California driver's licenses expire based on your age and when you were born

A California driver's license is valid for different lengths of time depending on how old you are. If you are under 70, your license lasts five years from the date it was issued. If you are 70 or older, your license lasts two years. The expiration date is printed on the front of your card in the bottom right corner.

Your license does not automatically renew. You must take action before the expiration date arrives, or you will be driving with an expired license, which is illegal in California. The Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) does not send reminders by mail, though you can set up email or text reminders through your DMV account online.

Key Takeaways

  • Licenses for people under 70 are valid for five years; licenses for people 70 and older are valid for two years.
  • The expiration date appears on the front of your license card in the bottom right corner.
  • You can renew your license up to 60 days before it expires, either online, by mail, or in person at a DMV office.
  • Driving with an expired license can result in a traffic citation and fine, even if your license expired only days ago.

When your license expires if you are under 70

If you are younger than 70, your California driver's license is valid for five years from the issue date. This means if you received your license on March 15, 2020, it would expire on March 15, 2025. The five-year window applies whether you received your license as a new driver or as a renewal.

The DMV does not extend this period based on how often you drive or whether you have had violations. Five years is the standard term, and it runs out on the same calendar date five years later, regardless of circumstances.

When your license expires if you are 70 or older

If you are 70 or older, your California driver's license is valid for two years instead of five. This shorter renewal cycle means you will need to renew more frequently than younger drivers. The two-year term applies to all drivers in this age group, and the expiration date is still printed on the front of your card.

The DMV implemented this shorter renewal period for drivers 70 and older to may support more frequent check-ins on vision and medical fitness to drive. You can renew in person at a DMV office, by mail, or online if you meet certain conditions.

How to find your exact expiration date

Your expiration date is printed on the front of your driver's license card in the bottom right corner. It appears in the format MM/DD/YYYY — for example, 03/15/2025. This is the last day your license is valid for driving.

You can also check your expiration date through your DMV online account if you have created one. Log in to dmv.ca.gov, select "View Driver License or ID Card Status," and your current license information will display, including the expiration date. This is useful if your physical card is damaged or you want to confirm the date before you renew.

What happens if your license expires

Driving with an expired California driver's license is illegal. If you are stopped by law enforcement, you can receive a traffic citation and a fine, even if your license expired only one day ago. The fine amount varies but typically ranges from $100 to $250 for a first offense, though the exact amount depends on the court and circumstances.

An expired license can also complicate other situations. If you are in an accident, your insurance may question coverage. If you are pulled over for another reason, the expired license adds a separate violation to the stop. The safest approach is to renew before the expiration date arrives.

Renewing before your license expires

California allows you to renew your license up to 60 days before it expires. This means if your license expires on March 15, you can renew starting on January 15. Renewing early gives you time to complete the process without rushing and ensures you have a valid license on your expiration date.

You have three main renewal options: online through the DMV website (if you meet certain requirements), by mail using the renewal notice the DMV sends you, or in person at a DMV office. Online renewal is the fastest option when available — you can complete it in minutes. Mail renewal typically takes two to three weeks. In-person renewal at a DMV office can be done the same day, though wait times vary by location.

When you cannot renew online or by mail

Not every driver can renew online or by mail. You must renew in person at a DMV office if your license was suspended or revoked, if you have certain medical conditions that require a vision test, if you are renewing for the first time after turning 70, or if your address has changed and you cannot verify it online.

If you fall into one of these categories, you will need to visit a DMV office with your current license, proof of residency, and any other documents the DMV requests. The DMV website lists which offices are open and their current wait times, so you can plan your visit accordingly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive after my license expires if I have already sent in my renewal?

No. You can only drive with an expired license if you have a temporary license document issued by the DMV. If you renewed online or by mail, you will not receive a temporary document — you must wait for your new physical card to arrive. If you renewed in person, the DMV may issue a temporary document on the spot.

What if I did not receive the renewal notice the DMV mailed to me?

You do not need the renewal notice to renew. The notice is a reminder, but you can renew online, by mail without the notice, or in person at any DMV office. Check your address on file with the DMV — if it is incorrect, update it before renewing so future notices reach you.

Does my license expire on my birthday?

No. Your license expires on the same calendar date as the day you received it, five years (or two years if you are 70 or older) later. If you received your license on March 15, it expires on March 15 five years later — not on your birthday unless your birthday happens to be March 15.

What if I turn 70 before my current license expires?

Your license will still be valid until its printed expiration date. When you renew, your new license will be issued for two years instead of five. You do not need to renew early just because you turned 70 — wait until your current license expires, then renew with the two-year term.

Can I renew my license if it has already expired?

Yes, but you cannot drive legally until your new license arrives. You can renew online, by mail, or in person even after expiration. If you renew in person, the DMV may issue a temporary document so you can drive while your new card is being processed. Online and mail renewals do not include a temporary document.