What to bring when you renew
To renew your driver's license, you need to bring your current license, proof of your legal name, proof of your date of birth, and proof of your address. The exact documents accepted vary by state, so check your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) website before you go. Most states let you renew online or by mail if your license is not expired or suspended, which means you may not need to visit an office at all.
If you are renewing in person, bring the documents listed above plus your Social Security number or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). You will also need to pass a vision test and pay the renewal fee, which ranges from about $20 to $100 depending on your state and how long the new license is valid for.
Key Takeaways
- Your current driver's license, proof of name, proof of birth date, and proof of address are the core documents every state requires.
- Many states allow you to renew by mail or online without visiting an office, which saves time and lets you skip the vision test requirement.
- If you renew in person, you will need your Social Security number or ITIN and must pass a vision screening.
- Renewal fees and how long your new license lasts depend on your state; check your DMV website for the exact cost and timeline.
Proof of legal name
Your legal name is the name on your birth certificate or the name you legally changed it to through a court order. To prove it, bring one of these documents: your birth certificate, a marriage certificate, a divorce decree, an adoption decree, or a court order of name change. The document must be an official copy — a photocopy or a picture of it usually will not work.
If your name on your current license matches your legal name, some states will let you skip this step during renewal. Call your state DMV before you go to confirm whether you need to bring proof of name.
Proof of date of birth
You can prove your date of birth with your birth certificate, passport, or a certified copy of your vital records from your state's vital statistics office. A hospital birth record or a baptism certificate may work in some states, but call ahead to check. Your current driver's license also counts as proof of birth date in most states during renewal.
If you are renewing by mail or online, you usually do not need to send proof of birth date because the DMV already has it on file from your current license. In-person renewals sometimes skip this requirement too, depending on your state.
Proof of address
Proof of address means a document showing your name and your current home address. Acceptable documents usually include a utility bill, a lease or mortgage statement, a bank statement, a government check, or a property tax bill. The document must be dated within the last 60 days in most states, though some allow documents up to 90 days old.
If you live with someone else and the bill is in their name, bring a signed letter from them saying you live there, plus the bill. Some states accept a notarized affidavit of residence if you cannot get a utility bill or lease — ask your DMV whether this works in your state.
When you renew by mail or online
Mail and online renewals require fewer documents because the DMV already has your information on file. You typically send only your current license and the renewal fee. Some states ask you to confirm your address or answer security questions online instead of mailing documents. Check your state DMV website to see whether mail or online renewal is open for your license type — some states only allow it if your license is not expired and you have no medical restrictions.
Mail renewals usually take two to four weeks. Online renewals are faster — often the same day — and your new license arrives by mail within one to two weeks after that. If you need your license sooner, you will have to renew in person.
Special cases: name changes, medical conditions, and address updates
If you changed your name since your last license, bring proof of the legal change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. If you have a medical condition that affects your driving, your doctor may need to fill out a form that you submit with your renewal. Some states require this; others do not. Check your state DMV website or call to find out.
If you moved and your address on your current license is wrong, you can update it during renewal. Bring proof of your new address. Some states let you update your address online before you renew your license, which speeds up the renewal process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if it is already expired?
Yes, but you may have to renew in person instead of by mail or online. Some states allow online renewal for licenses expired less than a year; others require in-person renewal for any expired license. Check your state DMV website or call to find out the rule where you live.
What if I do not have a birth certificate?
You can order a certified copy from your state's vital statistics office, usually for $10 to $30. You can also use a passport, a naturalization certificate, or a consular report of birth abroad. Call your DMV to ask which documents they accept if you cannot get a birth certificate.
Do I need to bring my Social Security card?
No, you do not need the card itself. You need your Social Security number, which you can write on the process form. If you do not have a Social Security number, bring your Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead.
What happens if I bring the wrong documents?
The DMV will tell you what is missing and ask you to come back with the correct documents. You will not lose your fee, but you will have to make another trip. Checking your state DMV website before you go saves time and frustration.
Can someone else pick up my renewed license for me?
Most states mail your new license to you automatically, so you do not have to pick it up. If your state requires you to pick it up in person, ask your DMV whether someone with a power of attorney can collect it on your behalf.