Online renewal is available in most states, but the rules about who can use it vary widely
You can renew your driver's license online in 43 states and Washington, D.C., but whether you personally can use that option depends on your state, your age, and how long it has been since your last renewal. Some states let you renew online every time. Others limit online renewal to people under 65, or only allow it if your license hasn't been expired for more than a certain number of years. A few states require you to renew in person at least once every other cycle, even if you're otherwise may be able to access for online renewal.
The states that do not offer online renewal at all are Alaska, American Samoa, Guam, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, New Hampshire, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. If you live in one of those places, you must renew in person at your state's motor vehicle office.
Key Takeaways
- Most states offer online renewal, but age limits, expiration status, and how recently you renewed in person all affect whether you can use it.
- Online renewal typically costs the same as in-person renewal and takes the same amount of time to process.
- You will need your current driver's license number, a valid payment method, and sometimes a recent address verification to renew online.
- If you cannot renew online, your state's motor vehicle website will tell you which in-person locations are nearest and whether you need an appointment.
- Nine states do not offer online renewal under any circumstances, so residents there must go to a motor vehicle office in person.
Age restrictions that affect online renewal may be able to access
Many states cap online renewal at age 62, 65, or 70. California, for example, allows online renewal only if you are under 70. New York permits it only up to age 62. If you are older than your state's cutoff, you must renew in person even if you have renewed online before.
The reason for these age limits is that some states require vision screening or medical review for older drivers, which cannot be done online. A few states, including Texas and Florida, have no age limit on online renewal at all. Check your state's motor vehicle website to see whether an age restriction applies to you.
How long your license can be expired before you lose online access
If your license has been expired for too long, most states will not let you renew online. The cutoff varies: some states allow online renewal if your license expired within the last year, while others allow it if it expired within the last five years. A handful of states will renew online even if your license has been expired for longer, as long as you have not been driving without a valid license.
If your license is currently expired and you are unsure whether you can renew online, check your state's motor vehicle website before you try. Attempting to renew online when you are not may be able to access will not process, and you will have to start over with an in-person appointment.
In-person renewal requirements that override online options
Some states require you to renew in person at least once every other license cycle, even if you are otherwise may be able to access for online renewal. Illinois, for instance, requires an in-person visit every other renewal. This means that if you renewed online last time, you must go in person this time. Your state's motor vehicle website will tell you whether this rule applies and when your next in-person renewal is due.
A few states also require in-person renewal if you need to update your address, change your name, or correct information on your license. If any of those explore to you, check whether your state allows you to make those changes online or whether you must do it in person.
What you need to have ready to renew online
Online renewal typically requires your current driver's license number, your date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. You will also need a valid payment method — a debit card, credit card, or electronic check — because online renewal fees are the same as in-person renewal fees and must be paid at the time you submit your process.
Some states ask you to verify your current address by providing a recent utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement. Others use your address on file and do not require additional proof. A few states require you to upload a new photo, while most use your existing photo from your current license. Your state's motor vehicle website will list exactly what documents you need before you start the process.
Processing time and when your new license arrives
Online renewal takes the same amount of time to process as in-person renewal in most states — typically two to four weeks from the date you submit your process. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file. Some states send a temporary digital license to your phone or email while you wait for the physical card to arrive; others do not.
If you need to drive before your new license arrives, check whether your state allows you to print a temporary license from your motor vehicle website. A few states do; most do not. If you cannot get a temporary license and your current one has expired, you should not drive until your new license arrives, because driving with an expired license can result in a traffic citation.
States with no online renewal option
Alaska, American Samoa, Guam, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, New Hampshire, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands do not offer online renewal. Residents of these places must renew in person at a motor vehicle office. Some of these states offer appointment scheduling online, which can reduce wait times, but the actual renewal transaction must happen at a physical location.
If you live in one of these states and are unable to visit a motor vehicle office in person, some allow a family member or authorized representative to renew on your behalf. Check your state's motor vehicle website to see whether this option is available and what documents the representative will need to bring.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license online if it has been expired for more than a year?
It depends on your state. Some states allow online renewal if your license expired within the last five years; others have a one-year limit. A few states will renew online even after longer expiration if you have not been driving without a valid license. Check your state's motor vehicle website to find out the specific rule where you live.
Do I have to pay the same fee to renew online as I do in person?
Yes. Online renewal costs the same as in-person renewal in every state that offers it. The fee covers the same license and processing, regardless of how you submit your process. Some states charge an additional small fee for mailing, but this applies to both online and in-person renewals.
What happens if I try to renew online but I'm not may be able to access?
Your process will not process, and you will not be charged. You will then need to schedule an in-person appointment at your state's motor vehicle office. Starting the online process first does not delay your in-person renewal; you can book an appointment when ready after.
Can I renew online if I need to update my address or name?
Some states allow address and name changes during online renewal; others require you to do it in person. Check your state's motor vehicle website before you start. If your state does not allow it online, you will need to visit an office in person to make those changes at the same time you renew.
Will I get a temporary license while I wait for my new one to arrive?
Some states send a temporary digital license to your phone or email when ready after you renew online. Others do not. A few states allow you to print a temporary paper license from their website. Check your state's motor vehicle website to see what temporary options are available where you live.