What you need to bring to the DMV office
When you renew your California driver license in person, you will fill out Form DL 44 at the DMV office itself — you do not need to complete it beforehand. However, you must bring specific documents to prove your identity and California residency. The DMV will not accept photocopies of most documents, and they must be originals or certified copies.
Bring one document that proves who you are. This can be a valid U.S. passport, a certified birth certificate, a valid foreign passport, a military ID, or a Consular Report of Birth Abroad. If you do not have any of these, you can bring two documents from a secondary list, such as a Social Security card, a school transcript, or a marriage certificate.
You also need one document proving you live in California. Acceptable documents include a recent utility bill, a lease or mortgage statement, a property tax bill, or a bank or credit card statement. The document must show your name and current California address, and it cannot be more than two months old. If you have recently moved, bring a document showing your new address.
Key Takeaways
- You fill out Form DL 44 at the DMV office during your in-person visit, not before you arrive.
- Bring one primary identity document (passport, birth certificate, military ID) or two secondary documents (Social Security card, school records).
- Bring one proof of California residency dated within the last two months, such as a utility bill or bank statement.
- Bring your current driver license and be prepared to pay the renewal fee, which varies depending on your license type and how many years you are renewing.
- The DMV will take a new photo and may ask you to retake the written test if your license has been expired for more than five years.
Completing Form DL 44 at the DMV
A DMV staff member will hand you Form DL 44 when you check in. This form asks for your name, date of birth, current address, Social Security number, and information about your driving history. You will also declare whether you want to be an organ donor and whether you consent to sharing your information with law enforcement.
The form includes a section where you confirm that the information on your current license is still correct, or you mark what has changed. If you have moved, changed your name, or need to update your height or eye color, note those changes on the form. The DMV staff will review your answers before you take your photo.
You do not need to bring a completed form from home. The DMV provides blank copies, and staff can help you fill it out if you have questions. However, if you want to see what the form looks like before your appointment, you can read it from the California DMV website.
What happens after you submit your process
Once you hand in your completed Form DL 44 and your documents, a DMV staff member will verify that everything is in order. They will check that your identity document is valid, that your residency proof shows a current California address, and that you have brought your current license. If anything is missing or unclear, they will tell you what you need to fix before they can process your renewal.
If your documents are complete, you will move to the photo station. The DMV will take a new photo for your renewed license. You can request a new photo if you are not satisfied with the first one, though you may be charged a small fee for additional retakes. The photo must meet specific requirements: you cannot wear sunglasses or a hat, your face must be clearly visible, and you must look directly at the camera.
After your photo is taken, you will pay the renewal fee at the cashier window. The fee depends on whether you are renewing for four years or eight years, and whether your license is a standard license or a commercial license. Ask the cashier what the current fee is, as it changes periodically.
When you will receive your new license
The DMV will mail your renewed license to the address you provided on Form DL 44. Standard mail delivery typically takes 10 to 14 business days from the date you completed your renewal at the office. During this time, you can still drive using your old license.
If you need to drive before your new license arrives and your old license has expired, you can request a temporary license at the DMV office. This temporary license is valid for a limited time and allows you to drive while you wait for your permanent license to arrive in the mail.
If your new license does not arrive within three weeks, contact the DMV to report it. You can call the DMV customer service line or visit a local office to request a replacement. The DMV can reissue your license, though you may be charged a fee for a duplicate.
If your license has been expired for more than five years
If your California driver license expired more than five years ago, the DMV treats your renewal differently. You will be required to take the written test again, even though you are renewing rather than obtaining a new license. This test covers California traffic laws and safe driving practices.
You can study for the test using the California Driver Handbook, which is available free on the DMV website. The handbook covers all the topics on the written test. You should review it before your appointment so you are prepared when you arrive at the DMV office.
The written test is administered on a computer at the DMV office. You will have a set amount of time to answer the questions, and you must pass with a score of at least 83 percent. If you do not pass on your first attempt, you can retake the test the same day or schedule another appointment to try again.
Special situations and documents you might need
If you have changed your name since your last license was issued, bring a document that proves the name change. This can be a marriage certificate, a divorce decree, or a court order. The DMV will update your name on your new license.
If you are renewing a license you obtained outside the United States, you may need to provide additional documents to prove your legal presence in California. Bring your passport and any visa or immigration documents you have. The DMV staff can tell you what else you need when you arrive.
If you have a medical condition that affects your ability to drive, or if you have been ordered by a court to install an ignition interlock device, tell the DMV staff when you arrive. They will note this on your license or provide you with the information you need to comply with the court order.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if my current license is suspended or revoked?
No. You must resolve any suspension or revocation before you can renew. Contact the DMV to find out why your license is suspended and what steps you need to take to clear it. Once it is cleared, you can proceed with your renewal.
Do I need to take the vision test when I renew in person?
Yes. The DMV will test your vision as part of the renewal process. If you wear glasses or contacts to drive, wear them during the test. If you fail the vision test, the DMV may restrict your license or require you to see an eye doctor and provide a report before they issue your new license.
What if I do not have a Social Security number?
You can still renew your license. Tell the DMV staff that you do not have a Social Security number, and they will provide an alternative process. You may need to bring additional documents to verify your identity and residency.
Can someone else pick up my renewed license from the DMV office?
No. Your renewed license will be mailed to you automatically. You cannot pick it up at the office. If you need it urgently, contact the DMV to see if they can expedite the mailing or issue a temporary license.
What if the address on my new license is wrong?
Contact the DMV as soon as you receive your license. You can request a correction by mail, phone, or in person at a DMV office. Corrections are usually free if the error was made by the DMV. If you provided incorrect information on the form, you may be charged a fee to correct it.