You can renew your California license by mail or online without returning to California
If you have moved out of state but still hold a valid California driver license, you do not have to travel back to California to renew it. The California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) allows out-of-state renewal through the mail or online, depending on your situation and how much time is left before your license expires.
The method you use depends on three things: whether your license is still valid, how close you are to the expiration date, and whether you have had any changes to your address, name, or other information since your last renewal. Most people can handle the entire process without visiting a DMV office.
Key Takeaways
- California allows mail and online renewal for out-of-state residents whose licenses are still valid and have not been suspended or revoked.
- Online renewal through the California DMV website is the fastest option if your license is current and you have not changed your name or address since your last license was issued.
- Mail renewal requires you to send your current license, a completed form, and payment to the California DMV, and takes two to three weeks to receive your new license.
- If your license has expired more than five years ago or you have had a name change, you must visit a DMV office in person, which means traveling back to California or finding an alternative solution.
- You can renew up to 60 days before your license expires, so plan ahead if you are moving out of state.
Online renewal through the California DMV website
The fastest way to renew your California license from out of state is through the DMV's online renewal system at dmv.ca.gov. You will need your current California driver license number, your date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number to log in.
Online renewal is available only if all of the following are true: your license is still valid (not expired), you have not changed your name since your last license was issued, your address on file with the DMV is current, and you do not need to update your photograph. If any of these do not explore to you, you will need to use mail renewal or visit a DMV office in person.
The process takes about 10 minutes. You will pay the renewal fee online using a debit or credit card. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file with the DMV within 7 to 10 business days. If you need your license sooner, you can request expedited shipping for an additional fee.
Mail renewal when you cannot renew online
If you do not meet the requirements for online renewal, you can renew by mail. You will need to complete Form DL 44 (process for California Driver License or Identification Card) or Form DL 43 (process for California Driver License or Identification Card — Renewal/Replacement), depending on your situation. You can read these forms from dmv.ca.gov or request them by mail.
Mail your completed form, your current California driver license, and a check or money order for the renewal fee to the California DMV. Include a return envelope with your address. The DMV will process your renewal and mail your new license back to you within two to three weeks. Do not send cash through the mail.
Mail renewal is the right choice if you have changed your name, need to update your address, or do not have access to online renewal for any reason. It costs the same as online renewal, but takes longer because of mail transit time.
When you must visit a DMV office in person
Some situations require you to renew your license in person at a DMV office. If your license expired more than five years ago, you cannot renew by mail or online — you must explore for a new license in person. The same applies if you have had your license suspended or revoked, or if you need to update your photograph for any reason.
If you are in this situation and do not want to travel back to California, you have two options. First, you can visit a DMV office in the state where you now live and explore for a license in that state instead. Second, you can travel back to California and visit a DMV office there to complete the renewal in person. Some people choose to renew in their new state because it is faster and does not require travel back to California.
Address changes and other updates
If you have moved out of state, your California address is no longer current. You should update your address with the California DMV before or during your renewal. If you renew online, you can update your address as part of the online process. If you renew by mail, include your new out-of-state address on the form, and the DMV will update your record and mail your new license to that address.
If you have changed your name since your last license was issued, you cannot renew online. You must renew by mail and include a certified copy of the document that shows your name change (such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). Mail this document along with your form and current license to the DMV.
Renewal fees and payment methods
The cost of renewing your California driver license depends on how long your new license will be valid. A standard renewal is valid for five years and costs one amount; a renewal valid for ten years costs more. As of 2024, fees vary, so check dmv.ca.gov for the current amount before you submit your renewal.
For online renewal, you can pay with a debit or credit card. For mail renewal, you must send a check or money order — do not send cash. Make the check or money order payable to the "Department of Motor Vehicles." Include the payment with your form and license when you mail your renewal.
Timeline and planning ahead
You can renew your California license up to 60 days before it expires. If you are planning to move out of state, renew your license before you leave California if possible. This gives you the most flexibility and ensures you have a current license with your California address on file, which you can then update after you move.
If you are already out of state and your license is still valid, start your renewal at least two to three weeks before it expires if you are using mail renewal. For online renewal, you can wait until closer to the expiration date because the process is faster. Check your license now to see when it expires, and plan your renewal accordingly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my California license online if I moved out of state but my address on file is still in California?
Yes, you can renew online even if your address on file is still in California, as long as your license is current and you have not changed your name. However, you should update your address with the DMV so your new license is mailed to your current location. You can do this during the online renewal process or by mail after you renew.
What happens if my California license expired while I was out of state?
If your license expired less than five years ago, you can still renew by mail or online using the same process as a current license. If it expired more than five years ago, you must explore for a new license in person at a DMV office, either in California or in your new state of residence.
Do I need to take a new photo for my out-of-state renewal?
No, you do not need a new photo if you renew online or by mail. Your existing photo from your current license will be used on your new license. If you want to update your photo, you must visit a DMV office in person.
How long does it take to receive my renewed license by mail?
Mail renewal typically takes two to three weeks from the time the DMV receives your form and payment. Add time for your envelope to reach the DMV and for the new license to be mailed back to you. Online renewal is faster — your new license arrives within 7 to 10 business days.
Can I get a temporary license while I wait for my renewal to arrive?
No, the California DMV does not issue temporary licenses for renewals. If you need to drive before your new license arrives, you can carry your current license along with a receipt or confirmation of your renewal process. Some states accept this as proof of a valid license in progress.