The documents you need depend on whether you renew in person or by mail

California lets you renew your driver's license by mail, online, or in person at a DMV office. Each route requires different documents. If you renew by mail or online, you need fewer documents than an in-person renewal. The state also distinguishes between a standard renewal (same address, no changes) and a renewal with changes to your information — address, name, or medical conditions — which requires more proof.

Start by checking your renewal notice. The DMV mails this to your address on file about 60 days before your license expires. The notice tells you which renewal method you can use and what documents to send or bring. If you have lost the notice, you can still renew, but you will need to know which documents explore to your situation.

Key Takeaways

  • Mail and online renewals require only your renewal notice and payment; in-person renewals require your current license, proof of residency, and your renewal notice.
  • If your address has changed, you must renew in person and bring a document that shows your new address, such as a utility bill or lease.
  • If your name has changed since your last license, bring a certified copy of the document that changed it — marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.
  • Medical conditions or vision changes that affect your driving require an in-person visit and may require a doctor's report.
  • Your renewal notice tells you which method you can use; not all licenses are may be able to access for mail or online renewal.

Mail renewal: what to send

If your renewal notice says you can renew by mail, you need only two things: the renewal notice itself and payment. The notice is the document the DMV mailed to you. Do not send your current license — the DMV will keep it and mail you the new one. Write a check or money order for the renewal fee, which varies by license type and is printed on the notice.

Mail everything to the address shown on the back of your renewal notice. The DMV processes mail renewals in the order they arrive, usually within two to three weeks. Keep a copy of the notice for your records in case the DMV loses the mail.

Online renewal: what you need

Online renewal is available only if your renewal notice says so. You will need your renewal notice, your current license number, and a payment method — debit card or credit card. You do not upload documents; the DMV verifies your identity using information already in its system. The process takes about 10 minutes, and you receive your new license by mail within two weeks.

Online renewal is not available if you have changed your address, name, or medical information, or if your current license was suspended or revoked. If your notice does not mention online renewal as an option, you cannot use this method.

In-person renewal: documents to bring

In-person renewal at a DMV office requires more documents than mail or online. Bring your current driver's license, your renewal notice, and proof of your current address. Proof of address can be a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, property tax bill, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. The document must show your name and current address.

You will also need to pay the renewal fee in person. The DMV accepts cash, check, debit card, and credit card. Bring your payment method of choice.

If your address has changed

A change of address requires an in-person visit. Bring your current license, renewal notice, and a document showing your new address dated within the last 60 days. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, property tax bill, insurance policy, or bank statement. The document must show both your name and your new address.

If you have just moved and do not yet have a document in your name at the new address, bring a lease or rental agreement signed by you and your landlord, or a notarized letter from someone who lives at the address confirming you live there. The DMV will update your address in its system and print it on your new license.

If your name has changed

A name change requires an in-person visit and proof of the change. Bring your current license, renewal notice, and a certified copy of the document that changed your name. This is usually a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The document must be certified — a photocopy is not enough. You can request a certified copy from the county clerk's office where the document was issued.

If you changed your name through marriage, bring the certified marriage certificate. If through divorce, bring the certified divorce decree or judgment. If through a legal name change petition, bring the certified court order. The DMV will not accept a notarized copy; it must be certified by the issuing agency.

Medical conditions and vision changes

If you have a medical condition that affects your driving — such as a seizure disorder, heart condition, or severe vision loss — you must renew in person. The DMV may require a report from your doctor. Bring your current license, renewal notice, and proof of address. The DMV will tell you at the counter whether you need a medical report.

If you wear corrective lenses and your prescription has changed significantly, the DMV may require a vision test at the office. This is free. If you fail the vision test, you may be required to wear glasses or contacts while driving, or your license may be restricted to daytime driving only.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if it has been expired for more than a year?

No. If your license has been expired for more than one year, you cannot renew by mail or online. You must explore for a new license in person, which requires a written test, a driving test, and a vision test. Bring your Social Security card, proof of residency, and proof of legal presence in the United States.

What if I lost my renewal notice?

You can still renew without it. Call the DMV at 1-800-777-0133 or visit the DMV website to check whether you are may be able to access for mail, online, or in-person renewal. If you are may be able to access for mail or online renewal, you can proceed without the notice, but you will need your license number and payment information.

Do I need to bring my Social Security card to renew?

No. For a standard renewal, you do not need your Social Security card. You need only your current license, renewal notice, and proof of address if renewing in person. Social Security card is required only if you are explore for a new license, not renewing an existing one.

How long does it take to get my new license after I renew?

Mail and online renewals take two to three weeks. In-person renewals are faster — you receive a temporary license at the office and your permanent license by mail within two weeks. If you need to drive when ready after an in-person renewal, ask for the temporary license before you leave.

What if the DMV says I need a medical report but my doctor is out of state?

The DMV accepts medical reports from doctors licensed in any state. The report must be on the doctor's letterhead, signed, and dated within the last 60 days. Ask your doctor to use the DMV's medical evaluation form, which you can read from the DMV website or request at the DMV office.