California lets you renew online if you meet specific requirements

You can renew your California driver's license online through the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) website if your license is not expired by more than one year, you have no medical conditions on file, and you have not changed your name, address, or other information since your last renewal. The process takes about 10 minutes, costs $42 for a four-year renewal or $64 for an eight-year renewal, and you pay by debit or credit card. Your new license arrives by mail in about two weeks.

If your license expired more than a year ago, you have a medical condition flagged in the DMV system, or you need to update your address or name, you cannot use the online renewal. You will need to visit a DMV office in person or use the mail-in renewal process instead.

Key Takeaways

  • Online renewal works only if your current license is not expired by more than one year and you have no medical conditions on file with the DMV.
  • You must have the same name, address, and other information as your last renewal — if anything changed, you cannot renew online.
  • The online process takes about 10 minutes and costs $42 for a four-year license or $64 for an eight-year license, paid by debit or credit card.
  • Your renewed license arrives by mail in approximately two weeks; you can continue driving with your current license until the new one arrives.
  • If you do not meet the requirements for online renewal, you can renew by mail or visit a DMV office in person.

Check your may be able to access before you start

Before you go to the DMV website, confirm that your license meets all the requirements for online renewal. Your license must not be expired by more than 12 months. If it expired longer ago than that, the online system will reject your request and you will need to renew in person at a DMV office.

The DMV also blocks online renewal if you have a medical condition or restriction on file — for example, if you wear corrective lenses, have a hearing impairment, or have any condition that requires a medical evaluation. You cannot change or add medical information online, so you will need to visit an office or mail in your renewal.

Check that your name, address, and other personal information have not changed since your last renewal. If you moved, got married, or changed your name, you cannot complete the renewal online. You will need to update your information in person at a DMV office or through the mail-in process.

What you need before you begin

Have your current California driver's license in front of you when you start. You will need to enter your driver's license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The DMV uses this information to verify your identity in the system.

You will also need a debit or credit card to pay the renewal fee. California does not accept checks, money orders, or cash for online renewals. Keep your card information ready so you can complete the payment in one session.

Make sure you have a valid mailing address on file. Your new license will be sent to the address the DMV has for you. If you recently moved and have not updated your address with the DMV, do not start the online renewal — update your address first by visiting a DMV office or using the mail-in process.

Step-by-step: how to renew online

Go to the California DMV website and look for the "Renew Your License" option under the "Online Services" section. Click on "Renew Your Driver License or Identification Card Online" to start.

Enter your driver's license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The system will search for your record and confirm your identity. If the DMV cannot find your information or if you do not meet the requirements, the system will tell you at this step and direct you to other renewal options.

Review the information the DMV has on file for you — your name, address, date of birth, and any restrictions or conditions. If anything is incorrect, stop and do not proceed. You will need to correct it in person at a DMV office before you can renew online.

Answer the vision and medical questions. The DMV asks whether your vision has changed and whether you have any new medical conditions since your last renewal. Answer honestly. If you answer yes to any medical question, the system may stop the renewal and require you to visit an office.

Review the renewal terms and check the box to confirm you understand them. Then enter your debit or credit card information and submit your payment. You will receive a confirmation number on screen — write it down or take a screenshot.

What happens after you submit your renewal

The DMV will send you a confirmation email with your confirmation number and the details of your renewal. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file, usually within 10 to 14 business days. You can continue to drive with your current license while you wait for the new one to arrive.

If you need to check the status of your renewal, go back to the DMV website and use the "Check process Status" tool. Enter your confirmation number and date of birth to see where your license is in the process.

If your new license does not arrive within three weeks, contact the DMV. You can call the DMV customer service line or visit a local office. Have your confirmation number ready when you contact them.

When you cannot renew online and what to do instead

If the online system tells you that you do not meet the requirements, you have two other options: renew by mail or renew in person at a DMV office.

Mail-in renewal works if your license is not expired by more than one year and you do not have medical conditions on file. You will need to fill out form DL 44 or DL 43 (depending on whether you are renewing or replacing), include a new photo, and mail everything to the DMV address listed on the form. Mail-in renewal takes three to four weeks and costs the same as online renewal.

In-person renewal at a DMV office is required if your license expired more than a year ago, you have medical conditions on file, or you need to update your personal information. You will need to bring your current license, proof of residency (such as a utility bill or lease), and proof of your Social Security number. The office visit usually takes 30 minutes to an hour, depending on how busy the office is.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew online if my license is already expired?

You can renew online if your license expired less than one year ago. If it expired more than one year ago, the online system will not let you renew that way. You will need to visit a DMV office in person and may need to take a new written test and vision test.

What if I moved and need to change my address?

You cannot change your address during an online renewal. You will need to update your address in person at a DMV office or through the mail-in renewal process. Once your address is updated in the DMV system, you can renew online if you still meet the other requirements.

How long does it take to get my new license after I renew online?

Your new license usually arrives within 10 to 14 business days. You can continue to drive with your current license while you wait. If it does not arrive within three weeks, contact the DMV with your confirmation number.

What if I wear glasses or have a medical condition?

If you wear corrective lenses or have any medical condition on file with the DMV, you cannot renew online. You will need to renew in person at a DMV office so the DMV can verify that your medical information is still current and accurate.

Can I renew online if my name changed?

No. If your name changed since your last renewal, you cannot renew online. You will need to visit a DMV office in person and bring a document that shows your name change, such as a marriage certificate or court order.