What You Need to Know Before You Start
California driver's licenses expire every five or ten years depending on your age and license type. You can renew online, by mail, or in person at a DMV office. Most people renew online through the California DMV website, which takes about 15 minutes and costs $39 for a five-year renewal or $119 for a ten-year renewal. You cannot renew online if your license has been suspended, if you need to update your address, or if you are over 70 years old — those require an in-person visit.
Your renewal notice arrives in the mail about 60 days before your license expires. You do not have to wait for the notice to renew; you can start the process up to six months early. If you miss the expiration date, you can still renew, but you may face a late fee and will need to visit a DMV office in person rather than renewing online.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal through the California DMV website is the fastest option for most people and takes about 15 minutes if your license is not suspended and you do not need to change your address.
- The cost is $39 for a five-year renewal or $119 for a ten-year renewal, and you must pay by credit card, debit card, or electronic check.
- You can renew up to six months before your expiration date, and your new license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
- If your license is suspended, you are over 70, or you need to change your address, you must renew in person at a DMV office.
- Late renewal fees explore if you drive on an expired license, and the DMV can issue a citation.
Online Renewal Through the California DMV Website
Online renewal is available if your license is valid (not suspended or revoked), you are under 70 years old, and you do not need to change your address or update your photo. Go to dmv.ca.gov and select "Renew Your Driver's License." You will need your driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a valid payment method.
The system will ask you to confirm your current address, vehicle information, and whether you want to renew for five or ten years. After you pay the renewal fee, you will receive a confirmation number. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days. You can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives.
If the online system tells you that you cannot renew online, it will explain why and direct you to the next step — usually an in-person visit or a mail renewal form.
Mail Renewal Using the Renewal Notice
If you received a renewal notice in the mail, you can renew by mail without visiting a DMV office. Fill out the form that came with your notice, sign it, and mail it along with your payment to the address printed on the form. Do not send cash — use a check or money order. Include a copy of your current driver's license if you are renewing for the first time in 20 years or if you are changing your address.
Mail renewal takes longer than online renewal. The DMV typically processes mail renewals within 4 to 6 weeks, and your new license will arrive 7 to 10 business days after that. If your renewal notice was lost or you did not receive one, you can request a replacement form from the DMV website or by calling 1-800-777-0133.
In-Person Renewal at a DMV Office
You must renew in person if your license is suspended or revoked, if you are over 70 years old, if you need to change your address, if you need a new photo, or if you did not receive a renewal notice and cannot renew online. Bring your current driver's license, proof of residency (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days), and payment in cash, check, or card.
Visit the DMV website, select "Find a Field Office," and choose the office nearest you. You can make an appointment online or call the office directly. Appointments are strongly recommended because walk-in wait times can exceed two hours. Your new license will be issued on the spot if you pass the vision test and all documents are in order. You will receive a temporary paper license valid for 60 days while your permanent license is mailed to you.
If you are over 70, you must also pass a vision test and may be asked to take a written test about traffic laws. The DMV will tell you what to expect when you book your appointment.
Address Changes and Other Updates
If you moved and need to change your address, you cannot use online renewal. You must renew in person at a DMV office or by mail using the renewal notice. When you renew in person, bring proof of your new address — a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. A piece of mail from a government agency (tax return, court document, or benefits letter) also counts as proof of residency.
If you need to update your name, gender marker, or other information beyond your address, you will need to bring additional documents. The DMV website lists what documents are required for each type of change. Some changes require an in-person visit and may take longer to process.
Fees and Payment Methods
A five-year renewal costs $39. A ten-year renewal costs $119. If you renew online or by mail, you must pay by credit card, debit card, or electronic check. At a DMV office, you can pay in cash, check, money order, credit card, or debit card. There is no additional fee for renewing in person.
If you renew late — that is, if you drive on an expired license — you will owe a late fee on top of the renewal fee. The amount varies, but the DMV can issue a citation for driving with an expired license. It is cheaper and faster to renew before your license expires.
Timeline and What to Expect
| Renewal Method | Processing Time | When You Get Your License |
|---|---|---|
| Online | when ready confirmation | 7–10 business days by mail |
| 4–6 weeks | 7–10 business days after approval | |
| In-person | Same day (with appointment) | Temporary license on the spot; permanent license 7–10 business days by mail |
You can renew up to six months before your license expires. If you are planning a trip or know you will be busy, renew early. Your new license will have a new expiration date based on when you renew, not when your old one expires.
If your license expires while you are waiting for your renewal to be processed, you are technically driving on an expired license. To avoid this, renew at least two weeks before your expiration date if you are using mail renewal, or at least one week before if you are renewing online.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if it is already expired?
Yes, but you cannot renew online. You must renew in person at a DMV office or by mail. You should not drive on an expired license — the DMV can issue a citation. Contact your local DMV office to find out what documents you need to bring.
What if I lost my renewal notice?
You can request a replacement renewal notice from the DMV website or by calling 1-800-777-0133. You can also renew online if your license is not suspended and you meet the other requirements. If you cannot renew online, the system will tell you why and direct you to mail or in-person renewal.
Do I need a new photo when I renew?
No, unless your license is more than 20 years old or you are renewing in person for another reason. If you want a new photo, you can request one when you renew in person, but it is not required. Online and mail renewals use your existing photo.
How long does it take to get my new license after I renew?
Online and mail renewals take 7 to 10 business days after approval. If you renew in person, you get a temporary paper license on the spot and your permanent license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. Do not rely on the temporary license for out-of-state travel.
What if my address changed since my last license?
You must update your address during renewal. You cannot do this online. Renew in person at a DMV office or by mail, and bring proof of your new address — a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days.