You can renew online, by mail, or in person at the DMV — the method depends on how long it's been expired and what type of license you hold
California lets you renew an expired driver's license through three routes: online at dmv.ca.gov, by mail using the renewal notice the state sends you, or in person at a DMV office. Which one you can use depends on how long your license has been expired and whether you need to update your photo or address. If your license expired fewer than five years ago and you don't need a new photo, online renewal is fastest — it takes about 10 minutes and costs $39 for a four-year renewal or $69 for an eight-year renewal. If your license expired more than five years ago, you'll need to renew in person because the state requires a new photo and a vision test.
The state charges different fees based on your age and how long you want the license to last. A four-year renewal costs $39; an eight-year renewal costs $69. If you're 70 or older, you can choose a four-year license for $39 or renew in person for a five-year license at no charge. Motorcycle endorsements, commercial licenses, and other special designations may have different fees — check the renewal notice the DMV sent you or call 1-800-777-0133 to confirm.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal at dmv.ca.gov works only if your license expired fewer than five years ago and you don't need a new photo or address change.
- Mail renewal uses the renewal notice the DMV sends you and takes about two weeks; you'll receive your new license by mail.
- In-person renewal at a DMV office is required if your license expired more than five years ago, and you'll need to pass a vision test and provide a new photo.
- You can renew up to six months before your license expires, so you don't have to wait until the expiration date.
- A four-year renewal costs $39; an eight-year renewal costs $69; seniors 70 and older can renew in person for free with a five-year license.
Online renewal: fastest if your license expired recently
Online renewal is available only if your license expired fewer than five years ago and you don't need to change your photo, address, or name. Go to dmv.ca.gov, click "Online Services," then select "Renew Your Driver License." You'll need your driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a valid payment method (debit or credit card). The system will ask you to confirm your address and vision correction needs — if you wear glasses or contacts, you must tell the DMV now.
Once you submit, you'll receive a confirmation number by email. Your new license will arrive by mail in about 10 business days. You can drive on your expired license until the new one arrives. If the online system rejects you — usually because it can't verify your identity or your license is too old — you'll be told when ready and directed to mail or in-person renewal instead.
Mail renewal: works for licenses expired up to five years ago
The DMV mails renewal notices to most drivers about 60 days before their license expires. If you have that notice, you can renew by mail without visiting an office. Fill out the form, include the payment (check or money order only — no credit cards by mail), and mail everything to the address printed on the notice. Include a new photo if you want to update yours, though it's not required for mail renewal.
Mail renewal takes about two to three weeks from the time the DMV receives your envelope. You can renew up to six months before your license expires, so you don't have to wait until the last day. If you lost your renewal notice, you can request a new one at dmv.ca.gov or call 1-800-777-0133. If your license expired more than five years ago, the DMV will not accept a mail renewal — you must go in person.
In-person renewal: required for licenses expired more than five years
Visit any DMV office with your expired license, proof of California residency (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days), and payment. You'll take a vision test and have a new photo taken. The whole process usually takes 30 to 60 minutes, though wait times vary by location and time of day. You can check current wait times at dmv.ca.gov before you go.
Bring your Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) so the DMV can verify your identity. If you've changed your name since your license was issued, bring a court order, marriage certificate, or divorce decree. You'll receive a temporary paper license when ready and your plastic card by mail within 10 business days.
What to bring and what documents you'll need
For online or mail renewal, you need only your expired license and payment information. For in-person renewal, bring your expired license, proof of residency (a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days), and your Social Security number or ITIN. If you've changed your name, bring legal proof of the change.
If you're renewing a commercial driver's license (CDL) or a license with a motorcycle endorsement, you may need additional documents or tests. Check dmv.ca.gov or call 1-800-777-0133 before you go, because requirements vary by endorsement type. If you're renewing after a suspension or revocation, you'll need to handle that separately — renewal alone won't restore your driving privileges.
Renewing early and what happens if you're late
You can renew your California license up to six months before it expires. Many people do this to avoid the rush near the expiration date. If you renew early, your new expiration date will be four or eight years from the date you renew, not from your old expiration date — so you won't lose time.
If your license has already expired, you can still renew using any of the three methods above. Driving on an expired license is illegal in California, so renew as soon as you can. If you're pulled over with an expired license, you can be cited. Once your new license arrives, the expired one is no longer valid, even if it hasn't been damaged or lost.
Renewing after a suspension, revocation, or other restriction
If your license was suspended or revoked, renewal alone will not restore your driving privileges. You must first clear the suspension or revocation through the DMV's Driver Safety Office. This usually requires paying a reinstatement fee (typically $100 to $300, depending on the reason), completing a required course or program, or both. Only after the DMV confirms the suspension is lifted can you renew your license.
If you're unsure whether your license is still suspended, call 1-800-777-0133 or check your status at dmv.ca.gov. The DMV will tell you what steps you need to take before you can renew. Don't attempt to renew online or by mail if a suspension is active — the system will reject your request and you'll have to start over once the suspension is cleared.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if it expired more than five years ago?
Yes, but only in person at a DMV office. You'll need to take a vision test and have a new photo taken. Bring your expired license, proof of residency, and your Social Security number or ITIN. The DMV will not accept online or mail renewals for licenses expired longer than five years.
How long does it take to get my new license after I renew?
Online renewal takes about 10 business days. Mail renewal takes two to three weeks. In-person renewal gives you a temporary paper license when ready, and your plastic card arrives by mail within 10 business days. Times may vary depending on DMV processing volume.
What if I don't have proof of residency?
You'll need a document dated within the last 60 days showing your name and California address — a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement all work. If you can't get one, call the DMV at 1-800-777-0133 to ask what alternatives they accept in your situation.
Do I have to renew in person if I want a new photo?
No. You can mail in a new photo with your mail renewal, or you can renew online or by mail without a new photo and update it later in person. If you renew online or by mail without a new photo, your old photo stays on your license until you renew again.
What if my name has changed since my license was issued?
Bring legal proof of the name change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. You can renew online, by mail, or in person, but you must include the legal document with your process. If you're renewing by mail, include a copy; if online, you may need to visit an office instead.