What documents to bring to the DMV
California requires you to bring proof of identity, proof of residency, and your current driver's license. The exact documents depend on whether you're renewing in person or by mail, and whether your license is still valid or has expired.
For proof of identity, bring your current California driver's license or ID card. If you don't have one, you'll need a passport, passport card, or military ID. For proof of residency, bring a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your current address — it must be dated within the last 60 days. A piece of mail from a government agency also works.
You do not need to bring your Social Security card, but you will need to know your Social Security number. If you've changed your name since your last license, bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the legal change.
Key Takeaways
- Bring your current driver's license, proof of residency dated within 60 days, and know your Social Security number.
- If you renew by mail and your license is still valid, you only need to send in your license and a check — no documents required.
- In-person renewals at a DMV office take about 30 minutes to an hour, depending on how busy the location is.
- You can renew online if your license is valid and you have a REAL ID-compliant license or ID card to use for identity verification.
Renewing by mail when your license is still valid
If your California driver's license has not expired yet, you can renew by mail without bringing any documents to the DMV. Fill out form DL 44 (process for California Driver's License or Identification Card), sign it, and mail it with your current license and a check for the renewal fee to the address on the form.
The DMV processes mail renewals in about two to three weeks. Your new license will arrive by mail at the address on your process. You can continue driving on your current license while you wait.
Mail renewal is not an option if your license has already expired, if you need to change your address, or if you want to update your photo. In those cases, you must renew in person or online.
Renewing online through the DMV website
You can renew online at dmv.ca.gov if your current license is valid and you have a REAL ID-compliant California driver's license or ID card. The online process takes about 10 minutes and costs the same as renewing in person.
To start, go to dmv.ca.gov, select "Renew Your Driver's License or ID Card," and follow the prompts. You'll need your driver's license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The system will ask you to verify your identity using your REAL ID-compliant license — you'll take a photo of the front and back with your phone or computer camera.
After you complete the online renewal, you'll receive a temporary digital license on your phone that you can use right away. Your physical license will arrive by mail within two to three weeks. If your license has expired or you need to change your photo, you cannot renew online.
Renewing in person at a DMV office
If your license has expired, you need to update your photo, or you prefer to renew in person, visit a DMV office. Bring your current driver's license (or proof of identity if you don't have one), proof of residency, and know your Social Security number. You'll fill out form DL 44 at the office.
You can make an appointment online at dmv.ca.gov before you go, which usually cuts your wait time. Walk-ins are accepted, but you may wait longer. Bring your documents even if you have an appointment — the DMV will not process your renewal without them.
The renewal fee varies depending on how long your new license will be valid. A standard renewal is usually valid for five years. You can pay by cash, check, debit card, or credit card at the office.
What happens after you renew
Once the DMV approves your renewal, your new license will be mailed to the address on your process within two to three weeks. If you renewed online or by mail, you can use your temporary digital license or your current license while you wait for the physical one to arrive.
If you renewed in person, the DMV will give you a temporary paper license that day. This temporary license is valid for 60 days and lets you drive while your permanent license is being printed and mailed.
If your new license does not arrive within four weeks, contact the DMV at 1-800-777-0133 to check the status. Have your driver's license number and date of birth ready when you call.
Renewal fees and what they cover
The renewal fee depends on how long your new license will be valid. A standard five-year renewal costs one amount, and an eight-year renewal (available to drivers 62 and older) costs another. Fees change periodically, so check dmv.ca.gov for the current amount before you renew.
The fee covers the cost of producing and mailing your new license. If you renew by mail or online, you pay the same fee as you would in person. Some DMV offices accept payment plans if you cannot pay the full amount at once — ask when you visit or call ahead.
If you need to renew your license before it expires because you lost it or it was stolen, that is a replacement, not a renewal, and the fee is different. A replacement is handled separately and costs less than a full renewal.
Special situations: name changes, address changes, and corrections
If you've changed your name since your last license, you must renew in person and bring legal proof of the name change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. You cannot renew by mail or online if your name has changed.
If you've moved and need to update your address, you can do so during renewal. If you're renewing by mail, write your new address on the form. If you're renewing in person or online, the system will ask for your current address and update it automatically.
If you notice an error on your current license — a misspelled name, wrong date of birth, or incorrect address — tell the DMV staff when you renew. They can correct it during the renewal process without charging an extra fee.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if it expired more than a year ago?
Yes, but you must renew in person at a DMV office. You cannot renew by mail or online if your license has been expired for more than a year. Bring your expired license, proof of residency, and your Social Security number. The DMV may ask you to retake the written test or vision test depending on how long it has been expired.
Do I need to take a new photo when I renew?
Not if you renew by mail — your current photo stays on your license. If you renew in person or online, the DMV will take a new photo. If you want to update your photo but your license is still valid, you can renew in person and request a new photo even if you're not required to get one.
What if I don't have proof of residency?
You need a document dated within the last 60 days with your current address. If you don't have a utility bill or lease, ask your bank for a recent statement, check your insurance documents, or look for mail from a government agency. If you truly cannot find any proof, contact your local DMV office to ask about alternative documents they may accept.
How much does it cost to renew my license?
The fee depends on how long your new license will be valid — typically five or eight years. Check dmv.ca.gov for the current fee, as it changes periodically. The fee is the same whether you renew by mail, online, or in person.
Can someone else pick up my renewed license for me?
No. Your renewed license is mailed directly to the address on your process. You cannot have someone pick it up at the DMV office. If you're moving soon, update your address before you renew so your license is mailed to the right place.