Where to renew and what you need before you start

You renew your driver license at your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), which may also be called the Secretary of State's office or Division of Motor Vehicles depending on your state. Most states let you renew in person at a local DMV office, by mail, or online through their website — but not all three options work for every situation, and the documents you need depend on which method you choose.

Before you go anywhere or fill anything out, check your state's DMV website to see which renewal method is available to you right now. Some states restrict online renewal to people whose licenses are not expiring within the next 30 days, or to those renewing for the first time. Mail renewal often has similar limits. If your license is expiring very soon, in-person renewal at a DMV office may be your only option.

The documents you will need are almost always: your current driver license, proof of your Social Security number (usually your Social Security card itself, or a tax return or W-2), and proof of your current address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days). Some states also require proof of your legal name if it has changed since your last license was issued. Check your state's DMV website for the exact list, because requirements vary.

Key Takeaways

  • You can renew by mail, online, or in person at a DMV office, but your state may restrict which methods are open to you based on how soon your license expires.
  • You will need your current license, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your address — but some states require additional documents, so check your state's DMV website first.
  • Online and mail renewal are faster and do not require you to visit an office, but they are not available in every state or for every person.
  • If you renew in person, bring all required documents and plan to spend 15 to 45 minutes at the DMV depending on how busy the office is.
  • Your new license will arrive by mail within two to four weeks after approval, and you can usually drive on your old license until it arrives.

Renewing online through your state's DMV website

Online renewal is the fastest option if your state offers it and you are may be able to access. Go to your state's DMV website, look for "renew license" or "license renewal", and follow the step-by-step form. You will enter your license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number so the DMV can pull up your record. You will then answer questions about whether your address, name, or other information has changed since your last renewal.

Most states charge a renewal fee through the online form — usually between $20 and $80 depending on how long the new license is valid for. You pay by debit card or credit card right there on the website. After you submit, the DMV will send you a confirmation email with a reference number. Your new license will arrive by mail in two to four weeks. You can continue to drive on your old license until the new one arrives.

Online renewal is not available in every state, and some states only allow it if your license is not expiring within the next 30 days. A few states restrict online renewal to people who have not changed their address or name. If you see a message that you are not may be able to access for online renewal, you will need to use mail or in-person renewal instead.

Renewing by mail

Mail renewal works similarly to online renewal but takes longer because the DMV has to process your paperwork manually. First, check your state's DMV website to see if mail renewal is open — some states close it during busy seasons. If it is open, read the renewal form (usually called a "Driver License Renewal process" or similar) and print it out.

Fill out the form with your current information. You will need to include a copy of your proof of address (a utility bill or bank statement) and your proof of Social Security number. Do not send your original Social Security card — send a photocopy or a copy of a tax return or W-2 instead. Include a check or money order for the renewal fee, made out to your state's DMV. Mail everything to the address listed on the form.

Processing by mail takes four to six weeks from the time the DMV receives your envelope. Your new license will arrive by mail after that. If you need to drive before your new license arrives, you can continue using your old one. If you are worried about whether the DMV received your mail, call the DMV customer service line (found on your state's website) and give them your reference number or license number — they can tell you the status.

Renewing in person at a DMV office

In-person renewal is the most reliable option if you are not may be able to access for online or mail renewal, or if your license is expiring very soon. Find your nearest DMV office on your state's website. Many states let you book an appointment online, which can cut your wait time from 45 minutes to 15 minutes or less. If appointments are not available, you can walk in, but expect to wait.

Bring your current license, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your address. If your name has changed since your last license, bring a document that shows the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. Have these documents ready in a folder before you go. At the DMV, you will fill out a short form, have your photo taken, and pay the renewal fee (usually $20 to $80). The whole process takes 15 to 45 minutes depending on how busy the office is.

After you pay, the DMV will give you a temporary paper license that you can use to drive while you wait for your new license to arrive by mail. The new license usually arrives within two to four weeks. If it does not arrive within that time, call the DMV and give them your reference number — they can look up the status and reissue if needed.

What happens if your license has been expired for more than a certain period

Most states allow you to renew a license that expired within the last one to three years by mail or online. If your license expired longer ago than that, you may have to renew in person and retake the written test and vision test. Some states require you to retake the driving test as well. Check your state's DMV website to see what the time limit is in your state and what you will need to do if you are past it.

If you are past the renewal window and need to drive before you can get to a DMV office, you cannot legally drive on an expired license. Some states issue a temporary permit that lets you drive to the DMV office to renew, but you have to request it. Call your state's DMV customer service line to ask whether this is an option for you.

Renewing a commercial driver license (CDL)

Commercial driver licenses cannot be renewed by mail or online in any state. You must renew in person at a DMV office. You will need your current CDL, proof of your Social Security number, proof of your address, and a valid medical certificate (Form MCSA-5875) signed by a certified medical examiner. The medical certificate must be dated within the last 60 days. You will also have to pass a vision test and answer questions about any medical conditions that might affect your ability to drive commercially.

Bring all these documents to a DMV office and allow 30 to 60 minutes for the renewal. The fee is usually higher than for a regular license — typically $50 to $150 depending on your state. After you pay, you will receive a temporary paper CDL that you can use to drive while your new license is mailed to you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive on my old license while I wait for my new one to arrive?

Yes. If you renewed online or by mail, you can drive on your old license until the new one arrives. If you renewed in person, the DMV will give you a temporary paper license to use while you wait. Your new license should arrive within two to four weeks.

What if I moved and my address changed since my last renewal?

You can still renew online or by mail, but you will need to provide proof of your new address — a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. If you renew in person, bring the same proof of address. Your new license will be mailed to the address you provide.

Do I have to retake the written test or vision test to renew?

No, not for a standard renewal. You only retake tests if your license has been expired for longer than your state allows (usually one to three years), or if the DMV has a reason to believe you are not safe to drive. For a CDL renewal, you must pass a vision test and provide a current medical certificate.

What if my name changed since my last license?

Bring a document that shows the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. If you are renewing by mail, send a photocopy. If you are renewing online, you may not be able to change your name through the online form; call your state's DMV to ask whether you need to renew in person instead.

How much does it cost to renew?

Renewal fees vary by state and by how long the new license is valid for. Most states charge between $20 and $80 for a standard license renewal. CDL renewals cost more, usually $50 to $150. Check your state's DMV website for the exact fee.