Renewing Your License in Los Angeles: The Basic Process
In Los Angeles, you renew your driver's license through the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). Most people renew by mail or online if their license is not expiring soon and they have no medical conditions or restrictions that need review. If your license expires within the next 60 days, you can renew in person at a DMV office in Los Angeles County, or you can mail in your renewal process if you meet the mail-in requirements.
The fastest route for most people is online renewal through the California DMV website, which takes about 10 minutes and costs $42 for a five-year license or $64 for an eight-year license. You will need your current license number, Social Security number, and a valid payment method. If you cannot renew online because of your age, medical status, or other factors, you will need to visit a DMV office in person.
Key Takeaways
- California residents can renew online through the DMV website if they meet basic requirements, and the process takes about 10 minutes.
- You can renew by mail if you have a current, valid California license and do not have medical conditions or restrictions requiring in-person review.
- In-person renewal at a Los Angeles DMV office is required if you are over 70, have certain medical conditions, or need to update your address or name.
- Your new license will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days if you renew online or by mail; in-person renewal produces a temporary license on the spot.
- Los Angeles DMV offices are often crowded, so booking an appointment online before visiting in person will save you hours of waiting.
Online Renewal: The Fastest Option for Most Drivers
Online renewal through the California DMV website is available if your license is not expired, you are under 70 years old, you have no medical conditions that require review, and your address and name have not changed since your last renewal. You will need your current license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a credit or debit card to pay the renewal fee.
The process takes about 10 minutes. You log into the DMV website, enter your information, review it for accuracy, pay the fee, and submit. Your new license will arrive by mail in 7 to 10 business days. You can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives, even if your current license has expired.
If you are renewing early (more than 60 days before expiration), online renewal is almost always your best choice because it avoids the DMV office entirely. Check the California DMV website to confirm you meet the requirements before you start.
Mail-In Renewal: When You Cannot Go Online
If you do not meet the requirements for online renewal but your license is still valid, you can renew by mail. You will need to complete form DL 44 or form DL 43 (depending on whether you are renewing or renewing with changes), include a copy of your current license, and mail the packet to the DMV address listed on the form. The fee is the same as online renewal: $42 for five years or $64 for eight years.
Mail-in renewal takes longer than online renewal. The DMV typically processes mail applications within 2 to 3 weeks, though during busy periods it can take longer. Your new license will arrive by mail after processing is complete. If your current license expires before your new one arrives, you can still drive legally as long as your process is in the mail.
You can read the renewal forms from the California DMV website or pick them up at any DMV office. Make sure you use the correct form for your situation — form DL 43 is for renewals with changes (address, name, medical conditions), and form DL 44 is for standard renewals with no changes.
In-Person Renewal at a Los Angeles DMV Office
You must renew in person if you are 70 or older, if you have a medical condition that affects your ability to drive safely, if you need to update your address or legal name, if your license has been expired for more than five years, or if you have certain traffic violations or restrictions on your record. In-person renewal also applies if you are a first-time license holder or if you are changing your gender marker or other identity information.
Los Angeles County has multiple DMV offices. The main office is located at 2415 Wilshire Boulevard in Los Angeles, but there are also offices in Long Beach, Pasadena, Van Nuys, and other areas. You can find the full list and hours on the California DMV website. Most offices are open Monday through Friday, with limited Saturday hours at some locations.
Book an appointment online before you visit. Walk-ins are accepted, but wait times at Los Angeles DMV offices often exceed two hours, and appointment holders are served first. When you arrive, bring your current license, proof of residency (a recent utility bill or lease), and payment for the renewal fee. You will take a new photo and receive a temporary license on the spot; your permanent license will arrive by mail in 7 to 10 business days.
What Documents You Need for Each Renewal Method
| Renewal Method | Documents Required | Processing Time |
|---|---|---|
| Online | Current license number, last four digits of Social Security number, payment method | 7–10 business days by mail |
| By Mail | Completed form DL 43 or DL 44, copy of current license, payment | 2–3 weeks |
| In Person | Current license, proof of residency, payment, proof of legal name (if changed) | Temporary license same day; permanent license 7–10 business days |
Renewal Fees and Payment Options
California driver's license renewal costs $42 for a five-year license or $64 for an eight-year license. These are the standard fees as of the most recent update, though fees can change. You can pay by credit card, debit card, or electronic check if you renew online or by mail. At a DMV office, you can also pay by cash, check, or money order.
If you are a senior (70 or older) or have a disability, you may be may be able to access for a reduced fee. Ask about this when you renew in person, or check the DMV website for current senior discounts. Some people also may have access to for fee waivers based on income, though this is less common for license renewal than for other DMV services.
What to Do If Your License Has Already Expired
If your license expired more than five years ago, you cannot renew it — you must explore for a new license. This requires an in-person visit to a DMV office, a written test, and a driving test. If your license expired fewer than five years ago, you can still renew it using any of the three methods above, as long as you meet the other requirements for that method.
If your license expired recently (within the last few months) and you have been driving, you are technically driving with an expired license, which is a violation. Renew as soon as possible. You can still renew online or by mail if you meet the other requirements; you do not need to wait to visit an office in person.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if I have moved out of Los Angeles but still have a California address?
Yes. As long as your new address is in California, you can renew your license. If you moved within California, you will need to update your address during renewal. If you moved out of state, you will need to explore for a new license in your new state instead of renewing your California license.
What if I lost my current license and need to renew?
You cannot renew online or by mail if you do not have your current license. You will need to visit a DMV office in person to report it lost and renew at the same time. Bring proof of identity and residency. There is an additional fee to replace a lost license, on top of the renewal fee.
How long can I drive after my license expires while waiting for the new one?
If you have submitted a renewal process (online, by mail, or in person), you can continue to drive legally even after your license expires, as long as your process is being processed. Once your new license arrives, your old one is no longer valid. If you have not submitted an process, driving with an expired license is illegal.
Can I renew my license if I have unpaid traffic tickets or fines?
Unpaid traffic tickets or court fines can prevent you from renewing your license. The DMV will flag your record if there are outstanding fines. You will need to pay or resolve the tickets before you can complete your renewal. Contact the court that issued the ticket to find out the status and payment options.
Do I need to take a new photo every time I renew?
If you renew online or by mail, your photo from your current license is used on your new license. If you renew in person, you will take a new photo at the DMV office. You can request a new photo during online or mail renewal, but there is an additional fee for this service.