California driver's licenses renew by mail, online, or in person depending on your age and record
California offers three renewal paths: mail-in for most drivers, online for those under 70 with a clean record, and in-person at a DMV office for everyone else. Which route you take depends on your age, whether you have traffic violations or suspensions, and whether your address or name has changed. The state does not require you to renew in person unless you cannot meet the online or mail criteria.
Your renewal notice arrives about 60 days before your license expires. That notice tells you which method you can use. If you do not receive one, you can still renew using any available method — the notice is a convenience, not a requirement.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal through the DMV website works only if you are under 70, your license is not suspended or revoked, and you have no recent violations or address changes.
- Mail renewal requires returning your current license, a completed form, and payment to the DMV; processing takes two to three weeks.
- In-person renewal at a DMV office is necessary if you are 70 or older, have a suspended license, or do not meet online requirements.
- Your new license arrives by mail within two weeks of approval, whether you renew online or by mail; you can drive on your old license until the new one arrives.
- California licenses are valid for five years, and you can renew up to six months before expiration or up to one year after it expires.
Online renewal through the DMV website
Online renewal is the fastest option if you meet the requirements. You must be under 70 years old, have no suspended or revoked license, no recent traffic violations, and no address change since your last renewal. You also cannot have a commercial license or a license with a motorcycle endorsement.
Go to the California DMV website, select "Renew Your Driver License," and follow the prompts. You will need your driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a payment method. The fee is $64 for a five-year renewal. Once you submit, your new license is mailed to the address on file, usually within two weeks.
If the system tells you that you cannot renew online, it will explain why and direct you to mail or in-person options. Do not ignore that message — attempting to renew by mail or in person when you have a suspension or revocation can delay processing.
Mail renewal with a completed form and payment
Mail renewal works for most drivers, including those over 70. You will need Form DL 44 (process for California Driver License or Identification Card) or Form DL 43 (Driver License or Identification Card Renewal/Replacement process), depending on whether your information has changed. Both forms are available on the DMV website as PDFs you can print and fill by hand.
Include your current driver's license, a check or money order for $64, and the completed form in an envelope addressed to the DMV. Do not send cash. Mail it to the address listed on the form — there is no single statewide address; the correct one depends on your county. Processing takes two to three weeks from receipt. Your new license will be mailed to the address on your process.
If your address has changed, use the form to update it. If your name has changed due to marriage, divorce, or court order, you will need to renew in person with a certified copy of the legal document showing the change.
In-person renewal at a DMV office
In-person renewal is required if you are 70 or older, have a suspended or revoked license, need to update your name, or do not meet online requirements. You will also need to renew in person if you want to change your address and have not done so since your last renewal, or if you are renewing a commercial or motorcycle license.
Schedule an appointment through the DMV website before you go. Walk-ins are accepted but wait times are often longer. Bring your current driver's license, proof of residency (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement with your name and address), and payment. If your name has changed, bring a certified copy of the legal document. The fee is $64.
The DMV will take a new photo and may conduct a vision test. Processing is when ready, and you receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while your permanent license is mailed. Your new license arrives within two weeks.
What happens if your license is expired or will expire soon
You can renew your license up to six months before it expires. You can also renew up to one year after it expires, though driving on an expired license is illegal. If your license has been expired for more than one year, you cannot renew by mail or online — you must renew in person and may need to retake the written test and vision test.
If your license expires while you are waiting for your new one to arrive, you can still drive legally on your old license. The DMV considers you in the renewal process, and law enforcement recognizes this. Keep your renewal confirmation or temporary paper license with you as proof.
Fees, payment methods, and processing times
The renewal fee is $64 for a five-year license. You can pay by credit card or debit card online, or by check or money order by mail. The DMV does not accept cash by mail. If you renew in person, you can pay by cash, check, debit card, or credit card.
Processing times vary by method. Online renewal takes one to two weeks from submission. Mail renewal takes two to three weeks from receipt at the DMV office. In-person renewal is when ready — you receive a temporary paper license on the spot and your permanent license by mail within two weeks.
If you are renewing a commercial license or a license with a motorcycle endorsement, the fee may be higher. Check the DMV website for current rates specific to your license type.
What to do if you lose your renewal notice or cannot find your license number
The renewal notice is helpful but not required. If you lose it, you can still renew online or by mail using your driver's license number. If you do not have your license (lost, stolen, or damaged), you can still renew by mail if you know your license number. If you do not know your number, you will need to renew in person.
To find your license number without your license, call the DMV at 1-800-777-0133. Have your name, date of birth, and Social Security number ready. The DMV can provide your number over the phone, and you can then proceed with online or mail renewal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if I have a traffic ticket or violation?
Minor traffic violations do not prevent renewal. However, if you have a suspended or revoked license due to unpaid fines, too many points, or a DUI, you cannot renew online or by mail — you must renew in person and resolve the suspension first. Contact the DMV to find out the status of your license before attempting to renew.
What if my address changed since my last renewal?
If you are renewing online, the system will not allow you to proceed if your address has changed. You must renew by mail or in person and update your address on the process. Bring proof of your new address, such as a utility bill or lease, if you renew in person.
How long does it take to get my new license after I renew?
Your new license is mailed to you within two weeks of approval, regardless of whether you renew online, by mail, or in person. You can drive legally on your old license until the new one arrives. If you renew in person, you receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days.
Can I renew my license if it has been expired for more than a year?
No, you cannot renew by mail or online if your license has been expired for more than one year. You must renew in person at a DMV office. You may be required to retake the written test and vision test, depending on how long it has been expired.
What if I want to change my name on my license during renewal?
You cannot change your name by mail or online. You must renew in person and bring a certified copy of the legal document showing the name change, such as a marriage certificate or court order. The DMV will update your name and issue a new license with the correct information.