Renewal frequency depends on your state and license type
Most states require you to renew your driver's license every 4 to 8 years, but the exact timeline varies. Some states renew every 4 years, others every 5, 6, or 8 years. A few states offer different renewal periods based on your age or whether you hold a commercial license. The state where you hold your license — not where you live — determines your renewal schedule.
Your renewal notice will arrive by mail 30 to 60 days before your license expires, and it will state your exact expiration date. That date appears on the front of your license as well. If you have not received a notice within that window, contact your state's DMV directly rather than waiting.
Renewing before your license expires is almost always possible and often recommended. Some states let you renew up to 6 months early; others allow renewal only within 30 days of expiration. Starting the process early protects you if documents are rejected or if processing takes longer than expected.
Key Takeaways
- Renewal periods range from 4 to 8 years depending on your state; check your license or your state DMV website to find your specific expiration date.
- Your state will mail a renewal notice 30 to 60 days before expiration, which includes instructions and often a renewal process form.
- You can renew early in most states, but the window for early renewal varies — some allow 6 months ahead, others only 30 days.
- Commercial driver's licenses (CDLs) often renew on a different schedule than regular licenses, typically every 4 years in most states.
- Failing to renew by your expiration date makes your license invalid for driving, even if you have applied for renewal.
State-by-state renewal timelines
The following table shows the standard renewal period for a regular (non-commercial) driver's license in each state. Some states offer different periods for different age groups or for REAL ID-compliant licenses; those variations are noted.
| State | Renewal Period | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama | 4 years | Drivers under 21 renew every 4 years; drivers 21 and older renew every 8 years. |
| Alaska | 5 years | Standard renewal period for all drivers. |
| Arizona | 12 years | One of the longest renewal periods in the country; applies to drivers 65 and under. |
| Arkansas | 4 years | Drivers under 21 renew every 4 years; drivers 21 and older renew every 8 years. |
| California | 5 years | Standard renewal; REAL ID licenses may have different requirements. |
| Colorado | 10 years | Drivers 21 and older; drivers under 21 renew every 5 years. |
| Connecticut | 8 years | Standard renewal period. |
| Delaware | 8 years | Standard renewal period. |
| Florida | 6 years | Standard renewal; drivers 80 and older renew every 6 years but may need more frequent medical checks. |
| Georgia | 8 years | Drivers 21 and older; drivers under 21 renew every 4 years. |
| Hawaii | 6 years | Standard renewal period. |
| Idaho | 6 years | Standard renewal period. |
| Illinois | 4 years | Standard renewal; REAL ID licenses renew every 4 years. |
| Indiana | 6 years | Standard renewal period. |
| Iowa | 4 years | Standard renewal period. |
| Kansas | 6 years | Standard renewal period. |
| Kentucky | 6 years | Standard renewal period. |
| Louisiana | 4 years | Standard renewal period. |
| Maine | 6 years | Standard renewal period. |
| Maryland | 8 years | Standard renewal period. |
| Massachusetts | 5 years | Standard renewal period. |
| Michigan | 8 years | Standard renewal period. |
| Minnesota | 4 years | Standard renewal period. |
| Mississippi | 6 years | Standard renewal period. |
| Missouri | 6 years | Standard renewal period. |
| Montana | 8 years | Standard renewal period. |
| Nebraska | 5 years | Standard renewal period. |
| Nevada | 8 years | Standard renewal period. |
| New Hampshire | 5 years | Standard renewal period. |
| New Jersey | 4 years | Standard renewal period. |
| New Mexico | 8 years | Standard renewal period. |
| New York | 8 years | Standard renewal; drivers under 21 renew every 4 years. |
| North Carolina | 8 years | Standard renewal period. |
| North Dakota | 6 years | Standard renewal period. |
| Ohio | 4 years | Standard renewal period. |
| Oklahoma | 4 years | Standard renewal period. |
| Oregon | 8 years | Standard renewal period. |
| Pennsylvania | 4 years | Standard renewal period. |
| Rhode Island | 6 years | Standard renewal period. |
| South Carolina | 5 years | Standard renewal period. |
| South Dakota | 5 years | Standard renewal period. |
| Tennessee | 5 years | Standard renewal period. |
| Texas | 6 years | Standard renewal period. |
| Utah | 5 years | Standard renewal period. |
| Vermont | 6 years | Standard renewal period. |
| Virginia | 8 years | Standard renewal period. |
| Washington | 5 years | Standard renewal period. |
| West Virginia | 5 years | Standard renewal period. |
| Wisconsin | 8 years | Standard renewal period. |
| Wyoming | 6 years | Standard renewal period. |
This table reflects the most common renewal period for each state as of the time of writing. Some states have recently changed their renewal schedules or offer multiple options based on age, license type, or REAL ID status. Always verify your specific expiration date on your license or through your state DMV website, as individual circumstances may differ.
