Renewing your California ID card in person or by mail

You can renew your California ID card either in person at a DMV office or by mail, depending on your situation and how much time you have. In-person renewal takes about 30 minutes at the DMV and you walk out with a temporary ID the same day. Mail renewal takes 2 to 3 weeks total but requires you to be may be able to access — you must have a valid, unexpired ID, no address change, and no new documents to submit.

California sends renewal notices about 60 days before your ID expires. If you have that notice, you can use it to renew by mail without visiting a DMV office. If you do not have the notice or your ID is already expired, you will need to go in person.

Key Takeaways

  • Mail renewal works only if your ID is still valid, your address has not changed, and you have your renewal notice from the DMV.
  • In-person renewal at a DMV office takes about 30 minutes and you receive a temporary ID when ready; the permanent card arrives by mail in 10 to 14 days.
  • You will need your current ID card, proof of California residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement), and your Social Security number.
  • The renewal fee is $39 for a standard ID card valid for 10 years, or $30 if you are 62 or older.
  • If your ID is expired by more than 5 years, you cannot renew by mail and must go to a DMV office in person.

Renewing by mail with your DMV notice

If you received a renewal notice in the mail from the California DMV, you can renew by mail without going to an office. The notice will have a barcode and instructions specific to your situation. You sign the back of the notice, include a check or money order for the renewal fee, and mail both to the address printed on the notice.

Mail your renewal notice and payment at least 2 weeks before your ID expires to avoid a gap in validity. The DMV processes mail renewals in the order they arrive, and processing takes about 2 to 3 weeks. Your new ID card will arrive by mail separately from the notice confirmation.

Do not mail your current ID card unless the notice specifically tells you to. Most mail renewals do not require you to return the old card.

Renewing in person at a DMV office

Go to a DMV office if you do not have a renewal notice, your ID is expired, your address has changed, or you need to update your information. Bring your current ID card, proof of California residency dated within 6 months (a utility bill, lease agreement, bank statement, or government mail), and know your Social Security number.

You can walk in without an appointment at most DMV offices, but wait times vary widely by location and time of day. The DMV website shows current wait times for each office. You can also book an appointment online at dmv.ca.gov if you prefer a specific date and time.

When you complete your renewal in person, you will receive a temporary ID printed on the spot. This temporary ID is valid for 30 days and works as proof of identity while you wait for your permanent card. Your permanent ID card arrives by mail in 10 to 14 business days.

What documents and information you need

Bring your current California ID card or driver's license. If your card is lost or stolen, bring a government-issued photo ID instead, such as a passport or military ID. You will also need proof that you live in California — the document must be dated within the last 6 months and show your current address. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, rental agreement, mortgage statement, bank or credit card statement, insurance policy, or official government mail.

Have your Social Security number ready. You do not need to bring a printed copy, but you will need to provide it when you fill out the process. If you are renewing in person, you will also need to pay the renewal fee by cash, check, debit card, or credit card.

If you have changed your name since your last ID was issued, bring a document proving the change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. If you are renewing your ID and want to update your address, gender marker, or organ donor status, you can do that at the same time.

Renewal fees and what they cover

A standard California ID card renewal costs $39 and is valid for 10 years. If you are 62 years old or older, the renewal fee is $30. If you are renewing in person, you can pay by cash, check, debit card, or credit card. If you are renewing by mail, you must send a check or money order.

The fee covers the new card itself and the processing. It does not include any optional services, such as a Real ID-compliant card or an enhanced ID. If you want a Real ID card instead of a standard ID, the fee is $39 and the process is the same — you just check a box on the process form.

Timeline from renewal to receiving your new card

If you renew in person, you leave the DMV with a temporary ID valid for 30 days. Your permanent card arrives by mail in 10 to 14 business days. If you renew by mail, the entire process takes 2 to 3 weeks from the time the DMV receives your notice and payment.

Mail processing times can vary depending on how busy the DMV is. During peak periods, such as summer or near major holidays, processing may take slightly longer. If your card does not arrive within 4 weeks of your in-person renewal or 3 weeks of your mail renewal, contact the DMV to check the status.

What to do if your ID is expired or will expire soon

If your ID is expired by 5 years or less, you can still renew by mail if you have your renewal notice. If your ID is expired by more than 5 years, you must renew in person at a DMV office — mail renewal is not an option.

If your ID expires within the next 60 days and you have not received a renewal notice, you can still renew in person at any DMV office. Bring your current ID, proof of residency, and the renewal fee. You do not need to wait for the notice to arrive.

If your ID has already expired and you need to use it as identification, the temporary ID you receive at the DMV office is valid when ready and works for 30 days. This gives you time to receive your permanent card by mail.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my California ID online?

No, California does not offer online ID renewal. You can renew by mail if you have your renewal notice and your ID is not expired, or you can renew in person at a DMV office. You can book an appointment online at dmv.ca.gov, but the actual renewal must happen in person or by mail.

What if I moved to a new address since my last ID?

If your address changed, you cannot renew by mail. You must go to a DMV office in person and bring proof of your new California address dated within the last 6 months. The DMV will update your address and issue a new card with the correct information.

How long is the temporary ID valid?

The temporary ID you receive when you renew in person is valid for 30 days. Your permanent card should arrive by mail within 10 to 14 business days, so the temporary ID covers the wait. If your permanent card does not arrive within 4 weeks, contact the DMV.

Can I renew my ID if it is lost or stolen?

If your ID is lost or stolen, you cannot renew it — you must replace it instead. Replacement is a different process that requires you to go to a DMV office in person and bring a government-issued photo ID, such as a passport. The fee for replacement is the same as renewal.

What if I want to change my name on my ID during renewal?

You can change your name during renewal if you bring a document proving the change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. If you are renewing in person, tell the DMV staff you want to update your name and bring the supporting document. If you are renewing by mail, you cannot change your name — you must go in person.