What to check on your driver's license

Your driver's license contains personal information that affects whether you can legally drive, work, or travel. Before you need it, take a few minutes to verify that everything printed on it is correct and that it has not expired. Most errors are small — a misspelled name, a wrong address, an incorrect birth date — but they can cause real problems when you present the license to an employer, a police officer, or an airline.

Start by looking at the front of your license. Check your full legal name, date of birth, address, and eye color. Then flip it over and look at the expiration date, usually printed in the bottom right corner. On the back you will also see your signature and sometimes a photo. If anything looks wrong or the expiration date has passed, you will need to contact your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or equivalent agency to correct it.

Key Takeaways

  • Check your license for spelling errors in your name, correct birth date, current address, and accurate eye color before you need to use it.
  • The expiration date is usually on the front or back of your license and determines whether you can legally drive or use it as identification.
  • Contact your state's DMV if you find errors or if your license is expired — do not attempt to use an expired or incorrect license.
  • Renewal timelines vary by state; some send renewal notices by mail while others require you to visit in person.
  • Keep your license in a safe place and check it periodically, especially after moving or changing your legal name.

Where to find the expiration date

The expiration date on your driver's license is printed on the card itself, not in a separate document. On most licenses, it appears in the bottom right corner of the front side, though some states print it on the back. The date is usually labeled "Expires" or "Valid Until" followed by a month and year.

If you cannot find the expiration date on your physical license, you can also check it online through your state's DMV website. Most states allow you to log in with your license number and date of birth to view your license status. This is useful if your license is damaged or if you want to check before the card arrives in the mail after a renewal.

Common errors found on licenses

The most frequent mistakes are misspelled names, wrong middle initials, and incorrect addresses. These happen because the information was typed incorrectly when you first applied or because the DMV's records were not updated after you moved. A wrong birth date is less common but serious, because it can affect your age verification for employment or travel.

Eye color errors also occur, usually because the person processing your process made a note mistake. While this may seem minor, it can cause delays if you are stopped by police or if you need your license for identification purposes. If you spot any error, no matter how small, contact your DMV to request a correction. Most states do not charge a fee to fix errors that the DMV made.

How to report errors to your DMV

Contact your state's DMV directly — either online, by phone, or in person — and explain which information is wrong. You will need your license number and usually your date of birth. The DMV will ask you to provide proof of the correct information, such as a birth certificate for a birth date error or a utility bill for an address change.

Some states allow you to request a correction online through their website. Others require you to visit a DMV office or mail in a form with supporting documents. The time it takes to receive a corrected license varies by state, but most take two to four weeks. Ask the DMV whether you can continue using your current license while the correction is being processed.

What to do if your license is expired

An expired license cannot be used to drive legally. If you discover your license has expired, stop driving and contact your state's DMV to begin the renewal process. Do not wait until you are pulled over or need the license for something else.

Renewal procedures differ by state. Some states mail renewal notices to your address on file a few months before expiration, and you can renew by mail or online. Others require you to visit a DMV office in person. A few states allow you to renew online if you meet certain conditions, such as having no address changes or medical restrictions. Check your state's DMV website to find out which method applies to you and whether you need to schedule an appointment.

Keeping your license information current

Update your address with the DMV whenever you move, even if your license has not expired. An outdated address can cause mail from the DMV to go to the wrong place, which means you might miss renewal notices or important notices about your driving record. Most states allow you to update your address online, by mail, or at a DMV office.

If you change your legal name — through marriage, divorce, or court order — you will need to update your license as well. Bring a certified copy of the document that proves the name change, such as a marriage certificate or court order, to your DMV office. This usually requires a new photo and a new license card, though some states do not charge an additional fee for name changes.

Using your license as identification

Your driver's license is one of the most widely accepted forms of identification. Employers, banks, airlines, and government offices all use it to verify your identity. If your license has errors or is expired, these organizations may refuse to accept it, which can delay hiring, opening an account, or boarding a flight.

Before you use your license for any important purpose — a job interview, a bank appointment, travel — take a moment to confirm that the expiration date has not passed and that the information matches your current legal name and address. If you spot a problem, contact your DMV right away rather than waiting until the last minute.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive with an expired license if I have already sent in my renewal?

No. You cannot legally drive with an expired license, even if you have submitted a renewal process. Some states issue a temporary permit or extension while your renewal is being processed, but you must request this from the DMV. Contact your state's DMV to ask whether a temporary document is available and how to get one.

What if I find an error on my license after I have already renewed it?

Contact your DMV and report the error on your new license. You may be able to request a correction without paying another renewal fee, depending on your state's policy. Bring proof of the correct information, such as a birth certificate or passport, to speed up the process.

How often should I check my license?

Check your license at least once a year, or whenever you move or change your legal name. Many people check it when they receive a renewal notice or when they need to use it for identification. This habit helps you catch errors early and avoid problems when you need the license.

Is there a fee to correct errors on my license?

Most states do not charge a fee if the error was made by the DMV. However, if you are requesting a replacement card for damage or loss, your state may charge a small fee. Check your state's DMV website or call to confirm the cost before you submit a request.