How to Renew Your California Driver's License

California driver's licenses renew every five or ten years depending on your age and license type

Your California driver's license expires on the date printed on the front. The Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) sends a renewal notice about 60 days before that date to the address on file. You can renew online, by mail, or in person at a DMV office — which method you use depends on how long your license has been valid and whether you need to update your photo.

If your license has been valid for at least five years without suspension or revocation, you may renew online or by mail without visiting an office. If you need a new photo, have a commercial driver's license (CDL), or have not held a valid California license for five years, you must renew in person.

Key Takeaways

The DMV mails a renewal notice 60 days before your license expires; check the address on file is current, or you may miss it.
Online and mail renewal are available only if your license has been continuously valid for at least five years and you do not need a new photo.
In-person renewal at a DMV office is required if you want a new photo, hold a CDL, or have not held a valid California license for five years.
Renewal fees vary by license type and age; a standard five-year renewal costs less than a ten-year renewal.
You can renew up to six months before your license expires, so you do not have to wait for the renewal notice to arrive.

Online renewal through the DMV website

The DMV's online renewal system is the fastest option if you meet the requirements. You visit the DMV website, enter your driver's license number and date of birth, and answer questions about any changes to your address, medical conditions, or organ donor status. You pay the renewal fee by credit or debit card. The DMV mails your renewed license to the address you provide within 7 to 10 business days.

Online renewal is available only if your license has been valid for at least five years, you are not renewing a CDL, and you do not want a new photo. If you are over 70, you cannot renew online; you must renew by mail or in person. You can renew online up to six months before your license expires.

Mail renewal by sending documents to the DMV

Mail renewal uses the renewal notice the DMV sends you. You sign the back of the notice, include payment by check or money order, and mail both to the address printed on the notice. The DMV processes mail renewals in about two to three weeks, though processing times vary by volume. Your renewed license arrives by mail after that.

Mail renewal has the same restrictions as online renewal: your license must have been valid for at least five years, you cannot hold a CDL, and you cannot request a new photo. If you are over 70, mail renewal is your option if you do not want to visit an office in person. Do not mail cash; use a check or money order only.

In-person renewal at a DMV office

In-person renewal is required if you want a new photo, hold a CDL, or have not held a valid California license for five years. You visit a DMV office with your current license, proof of residency (such as a utility bill or lease), and payment. The DMV takes a new photo, updates your record, and issues your renewed license on the spot or mails it within 7 to 10 business days depending on the office and whether you request a temporary license.

You can make an appointment online through the DMV website or call your local office. Walk-ins are accepted but wait times are often longer. Bring your Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) if you have one. If your name has changed since your last license, bring a court order, marriage certificate, or divorce decree showing the change.

Renewal fees and what they cover

California renewal fees depend on your age and how long the license is valid. A standard five-year renewal for someone under 70 costs one amount; a ten-year renewal costs more. Drivers over 70 renew for five years only. The DMV website shows the exact fee when you start an online renewal, or you can call your local office to ask.

The renewal fee covers the license itself and processing. It does not cover additional services such as a duplicate license, a name change, or a corrected address if you need it done the same day. If you are renewing and also need to correct information on your record, ask the DMV office what documents you need to bring and whether you can do both at once.

What to do if your license has already expired

If your license expired more than five years ago, you cannot renew by mail or online. You must renew in person at a DMV office and may need to retake the written test and driving test depending on how long it has been expired. If it expired fewer than five years ago, you can still renew by mail or online if you meet the other requirements.

Driving with an expired license is illegal in California, even if you have submitted a renewal. Do not drive until your renewed license arrives or you receive a temporary license from the DMV office. If you are stopped by law enforcement, an expired license can result in a citation.

Updating your address or other information during renewal

You can update your address, phone number, or emergency contact information during renewal through any method — online, mail, or in person. If you are renewing online or by mail, you enter the new information in the form. If you are renewing in person, you provide the updated information to the DMV staff member.

If you need to change your name, gender marker, or medical information, you may need to bring additional documents depending on what you are changing. The DMV website lists the required documents for each type of change. Some changes require an in-person visit even if you would otherwise renew by mail or online.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license before the renewal notice arrives?

Yes. You can renew up to six months before your license expires. If you are renewing online or by mail, you do not need the renewal notice — you can start the process on the DMV website using your license number and date of birth. If you are renewing in person, bring your current license and proof of residency.

What if I move out of California before my license expires?

You should renew your California license before you move if possible. Once you move to another state, you will need to get a license from that state. If your California license expires after you move, you can renew it by mail using the renewal notice, but you will need to provide your new out-of-state address.

How long does it take to get my renewed license after I renew online?

The DMV mails renewed licenses within 7 to 10 business days of processing your online renewal. Mail delivery adds another few days depending on your location. If you need to drive before your renewed license arrives, you can request a temporary license at a DMV office in person.

What if I lost my renewal notice?

You do not need the renewal notice to renew online or in person. For online renewal, go to the DMV website and enter your license number and date of birth. For in-person renewal, bring your current license and proof of residency. If you want to renew by mail, call the DMV to request a new notice or visit an office to pick one up.

Can I renew my license if I have unpaid traffic tickets or fines?

Unpaid traffic tickets or court fines can result in a hold on your license renewal. If you try to renew and the DMV tells you there is a hold, contact the court or the agency that issued the ticket to resolve the debt. Once resolved, you can complete your renewal.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.