks.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal is available if your license expired within the last five years and you don't need a new photo.
- Mail renewal takes four to six weeks and requires you to submit a completed form DL 44 or DL 43 along with proof of residency.
- In-person renewal at a DMV office is required if your license expired more than five years ago or if you need a new photo.
- Your renewed license will show the same address unless you update it in person at a DMV office.
Online renewal through the California DMV website
To renew online, go to the California DMV website and select "Renew Your Driver's License." You'll be asked to enter your driver's license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The system will verify your identity and confirm that you're not required to take a new photo or vision test.
Once you've completed the online form, you'll pay the renewal fee by credit card or debit card. The DMV will mail your renewed license to the address on file. You don't need to do anything else — your current license remains valid until the new one arrives. If you need your license sooner, you can pay an extra $15 for expedited mail delivery, which cuts the wait to about one week.
Mail renewal when you have time to wait
Mail renewal works if your license expired within the last five years and you don't need a new photo. read form DL 43 from the California DMV website or request one by mail. Fill it out completely, sign it, and mail it to the address listed on the form along with a check or money order for the renewal fee.
You'll also need to include proof of residency — a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or government document showing your current address. The DMV will process your renewal and mail your new license back to you. This method takes four to six weeks, so use it only if your license won't expire soon. If your address has changed, you must renew in person instead.
In-person renewal at a DMV office
You must renew in person if your license expired more than five years ago, if you need a new photo, or if you want to update your address. Go to the California DMV website, select your county, and book an appointment. Walk-ins are accepted, but appointments move faster and let you skip the waiting area.
Bring your current driver's license, proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement), and proof of your Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2, or tax return). The DMV will take a new photo, conduct a vision test, and process your renewal on the spot. Your temporary license is valid when ready, and your permanent license arrives by mail within two to three weeks. The fee is the same as online renewal: $41 for five years or $71 for ten years.
What happens if your license is already expired
If your license expired more than five years ago, you cannot renew online or by mail. You must go to a DMV office in person. Bring the same documents you would for a standard in-person renewal: your expired license, proof of residency, and proof of your Social Security number.
If your license expired between one and five years ago, you can still renew by mail or online, but you should do so soon. Once it's been expired for more than five years, the process becomes more complicated and requires an in-person visit. If your license has been expired for a very long time, the DMV may require you to retake the written test and driving test, so contact your local DMV office to confirm what you'll need before you go.
Choosing between five-year and ten-year renewal
When you renew, you can choose a five-year license for $41 or a ten-year license for $71. The ten-year option costs more but means you won't have to renew again for a decade. Most people choose the ten-year option because the extra cost is small compared to the hassle of renewing more often.
If you're over 70 years old, California requires you to renew every five years instead of ten. If you have a commercial driver's license (CDL), your renewal period may be different — check the DMV website or call your local office to confirm. The choice between five and ten years is yours to make at the time of renewal, so you can decide based on your situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive with an expired California license while I wait for my renewal?
If you renewed online or by mail, your old license is still valid until your new one arrives. If you renewed in person, the DMV gives you a temporary license that's valid when ready. You can drive legally with either one while you wait for your permanent license in the mail.
What if I moved and need to update my address?
If you've moved, you must renew in person at a DMV office so they can update your address. Bring proof of your new address, such as a utility bill or lease agreement. You cannot update your address through online or mail renewal.
How much does it cost to renew my California driver's license?
A five-year renewal costs $41, and a ten-year renewal costs $71. If you want expedited mail delivery, add $15 to either option. These are the standard fees as of 2024, but you should confirm the current fee on the California DMV website before you pay.
What if I lost my driver's license and need to renew it?
If your license is lost or stolen, you'll need to replace it rather than renew it. Go to a DMV office in person with proof of identity and proof of residency. The replacement fee is different from the renewal fee, so check the DMV website for the current cost.
Can I renew my license if I'm out of state?
Yes, you can renew online or by mail from anywhere. If you need a new photo or want to update your address, you'll have to renew in person at a California DMV office when you return to the state.