What You Need to Send In
To renew by mail, you will need to send your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (or equivalent agency) three things: your current driver's license, a completed renewal form, and payment for the renewal fee. The form and fee amount depend on which state you live in — your state's DMV website lists both.
Some states also require a new photo, which means you cannot renew by mail and must visit an office instead. Check your state's website before gathering documents. If your license has been expired for more than a certain period (this varies by state, typically one to five years), you may be required to take a written test or vision test, which also means you cannot use the mail route.
Do not send original documents like birth certificates or Social Security cards unless your state specifically requires them for a mail renewal. Most states do not.
Key Takeaways
- Mail renewal requires your current license, a completed renewal form from your state's DMV, and the renewal fee — nothing more in most cases.
- Some states require a new photo for renewal, which forces you to renew in person at a DMV office instead.
- If your license has been expired too long, your state may require a vision test or written test, blocking the mail option.
- Send your materials to the address listed on your state's renewal form or website, and keep a copy of what you send.
- Processing time varies by state but typically takes two to four weeks from the time your state receives your materials.
Finding Your State's Renewal Form
Your state's DMV website is the only reliable source for the correct form. Search "[your state] DMV driver's license renewal form" or go directly to your state's DMV website and look for a "Renew by Mail" or "Mail Renewal" section.
The form will be a PDF you can print and fill out by hand, or in some states you can fill it out on screen and then print it. Do not use a form from a third-party website or an old form you have at home — states update these regularly, and submitting an outdated form will delay your renewal.
Fill out every field the form asks for. Leave nothing blank unless the form explicitly says a field is optional. Use black or blue ink if you are writing by hand.
Calculating and Sending Your Payment
The renewal fee is set by your state and does not change based on how you renew. Your state's DMV website will show the exact amount. Fees typically range from $20 to $100 depending on the state and how long your new license will be valid.
You can pay by check, money order, or credit card, depending on what your state accepts. Your renewal form will specify which payment methods are allowed. If paying by check or money order, make it out to your state's DMV or the name listed on the form — never to an individual.
Do not send cash through the mail. Include your payment in the same envelope as your form and license.
Where to Mail Your Renewal Package
The address where you send your materials is printed on the renewal form itself. Use that address, not a general DMV office address. Some states have a dedicated mail processing center separate from local DMV offices.
Use regular first-class mail or a tracked service like certified mail. Tracked mail costs more but gives you proof of delivery, which is useful if your renewal takes longer than expected and you need to follow up. Keep the receipt or tracking number.
Mail your package at least four to six weeks before your license expires if you want your new license to arrive before the expiration date. Processing times vary by state — check your state's website for the current estimate.
What Happens After You Mail Your Renewal
Your state will process your renewal in the order it receives it. Processing typically takes two to four weeks, though some states take longer during busy periods. You will not receive a confirmation email or phone call — the first contact you receive will be your new license arriving in the mail.
Your old license remains valid until it expires, even after you have mailed in your renewal. You can continue to use it for identification and driving until your new license arrives.
If your new license does not arrive within the timeframe your state publishes, contact your state's DMV. Have your tracking number ready if you used certified mail. Some states allow you to check the status of your renewal online using your driver's license number and date of birth.
When Mail Renewal Is Not an Option
You cannot renew by mail if your license has been suspended or revoked, if you need a new photo (which some states require every renewal cycle), or if your license has been expired for longer than your state allows for mail renewal. You also cannot renew by mail if you are changing your name or address — most states require you to do this in person.
If you are unsure whether you are may be able to access for mail renewal, call your state's DMV customer service line or check the "Renew by Mail" section of your state's website. It will list the specific situations that disqualify you.
If you cannot renew by mail, you will need to visit a DMV office in person. Some states allow you to schedule an appointment online, which can reduce wait times.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew by mail if my license is already expired?
Yes, in most states. However, if your license has been expired for longer than a certain period — typically one to five years depending on your state — you may be required to take a vision test or written test, which means you must renew in person. Check your state's website to see if there is an expiration limit for mail renewal.
What if I move to a different state before my renewal arrives?
Contact your original state's DMV and ask them to hold or redirect your renewal. You will then need to get a license from your new state. Do not assume your new license will forward automatically — many states do not have mail forwarding agreements.
Do I need to include a new photo with my mail renewal?
Most states do not require a photo for mail renewal, but some do. Your state's renewal form will tell you if a photo is required. If it is, you cannot renew by mail and must visit a DMV office instead.
How long is my new license valid after I receive it?
That depends on your state. Most states issue licenses valid for four to eight years. Your new license will show the expiration date on the front. Your state's DMV website lists the standard validity period.
What if my renewal gets lost in the mail?
If you used certified mail and your package shows as delivered but you never received your new license, contact your state's DMV with your tracking number. They can investigate and may reissue your license. If you used regular mail with no tracking, contact your DMV anyway — they may be able to look up whether your renewal was processed.