What happens when your license expires and how to get it back
An expired driver's license is one you have not renewed by the date printed on it. You cannot legally drive with an expired license, even if you were driving the day before it expired. The good news: reinstating it is usually simpler than getting a license for the first time, because you have already passed the written test and vision screening once.
The exact steps depend on how long ago it expired. Most states let you renew by mail or online if it has been less than a few years. If it expired longer ago — the timeframe varies by state — you may need to visit a driver's license office in person and retake the written test. Some states also require a new vision test or medical form if you are over a certain age.
The fastest path is to check your state's Department of Motor Vehicles website right now, because the rules and fees are specific to where you live. You will need your Social Security number, current address, and often a recent utility bill or lease to prove where you live.
Key Takeaways
- An expired license cannot be used to drive legally, even if it expired yesterday.
- Most states let you renew by mail or online if your license expired within the last few years, without retaking the written test.
- If your license expired more than a few years ago, you will likely need to visit a driver's license office and retake the written test.
- You will need proof of your current address, such as a utility bill or lease, along with your Social Security number.
- Fees and timelines vary by state, so check your state's Department of Motor Vehicles website first.
Renewing by mail or online if your license expired recently
If your license expired within the last one to five years — the exact window depends on your state — you can usually renew without visiting an office. Your state's Department of Motor Vehicles website will have a form you can fill out online or print and mail. You will typically need to provide your driver's license number, date of birth, current address, and a recent photo.
Some states require you to mail in a new photo; others let you use the photo from your expired license. A few states now let you take a photo on your phone and upload it during the online renewal. Check what your state accepts before you start, because submitting the wrong photo format means your process gets delayed.
The fee for renewal is usually lower than the fee for a new license. Processing takes anywhere from one to four weeks by mail, or sometimes just a few days if you renew online. Your new license will arrive by mail at the address you provide.
Visiting a driver's license office if your license expired long ago
If your license expired more than five years ago — again, this varies — most states require you to come in person. You will need to bring your expired license, proof of your current address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement), and your Social Security number or a Social Security card. Some states also ask for a birth certificate or passport.
At the office, you will retake the written test, the same one you took when you first got your license. You will also have a new vision screening and a new photo taken. The whole visit usually takes 30 minutes to an hour, depending on how busy the office is.
Bring the documents the office asks for before you go. Showing up without them means you will have to leave and come back. Many offices let you check their website or call ahead to confirm what you need.
What to bring to the driver's license office
| Document | Why you need it | What counts |
|---|---|---|
| Proof of current address | To confirm where you live now | Utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days |
| Social Security number or card | To verify your identity | Your actual Social Security card, or you can provide the number if the office accepts it |
| Expired driver's license | To show your license history | Your actual expired license card |
| Birth certificate or passport (some states) | To prove citizenship or legal residency | Original or certified copy; check your state's requirements first |
Fees and how long reinstatement takes
Renewal fees range widely by state — from around $20 to $100 or more, depending on how long your license is valid for (usually four to eight years). Some states charge extra if you renew online versus by mail. A few states charge a small fee to retake the written test if your license expired a long time ago.
If you renew by mail or online, expect your new license to arrive in one to four weeks. If you visit an office in person, you may get a temporary paper license the same day and your plastic card in the mail within two weeks. Some states now issue a digital license you can use on your phone while you wait for the physical card.
Check your state's Department of Motor Vehicles website for the exact fee and timeline, because both change. Some states also offer expedited processing for a higher fee if you need your license faster.
If you moved to a different state
If you moved and your expired license is from a different state, you have two options. You can renew your old license by mail if that state allows it, or you can get a new license from your current state. Most people choose to get a new license from their current state because it is simpler — you do not have to coordinate with an office in another state.
To get a license in your new state, you will need to visit a driver's license office there and bring proof that you live in that state. You will take the written test and vision screening again. The rules about what documents you need vary by state, so check your new state's Department of Motor Vehicles website first.
What to do if you cannot find your expired license
If you have lost your expired license, you can still renew. When you explore, tell the office that your license is lost. You will need to bring extra proof of identity instead — usually a birth certificate, passport, or state ID card. The office may also ask you to sign a statement saying your license is lost.
The process takes a little longer because the office has to verify your identity without the license in front of them. Bring whatever identity documents you have. If you are unsure what counts, call your state's Department of Motor Vehicles before you visit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive with an expired license while I wait for my new one?
No. An expired license is not valid for driving, even if you have sent in your renewal process. If you are stopped by police, you can show them proof that you applied for renewal, but that does not give you permission to drive. If you need to drive before your new license arrives, some states issue a temporary paper license you can use.
Do I have to retake the written test if my license expired five years ago?
It depends on your state. Most states do not require a retest if your license expired within the last five to ten years, but some do. Check your state's Department of Motor Vehicles website or call them to find out the exact cutoff for your situation.
What if I failed the written test when I went to renew in person?
You can retake the test, usually the same day or within a few days. Most states let you take the test multiple times. You may have to pay a small fee each time you retake it. Ask the office how many attempts you get and whether there is a waiting period between attempts.
Can I renew my license if I owe traffic fines or child support?
Some states will not renew your license if you owe certain debts, like unpaid traffic fines or child support. Check your state's Department of Motor Vehicles website or call them to find out whether you have any holds on your record. If you do, you may need to pay or set up a payment plan before you can renew.
How much does it cost to reinstate an expired license?
Fees vary by state, typically ranging from $20 to $100 or more. Some states charge extra for online renewal or expedited processing. Check your state's Department of Motor Vehicles website for the exact fee, because it may depend on how long your new license will be valid.