California driver's licenses expire every five or ten years, depending on your age

A standard California driver's license is valid for five years if you are under 70, or ten years if you are 70 or older. The expiration date is printed on the front of your license in the bottom right corner. You can renew your license up to six months before it expires, which gives you time to complete the process without your license becoming invalid.

The state issues different expiration schedules based on when you were born. If you were born between January 1 and December 31 of an odd-numbered year, your license expires on your birthday in the fifth or tenth year after you received it. If you were born in an even-numbered year, your expiration date falls on a different cycle. The Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) mails renewal notices about 60 days before your license expires, so check your mailbox if you are within a few months of your expiration date.

Key Takeaways

  • Standard California licenses expire five years from issue for drivers under 70, and ten years for drivers 70 and older.
  • Your expiration date is printed on the front of your license and depends on your birth month and year.
  • You can renew your license up to six months before it expires without losing validity.
  • The DMV sends renewal notices by mail about 60 days before expiration, but you do not have to wait for the notice to renew.

What happens if your license expires

Driving with an expired California license is illegal. If you are stopped by law enforcement, you can be cited, and the officer may impound your vehicle depending on how long your license has been expired. An expired license also means your vehicle registration may be invalid, since the DMV ties registration status to a valid driver's license.

If your license has expired but you have already submitted a renewal request to the DMV, you are generally protected from citation during the processing period. Keep a copy of your renewal confirmation or receipt with you while you wait for your new license to arrive. Once your license expires and you have not renewed it, you should not drive until the new one arrives.

How to renew before expiration

You can renew your California license online through the DMV website if you meet certain conditions: your license must not be expired, you must have a valid Social Security number on file, and you must not have any medical or vision restrictions that require an in-person visit. Online renewal takes about 10 minutes and costs $39 for a five-year renewal or $64 for a ten-year renewal (prices as of 2024, subject to change).

If you cannot renew online, you must visit a DMV office in person. Bring your current license, proof of California residency (such as a utility bill or lease), and your Social Security card or a document showing your number. Processing at an office typically takes 30 minutes to an hour, though wait times vary by location. You will receive a temporary paper license valid for 60 days while the DMV produces your plastic card, which arrives by mail within two to three weeks.

Renewing after your license has expired

If your license has already expired, you cannot renew online. You must visit a DMV office and bring the same documents as a standard renewal: your expired license, proof of residency, and proof of your Social Security number. The DMV will process your renewal the same way, issuing a temporary paper license and mailing your plastic card within two to three weeks.

If your license has been expired for more than five years, the DMV may require you to pass a written test and vision test before issuing a new one. This is treated as a new license rather than a renewal. Check the DMV website or call your local office before visiting to confirm what documents and tests you will need.

Special situations: military service and medical conditions

If you are on active military duty outside California, you can request a one-year extension of your license without renewing. You must submit a written request to the DMV along with proof of active duty status. This extension does not change your original expiration date; it straightforward delays the renewal requirement by one year.

If you have a medical condition that prevents you from renewing in person, you may be able to renew by mail. Contact your local DMV office to request a mail renewal form and explain your situation. The DMV will determine whether your condition qualifies you for this option.

Real-ID compliant licenses and expiration

California issues both standard driver's licenses and Real ID-compliant licenses, which meet federal identification standards and are required for domestic air travel and entry to federal buildings. A Real ID license has a gold star in the top right corner and costs an additional $15 at renewal. The expiration date is the same as a standard license—five or ten years depending on your age—but you must renew in person at a DMV office to get a Real ID license.

If you currently have a standard license and want to switch to Real ID at renewal, bring your current license, proof of residency, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of citizenship or legal presence (such as a passport or birth certificate). The DMV will issue your Real ID license with the same expiration date as your standard license would have had.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive if my license expires while I am waiting for the renewal to arrive?

If you renewed before your license expired and have a temporary paper license from the DMV, you can drive legally during the processing period. If your license has already expired and you have not renewed it, you cannot drive. Keep your temporary paper license with you at all times while waiting for your plastic card.

What if I lost my license and need to renew it?

If your license is lost or stolen, you must visit a DMV office to report it and request a replacement. Bring your proof of identity, residency, and Social Security number. The DMV will issue a temporary paper license and mail your replacement card within two to three weeks. The expiration date remains the same as your original license.

Do I have to renew my license on my birthday?

No. Your license expires on your birthday in the fifth or tenth year after issue, but you can renew anytime within the six months before that date. Renewing early does not change your next expiration date; it resets the five or ten-year cycle from the date you renew.

How much does it cost to renew a California driver's license?

A five-year renewal costs $39 and a ten-year renewal costs $64 (as of 2024). If you are 70 or older, you pay the ten-year rate. A Real ID upgrade costs an additional $15. Prices are set by the state and may change; check the DMV website for current fees.