How to Renew Your California Driver's License

California driver's license renewal happens online, by mail, or in person depending on your age and when your license expires

California lets you renew your driver's license without visiting a DMV office if you are under 70, your license has not been suspended, and you have not had any major changes to your medical status or address. The fastest route is the online renewal at dmv.ca.gov, which takes about 10 minutes and costs $41 for a five-year license. If you do not meet the online requirements, you can renew by mail or schedule an in-person appointment at your local DMV office.

Your license is valid for five years if you are under 70, and two years if you are 70 or older. California sends you a renewal notice in the mail about 60 days before your license expires, but you do not have to wait for it — you can renew as soon as your license is within six months of expiration. If your license has already expired, you can still renew it without retesting as long as it expired less than five years ago.

Key Takeaways

Online renewal at dmv.ca.gov is available if you are under 70, your license is not suspended, and you have no medical or address changes, and it costs $41 for five years.
Mail renewal takes about two weeks and works for the same people as online renewal, but requires you to mail in your current license and a completed form.
In-person renewal at a DMV office is required if you are 70 or older, have a suspended license, or have changed your address or medical information.
You can renew your license up to six months before it expires, and you have until five years after expiration to renew without retesting.
Your new license arrives by mail within 10 business days of online or mail renewal, or you receive it when ready at an in-person appointment.

Online renewal through the DMV website

Go to dmv.ca.gov and click "Online Services" at the top of the page. Select "Renew Your Driver License" and answer the questions about your age, license status, and whether you have had any changes to your address or medical information. If you answer yes to any of the disqualifying questions — such as a suspended license, a change of address, or a new medical condition — the system will tell you that you must renew in person.

If you are approved to renew online, you will need your current driver's license number, your Social Security number, and a valid payment method (debit card, credit card, or electronic check). The fee is $41 for a five-year renewal. After you complete the transaction, you will receive a confirmation number by email. Your new license will arrive by mail within 10 business days.

Online renewal is the fastest option because there is no wait time at a DMV office and no need to mail documents. The downside is that you cannot change your address, add an organ donor designation, or update your medical information online — you have to do those things in person or by mail.

Mail renewal using the DMV form

read or request the DL 44 form (process for California Driver License) from dmv.ca.gov, or pick one up at any DMV office or California highway patrol office. Fill out the form completely, including your current address and any changes to your medical information. Sign and date the form in front of a notary public — this is required for mail renewal and costs $10 to $20 depending on your location.

Mail your signed form, your current driver's license, and a check or money order for $41 to the DMV address listed on the form. Do not mail cash. Include a self-addressed, stamped envelope if you want your old license returned to you. Mail renewal takes about two weeks from the time the DMV receives your packet, so send it at least three weeks before your license expires.

Mail renewal works for the same people as online renewal — you must be under 70, have no suspended license, and have no major medical changes. The advantage over online renewal is that you can update your address and medical information at the same time. The disadvantage is the wait time and the requirement to have your signature notarized.

In-person renewal at a DMV office

Schedule an appointment at your local DMV office through dmv.ca.gov by clicking "Make an Appointment." Choose your location, the type of service (Driver License Renewal), and your preferred date and time. You can usually find an appointment within one to three weeks, depending on how busy your local office is. Walk-ins are accepted but typically have much longer wait times.

Bring your current driver's license, proof of California residency (such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days), and your Social Security number. If you are renewing because you are 70 or older, you may also need to pass a vision test and answer questions about your medical history. The fee is $41 for a five-year renewal, and you can pay with cash, debit card, or credit card.

You will receive your new license when ready at your appointment, printed on the spot. This is the only renewal method that gives you a license the same day. In-person renewal is required if you are 70 or older, have a suspended license, have changed your address since your last renewal, or have new medical information to report.

What to do if your license has already expired

If your license expired less than five years ago, you can renew it using any of the three methods above without retesting or reapplying. The DMV treats an expired license the same as one that is about to expire, so you do not lose your driving record or have to start over. You can drive legally while your renewal is being processed as long as you carry your expired license and your renewal confirmation number.

If your license expired more than five years ago, you must explore for a new license instead of renewing. This requires an in-person visit, a written test, a driving test, and a vision test. You will also need to provide proof of identity, proof of California residency, and proof of your Social Security number. This process is much longer and more expensive than renewal, so it is worth renewing as soon as you realize your license has expired.

Fees and what they cover

A standard five-year driver's license renewal costs $41 in California. This fee covers the license itself and the processing of your renewal process. If you are 70 or older, your license is valid for only two years instead of five, and the cost is the same — $41 for two years. There are no additional fees for online or mail renewal.

If you want to add an organ donor designation, change your address, or update your medical information, there is no extra charge — these changes are included in the renewal fee. If you need a replacement license because yours was lost or stolen, that costs $20 and is a separate transaction from renewal. If you want a Real ID-compliant license (required for federal air travel starting May 2025), the cost is the same as a standard renewal.

Real ID compliance and your renewal

California driver's licenses became Real ID-compliant starting in 2018, so if you renewed your license after that date, you already have a Real ID license. You do not need to do anything special during renewal — your new license will automatically be Real ID-compliant. The only way to tell is to look for a small gold star in the upper right corner of your license.

If your current license does not have the gold star and you want one before it expires, you can request a Real ID upgrade during in-person renewal. You will need to bring proof of identity, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of California residency — the same documents required for any in-person renewal. Online and mail renewal do not offer Real ID upgrades, so you must visit a DMV office if you want to add the star to your current license.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license online if I just moved to California?

No. If you changed your address since your last renewal, you must renew in person at a DMV office so the DMV can verify your new residency. Bring a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days to prove your new address.

What happens if I renew online but my address changed and I did not tell the DMV?

Your new license will be mailed to the address on file, which may be your old address. If this happens, contact the DMV when ready and ask them to reissue your license to your correct address. You may have to visit an office in person to update your address.

Do I have to take a test when I renew my license in California?

No, unless you are 70 or older or your license has been expired for more than five years. Drivers under 70 renewing a valid or recently expired license do not take a written test or driving test. You may have to pass a vision screening if you renew in person.

How long does it take to get my new license after I renew online?

Your new license arrives by mail within 10 business days of completing your online renewal. You will receive a confirmation number when ready after you pay, and you can use that number as proof of renewal if you are stopped by police before your new license arrives.

Can I renew my license if it has been suspended?

No. You must clear the suspension first by paying any fines, completing a required program, or meeting other conditions set by the DMV. Once the suspension is lifted, you can renew your license using any of the three methods. Contact the DMV to find out why your license is suspended and what you need to do to clear it.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.