Online renewal is available in most states, but the rules about who can use it vary widely
You can renew your driver's license online in 43 states and the District of Columbia. However, not every driver in those states can use the online option. Most states restrict online renewal to people whose licenses are not expiring for fraud or medical reasons, who have not had a name change since their last license, and whose current address matches their registration. Some states also limit how many times you can renew online before you must appear in person.
The fastest way to find out whether you personally can renew online is to visit your state's Department of Motor Vehicles website and enter your license number. The system will tell you when ready whether online renewal is open to you. If it is not, the website will explain why and what you need to do instead.
Key Takeaways
- Forty-three states offer online renewal, but each state sets its own rules about who qualifies and what documents you need to upload.
- Most states require your current address to match your vehicle registration, and many will not let you renew online if your license was suspended or revoked.
- The online process usually takes 10 to 15 minutes, but delivery of your new license can take two to four weeks depending on the state.
- Seven states do not offer online renewal at all: Alabama, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, Missouri, New Jersey, and South Carolina.
- Some states charge a small fee for online renewal, while others charge the same amount as in-person renewal.
Which states do not offer online renewal
Alabama, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, Missouri, New Jersey, and South Carolina do not currently offer online driver's license renewal. In these states, you must renew in person at a DMV office or, in some cases, through the mail.
If you live in one of these states and your license is expiring soon, check your state's DMV website for mail-in renewal options. Some states in this group allow mail renewal for people over a certain age or those with medical conditions that make travel difficult. Others require an in-person visit regardless of your situation.
What you need to renew online
The documents and information you need depend on your state, but most require the same basic items. You will need your current driver's license number, your Social Security number, and your date of birth. You will also need to confirm that your current address matches what is on file with your state's vehicle registration.
Some states ask you to upload a photo of yourself during the online process. Others use the photo from your current license. A few states require you to verify your identity through a third-party service that checks your credit history or other records — this step usually takes a few minutes and does not affect your credit score.
If you have changed your name since your last license was issued, you cannot renew online in most states. You will need to visit a DMV office in person and bring a certified copy of your marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the name change.
How the online renewal process works
The process is similar across most states. You go to your state's DMV website, find the renewal section, and enter your license number. The system pulls up your current information and asks you to confirm or update your address, phone number, and emergency contact. You then review the information, pay the renewal fee using a credit or debit card, and submit your process.
Some states ask you to choose whether you want your new license mailed to you or whether you want to pick it up at a DMV office. If you choose mail delivery, your new license typically arrives in two to four weeks. If you choose to pick it up, you may be able to get it within a few days, though some states require you to wait for it to be printed and shipped to the office first.
After you submit your process, you will receive a confirmation number. Save this number — you may need it if you have questions about your renewal or if you want to check the status of your new license.
Limits on how many times you can renew online
Many states allow you to renew online only once or twice before you must appear in person. This rule exists partly for security reasons — the DMV wants to verify your identity in person periodically — and partly to catch changes in your situation that the online system might miss.
For example, California allows you to renew online up to four times before you must visit a DMV office. Texas allows unlimited online renewals as long as you meet the other requirements. New York allows two consecutive online renewals, then requires an in-person visit on the third renewal.
When you reach your state's limit, you will not be able to complete an online renewal. The DMV website will tell you that you must renew in person and will direct you to schedule an appointment or walk in to a local office.
Fees for online renewal
Most states charge the same fee for online renewal as they do for in-person renewal. This fee varies by state and usually ranges from $20 to $80 for a standard four- or five-year license. Some states charge slightly more for online renewal to cover the cost of mailing your new license to you.
A few states offer a small discount for online renewal — typically $2 to $5 less than the in-person fee. Check your state's DMV website for the exact fee before you start your renewal, since fees change periodically and may vary depending on the type of license you hold.
All states that offer online renewal accept credit cards and debit cards for payment. Some also accept electronic checks or bank transfers. You will not be able to pay with cash or by check when you renew online.
What to do if you cannot renew online
If your state does not offer online renewal, or if you do not meet the requirements for online renewal in your state, you have other options. Most states allow you to renew by mail if your license is not expiring for suspension or revocation reasons and if you have not had a name change. Mail renewal usually takes three to six weeks from the time the DMV receives your process.
You can also renew in person at any DMV office in your state. In-person renewal is faster — you usually walk out with a temporary license the same day and receive your permanent license in the mail within two weeks. Many states now require you to schedule an appointment before you visit a DMV office, which you can do on the state's website.
If your license has been suspended or revoked, you cannot renew it. You must first resolve the reason for the suspension or revocation — usually by paying outstanding fines, completing a required course, or meeting other conditions set by the DMV. Once the suspension or revocation is lifted, you can then renew your license through whatever method your state offers.
How long it takes to get your renewed license
The online renewal process itself takes about 10 to 15 minutes from start to finish. However, the time it takes to receive your new license after you submit your process varies by state and by how you choose to receive it.
If you choose mail delivery, expect your new license to arrive in two to four weeks. If you choose to pick it up at a DMV office, it may be ready within a few days, though some states require you to wait longer. A few states offer expedited mail delivery for an additional fee — usually $10 to $25 — which can cut the delivery time to one to two weeks.
During the time you are waiting for your new license, your old license remains valid. You can continue to use it for driving and identification purposes until your new license arrives.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license online if I have a commercial driver's license?
Most states do not allow online renewal for commercial driver's licenses. You will need to renew in person at a DMV office. Some states may allow online renewal for the non-commercial portion of your license if you hold both types, but the commercial portion must be renewed in person.
What happens if I renew online but my address is wrong?
If you discover your address is incorrect after you submit your online renewal, contact your state's DMV when ready. You may be able to update your address before your new license is printed. If your new license is already printed with the wrong address, you can request a replacement with the correct address, though this may involve an additional fee or an in-person visit.
Can I renew online if my license is expiring while I am out of state?
Yes. Online renewal does not require you to be in your home state. As long as you have internet access and meet your state's other renewal requirements, you can renew online from anywhere. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file with your state's DMV.
Do I need to take a new photo for online renewal?
This depends on your state. Some states use the photo from your current license for your new license. Others ask you to upload a new photo during the online process. A few states require you to visit a DMV office or use a photo service to provide a new photo. Check your state's DMV website to find out what is required.
What if the online system says I cannot renew online but I think I should be able to?
Contact your state's DMV directly by phone or through their website's chat or email system. Explain your situation and ask why you are not may be able to access for online renewal. The DMV can sometimes override the system's decision or provide information about alternative renewal methods that may work for you.