California driver licenses renew by mail, online, or in person depending on your age and record

California lets you renew your driver license through the mail, online, or at a DMV office. Which method you can use depends on your age, how long your license has been expired, and whether you have any violations or suspensions on your record. Most people under 70 with a clean driving history can renew online or by mail without visiting an office. If you're over 70, have medical conditions to report, or your license has been expired for more than five years, you'll need to renew in person.

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

Key Takeaways

  • California offers online renewal through the DMV website for most drivers under 70 with no violations, suspensions, or medical conditions to report.
  • Mail renewal takes about two weeks and costs the same as online renewal, but you must be under 70 and meet the same may be able to access rules as online renewal.
  • In-person renewal at a DMV office is required if you're 70 or older, have an expired license, have certain medical conditions, or have had violations or suspensions.
  • You can renew up to six months before your license expires, and the new license will be valid for five years from your birth date.
  • Renewal fees in California are $39 for a five-year license, though you may pay extra if you add a Real ID or organ donor designation.

Online renewal through the California DMV website

The fastest way to renew is online at the California DMV website. You'll need your current driver license number, Social Security number, and a credit or debit card to pay the renewal fee. The process takes about 10 minutes, and your new license will be mailed to you within two weeks.

You can renew online only if all of these are true: your license is not expired, you are under 70 years old, you have no active suspensions or revocations, you have no medical conditions to report, and your address is current in the DMV system. If any of these don't explore to you, you'll need to use mail or in-person renewal instead.

When you complete online renewal, you'll receive a confirmation number. Keep this for your records. Your new license will arrive by mail with a temporary paper license you can use right away if needed.

Mail renewal for drivers under 70

You can renew by mail if you meet the same requirements as online renewal: your license is not expired, you're under 70, you have no suspensions or revocations, and you have no medical conditions to report. The DMV will send you a renewal notice in the mail about 60 days before your license expires. You can also request a renewal form by calling the DMV at 1-800-777-0133.

Fill out the form, include your current license or a copy of it, and mail it with a check or money order to the address on the form. The renewal fee is $39. Mail renewal takes about two to three weeks from the time the DMV receives your form. If you're renewing before you receive a notice, you may need to read and print the renewal form from the DMV website instead.

In-person renewal at a DMV office

You must renew in person if you're 70 or older, if your license has been expired for more than five years, if you have an active suspension or revocation, if you have medical conditions to report, or if you've had violations or accidents that need to be reviewed. You'll also need to renew in person if you want to change your address, add a Real ID, or update your organ donor status.

Make an appointment through the California DMV website or by calling 1-800-777-0133. Bring your current driver license, proof of residency (a recent utility bill, lease, or bank statement), and payment for the renewal fee. If you're over 70, you may also need to pass a vision test or provide a medical report from your doctor, depending on your driving record and any conditions you report.

In-person renewal typically takes 30 to 45 minutes at the DMV office. You'll receive a temporary paper license on the spot and your new plastic license will arrive by mail within two weeks.

What happens if your license has expired

If your California driver license has been expired for less than five years, you can still renew it by mail or online using the same process as a current license, as long as you meet all other requirements. If your license has been expired for more than five years, you must renew in person at a DMV office. You cannot legally drive with an expired license, even if you have a renewal in progress.

If you're driving with an expired license and get pulled over, you can be cited. However, if you can show the officer that you've already started the renewal process, some officers may issue a warning instead of a ticket. Keep your confirmation number or renewal form with you if you're waiting for your new license to arrive.

Real ID and other upgrades during renewal

California's Real ID driver license is required to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building. If your current license is not a Real ID, you can upgrade during renewal. Real ID renewal requires in-person renewal at a DMV office and costs an extra $24 on top of the standard $39 renewal fee.

To upgrade to Real ID, bring your current driver license, proof of residency, and proof of citizenship or legal presence in the United States. Acceptable documents include a U.S. passport, birth certificate, or permanent resident card. You can also add or update your organ donor status during renewal at no extra cost.

Renewal fees and payment methods

The standard renewal fee for a five-year California driver license is $39. If you're upgrading to Real ID, add $24 for a total of $63. If you renew by mail, you must pay with a check or money order. If you renew online or in person, you can pay with a credit card, debit card, or cash (in person only).

Some people may be exempt from renewal fees or may be able to access for a reduced fee. Drivers 62 and older can renew for $14 instead of $39. Drivers with certain disabilities may also may have access to for a reduced fee. Ask at the DMV office or call 1-800-777-0133 to learn about you may have access to.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my California driver license if I have a suspension on my record?

No. If you have an active suspension or revocation, you cannot renew your license until the suspension is lifted. You'll need to contact the DMV or the court that issued the suspension to find out what steps are required to clear it. Once it's cleared, you can renew in person at a DMV office.

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

If you renew online or by mail, your new license will arrive by mail within two weeks. If you renew in person at a DMV office, you'll receive a temporary paper license right away and your plastic license will arrive within two weeks. During the wait, the temporary license is valid for driving.

What if my address changed since my last license?

If you're renewing online or by mail, your address must be current in the DMV system. If it's not, you'll need to renew in person at a DMV office and bring proof of your new address, such as a utility bill or lease. You can also update your address separately through the DMV website before renewing.

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

No, you do not need to take a written or driving test to renew. However, if you're 70 or older, the DMV may require a vision test or ask you to provide a medical report from your doctor. Drivers with certain medical conditions may also be asked to provide a report, regardless of age.

Can I renew my license early if it hasn't expired yet?

Yes. You can renew your California driver license up to six months before it expires. This is useful if you're planning a trip and want your new license to arrive before you travel. The new license will be valid for five years from your birth date, not from the date you renew.