California driver licenses renew every five or ten years, depending on your age and whether you choose in-person or online renewal

California's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) lets you renew by mail, online, or in person. Most people under 70 can renew online or by mail without visiting an office. If you're 70 or older, you must renew in person. Your renewal notice arrives about 60 days before expiration and tells you which method works for you — not all licenses may have access to for online renewal.

The cost is $39 for a five-year renewal or $119 for a ten-year renewal. You choose the length when you renew. Payment is by credit card, debit card, or electronic check if you renew online or by mail. In-person renewals also accept cash.

Key Takeaways

  • California sends a renewal notice 60 days before your license expires; check the notice to see whether you can renew online, by mail, or must visit in person.
  • Online renewal at dmv.ca.gov takes about 15 minutes and costs $39 for five years or $119 for ten years, paid by card or e-check.
  • Mail renewal requires mailing your renewal notice, a completed process, and payment to the DMV address on the notice; processing takes two to three weeks.
  • If you are 70 or older, you cannot renew online or by mail and must schedule an in-person appointment at your local DMV office.
  • You cannot renew if your license is suspended, revoked, or expired for more than five years; contact the DMV to resolve the suspension or revocation first.

Who can renew online or by mail

Your renewal notice tells you which method the DMV will allow. You can renew online if you are under 70, your license is not suspended or revoked, and you have not changed your name or address since your last renewal. If your address or name changed, you must renew in person or by mail.

If the notice says you can renew online, go to dmv.ca.gov, click "Renew Your Driver License," and follow the prompts. You will need your driver license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a payment method. The system checks your information against state records and issues a temporary digital license when ready. Your physical card arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days.

Mail renewal works if your notice says you may have access to. Fill out the process form included with your notice, sign it, and mail it with your notice and payment to the address printed on the notice. Do not send cash by mail. Processing takes two to three weeks from the date the DMV receives your envelope.

In-person renewal at a DMV office

You must renew in person if you are 70 or older, your license is suspended or revoked, your name or address changed, or your renewal notice says in-person only. Schedule an appointment online at dmv.ca.gov before you go. Walk-ins are accepted but wait times are often two hours or longer.

Bring your renewal notice, a valid ID (your current driver license counts), and payment. If your name changed, bring a document proving the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. If your address changed, bring a document showing your new address, such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days.

The appointment takes 10 to 15 minutes. You will have your photo taken, answer a few questions, and pay. Your temporary digital license appears on your phone when ready. Your physical card arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days.

What happens if your license is suspended or revoked

You cannot renew online or by mail if your license is suspended or revoked. The DMV will not process a renewal until the suspension or revocation is lifted. Your renewal notice will say "Cannot Renew" if this applies to you.

Contact the DMV to find out why your license is suspended or revoked. Common reasons include unpaid traffic fines, failure to appear in court, or a DUI conviction. The DMV website has a tool to check your driving record at dmv.ca.gov. Once you resolve the underlying issue — pay the fine, appear in court, or complete a required program — you can renew. Some suspensions lift automatically after a set time; others require you to take action.

Renewing after your license has expired

If your license expired fewer than five years ago, you can renew it by mail or online using the same process as a current license. If it expired more than five years ago, you cannot renew; you must explore for a new license instead, which requires an in-person visit, a written test, and a driving test.

Check your license expiration date before you contact the DMV. If you are unsure, call the DMV at 1-800-777-0133 or check your driving record online.

Temporary licenses and what to expect after renewal

When you renew online or in person, the DMV issues a temporary digital license when ready. This temporary license is valid for driving while you wait for your physical card. You can show it on your phone at traffic stops or when you need to prove your identity. Some businesses and government offices may not accept a digital license; ask first if you need a physical card for a specific purpose.

Your physical card arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days. If it does not arrive after two weeks, contact the DMV. If you need to drive before your card arrives, the temporary digital license is sufficient in California.

Renewing a commercial driver license (CDL)

Commercial driver licenses cannot be renewed online or by mail. You must renew in person at a DMV office. Schedule an appointment online before you go. Bring your renewal notice, a valid ID, and payment. You will have your photo taken and answer questions about your medical status and driving record. The appointment takes 15 to 20 minutes.

If your CDL is about to expire and you have not scheduled an appointment, call the DMV at 1-800-777-0133 to find available times. Some offices have longer wait times than others, so book early if your expiration date is within a month.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if I moved out of state?

No. You must have a California address to hold a California driver license. If you moved out of state, you should explore for a license in your new state. If you still have a California address (such as a family member's home), you can renew by mail or online using that address.

What if I lost my renewal notice?

You can still renew online at dmv.ca.gov without the notice. You will need your driver license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a payment method. If you cannot remember your license number, call the DMV at 1-800-777-0133 to look it up.

How long does a temporary digital license last?

Your temporary digital license is valid until your physical card arrives, which is usually 7 to 10 business days. After that, only your physical card is valid for driving. Keep the temporary license on your phone until the physical card arrives, in case you need proof of renewal.

Can I renew my license if I have an outstanding traffic ticket?

Yes, an outstanding ticket does not stop renewal. However, if you have failed to pay a fine or failed to appear in court, your license may be suspended. Check your driving record at dmv.ca.gov to see your status. If your license is suspended, resolve the ticket or fine first, then renew.

What if my name is different on my renewal notice than it is now?

You must renew in person and bring a document proving your name change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The DMV will update your record and issue a new license with your current name.