What you need to do when your driver's license expires
You can renew your expired driver's license by visiting your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office in person, by mail, or online — whichever method your state offers. Most states let you renew online or by mail if your license has been expired for less than a certain period, often five years or less, though this varies. If your license expired more than five years ago, you will likely need to visit a DMV office and may need to retake the written test and vision test.
The process is faster if you renew before your license expires, but you can renew after expiration. An expired license is not valid for driving, so you should not operate a vehicle with one. However, you can still use an expired license as identification for other purposes in most situations.
Key Takeaways
- Check your state's DMV website to see whether you can renew online, by mail, or must visit in person, since each state has different rules.
- Gather your current expired license, proof of residency (like a utility bill or lease), and proof of Social Security number before you start the renewal process.
- If your license expired more than five years ago, you will likely need to visit a DMV office, pass a vision test, and retake the written exam.
- Renewal fees vary by state, typically ranging from $20 to $100, and you should check your state's website for the exact cost and accepted payment methods.
Renewing online or by mail
Many states allow you to renew your driver's license online through their DMV website if your license expired recently — usually within the last five years. To renew online, you will log into your state's DMV portal, enter your license number and personal information, pay the renewal fee with a credit or debit card, and receive a temporary digital license or confirmation number. Your new physical license will arrive by mail within one to three weeks, depending on your state.
If your state does not offer online renewal, you can often renew by mail. You will fill out a renewal form (usually available on your state's DMV website), include your expired license, a check or money order for the fee, and mail everything to the address listed on the form. Mail renewal takes longer — typically three to four weeks — so plan ahead if you need your license quickly.
Online and mail renewal are only available if your license expired recently and you have not had any violations or address changes that require verification. If you have moved, changed your name, or your license was suspended, you will need to visit a DMV office in person.
Renewing in person at the DMV
If you must renew in person, visit your local DMV office during business hours. Bring your expired license, proof of residency (such as a utility bill, lease agreement, or bank statement), and proof of your Social Security number (your Social Security card, W-2 form, or tax return). Some states also require a birth certificate or passport.
At the DMV, you will fill out a renewal process form, have your photo taken, and pay the renewal fee. If your license expired more than five years ago, you will take a vision test and retake the written knowledge test. The vision test checks whether you can see well enough to drive safely. The written test covers road signs, traffic laws, and safe driving practices — the same test new drivers take.
After you pass the tests and pay the fee, you will receive a temporary license or receipt that you can use while your new license is being printed. Your permanent license will arrive by mail within one to three weeks. Some DMV offices can print your license on the spot, but this varies by state.
Documents and fees you will need
Before you go to the DMV or start an online renewal, gather these documents:
- Your expired driver's license
- Proof of residency: a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your current address (usually dated within the last 60 days)
- Proof of Social Security number: your Social Security card, W-2 form, 1099 form, or tax return
- A birth certificate or passport if your state requires it
Renewal fees vary by state. Most states charge between $20 and $100 for a standard renewal, and the fee depends on how long your new license will be valid — typically four to eight years. Check your state's DMV website for the exact fee and whether they accept credit cards, debit cards, checks, or cash. Some states charge extra if you want a REAL ID-compliant license, which is required for domestic air travel and federal building access.
What happens if your license has been expired for many years
If your license expired more than five years ago — the exact threshold varies by state — you cannot renew by mail or online. You must visit a DMV office, and the process is more involved. You will need to retake the written test and vision test, just as if you were getting your first license. You may also need to provide additional documents, such as a birth certificate or passport, to prove your identity.
Some states treat a very old expired license as a lapsed license and require you to complete the full licensing process again, including a behind-the-wheel driving test. Check your state's DMV website or call your local office to find out what is required in your situation. The process takes longer and costs more than a standard renewal, so plan for multiple visits to the DMV.
Using your expired license while you renew
An expired driver's license is not valid for driving. If you are pulled over while driving with an expired license, you can be ticketed, even if you have submitted a renewal process. However, if you renewed online or by mail and have a confirmation number or temporary license, show that to a police officer — it proves you have started the renewal process.
You can still use an expired driver's license as identification for non-driving purposes, such as boarding a domestic flight (if you have a REAL ID-compliant passport or other document as backup), entering a bar, or cashing a check. However, some businesses may refuse an expired license, so it is best to renew as soon as possible.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive with an expired license while I wait for my renewal?
No. An expired license is not valid for driving. If you renewed online or by mail, keep your confirmation number or temporary license with you in case you are stopped. If you need to drive before your new license arrives, some states issue a temporary paper license at the DMV office that is valid for 30 to 60 days.
How long does it take to get a renewed license?
If you renew online, your new license arrives by mail in one to three weeks. Mail renewal takes three to four weeks. In-person renewal at the DMV can result in a temporary license on the spot, with your permanent license arriving in one to three weeks. Some DMV offices print licenses when ready, but this varies by state.
Do I need to retake the written test if my license just expired?
No, not if your license expired recently and you renew online or by mail. You only retake the written test if your license expired more than five years ago (the exact threshold varies by state) and you must renew in person. Check your state's DMV website for the specific rule.
What if I have moved since my license was issued?
You will need to visit a DMV office in person to update your address. Bring proof of your new residency, such as a utility bill or lease agreement. You cannot update your address online or by mail in most states. The DMV will issue you a new license with your updated address.
Is there a grace period after my license expires?
Most states do not have a grace period — your license is invalid the day it expires. However, some states allow a short window (usually 30 to 60 days) during which you can renew without penalty. Check your state's DMV website to see if a grace period applies where you live.