Commercial driver's license (CDL) renewal schedules
A commercial driver's license typically renews on a different schedule than a regular license. Most states require CDL renewal every 4 years, though a few states allow 5 or 6 years. The federal government sets minimum standards for CDL renewal, which is why the timeline is more uniform across states than it is for regular licenses.
CDL renewal also requires a medical examination and certification, which must be completed before or during the renewal process. The medical examiner's certificate is valid for 24 months, so you may need to renew your medical certificate before your CDL itself expires. Your renewal notice will specify whether a medical exam is required at that time.
If you hold both a regular license and a CDL, they may expire on different dates. Your renewal notices will arrive separately, and you must renew each one according to its own schedule.
What happens if you let your license expire
Driving with an expired license is illegal in all states, even if you have submitted a renewal process. An expired license is not valid for driving, and you can be cited for driving with an invalid license. The penalties vary by state but typically include fines, points on your driving record, and possible license suspension.
If you are stopped by law enforcement and your license has expired, you may also face additional charges if the officer determines that you were driving knowingly with an invalid license. Some states treat this as a separate offense with its own penalties.
If your license expires while your renewal is being processed, you should not drive until the new license arrives. If you must drive during this period, check whether your state allows you to carry a temporary license or receipt showing that renewal is in progress; policies vary widely.
Early renewal windows and how to use them
Most states allow you to renew your license before it expires, but the timing rules differ. Some states let you renew up to 6 months early; others allow renewal only within 30 to 90 days of expiration. A few states have no early renewal window and require you to wait until the renewal notice arrives.
Renewing early is useful if you are planning to travel, if you know your documents are in order, or if you want to avoid a last-minute rush. Early renewal does not change your expiration date — your new license will expire the same number of years from your current expiration date, not from the date you renew.
To find out your state's early renewal window, check your state DMV website or call the DMV directly. The renewal notice you receive will also state whether early renewal is available and when you can begin the process.
Renewal reminders and how to track your expiration date
Your state DMV will mail a renewal notice 30 to 60 days before your license expires. This notice includes your expiration date, instructions for renewal, and often a renewal process form or a code to use when renewing online. If you move and do not update your address with the DMV, you may not receive this notice, so updating your address promptly is important.
You can also track your expiration date by looking at the front of your license. The expiration date is printed clearly and is usually formatted as MM/DD/YYYY. Setting a phone reminder or calendar alert for 60 days before that date gives you a buffer if the mail notice is delayed.
If you have not received a renewal notice within 60 days of your expiration date, contact your state DMV to confirm your address on file and to request a replacement notice. Some states allow you to check your renewal status online through the DMV website.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license before I receive the renewal notice?
This depends on your state. Some states allow renewal up to 6 months early; others require you to wait until 30 to 90 days before expiration. Check your state DMV website or call to confirm the early renewal window in your state. If you are allowed to renew early, you can often do so online or by mail without waiting for the notice to arrive.
What if I moved and did not update my address with the DMV?
Your renewal notice will be sent to the address on file with the DMV. If you moved and did not update your address, the notice will go to your old address and you may not receive it. Contact your state DMV to update your address and request a renewal notice to be sent to your current address. You can usually update your address online, by mail, or in person at a DMV office.