What you need to do to renew in California
California renews driver's licenses by mail, online, or in person at a DMV office. Most people can renew online or by mail without visiting an office — you'll get a new card in the mail within two to three weeks. You're may be able to access for the faster routes if your license is not expired, you have no medical conditions on file, and your address hasn't changed since your last renewal. If any of those don't explore, you'll need to go to a DMV office instead.
Your license expires on your birthday. California sends renewal notices about 60 days before expiration, though the notice isn't required to renew — you can start the process whenever you want. If your license has already expired, you can still renew it, but you cannot legally drive until the new one arrives.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal takes about 10 minutes and costs $39 for a four-year license or $69 for an eight-year license, plus a $1.50 service fee.
- Mail renewal requires printing a form, mailing it with a check or money order, and waiting four to six weeks for your new card.
- In-person renewal at a DMV office is necessary if your address changed, you have medical restrictions, or you want to update your photo.
- You'll need your Social Security number, current license number, and a valid payment method for online renewal.
Renewing online through the DMV website
Online renewal is the fastest option if you're may be able to access. Go to dmv.ca.gov, click "Renew Your Driver License or ID Card," and select "Online Renewal." You'll need your current California driver's license number, your Social Security number, and the date of birth on your license. The system will ask you to verify your identity by answering questions about your driving history and personal information.
Once you've verified your identity, you'll choose your license length (four or eight years) and pay the fee using a debit or credit card. The DMV will mail your new license to the address on file. You don't need to do anything else — no forms to print, no trips to the office. Your temporary digital license appears in the California DMV mobile app when ready after payment, and you can use that to drive legally while you wait for the physical card.
Online renewal is not available if you've changed your address, if you have medical conditions or restrictions on your license, or if your name has changed since your last renewal. The system will tell you during the process if you're not may be able to access and direct you to mail or in-person renewal instead.
Renewing by mail
Mail renewal works if you meet the same requirements as online renewal. The DMV will send you a renewal notice in the mail about 60 days before your birthday, and that notice includes a prepaid envelope and a form you can sign and mail back. If you don't have the notice, you can read the form (DL 44) from dmv.ca.gov and print it yourself.
Fill out the form, sign it, and mail it with a check or money order for the renewal fee. Do not send cash. Mail your packet to the address shown on the renewal notice or on the form. Processing takes four to six weeks from the time the DMV receives your envelope, so mail it at least six weeks before your birthday if you want the new card before expiration.
You cannot renew by mail if your address has changed, if you need to update your photo, or if you have medical restrictions. The DMV will return your form if you're not may be able to access and explain which office to visit instead.
Renewing in person at a DMV office
You must visit a DMV office if your address has changed, if you want a new photo, if you have medical conditions on your license, or if your name has changed. Bring your current California driver's license, proof of your current address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days), and payment. If your name has changed, bring the document that shows the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.
Make an appointment through dmv.ca.gov before you go. Walk-ins are accepted, but appointments move faster and you won't wait as long. The appointment system shows you available times at offices near you. Bring all your documents in one visit — if you're missing something, the office will turn you away and you'll have to come back.
The office will take a new photo, verify your information, and process your renewal on the spot. You'll pay the fee at the counter. Your new license will be mailed to you within two to three weeks. You can drive on your current license until the new one arrives.
What happens if your license has already expired
You can renew an expired license through any of the three methods — online, mail, or in person. However, you cannot legally drive while your license is expired, even if you've started the renewal process. If you're pulled over, you'll be cited for driving with an expired license.
If your license expired more than five years ago, you cannot renew it — you'll have to explore for a new license instead, which requires taking the written test and driving test again. Check your license card to see the expiration date. If it's within five years of today, you can renew. If it's older than that, you'll need to start over with a new process.
Fees and payment methods
A four-year renewal costs $39, and an eight-year renewal costs $69. Online renewal adds a $1.50 service fee. Mail renewal requires a check or money order — the DMV does not accept credit cards by mail. In-person renewal accepts cash, check, debit card, or credit card at the counter.
If you're 62 or older, a four-year renewal costs $14 and an eight-year renewal costs $24. Military members on active duty can renew for free if they provide military ID. Ask about these discounts when you renew in person or check the renewal notice if you're renewing by mail.
What to expect after you renew
Your new license will arrive in the mail within two to three weeks for in-person renewals, or within two to three weeks for online renewals. Mail renewals take longer — four to six weeks from the time the DMV receives your envelope. Your temporary digital license in the California DMV app is valid for driving while you wait for the physical card.
Your new license will have the same number as your old one. The expiration date will be four or eight years from the date you renewed, depending on which length you chose. If you don't receive your new license within the expected timeframe, you can check the status on dmv.ca.gov or call the DMV customer service line.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license before it expires?
Yes. You can renew up to 60 days before your birthday. Many people renew early to avoid the rush near their expiration date. The new license will have a new expiration date four or eight years from the renewal date, not from your birthday.
What if my address changed since my last renewal?
You must renew in person at a DMV office. Bring proof of your new address — a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. Online and mail renewal are not available if your address on file is outdated.
Do I need to take a new photo when I renew?
Not unless you renew in person. Online and mail renewals use your existing photo. If you want a new photo, you must visit a DMV office. You can also request a new photo at an office even if you're may be able to access for online or mail renewal.
What if I don't receive my new license after six weeks?
Check the status on dmv.ca.gov using your driver's license number. If the status shows it was mailed but you haven't received it, contact the DMV customer service line or visit an office with your old license to report it missing. The DMV can reissue it or confirm the mailing address.
Can I drive with an expired license while I wait for my new one?
No. You cannot legally drive with an expired license. However, your temporary digital license in the California DMV app is valid for driving while you wait for the physical card to arrive. You can show the digital license to a police officer if you're pulled over.