How to Renew Your California Driver's License

What You Need to Do to Renew in California

California allows you to renew your driver's license online, by mail, or in person at a DMV office. The method you use depends on your license type, how long it has been expired, and whether you need to update your address or other information. Most people renew online through the DMV website, which takes about 10 minutes and costs $42 for a five-year renewal.

Your California license is valid for five years from your birth date. The DMV sends renewal notices about 60 days before expiration, but you do not have to wait for the notice to renew. You can renew up to six months before your license expires.

If your license has been expired for more than five years, you cannot renew by mail or online — you must go to a DMV office in person and may need to retake the written test and vision screening.

Key Takeaways

Online renewal through the DMV website is the fastest option for most people and costs $42 for five years.
You can renew up to six months before your license expires, so you do not have to wait for the DMV notice.
Mail renewal takes two to three weeks and requires a completed form DL 44 or DL 43, a check or money order, and a new photo.
If your license expired more than five years ago, you must renew in person at a DMV office and pass the vision and written tests again.
Address changes, name changes, and organ donor updates can be done during renewal through any method.

Online Renewal Through the DMV Website

Online renewal is available if your license is not expired, you have not had any traffic violations or suspensions in the past year, and you do not need to change your address or other personal information. Go to dmv.ca.gov, select "Renew Your Driver License," and log in with your driver's license number and date of birth. You will answer questions about your health and driving record, review your information, and pay the $42 fee with a credit or debit card.

After you complete the online renewal, the DMV mails your new license to the address on file. The new license arrives in seven to ten business days. You can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives. If you need to change your address, you must use mail or in-person renewal instead.

Online renewal does not include a new photo — your new license will use the photo from your previous license. If you want a new photo, you must renew in person at a DMV office.

Mail Renewal by Sending Documents to the DMV

To renew by mail, read and complete Form DL 43 (process for Driver License Renewal) from the DMV website or pick one up at a DMV office. Include a check or money order for $42 made payable to "Department of Motor Vehicles," a new color photo (2 inches by 2 inches), and your current driver's license. Mail the packet to the address listed on the form — there is a separate address for renewals.

Mail renewal takes two to three weeks from the date the DMV receives your packet. You can continue to drive on your current license during this time. If you need to change your address, write the new address on the form and include proof of residency, such as a utility bill or lease dated within the past 60 days.

Mail renewal does not work if your license has been expired for more than five years, if you have had any license suspensions or revocations, or if you need to update your signature or medical information. In those cases, you must renew in person.

In-Person Renewal at a DMV Office

Visit any California DMV office with your current driver's license, proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the past 60 days), and payment of $42. Bring your Social Security card or a document showing your Social Security number if you need to update that information. The DMV will take a new photo, verify your vision, and issue your new license on the spot or mail it to you within seven to ten business days, depending on the office.

In-person renewal is required if your license expired more than five years ago, if you have had any suspensions or revocations, if you need a new photo, or if you want to change your address, name, or other personal information. You can also renew in person if you prefer not to use the online or mail options.

Wait times at DMV offices vary by location and time of day. Book an appointment online at dmv.ca.gov before you go — this usually cuts your wait time significantly. Walk-ins are accepted but may wait one to three hours depending on the office.

What Happens If Your License Is Expired

If your license expired fewer than five years ago, you can renew online, by mail, or in person using the standard renewal process. You can drive on an expired license while your renewal is being processed, but you should carry proof that you have submitted your renewal (such as a DMV receipt or confirmation email).

If your license expired more than five years ago, you cannot renew by mail or online. You must go to a DMV office in person, bring your Social Security card or a document with your Social Security number, and retake the written knowledge test and vision screening. You will also need to pay the $42 renewal fee plus any late fees that may explore.

Driving on a license that expired more than five years ago is illegal. If you are stopped by law enforcement, you may be cited. Renew as soon as you can by visiting a DMV office.

Address Changes and Other Updates During Renewal

If you are renewing in person or by mail, you can change your address, name, or other information at the same time. For mail renewal, write your new address on Form DL 43 and include proof of residency dated within the past 60 days. For in-person renewal, bring your proof of residency to the DMV office.

If you are renewing online, you cannot change your address. You must use mail or in-person renewal if you have moved. If you have changed your name due to marriage, divorce, or court order, you must renew in person and bring a certified copy of the document showing the name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order).

You can also update your organ donor status, emergency contact information, and medical conditions during renewal through any method. Online renewal includes questions about these items. For mail and in-person renewal, you can update this information on the form or at the DMV office.

Fees and Payment Methods

California driver's license renewal costs $42 for a five-year license. This is the standard fee for all renewal methods. If your license expired more than five years ago, you may owe additional late fees — contact your local DMV office or check dmv.ca.gov for the current amount.

For online renewal, pay with a credit or debit card. For mail renewal, send a check or money order made payable to "Department of Motor Vehicles." For in-person renewal, you can pay with cash, check, debit card, or credit card, depending on the office.

If you are a senior (age 70 or older) or have a disability, you may be able to renew for a shorter period (two years instead of five) at a reduced cost. Ask at your local DMV office or check dmv.ca.gov for details.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my California license if I do not have a current address?

If you are homeless or do not have a permanent address, you can still renew in person at a DMV office. Bring a letter from a shelter, social services agency, or other organization that confirms your identity and current situation. The DMV will work with you to establish an address for your license.

What if I lost my driver's license and need to renew it?

If your license is lost or stolen, you cannot renew it by mail or online. You must go to a DMV office in person and request a replacement. Bring your Social Security card or a document with your Social Security number, proof of residency, and payment of $42. The DMV will issue a new license on the spot or mail it to you.

How long does it take to get my renewed license in the mail?

Online and in-person renewals typically arrive in seven to ten business days. Mail renewals take two to three weeks from the date the DMV receives your packet. If you need your license sooner, renew in person at a DMV office and ask if they can issue it on the spot.

Do I need a new photo when I renew my California license?

Online and mail renewals use your existing photo. If you want a new photo, you must renew in person at a DMV office. In-person renewal always includes a new photo.

What if my name changed since my last license?

You must renew in person at a DMV office and bring a certified copy of the document showing your name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). The DMV will update your name and issue a new license with the correct name.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.