What you need to bring to the DMV to renew
The DMV requires specific documents before they will renew your license. You must bring your current driver's license (or state ID), proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your current address. Proof of address can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days.
If your name has changed since your license was issued, bring a document showing the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. If you are renewing an expired license and your address has changed, bring both an old document with your previous address and a new one with your current address.
Some states require you to pass a vision test at the DMV, even for a renewal. Bring your glasses or contacts if you use them. A few states also require a new photo, so wear something you are comfortable with on your license.
Key Takeaways
- Bring your current license, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your current address dated within the last 60 days.
- If your name changed, bring the legal document that shows the change, such as a marriage certificate or court order.
- Most states let you renew in person at any DMV office, by mail, or online — check your state's DMV website to see which methods are open.
- Processing times vary by state and method: mail renewals often take two to four weeks, while in-person renewals are usually same-day or within a few days.
- Your new license will be mailed to you if you renew by mail or online; in-person renewals may give you a temporary paper license on the spot.
Renewing in person at a DMV office
Walk-in renewals are available at most DMV locations, but many states now use appointment systems. Check your state's DMV website to see whether you can walk in or must book a time slot. Some states let you do both; others require appointments during certain hours or days.
Arrive early and bring all required documents. The DMV will verify your information, take a new photo (in most states), and may give you a temporary paper license valid until your permanent one arrives by mail. Processing at the counter usually takes 15 to 45 minutes, depending on how busy the office is.
Your new plastic license will be mailed to the address you provide. Delivery typically takes one to two weeks. If you need to drive before it arrives, the temporary paper license is valid for that period.
Renewing by mail or online
Many states allow mail-in renewals for drivers whose licenses are not yet expired or expired less than a certain number of years (often five years). You fill out the renewal form, include your documents, and mail everything to the address listed on your state's DMV website. Processing takes two to four weeks from the time the DMV receives your envelope.
Online renewal is faster and available in most states. You log into your state's DMV portal, answer questions about your current information, pay the renewal fee by credit or debit card, and submit. You will receive a confirmation number. Your new license is mailed within one to two weeks. Online renewal usually costs the same as in-person renewal, though a few states charge a small processing fee.
Not all drivers can use mail or online renewal. If your license has been suspended, revoked, or expired for more than a certain period (varies by state), you must renew in person. The same applies if you need to change your address, name, or other information beyond a straightforward renewal.
Renewal fees and how to pay
Renewal fees vary by state and by how long your new license will be valid. A four-year renewal typically costs between $30 and $70; an eight-year renewal between $50 and $150. Some states charge less for online renewals than for in-person ones. Check your state's DMV website for the exact fee before you go.
At the DMV office, you can pay by cash, check, debit card, or credit card — most offices accept all four. Online, you must pay by credit or debit card. By mail, include a check or money order; do not send cash. If you are unsure whether your payment was received, call the DMV or check your online account after two weeks.
What happens if your license is expired
An expired license cannot be used to drive legally. If your license expired recently (within the last year or so, depending on your state), you can usually renew it by mail or online using the same process as a standard renewal. If it expired more than a few years ago, you may have to renew in person and may need to retake the written test or vision test.
Some states allow a grace period of 30 to 90 days after expiration during which you can still drive on an expired license while your renewal is being processed. Check your state's rules before you drive on an expired license. If you are pulled over, the officer will check whether you have a renewal in progress.
Temporary licenses and what to do while you wait
If you renew in person, you will usually receive a temporary paper license on the spot. This temporary is valid for driving until your permanent plastic license arrives. Write down the expiration date printed on it and keep it with you while you drive.
If you renew by mail or online, you do not receive a temporary. Your current license remains valid for driving until it expires, even if you have already submitted your renewal. Once your new license arrives, destroy the old one or return it to the DMV if your state requires it.
If your new license does not arrive within the expected timeframe (usually two to three weeks), contact the DMV to confirm they received your renewal. Provide your confirmation number if you renewed online, or your name and date of birth if you renewed by mail or in person.
Renewing with a suspended or revoked license
If your license is suspended or revoked, you cannot renew it through the normal process. You must first resolve the suspension or revocation by paying fines, completing a required program, or meeting other conditions set by your state. Contact the DMV or the court that issued the suspension to find out what you owe and how to clear it.
Once the suspension or revocation is lifted, you can renew your license. In most cases, you must do this in person at a DMV office. Bring proof that the suspension has been cleared — this might be a letter from the DMV, a court document, or a receipt showing payment of fines. The DMV will verify the clearance before processing your renewal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license before it expires?
Yes. Most states let you renew your license up to six months before it expires. Renewing early is useful if you are about to travel or if you want to avoid a rush closer to the expiration date. Your new license will have a new expiration date based on when you renew, not when your old one was set to expire.
What if I moved and my address on my license is wrong?
You must update your address at the DMV. Some states let you change your address online or by mail as part of a renewal; others require you to do it in person. Check your state's DMV website. Bring proof of your new address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement) and your current license. The DMV will issue a new license with the updated address.
How long does it take to get my new license after I renew?
In-person renewals usually result in a temporary paper license on the spot, and your plastic license arrives by mail in one to two weeks. Mail and online renewals take two to four weeks total from submission. If your license does not arrive within three weeks, contact the DMV with your confirmation number or renewal details.
Do I have to take a new photo when I renew?
Most states take a new photo during in-person renewals. A few states let you keep your old photo if you renew by mail or online and your previous photo is recent. Check your state's DMV website or call ahead to ask. If you are renewing in person, plan for the photo to be taken as part of the process.
What if my name changed since my license was issued?
Bring a legal document showing the name change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The DMV will update your name on your new license. Some states require the original document; others accept a certified copy. Call your DMV office before you go to confirm what they need.