California driver licenses expire on your birthday, four or eight years after you first get them

A California driver license is valid for either four or eight years, depending on your age when you get it. The Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) sets your expiration date to your birthday in the year the license expires — so if you turn 25 on March 15, your license expires on March 15 of that year. You can drive legally until midnight on your expiration date; after that, driving with an expired license is against the law.

The length of validity depends on whether you are under 70 or 70 and older. Drivers under 70 receive an eight-year license. Drivers 70 and older receive a four-year license. If you renew before your current license expires, your new expiration date is set eight or four years from the date you renew, not from the date your old one would have expired.

Key Takeaways

  • California driver licenses expire on your birthday and are valid for eight years if you are under 70, or four years if you are 70 or older.
  • You can renew your license up to 60 days before it expires, and the new expiration date is set from the date you renew, not from when the old one would have ended.
  • Driving with an expired license is illegal and can result in a traffic citation, even if you were may be able to access to renew.
  • The DMV mails renewal notices about 60 days before your expiration date, but you are responsible for renewing on time whether or not you receive the notice.

When your license expires and what the DMV sends you

The DMV mails a renewal notice to the address on file approximately 60 days before your license expires. This notice tells you your expiration date, whether you can renew by mail or online, and how to complete the renewal. However, receiving the notice is not required — you are responsible for knowing your expiration date and renewing before it passes, whether the DMV sends the notice or not.

If you move and do not update your address with the DMV, the renewal notice will go to your old address and you may not receive it. Check your license now to confirm the expiration date printed on the front. You can also log into your DMV online account or call the DMV to confirm the date if you are unsure.

Renewing before your license expires

You can renew your California driver license up to 60 days before the expiration date. The DMV offers three renewal routes: online through the DMV website, by mail, or in person at a DMV office. Not all drivers are may be able to access for online or mail renewal — the DMV website will tell you which method works for you based on your age, license type, and driving record.

Online renewal is the fastest option if you are may be able to access. You log into your DMV account, answer questions about any changes to your information, pay the renewal fee, and receive a temporary digital license when ready that you can use while your physical card is in the mail. Mail renewal takes longer because you must print and mail forms, and the DMV must process them before your new card ships. In-person renewal at a DMV office is the slowest but guarantees your new license is issued the same day.

What happens if your license expires

Driving with an expired license is illegal in California. If a police officer stops you and your license has expired, you can receive a traffic citation. The citation is usually a minor infraction, but it still goes on your driving record and can affect your insurance rates. You are not required to go to court for a minor infraction — you can pay the fine by mail — but the violation remains part of your record.

If your license has been expired for more than a few months, you may need to take a written test or vision test when you renew, depending on how long it has been expired. The DMV website or a phone call to your local office can tell you what you will need to bring.

Renewing after your license has already expired

You can still renew your license after it expires, but your options are more limited. Online and mail renewal are not available once your license is expired — you must renew in person at a DMV office. Bring your expired license, proof of residency (such as a utility bill or lease), and your renewal fee.

Depending on how long your license has been expired, the DMV may require you to pass a vision test or written test before issuing a new one. If your license expired more than five years ago, you will need to take both the written and driving tests, the same as someone getting a license for the first time. The DMV office can tell you what tests you need when you arrive or when you call ahead.

Renewal fees and what you pay

California driver license renewal fees vary depending on your age and license type. As of 2024, a standard eight-year renewal for drivers under 70 costs one amount, and a four-year renewal for drivers 70 and older costs a different amount. The DMV website shows the current fee, or you can ask when you call or visit an office. Some counties add a small local fee on top of the state fee.

You can pay by credit card, debit card, or check, depending on which renewal method you use. Online renewal accepts credit and debit cards. Mail renewal requires a check or money order. In-person renewal accepts cash, check, credit card, and debit card.

Keeping track of your expiration date

The easiest way to remember your expiration date is to check your license now and write it down or set a phone reminder for 60 days before that date. That gives you the full window to renew without rushing. If you move, update your address with the DMV right away so renewal notices reach you. You can update your address online through your DMV account, by mail, or in person at an office.

If you are not sure whether your license is still valid, check the expiration date on the front of your card — it is printed clearly in the bottom right corner. The format is MM/DD/YYYY. If today's date is after that date, your license is expired and you should not drive until you renew.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive if my license expires tomorrow?

No. Your license is invalid starting at midnight on the expiration date. If your license expires tomorrow, you cannot drive legally after midnight. You must renew before the expiration date passes. If you are unable to renew in time, do not drive until your new license arrives.

What if I did not receive my renewal notice in the mail?

You are still responsible for renewing on time. Check your license for the expiration date and renew before that date, whether you received a notice or not. If you moved and did not update your address with the DMV, the notice went to your old address. Update your address now and renew your license.

How long does it take to get a renewed license in the mail?

Online renewal typically takes two to three weeks for your new card to arrive by mail, though you receive a temporary digital license when ready. Mail renewal takes four to six weeks. In-person renewal at a DMV office issues your license the same day, but you must visit an office in person.

Do I have to take a test if I renew after my license expires?

If your license has been expired for a short time, usually no test is required. If it has been expired for more than a few months, the DMV may require a vision test. If it has been expired for more than five years, you must take both a written test and a driving test, the same as a new driver.

What if I lost my license and need to renew it?

You can renew a lost license the same way you renew an expired one — online, by mail, or in person. You do not need to report it lost first. Bring proof of residency and your renewal fee. The DMV will issue a new card with a new expiration date.