What you need to send and where to send it
To renew your California driver license by mail, you will fill out Form DL 44 (the standard driver license process), sign it, and mail it along with your current license and proof of residency to the Department of Motor Vehicles. The DMV will process your renewal, run a background check, and mail your new license back to you. The entire process typically takes four to six weeks from the day the DMV receives your envelope.
You cannot renew by mail if your license has been suspended, revoked, or cancelled, or if you have unpaid traffic violations or criminal convictions on your record. You also cannot renew by mail if your vision has changed significantly or if you need to update your address, name, or organ donor status — those changes require an in-person visit.
Mail your completed form and documents to the DMV office that serves your county. You can find the correct address on the DMV website under "Field Offices" or call 1-800-777-0133 to confirm the mailing address for your location.
Key Takeaways
- You will need Form DL 44, your current driver license, and proof of residency such as a utility bill or lease agreement.
- Mail-in renewal takes four to six weeks, so send your documents at least six weeks before your license expires.
- You cannot renew by mail if your license is suspended, revoked, or cancelled, or if you have outstanding violations.
- The DMV will mail your new license to the address on file, so make sure your mailing address is current before you send in your renewal.
- If the DMV needs more information or finds a problem with your process, they will contact you by mail and may delay your renewal.
How to fill out Form DL 44
read Form DL 44 from the DMV website or pick up a copy at any DMV field office. The form asks for your name, date of birth, current address, Social Security number, and information about any medical conditions that might affect your driving. Answer every question honestly — the DMV cross-checks your answers against state records, and false information can delay your renewal or result in denial.
Sign the form in blue or black ink. Do not sign it before you mail it if the form says "sign in the presence of a notary" — most mail-in renewals do not require notarization, but check the instructions on the form itself. If you have changed your name since your last license was issued, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change (marriage certificate, court order, or other legal document) along with your process.
What proof of residency to include
The DMV accepts a limited list of documents as proof that you live at the address you put on your process. The document must show your name and current address, and it must be dated within the last 60 days. Acceptable documents include a utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet), a lease or rental agreement, a mortgage statement, a property tax bill, or a bank or credit card statement.
If you do not have any of these documents in your name, you can submit two documents that show your address but not your name — for example, a utility bill addressed to "Resident" plus a lease agreement. The documents must be originals or certified copies; photocopies are not accepted. Do not send your original documents — the DMV will not return them. Make a copy of everything you send and keep it for your records.
When to mail your renewal and what happens next
Mail your renewal at least six weeks before your license expires. The DMV processes mail-in renewals in the order they arrive, and the four- to six-week timeline begins when they receive your envelope, not when you drop it in the mail. If you mail your renewal too close to your expiration date and it arrives after your license has expired, you may have to renew in person instead.
Once the DMV receives your process, they will run a background check and verify your information against their records. If everything matches and no problems are found, they will print your new license and mail it to you. You will receive a temporary extension notice in the mail that you can use as proof of a valid license while you wait for your new card to arrive.
If the DMV finds an issue — a missing signature, unclear proof of residency, or a problem with your driving record — they will send you a letter explaining what is wrong and what you need to do. This can add two to four weeks to your renewal time. If you do not respond to their letter within 30 days, your renewal will be denied and you will have to start over.
What to do if your renewal is denied or delayed
If the DMV denies your renewal by mail, they will send you a letter explaining why. Common reasons include a suspended or revoked license, outstanding traffic violations, or a problem with your proof of residency. If your license is suspended or revoked, you cannot renew by mail — you must visit a DMV field office in person and resolve the underlying issue first.
If the problem is something else — such as unclear proof of residency or a missing document — you can resubmit your process by mail with the corrected information. Include a copy of the DMV's denial letter so they know you are responding to their request. Mail your corrected process to the same address as before.
If your renewal is taking longer than six weeks and you have not received a letter from the DMV, call 1-800-777-0133 to check the status. Have your driver license number and date of birth ready. The DMV can tell you whether your process is still being processed or whether they have sent you a letter asking for more information.
Tracking your new license and what to do if it does not arrive
The DMV does not send tracking numbers for renewed licenses. Your new license will arrive in a standard envelope with no special marking. If you are expecting your renewal and want to know whether it has been mailed, call 1-800-777-0133 and ask the status of your process.
If your new license does not arrive within eight weeks of mailing your process, or if you receive a letter saying it was mailed but it never shows up, contact the DMV by phone. They can issue a replacement license or reprocess your renewal. Bring your temporary extension notice (the letter the DMV sent you while your renewal was being processed) if you still have it.
When you cannot renew by mail and must visit in person
You must renew in person at a DMV field office if your license is suspended, revoked, or cancelled; if you have unpaid traffic violations or criminal convictions; if you need to change your address, name, or organ donor status; if your vision has changed and you need a new vision test; or if you are renewing a commercial driver license. You also must renew in person if you are under 21 years old or if your license was issued outside the United States.
If you are not sure whether you can renew by mail, call the DMV at 1-800-777-0133 before you prepare your process. They can tell you in a few minutes whether mail-in renewal is an option for you. If it is not, they can also tell you what you will need to bring to a field office and whether you should make an appointment in advance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license by mail if it expired more than five years ago?
No. If your license has been expired for more than five years, you cannot renew by mail — you must visit a DMV field office in person and take a written test and vision test. The DMV treats this as a new license rather than a renewal.
What if I move after I mail my renewal but before my new license arrives?
Contact the DMV when ready at 1-800-777-0133 and give them your new address. They can update your mailing address on file so your new license is sent to the correct location. If your license is already in the mail to your old address, the post office may forward it to your new address if you have filed a change of address with them.
Do I need to notarize my Form DL 44 before I mail it?
Most mail-in renewals do not require notarization. Check the instructions on Form DL 44 itself — if notarization is required, the form will say so clearly. If you are unsure, call the DMV at 1-800-777-0133 before you mail your process.
Can someone else mail my renewal for me?
Yes. You can have a family member, friend, or anyone else mail your completed process and documents on your behalf. The form must be signed by you, but there is no requirement that you mail it yourself. Make sure the person mailing it uses a method that allows you to track delivery, such as certified mail.
What happens if I mail my renewal but my license expires before it arrives?
The DMV will send you a temporary extension notice in the mail that you can use as proof of a valid license while your renewal is being processed. This notice is valid for a limited time — usually 60 days. If your new license does not arrive before the extension expires, contact the DMV to find out the status of your renewal.