When Your California Driver's License Expires and How to Renew It

California driver's licenses expire on your birthday, four or eight years after you get them

Your California driver's license has an expiration date printed on the front. For most adults, that date is your birthday, four years after the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) issued your license. If you are 70 or older, your license expires on your birthday every two years instead. Real ID compliant licenses — the kind with a gold star in the upper right corner — follow the same schedule.

You can renew your license up to six months before it expires. The DMV recommends doing this early because processing times vary, and you do not want to drive on an expired license. If your license has already expired, you can still renew it, but you may face a late fee depending on how long it has been expired.

The expiration date matters for more than just driving. California uses your driver's license as a standard form of identification for banks, airports, and age verification. An expired license can complicate these transactions even if you are not planning to drive.

Key Takeaways

California driver's licenses expire on your birthday every four years for adults under 70, and every two years if you are 70 or older.
You can renew your license online through the DMV website starting six months before your expiration date if you meet certain requirements.
In-person renewal at a DMV office is required if your license has been expired for more than five years, if you need to change your address, or if you cannot renew online.
Renewing online takes about 10 minutes and costs less than renewing in person, but you will receive your new license by mail rather than when ready.
If you are over 70, you must renew in person and may need to pass a vision test or written test depending on your age and driving record.

How to check your California license expiration date

Your expiration date is printed on the front of your physical license, below your photograph. It appears as a date in the format MM/DD/YYYY. You can also view your expiration date by logging into your DMV online account at dmv.ca.gov, though you will need to set up an account first with your driver's license number and date of birth.

If you have lost your license or cannot find it, you can call the DMV at 1-800-777-0133 to confirm your expiration date. Have your Social Security number and date of birth ready when you call. The phone line can have long wait times, so calling early in the morning or on weekdays other than Monday often results in shorter holds.

Renewing online through the California DMV

The California DMV allows you to renew online if you meet all of these conditions: your license is not expired, you are under 70 years old, your address has not changed, you do not need to update your name, and your license was not suspended or revoked. You can start the online renewal process up to six months before your expiration date.

To renew online, go to dmv.ca.gov, select "Renew Your Driver License or ID Card," and follow the steps. You will need your current driver's license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The process takes about 10 minutes. The fee is $39 for a four-year renewal if you are under 70. You will pay by credit card or debit card.

After you complete the online renewal, the DMV will mail your new license to the address on file. Standard mail delivery takes about two weeks, though it can take longer during busy periods. You can continue to drive on your current license while you wait for the new one to arrive. Your new license will be valid for four years from your next birthday.

Renewing in person at a DMV office

You must renew in person if your license has been expired for more than five years, if you are 70 or older, if your address has changed, if you need to update your name, or if you cannot renew online for any other reason. You will also need to renew in person if you want to get a REAL ID compliant license for the first time.

To renew in person, make an appointment through the DMV website or call 1-800-777-0133. Walk-ins are accepted at some offices, but appointment holders are served first. Bring your current driver's license, proof of your current address (such as a utility bill or lease), and your Social Security number. If you are changing your name, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change, such as a marriage certificate or court order.

At your appointment, a DMV employee will take a new photograph, verify your information, and process your renewal. You will take a vision test. If you are over 70, you may also be asked to take a written test about traffic laws. The fee for an in-person renewal is $39 for a four-year license if you are under 70, or $20 for a two-year license if you are 70 or older. You will receive your new license on the spot if you pass the vision test and all other requirements are met.

What happens if your license expires while you are waiting to renew

If your license expires before your new one arrives in the mail, you are technically driving with an expired license. California law allows you to drive on an expired license for up to 60 days after the expiration date if you have submitted an online renewal request and are waiting for your new license to arrive. You should carry proof of your renewal request, such as a confirmation email from the DMV, in case you are pulled over.

If you are pulled over more than 60 days after your license expired, you can be cited for driving with an expired license. The fine is typically $100 to $200, though it can be higher depending on the circumstances. If your license has been expired for more than five years, you will need to renew in person and may face additional penalties.

Renewing your license if it has been expired for a long time

If your license expired more than five years ago, you cannot renew online. You must go to a DMV office in person. You will need to bring the same documents as a standard in-person renewal: your expired license, proof of your current address, and your Social Security number.

The DMV may require you to retake the written test and vision test if your license has been expired for a very long time, depending on the circumstances and the DMV employee's judgment. If you fail the vision test, you will not be able to renew until you correct the vision problem. If you fail the written test, you will need to study and retake it, usually on the same day or within a few days.

Real ID compliant licenses and expiration

A Real ID compliant California driver's license has a gold star in the upper right corner and is required for federal purposes such as boarding a domestic flight or entering a federal building. Real ID licenses expire on the same schedule as regular licenses: your birthday every four years for adults under 70, and every two years for drivers 70 and older.

If you have a regular (non-Real ID) license and want to upgrade to a Real ID license, you must renew in person at a DMV office. You will need to bring your current license, proof of your current address, proof of your Social Security number (such as a Social Security card or W-2 form), and proof of your identity and citizenship (such as a passport or birth certificate). The fee is the same as a standard renewal: $39 for a four-year license if you are under 70.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive if my license expired yesterday?

No, you cannot legally drive on an expired license. However, if you submitted an online renewal request before your license expired and are waiting for your new license to arrive, California law allows you to drive for up to 60 days after the expiration date. You should carry your renewal confirmation email as proof.

How much does it cost to renew a California driver's license?

An online renewal costs $39 for a four-year license if you are under 70. An in-person renewal also costs $39 for a four-year license under 70, or $20 for a two-year license if you are 70 or older. Fees may be higher if you are renewing after a long expiration or if you need to add a Real ID.

What if I move to a different state before my California license expires?

You should get a driver's license in your new state as soon as you establish residency there. You do not need to formally cancel your California license, but you should not use it as your primary ID once you have a valid license from your new state. Your California license will remain valid until its expiration date.

Do I need to take a driving test to renew my license?

No, you do not need to take a driving test to renew your license in California. You will take a vision test, and if you are 70 or older, you may be asked to take a written test about traffic laws. A full driving test is only required if you are getting your first license or if your license was suspended or revoked.

What if the DMV says my online renewal was rejected?

The DMV will send you an email or letter explaining why your online renewal was rejected. Common reasons include an address change, a name change, or a suspension or revocation on your record. You will need to renew in person at a DMV office. Make an appointment through the DMV website or call 1-800-777-0133.

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.