Where to renew and what you'll need

You renew your driver's license at your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), though some states call it the Secretary of State or Department of Transportation. The location varies by state, but most let you renew in person at a local office, by mail, or online through their website.

Before you go, gather these documents: your current driver's license, proof of your Social Security number (usually your Social Security card or a tax return), and proof of your current address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement typically works). Some states also ask for proof of your legal name if it has changed since your last renewal. Check your state's DMV website to see the exact list, because requirements vary.

The fee for renewal ranges depending on your state and how long the license is valid for — typically three to eight years. Most states charge between $20 and $100. Some states charge less if you renew online or by mail instead of in person.

Key Takeaways

  • You renew at your state DMV office, and most states now let you renew online or by mail instead of waiting in person.
  • Bring your current license, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your address — requirements vary by state, so check your DMV website first.
  • Renewal fees range from about $20 to $100 depending on your state and how long the new license lasts.
  • If you renew online or by mail, you may not need to take a new photo, but in-person renewal usually requires one.
  • Your new license arrives by mail within one to three weeks after approval, so plan ahead if you need it by a specific date.

Renewing online or by mail instead of in person

Most states now offer online renewal for people whose licenses are not expiring due to a medical condition, name change, or address change that requires verification. If you are renewing only because your license is about to expire, you can usually do it from home. Go to your state DMV's website, enter your license number and personal information, pay the fee with a credit or debit card, and submit. The whole process takes 10 to 15 minutes.

Mail renewal works similarly: you fill out a form (usually available on the DMV website or by calling), include a check or money order for the fee, and mail it with a copy of your current license. Mail renewal takes longer — typically two to four weeks — because the form has to travel both ways.

The main trade-off with online and mail renewal is that you usually keep your current photo on your new license. If your photo is several years old and you want a new one, you will need to renew in person.

Renewing in person at the DMV

Walk into your local DMV office with your documents, take a number, and wait your turn. The clerk will check your documents, take a new photo, and process your renewal on the spot. Bring all the documents listed above, even if you think you might not need them — the clerk will tell you if something is missing, and you will have to come back.

Wait times vary wildly by location and time of day. Some offices are quiet on weekday mornings; others have lines even then. Many DMV offices now let you book an appointment online, which cuts the wait from an hour or more down to 15 or 20 minutes. Check your state's website to see if appointments are available in your area.

In-person renewal takes about 30 minutes total once you reach the counter. You will get a temporary paper license to use while your permanent one is mailed to you, which usually arrives within one to three weeks.

What happens if your license is already expired

You can still renew an expired license, but the process depends on how long it has been expired. Most states let you renew by mail or online if your license expired within the last one to five years. If it expired longer ago than that, you may have to renew in person and retake the written test and vision test.

Some states also require you to retake the written test if your license has been expired for more than a certain period — often two to three years. Check your state DMV website to find out the rule for your state, because it varies. If you do have to retake the test, you can study using the same handbook and practice tests the DMV provides for new drivers.

Renewing a license with a different address

If you have moved since your last renewal, you will need to update your address. Most states let you do this during renewal without extra steps — just provide your new proof of address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement) along with your other documents. Online renewal usually includes a field where you can enter your new address.

If you moved to a different state, you will need to get a new license from that state instead of renewing your old one. Each state issues its own license, and you cannot renew a license from a state where you no longer live. You can keep your old license as an ID, but it will not be valid for driving.

Renewing a license with a name change

If your name has changed since your last renewal — through marriage, divorce, or legal name change — you will need to show proof of the change. Bring your current license, a marriage certificate or divorce decree, or a court order of name change. Most states require you to renew in person when your name has changed, because the clerk needs to verify the document and take a new photo with your new name.

Some states will let you renew by mail if you include a certified copy of the name-change document, but this is less common. Call your state DMV or check their website to find out whether you can mail it in or need to go in person.

What to do if you lose your license before renewal

If your license is lost or stolen before it expires, you can request a replacement instead of waiting for renewal. A replacement is a new copy of your current license with the same expiration date. You go to the DMV, show proof of identity and address, pay a replacement fee (usually $10 to $30), and get a temporary paper license while the permanent one is mailed.

If your license is expiring soon anyway, ask the DMV clerk whether it makes sense to renew instead of replace. Sometimes renewing costs less than replacing and then renewing a few months later. The clerk can tell you which option saves money in your situation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive with an expired license while I wait for my renewal?

If you renewed in person at the DMV, you get a temporary paper license that is valid for driving until your permanent license arrives. If you renewed by mail or online, you cannot drive legally until the new license arrives. Plan your renewal so the new license arrives before your current one expires.

What if I need my license before the normal mail time?

Some DMV offices offer expedited processing for an extra fee — usually $10 to $25 — that gets your license to you in one week instead of three. Not all offices offer this, so call ahead. If you need it even faster, in-person renewal with a temporary paper license is your quickest option.

Do I have to take a new photo every time I renew?

Online and mail renewal usually keep your current photo. In-person renewal always includes a new photo. If your photo is very old and you want a new one, renew in person. Some states also require a new photo every other renewal cycle, so check your state's rules.

What if I moved out of state — do I need to renew my old license?

No. Once you move to a new state, you should get a new license from that state instead. You have a grace period (usually 30 to 60 days) to get the new license, but you cannot renew your old state's license once you are no longer a resident there.

Can someone else renew my license for me?

For mail renewal, yes — you can have someone mail the form and documents on your behalf. For online renewal, only you can log in and complete it. For in-person renewal, most states require you to be there in person, though a few allow a family member to renew for you if you have a medical reason. Call your DMV to ask about your state's policy.