California driver licenses renew every five or ten years, depending on your age and license type

California issues driver licenses on a five-year or ten-year cycle. If you are under 62, your license is valid for five years from the date of issue. If you are 62 or older, you can choose a five-year or ten-year renewal. You will see your expiration date printed on the front of your license — that is the important date to renew.

You can renew in person at a California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office, by mail, or online through the DMV website. Not all renewal types may have access to for online or mail renewal, so your path depends on whether your license is standard, real ID compliant, or has restrictions or endorsements.

The DMV will send you a renewal notice in the mail about 60 days before your license expires. This notice includes your renewal code, which you will need if you renew online or by mail. If you do not receive a notice, you can still renew — you just need to know your driver license number.

Key Takeaways

  • California driver licenses expire every five years (or ten years if you are 62 or older), and the expiration date is printed on the front of your license.
  • You can renew online, by mail, or in person at a DMV office, but online and mail renewal are only available for standard licenses without restrictions or endorsements.
  • The DMV mails a renewal notice about 60 days before expiration; the notice includes a renewal code you will need for online or mail renewal.
  • In-person renewal at a DMV office requires a current ID, proof of California residency, and your Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number.
  • You can renew up to six months before your license expires, so you do not have to wait until the expiration date.

Online renewal through the California DMV website

Online renewal is the fastest option if your license qualifies. You can renew online if your license is a standard driver license (not a commercial license), has no restrictions or endorsements, and you have not had any address changes since your last renewal. You also cannot renew online if your license was suspended, revoked, or denied.

To renew online, go to the California DMV website and select the online renewal option. You will need your driver license number, renewal code (from your renewal notice), and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The fee is paid by credit card or debit card. The entire process takes about 15 minutes, and you will receive a temporary digital license when ready. Your physical license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

If you are 62 or older and want a ten-year license, you cannot renew online — you must renew by mail or in person.

Mail renewal using the DMV renewal notice

Mail renewal works for the same license types that may have access to for online renewal: standard licenses with no restrictions, endorsements, or address changes. You will need your renewal notice, which the DMV mails to you about 60 days before expiration.

Complete the renewal form on the back of your notice, include a check or money order for the renewal fee, and mail it to the address printed on the notice. Do not send cash. Include a copy of your current ID and proof of California residency if your address has changed since your last renewal.

Processing takes 2 to 3 weeks after the DMV receives your process. Your new license will arrive by mail. If you need your license sooner, in-person renewal is faster.

In-person renewal at a California DMV office

In-person renewal is required if your license has restrictions, endorsements, or a commercial classification, or if you want to change your address or name. It is also the fastest way to renew if you need your license when ready — you can walk out with a temporary license the same day.

Bring your current driver license, one form of ID (such as a passport or state ID), proof of California residency (such as a utility bill or lease), and your Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number. If your name has changed, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change (marriage certificate, court order, or passport).

Visit the California DMV website to find your nearest office and book an appointment. Walk-ins are accepted, but appointments are faster and reduce wait times. The renewal fee varies depending on your license type and how long you want it valid — five or ten years. You will pay at the time of renewal.

If you pass the vision test and have no disqualifying medical conditions, you will receive a temporary license on the spot and your permanent license by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

Renewal fees and what they cover

California renewal fees depend on your age and the length of validity you choose. For a standard five-year license, the fee is typically $36 for drivers under 62 and $28 for drivers 62 and older. A ten-year license costs more but spreads the cost over a longer period.

The fee covers the license itself and a vision test if you renew in person. If you renew online or by mail, no vision test is performed — the DMV assumes your vision has not changed since your last in-person visit. If your vision has changed significantly, you should renew in person so the DMV can test your vision and update your license if needed.

Real ID compliant licenses cost slightly more than standard licenses. If your current license is not Real ID compliant and you want to upgrade during renewal, you will pay an additional fee and must renew in person with the required documents.

When you can renew early and what happens if you miss the important date

You can renew your California driver license up to six months before it expires. This is useful if you are traveling or want to avoid the rush near the expiration date. Your new license will be valid for five or ten years from the date of issue, not from your old expiration date.

If your license expires and you have not renewed it, you are driving with an expired license, which is a traffic violation. You can still renew at any time after expiration, but you should do so as soon as possible. Renewing after expiration does not cost extra, but driving on an expired license can result in a ticket.

If your license has been expired for more than five years, you may need to retake the written test and driving test instead of renewing. Contact your local DMV office to find out what is required in your situation.

Real ID compliance and renewal

California Real ID compliant licenses are required for federal purposes such as boarding a domestic flight or entering a federal building. If your current license is not Real ID compliant and you want to upgrade, you must renew in person.

To upgrade to Real ID during renewal, bring your current driver license, proof of identity (such as a passport), proof of Social Security number (such as a Social Security card or tax return), and two proofs of California residency (such as a utility bill and lease). The Real ID fee is added to your renewal fee.

If you renew online or by mail without upgrading to Real ID, your new license will have the same Real ID status as your current license. You can upgrade to Real ID at any time by visiting a DMV office in person.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my California driver license if I have moved out of state?

No. To renew a California driver license, you must be a California resident. If you have moved out of state, you need to get a driver license from your new state. You can surrender your California license to the DMV or keep it as an ID, but you cannot renew it.

What if I lost my renewal notice?

You can still renew online or by mail without the notice. For online renewal, use your driver license number and the last four digits of your Social Security number instead of the renewal code. For mail renewal, contact the DMV to request a new notice or read the renewal form from the DMV website.

Do I need a vision test to renew by mail or online?

No. Mail and online renewal do not include a vision test. If your vision has changed or you want to be tested, renew in person at a DMV office. In-person renewal includes a vision screening at no extra cost.

How long does it take to get my renewed license after I renew in person?

You receive a temporary license when ready after your in-person visit. Your permanent license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. You can use the temporary license as your valid driver license until the permanent one arrives.

What if my license has been suspended or revoked?

You cannot renew a suspended or revoked license. You must contact the DMV to find out why your license was suspended or revoked and what steps you need to take to restore it. Once your license is restored, you can renew it normally.