What you need to do to renew an expired California license
If your California driver's license has expired, you can renew it by mail, online, or in person at a Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office. The method you choose depends on how long ago it expired and whether you need to update your address or other information. Most people can renew online or by mail without visiting a DMV office, which saves time.
California allows you to renew your license up to one year before it expires and up to five years after it expires. If your license expired more than five years ago, you cannot renew it — you must explore for a new license instead, which requires an in-person visit, a written test, and a driving test.
The renewal fee is $38 for a four-year license or $64 for an eight-year license. You can pay by credit card, debit card, or check. Processing times vary: online renewals typically take one to two weeks, mail renewals take two to three weeks, and in-person renewals are usually completed the same day.
Key Takeaways
- You can renew online or by mail if your license expired within the last five years and you do not need to change your address, name, or other personal information.
- Online renewal through the California DMV website is the fastest method and requires your driver's license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number.
- If you renew by mail, send your completed form DL 44 or DL 43 along with the renewal fee to the address listed on the form.
- In-person renewal at a DMV office is required if your license expired more than five years ago, if you need to update your address or name, or if you prefer to renew in person.
- You will receive your renewed license by mail within two to three weeks after approval, whether you renew online, by mail, or in person.
Renewing online through the California DMV website
Online renewal is the fastest and most convenient option if you meet the requirements. You can renew online only if your license expired within the last five years, you do not need to change your address or personal information, and you have a valid email address. You will need your driver's license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number to start the process.
Go to the California DMV website and select "Renew Your Driver License Online." Follow the prompts to enter your information and verify your identity. You will be asked to confirm your current address and vision requirements. If everything matches the DMV's records, you can pay the renewal fee by credit card or debit card and submit your process.
After you submit your process online, you will receive a confirmation number by email. The DMV will mail your renewed license to the address on file within two to three weeks. You do not need to visit a DMV office or provide any documents in person.
Renewing by mail with the correct forms
Mail renewal works if your license expired within the last five years and you do not need to update your address or other information. You will need to complete the correct form, include the renewal fee, and mail everything to the DMV address listed on the form.
If you are renewing a regular driver's license, use Form DL 44 (process for California Driver License or Identification Card). If you are renewing a commercial driver's license, use Form DL 43 (Commercial Driver License process). You can read these forms from the California DMV website or request them by phone.
Complete the form with your current information, sign it, and enclose a check or money order for the renewal fee ($38 for four years or $64 for eight years). Do not send cash. Mail the form and payment to the address shown on the form. The DMV will process your process and mail your renewed license within two to three weeks.
Renewing in person at a DMV office
You must renew in person if your license expired more than five years ago, if you need to change your address or name, if you need to update your vision information, or if you prefer an in-person visit. In-person renewal also allows you to request a different license type or make other changes to your record.
Find your nearest DMV office on the California DMV website and make an appointment online. Appointments are strongly recommended because walk-ins may face long wait times. Bring your expired driver's license, proof of residency (such as a utility bill or lease), and payment for the renewal fee. If you changed your name, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change (marriage certificate, court order, or other legal document).
At your appointment, a DMV staff member will verify your information, take a new photo, and process your renewal. You will receive a temporary paper license on the spot, and your permanent license will be mailed to you within two to three weeks. If you need your license sooner, you can request expedited mail service for an additional fee.
Documents and information you need to have ready
For online or mail renewal, you need your driver's license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. You do not need to send any documents with an online renewal. For mail renewal, you only need to send the completed form and payment.
For in-person renewal, bring your expired driver's license and proof of residency. Proof of residency can be a utility bill, lease agreement, bank statement, or government document that shows your current address and was issued within the last 60 days. If you changed your name, bring the legal document that shows the change. If you changed your address, bring proof of your new address.
If you wear corrective lenses (glasses or contacts) while driving, you must have your vision corrected to at least 20/40 in each eye. The DMV will test your vision during in-person renewal. For online or mail renewal, you must confirm that your vision meets this standard.
What happens if your license expired more than five years ago
If your California driver's license expired more than five years ago, you cannot renew it. Instead, you must explore for a new license, which requires an in-person visit to a DMV office, a written test, and a behind-the-wheel driving test. This is treated as a new process, not a renewal.
To explore for a new license, make an appointment at your local DMV office and bring proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of your Social Security number. You will take a written test on traffic laws and safe driving, pass a vision test, and complete a driving test with a DMV examiner. The entire process usually takes several hours and may require multiple visits.
The fee for a new driver's license is the same as a renewal ($38 for four years or $64 for eight years), but the testing requirements make this process much longer than a straightforward renewal. Plan ahead and schedule your appointment as soon as possible if you need a new license.
Common mistakes to avoid when renewing
Do not attempt to renew online or by mail if your license expired more than five years ago — the system will reject your process, and you will have to start over with an in-person process. Check the expiration date on your license before you begin the renewal process.
Do not forget to include the correct renewal fee when renewing by mail. If you send the wrong amount or no payment at all, the DMV will return your process. Make sure you use a check or money order, not cash, because cash can be lost in the mail.
Do not assume your address is current in the DMV system. If you moved and did not update your address, your renewed license will be mailed to your old address. If you need to change your address, renew in person or call the DMV before you renew online or by mail.
Do not wait until your license is expired to renew if you need it for travel or identification. California allows you to renew up to one year before your license expires, so renew early if you have an upcoming trip or need your license for a specific purpose.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive with an expired California license while my renewal is being processed?
No. Once your license expires, you cannot legally drive. If you renew in person, you receive a temporary paper license that day, which you can use to drive while you wait for your permanent license. If you renew online or by mail, you cannot drive until your new license arrives in the mail. Plan your renewal in advance so your license does not expire before your new one arrives.
How long does it take to receive my renewed license in the mail?
The DMV typically mails renewed licenses within two to three weeks after your process is approved. Online renewals are processed faster than mail renewals. If you need your license sooner, you can request expedited mail service at a DMV office for an additional fee, though this option is not available for all renewal types.
What if I changed my address but want to renew by mail?
If you changed your address, you cannot renew by mail or online. You must renew in person at a DMV office and bring proof of your new address. The DMV will update your address in the system and mail your renewed license to your new address.
Do I need a new photo for my renewed license?
For online and mail renewals, the DMV uses your existing photo from your current license. For in-person renewals, the DMV takes a new photo. If you want a new photo but are renewing online or by mail, you must renew in person instead.
Can I renew my license if I have unpaid traffic tickets or fines?
Unpaid traffic tickets or fines do not prevent you from renewing your license. However, if you have an outstanding warrant or suspension on your driving record, the DMV may not process your renewal. Contact the DMV or the court that issued the ticket to resolve the issue before you renew.