What the renewal notice tells you

California sends a renewal notice (Form DL 44 or a postcard version) 60 days before your license expires. The notice tells you your expiration date, whether you can renew by mail or online, and what documents you need. It is not a request — it is a important date. If you do not renew before the date printed on your license, you cannot legally drive in California.

The notice also tells you whether you must appear in person at a Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office. Most people can renew without going in, but some cannot. The notice will say "You must visit a DMV office" if you fall into that group. Common reasons include a name change, a medical hold, a suspended or revoked license, or if your last renewal was more than 12 years ago.

Keep the notice. You will need it when you renew, whether online, by mail, or in person. It contains your renewal code, which speeds up the process and proves you received official notice.

Key Takeaways

  • Your renewal notice arrives 60 days before expiration and tells you the exact date your license expires and which renewal method you can use.
  • If the notice says you must visit a DMV office, you cannot renew online or by mail — you must make an appointment and go in person.
  • You can renew online at dmv.ca.gov if the notice does not require an in-person visit, and you have a valid Social Security number and a California address on file.
  • Renewing by mail takes longer than online renewal and requires you to mail your current license and a completed form to the DMV.
  • If you lose or do not receive your renewal notice, you can still renew using your driver license number, but you will not have the renewal code.

When you can renew online or by mail

California allows online renewal if your notice does not require an in-person visit. Online renewal is the fastest option and costs $63 for a four-year license or $123 for an eight-year license (as of 2024; fees change annually). You will need your renewal notice, your current license number, your Social Security number, and a valid email address. The process takes about 10 minutes, and you receive a temporary digital license when ready that you can use while your physical card arrives by mail.

Mail renewal is slower but works if you prefer not to use the internet. You must complete Form DL 44, sign it, and mail it with your current license to the address on the form. Include the renewal notice if you have it. Mail renewal takes two to three weeks after the DMV receives your envelope, and you cannot drive with an expired license during that time. This method costs the same as online renewal.

Both methods require that your address on file with the DMV matches your current California address. If you moved and have not updated your address, you must do that before renewing online or by mail. You can update your address online at dmv.ca.gov or in person at a DMV office.

When you must visit a DMV office

Your renewal notice will clearly state if an in-person visit is required. This happens if you have a medical hold, a suspended or revoked license, a name change since your last renewal, or if your last license was issued more than 12 years ago. It also applies if you are renewing a commercial driver license (CDL) or if you need to update your Real ID status.

If you must visit a DMV office, you need an appointment. You can book one online at dmv.ca.gov or by calling 1-800-777-0133. Bring your renewal notice, your current license, proof of California residency (a utility bill or lease), and proof of your Social Security number (a Social Security card or tax return). If you have a name change, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.

In-person renewal at a DMV office usually takes 30 to 45 minutes once you are called. You will have your photo taken, answer a few questions, and pay the renewal fee. You receive a temporary paper license on the spot and your plastic card arrives by mail within two weeks.

Documents and fees you need

For online or mail renewal, you need only your renewal notice and your current license. You do not need to submit any other documents unless your notice specifically asks for them (for example, if you need to update your Real ID status).

For in-person renewal, bring the documents listed above: renewal notice, current license, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number. If your name has changed, bring the certified document that proves it. If you are renewing a Real ID license, bring a passport, passport card, or birth certificate as well.

Renewal fees in California are $63 for a four-year license or $123 for an eight-year license. You can pay online with a credit or debit card, or by check or money order if renewing by mail. At a DMV office, you can pay with cash, check, debit card, or credit card. Fees do not include any late penalties if you renew after your license has expired.

What happens if you miss the expiration date

If your license expires before you renew, you cannot legally drive in California. Driving with an expired license can result in a traffic citation, a fine of up to $250, and points on your driving record. If your license has been expired for more than six months, you may have to retake the written test and vision test when you renew, even if you renew online or by mail.

You can still renew after expiration using the same methods — online, by mail, or in person. The renewal fee does not change, but you may face additional requirements. If your license expired more than one year ago, the DMV may require you to visit an office in person and pass a written test.

If you did not receive your renewal notice, do not wait. You can renew without it using your driver license number and other identifying information. Go to dmv.ca.gov, call 1-800-777-0133, or visit a DMV office. The process is the same, but you will not have the renewal code, which may slow things down slightly.

Real ID status and your renewal notice

Your renewal notice will tell you if your license is Real ID compliant or if you need to update it during renewal. A Real ID license has a gold or silver star in the upper right corner and is required for federal air travel and entry to military bases as of May 2025. If your notice says you need to update your Real ID status, you must do so during renewal — you cannot skip it and renew later.

To update to Real ID during renewal, you need an additional document: a U.S. passport, passport card, birth certificate, or state ID. If you renew online or by mail without providing this document, your new license will not be Real ID compliant. If you are unsure whether you need to update, check your current license. If it does not have a star, your renewal notice will tell you to add one.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license before the renewal notice arrives?

Yes. You can renew up to 60 days before your license expires, even if you have not received the notice yet. Go to dmv.ca.gov or visit a DMV office. You will need your driver license number, Social Security number, and date of birth. The notice is not required to renew, but it does contain your renewal code, which speeds up the online process.

What if my renewal notice says I must visit a DMV office but I cannot get an appointment?

Keep trying. DMV appointment slots open regularly, and you can check dmv.ca.gov multiple times per day. You can also call 1-800-777-0133 to book by phone. If your license is about to expire and you cannot get an appointment, visit a DMV office without one — walk-ins are accepted, though wait times are longer. Bring all required documents.

Do I need to renew my license if I do not drive anymore?

No. If you do not plan to drive, you do not have to renew. However, if you might need a valid ID for other purposes — air travel, banking, voting — you should renew. An expired license is not valid ID for those purposes. You can also convert your license to a state ID at any time if you no longer drive.

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

Your plastic license arrives by mail within two weeks of renewal in most cases, though it can take up to four weeks during busy periods. You receive a temporary digital license when ready after you complete the online renewal, and you can use that to drive legally while you wait for the physical card.

What if I moved out of California after I received my renewal notice?

You cannot renew your California license if you no longer live in California. You must obtain a license from your new state instead. Contact your new state's DMV to learn what documents you need. You can surrender your California license by mail or in person at any DMV office if you want to, but it is not required.