What happens when your license expires and how to renew it
An expired driver's license is no longer valid for driving or as identification. You cannot legally drive with an expired license, even if you have only been expired for one day. The renewal process depends on how long ago your license expired and which state issued it.
Most states allow you to renew online, by mail, or in person at the DMV. If your license expired more than a few years ago, some states require an in-person visit and a new written test. The cost and timeline vary by state, but most renewals take between one and four weeks if you mail the process, or same-day if you go to the DMV office.
Key Takeaways
- You cannot legally drive with an expired license, and you may face fines or arrest if stopped by police.
- Most states let you renew online or by mail if your license expired within the last one to five years, depending on the state.
- If your license expired more than five years ago, you will likely need to visit the DMV in person and may need to retake the written test.
- Bring your expired license, proof of residency, and proof of identity to the DMV; requirements vary by state.
- Renewal fees range from $20 to $100 depending on your state and the type of license, and the new license is usually valid for four to eight years.
Renewing online or by mail if your license is recently expired
If your license expired within the last one to five years (the window varies by state), you can usually renew without visiting the DMV. States that offer online renewal typically let you upload a new photo, confirm your address, and pay the fee through their DMV website. You will receive your new license by mail within two to four weeks.
Mail renewal works similarly: you fill out a form, include your expired license and a check or money order, and mail it to your state's DMV. Processing takes longer than online renewal—usually three to four weeks—because the DMV has to receive, process, and mail your new license. Some states charge a small fee for mail renewal, while others do not.
Check your state's DMV website to see which method is available to you. Not all states offer online renewal, and some states limit it to certain types of licenses (for example, standard licenses but not commercial ones).
When you must visit the DMV in person
If your license expired more than five years ago, most states require you to renew in person at a DMV office. The same applies if your state does not offer online or mail renewal. An in-person visit usually takes 30 minutes to two hours, depending on how busy the office is.
At the DMV, you will take a new photo, confirm your address, and pay the renewal fee. Many states also require you to pass a vision test. If your license expired very long ago—typically more than 10 years—some states require you to retake the written knowledge test as well. A few states require a road test if your license has been expired for an extremely long time, though this is uncommon.
Bring your expired license, proof of identity (a passport or birth certificate), and proof of current address (a utility bill or lease). Requirements differ by state, so check your DMV website before you go.
Documents and fees you will need
The documents required to renew vary by state, but most DMVs ask for the same core items. You need your expired driver's license, one form of government-issued photo ID (a passport, military ID, or state ID card), and proof of your current address. A utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days usually counts as proof of address.
Some states also require proof of your Social Security number. Bring your Social Security card, a W-2 form, or a tax return if you have one. A few states ask for proof of citizenship or legal residency, which can be a birth certificate, passport, or naturalization papers.
Renewal fees range from $20 to $100 depending on your state and the length of the new license (usually four to eight years). Most states accept cash, debit cards, and credit cards at the DMV office. If you renew by mail, you will need to pay by check or money order unless your state offers an online payment option.
How long your new license will be valid
A renewed driver's license is typically valid for four to eight years, depending on your state and your age. Most states issue licenses valid for five or six years. Some states issue shorter licenses to drivers under 21 and longer licenses to older drivers. A few states offer a choice between a standard license and a Real ID-compliant license, which costs more but is required for federal purposes like boarding a domestic flight.
Your new license will have a new expiration date printed on it. Write down or photograph that date so you know when to renew again. Some states send you a reminder postcard a few months before your license expires, but not all do.
What to do if you were driving on an expired license
If you were stopped by police while driving on an expired license, you may have received a citation. The penalty varies by state but can include a fine of $50 to $500, points on your driving record, or both. In some states, driving on an expired license is a misdemeanor if the license has been expired for a long time.
The best course of action is to renew your license as soon as possible. If you have a court date for the citation, bring proof of your renewal to court—either your new license or a receipt showing you renewed. Some judges will reduce or dismiss the fine if you show that you have already renewed.
If you have multiple violations or a suspended license, you may need to contact a lawyer or your local court for guidance. Do not drive again until your license is valid.
Renewing a license that was suspended or revoked
If your license was suspended or revoked, you cannot straightforward renew it. You must first resolve the reason for the suspension or revocation. Common reasons include unpaid traffic fines, DUI convictions, accumulating too many points, or failing to pay child support.
Contact your state's DMV to find out why your license was suspended or revoked and what steps you need to take to restore it. You may need to pay outstanding fines, complete a defensive driving course, serve a waiting period, or pass a new written or road test. Only after you have met those requirements can you renew your license. The DMV website for your state will have a section on license suspension or revocation that explains the process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive to the DMV if my license is expired?
No. Driving with an expired license is illegal, even if you are driving to the DMV to renew it. Ask someone else to drive you, use a taxi or rideshare service, or use public transportation. If you are stopped by police on the way to the DMV, you can explain the situation, but the officer can still cite you.
How much does it cost to renew a driver's license?
Renewal fees range from $20 to $100 depending on your state and the type of license. Standard licenses are usually cheaper than Real ID licenses. Check your state's DMV website for the exact fee. Some states charge extra if you renew by mail instead of online.
What if I lost my expired license and cannot find it?
You can still renew without your old license. Bring two forms of ID instead—for example, a passport and a birth certificate. The DMV will look up your record in their system. You may pay a small fee for a replacement or duplicate license, but the process is the same as a regular renewal.
Do I need to retake the written test to renew an expired license?
Not usually. Most states only require a written test if your license expired more than 10 years ago. A vision test is more common and is required in most states. Check your state's DMV website or call ahead to confirm what tests you will need to take.
Can I renew my license online if I moved to a new state?
No. You will need to get a new license from your new state rather than renewing your old one. Each state issues its own licenses, and you cannot renew a license from another state. Visit your new state's DMV website to learn how to get a new license there.