How to renew your California driver's license online, by mail, or in person
You can renew your California driver's license without visiting a DMV office if you meet certain conditions — the state lets most people renew online or by mail. If you cannot renew remotely, you will need to go to a DMV field office and bring specific documents. The process takes different amounts of time depending on which method you choose, and your new license arrives by mail in all cases except in-person renewal, where you receive it when ready.
Your license can be renewed up to 60 days before it expires and up to 6 months after it expires. If your license has been expired for more than 6 months, you cannot renew it — you must reapply as a new driver, which requires a written test and a driving test.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal through the DMV website takes about 10 minutes and costs $41 for a four-year license or $64 for an eight-year license, but you must have a REAL ID-compliant license or passport to verify your identity.
- Mail renewal takes 2 to 3 weeks and costs the same as online, but requires you to mail in your current license and a completed process form.
- In-person renewal at a DMV office takes about an hour and requires a government-issued ID, proof of residency, and your current license, but you receive your new license the same day.
- You cannot renew online or by mail if your license has been suspended, revoked, or if you have certain medical conditions or violations on your record.
- Your new license will have the same number as your current one, and you can continue driving with your old license until the new one arrives.
When you can renew online
Online renewal is the fastest option if you are may be able to access. You renew through the official California DMV website at dmv.ca.gov. The process takes about 10 minutes, and you receive your new license by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
To renew online, you must meet all of these conditions: your license is not suspended or revoked, you have no medical conditions or restrictions that need to be reviewed, you have not had any violations or collisions in the past three years, you are a California resident, and you have either a REAL ID-compliant California driver's license or a valid U.S. passport to verify your identity. If your address has changed, you can update it during the online renewal process.
The cost is $41 for a four-year license or $64 for an eight-year license. You pay by debit card or credit card during the online transaction. Once you complete the renewal, you will receive a confirmation number by email.
How to renew by mail
Mail renewal takes longer than online renewal but does not require you to visit a DMV office or have a REAL ID-compliant license. You will need to complete form DL 44 (process for California Driver License) or form DL 43 (Renewal process for California Driver License). You can read these forms from dmv.ca.gov or request them by phone at 1-800-777-0133.
Mail your completed process, your current driver's license, and a check or money order for $41 (four-year) or $64 (eight-year) to the address shown on the form. Do not send cash. Include a copy of proof of residency if your address has changed — acceptable documents include a recent utility bill, lease agreement, or mortgage statement with your name and current address.
Processing takes 2 to 3 weeks from the date the DMV receives your process. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file. If you do not receive it within 4 weeks, contact the DMV at 1-800-777-0133.
When you must renew in person at a DMV office
In-person renewal is required if your license is suspended or revoked, if you have medical conditions or restrictions that need to be reviewed, if you have had violations or collisions in the past three years, if you cannot verify your identity online, or if you need to change your name or address and do not have proof of residency. You also must renew in person if you are renewing a commercial driver's license (CDL).
Bring your current driver's license, a government-issued ID (such as a passport or military ID), and proof of residency if your address has changed. Proof of residency can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or other official document showing your name and current address dated within the past 60 days.
Visit dmv.ca.gov, click "Find a Field Office," and select the office nearest you. You can schedule an appointment online, which is faster than walk-in service. The appointment system shows available times and lets you choose a date and time that works for you. In-person renewal takes about an hour, and you receive your new license the same day. The cost is the same as online or mail renewal: $41 for four years or $64 for eight years.
What happens after you renew
Your new license will have the same driver's license number as your current one. You can continue driving with your old license until your new one arrives by mail (or when ready if you renewed in person). Once your new license arrives, destroy your old one or return it to the DMV.
If you renewed online or by mail, your new license will arrive within 7 to 10 business days for online renewal or 2 to 3 weeks for mail renewal. If you do not receive it within the expected timeframe, contact the DMV at 1-800-777-0133 or through the website at dmv.ca.gov.
Your new license will be valid for either four or eight years from the date of renewal, depending on which term you chose. The expiration date will be printed on the front of your license.
What to do if you cannot renew online or by mail
If you are not may be able to access for online or mail renewal, you must visit a DMV field office in person. The most common reasons you cannot renew remotely are a suspended or revoked license, violations or collisions on your record, medical conditions that need review, or an inability to verify your identity online.
Schedule an appointment at dmv.ca.gov to avoid waiting in line. Bring your current license, a government-issued ID, and proof of residency if your address has changed. If your license has been suspended or revoked, bring documentation showing the reason and any steps you have taken to resolve it (such as proof of payment for unpaid fines or completion of a required course).
The DMV staff member will review your record, collect your documents, take a new photo, and process your renewal on the spot. You will receive your new license the same day.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if it has been expired for more than 6 months?
No. If your license has been expired for more than 6 months, you cannot renew it. You must reapply as a new driver, which requires a written knowledge test, a driving test, and an in-person visit to a DMV field office. You will receive a new driver's license number.
Do I need to take a new photo when I renew?
If you renew online or by mail, the DMV uses your existing photo from your current license. If you renew in person, the DMV will take a new photo. You cannot request a new photo during online or mail renewal.
What if my address has changed since my last renewal?
You can update your address during online renewal or include it on your mail renewal process. If you renew in person, bring proof of residency (a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the past 60 days) and the DMV will update your address. Your new license will show your new address.
How much does it cost to renew my California driver's license?
The cost is $41 for a four-year license or $64 for an eight-year license. This fee is the same whether you renew online, by mail, or in person. You pay by credit card or debit card for online renewal, by check or money order for mail renewal, and by cash, check, debit card, or credit card for in-person renewal.
Can I drive with my old license while I wait for my new one to arrive?
Yes. You can continue driving with your old license until your new one arrives by mail. Once your new license arrives, you should destroy your old one or return it to the DMV. If you renewed in person, you receive your new license when ready and should not drive with your old license after that.