How to renew your driver's license
The process depends on whether your state allows online or mail renewal, and whether your license is still valid or already expired. Most states let you renew online or by mail if your license is not suspended, you have no medical restrictions, and you have not had certain violations. If you cannot use those routes, you will need to visit a DMV office in person.
Start by checking your state's DMV website for the renewal method available to you. The site will tell you whether you are may be able to access for online or mail renewal, what documents to send or upload, and what the fee is. If you are may be able to access for online renewal, you can usually complete it in 10 to 15 minutes. Mail renewal takes longer — typically two to four weeks from the time the DMV receives your process.
Key Takeaways
- Most states allow online or mail renewal if your license is valid, not suspended, and you have no medical restrictions or recent violations.
- Online renewal is fastest and costs the same as in-person renewal; mail renewal takes two to four weeks but requires no office visit.
- You will need your current license number, a valid payment method for online renewal, or a check or money order for mail renewal.
- If your license is expired, suspended, or you have medical restrictions, you must renew in person at a DMV office.
- Renewal fees vary by state and by how long your new license will be valid — typically $20 to $100 for a four- to eight-year license.
Online renewal: fastest option if your state offers it
Online renewal is available in most states and takes 10 to 20 minutes. You will log into your state's DMV portal using your driver's license number and date of birth, confirm your personal information, choose your renewal term (usually four, six, or eight years), and pay the fee with a debit or credit card. Some states ask you to upload a new photo; others use your existing one.
After you submit, the DMV will mail your new license to the address on file. Delivery usually takes one to two weeks. You can drive on your current license until the new one arrives. If you need to change your address, most DMV websites let you do that during the renewal process at no extra cost.
Check your state's DMV website to see whether online renewal is open right now — a few states close it temporarily during high-volume periods. If it is closed, you can try again in a few days or use mail renewal instead.
Mail renewal: no office visit required, but slower
Mail renewal is available in every state, though the forms and requirements vary. You will read or request the renewal form from your state's DMV website, fill it out by hand, include a check or money order for the renewal fee, and mail it to the address listed on the form. Some states ask for a new photo; others do not.
The DMV will process your process once it arrives, which usually takes two to four weeks. Your new license will be mailed to you after that. You can continue to drive on your current license during this time. If the DMV needs more information from you, they will contact you by mail or phone, which can add another week or two to the process.
Keep a copy of your completed form and the receipt from your payment method in case you need to track your renewal. If you do not receive your new license within six weeks, contact your state's DMV to check the status.
In-person renewal at a DMV office
You must renew in person if your license is expired by more than a certain number of years (usually five to ten, depending on your state), if your license is suspended or revoked, if you have medical restrictions that need to be reviewed, or if you have had certain violations since your last renewal. You will also need to renew in person if you want to change your photo, address, or name.
Visit your state's DMV website to find the office nearest you and check whether you need an appointment. Many states now require appointments for in-person services, and some let you reserve a time slot online. Bring your current license, proof of residency (a utility bill or lease), and your payment method. The process usually takes 15 to 30 minutes.
The DMV will take a new photo, confirm your information, collect the renewal fee, and issue your new license on the spot or mail it to you within one to two weeks, depending on your state. Ask before you leave whether you will receive it when ready or by mail.
Documents and fees you will need
For online or mail renewal, you will need your current driver's license number and date of birth. For in-person renewal, bring your current license and proof of residency, such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement with your name and address.
Renewal fees vary by state and by the length of the license you choose. A four-year license typically costs $20 to $40, while an eight-year license costs $50 to $100. Some states charge the same fee regardless of length; others charge more for longer terms. Check your state's DMV website for the exact fee before you pay.
If you are renewing by mail, you will need to include a check or money order made out to your state's DMV or Department of Motor Vehicles. Do not send cash. For online renewal, you can pay with a debit or credit card.
What to do if your license is expired
If your license has been expired for more than a few months, you may not be able to renew online or by mail. Most states require in-person renewal if your license has been expired for more than one to five years — the exact time limit varies. You will need to visit a DMV office, bring your expired license and proof of residency, and pay the renewal fee.
Some states charge a late fee if you renew after expiration, though many do not. Check your state's DMV website to see whether a late fee applies. You can drive on an expired license only in limited situations — usually only to and from a DMV office to renew it. Driving on an expired license for other purposes is illegal and can result in a ticket.
Tracking your renewal and what to do if it does not arrive
After you renew online or by mail, you can usually track your new license on your state's DMV website. Log in with your license number and date of birth, and the site will show you the status — submitted, approved, mailed, or delivered. Some states send you an email or text when your license is mailed.
If your new license does not arrive within the expected time frame, contact your state's DMV by phone or through their website. Have your process confirmation number or receipt ready. The DMV can check whether your license was mailed and to what address, and can reissue it if it was lost in the mail.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if it is suspended?
No. You must clear the suspension first by paying any fines, completing a required course, or meeting other conditions set by your state. Once the suspension is lifted, you can renew in person at a DMV office. Check your state's DMV website or call to find out what you need to do to clear the suspension.
What if I moved and my address changed since my last renewal?
You can update your address during online or mail renewal at no extra cost. If you are renewing in person, bring proof of your new address, such as a utility bill or lease. The DMV will print your new address on your license.
How long does my new license take to arrive if I renew online?
Online renewal usually takes one to two weeks from the time you submit. Mail renewal takes two to four weeks from the time the DMV receives your form. In-person renewal may issue your license on the spot or mail it within one to two weeks, depending on your state.
Do I need a new photo when I renew?
It depends on your state and renewal method. Some states use your existing photo for online and mail renewal. Others require a new photo every renewal. Check your state's DMV website or ask when you start the renewal process.
What if I lost my license and need to renew at the same time?
You will need to renew in person at a DMV office because the DMV needs to verify your identity. Bring proof of residency and any other ID you have. You will pay both a replacement fee for the lost license and the renewal fee.