Documents required for a California driver license renewal
California requires you to bring proof of identity, proof of residency, and your current driver license when you renew in person at the DMV. The exact documents depend on whether you are renewing by mail, online, or at a DMV office — and whether your license is still valid or has already expired.
If your license is still valid and you meet other requirements, you may be able to renew by mail or online without visiting an office at all. If you must go to the DMV, bring your current license plus one document that proves who you are and one that proves where you live. The DMV accepts a wide range of documents for each category, so you likely already have what you need.
Key Takeaways
- Valid California driver licenses can renew by mail or online; expired licenses usually require an in-person visit to a DMV office.
- In-person renewal requires your current license, one identity document (such as a passport or birth certificate), and one residency document (such as a utility bill or lease).
- The DMV accepts many common documents for identity and residency, including documents from banks, employers, and government agencies.
- If you are renewing online, you will need to pass a vision screening and may need to provide a new photo through your computer or phone camera.
Renewing by mail: what you need
Mail renewal is the simplest option if your license is still valid and you do not need to change your address, name, or other information. You do not need to bring any documents to the DMV — you fill out the renewal form at home and mail it in with your current license.
The DMV will mail you a renewal notice (Form DL 44) before your license expires. You complete the form, include your current license, and mail both back to the address on the notice. The DMV then mails your new license to the address on file. This process takes about two to three weeks after the DMV receives your form.
You cannot renew by mail if your license has already expired, if you need to update your address or name, or if you are over 70 years old (those renewals must happen in person). You also cannot renew by mail if the DMV has flagged your record for any reason, such as unpaid traffic fines or a medical hold.
Renewing online: documents and vision screening
Online renewal is available to drivers whose licenses are still valid and who do not need to change their address, name, or other information. You will need your current license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth to start the process on the DMV website.
During online renewal, you must pass a vision screening. The DMV will ask you questions about your vision and may ask you to read text on your screen to confirm you can see well enough to drive. You will also need to provide a new photo, which you can take with your computer camera or phone camera in a well-lit space. The DMV will give you specific instructions for the photo before you take it.
Online renewal takes about two weeks from the time you complete it. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file. If the DMV cannot verify your information or if you do not pass the vision screening, you will be notified and directed to renew in person instead.
In-person renewal: identity and residency documents
If your license has expired, if you need to change your address or name, or if you are over 70, you must renew in person at a DMV office. Bring your current license (or an expired license if your current one is not available), one identity document, and one residency document.
Identity documents the DMV accepts include a U.S. passport, passport card, birth certificate, military ID, tribal ID, or a document issued by a U.S. state or territory. If you were born outside the United States, you can use a foreign passport, a Consular Report of Birth Abroad, or a Certificate of Naturalization or Citizenship. The document must show your full legal name and date of birth.
Residency documents must show your current California address. The DMV accepts utility bills, lease agreements, mortgage statements, bank statements, insurance policies, pay stubs, or letters from government agencies — as long as they are dated within the last 60 days and show your name and address. If you live with someone else and do not have a document in your name, you can bring a document in the other person's name plus a signed letter from them confirming you live there.
What to bring if your name or address changed
If you are changing your name, bring a document that proves the change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, court order, or adoption papers. The document must be an official certified copy or an original.
If you are changing your address, bring a residency document dated within the last 60 days that shows your new address. A utility bill, lease, or bank statement works. If you recently moved and do not yet have a document in your new address, you can bring a document from your old address plus a signed letter from your new landlord or a utility company confirmation showing your new address.
Documents you do not need to bring
You do not need to bring your Social Security card, even though you will provide your Social Security number. You do not need to bring proof of insurance, vehicle registration, or any documents related to your vehicle. The DMV does not require proof of California residency beyond the residency document itself — you do not need to prove citizenship or immigration status to renew a driver license.
If you are renewing because your license is damaged or lost, you do not need to bring the damaged license, but you will need to pay a replacement fee in addition to the renewal fee. Bring your identity and residency documents as usual.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if it expired more than a year ago?
Yes, but you must renew in person at a DMV office. You cannot use mail or online renewal for an expired license. Bring your expired license along with your identity and residency documents. If your license expired more than five years ago, you may need to take a written test and a driving test in addition to the vision screening.
What if I do not have a current address for my residency document?
If you just moved, bring a document from your old address plus a letter from your new landlord, a utility company confirmation, or another document showing your new address. The DMV accepts combinations of documents as long as they together prove where you currently live. Call your local DMV office before you go to confirm what combination they will accept.
Do I need to bring my Social Security card to renew?
No. You will provide your Social Security number at the DMV, but you do not need to bring the card itself. Bring your identity document (such as a passport or birth certificate) instead.
Can I renew my license if my name is different from my identity document?
Only if you have a document that shows the name change, such as a marriage certificate or court order. If your identity document shows a different name than what is on your current license, bring both documents and the proof of the name change. The DMV will update your record.
What happens if I bring the wrong documents to the DMV?
The DMV will tell you what documents you are missing and send you home to get them. You will need to return with the correct documents to complete your renewal. To avoid this, call your local DMV office or check the DMV website before you go to confirm you have everything.