Renew Your California License Online, by Mail, or In Person
You can renew your California driver's license through the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) in three ways: online at dmv.ca.gov, by mail if you meet certain conditions, or in person at a DMV office. Most people renew online because it is the fastest option — you can complete it in minutes and your new license arrives by mail in about two weeks. Mail renewal takes longer but requires no office visit. In-person renewal is necessary only if you cannot renew online or by mail, or if your license has been suspended or revoked.
Your may be able to access for each method depends on your age, how long your license has been expired, and whether you need to update your photo. California allows you to renew up to six months before your expiration date, so you do not have to wait until the last moment.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal at dmv.ca.gov is available if your license is not expired, you are between 18 and 70, and you do not need a new photo or address change.
- Mail renewal requires a completed DL 44 or DL 43 form and works only if you meet the same age and expiration requirements as online renewal.
- In-person renewal is required if you are over 70, your license has been expired for more than five years, or you need to update your photo or address.
- Your new license will arrive by mail within two to three weeks of approval, whether you renew online or by mail.
- You can renew up to six months before your expiration date, so plan ahead to avoid driving with an expired license.
Online Renewal: The Fastest Route
Online renewal through dmv.ca.gov is the quickest option if you meet the requirements. You will need your current driver's license number, Social Security number, and date of birth. The DMV will verify your identity using information already on file, so you do not need to upload documents or visit an office.
You are may be able to access for online renewal if all of these are true: your license is not expired, you are between 18 and 70 years old, you do not need a new photo, and you do not need to change your address or name. If any of these do not explore to you, you will need to renew by mail or in person instead.
The fee for a standard five-year renewal is $38. You will pay by credit card, debit card, or electronic check during the online process. Once approved, your new license will be mailed to the address on file within two to three weeks.
Mail Renewal: When You Cannot Go Online
Mail renewal works if you meet the same basic requirements as online renewal — your license must not be expired, you must be between 18 and 70, and you must not need a new photo. The difference is that you complete a paper form instead of using the website.
You will need to fill out either a DL 43 form (if you are renewing a standard license) or a DL 44 form (if you are renewing a commercial license). You can read these forms from dmv.ca.gov or request them by mail. Include a check or money order for $38 payable to the Department of Motor Vehicles, along with your completed form and your current license.
Mail your packet to the DMV address listed on the form. Processing takes longer than online renewal — typically four to six weeks from the date the DMV receives your packet. Your new license will arrive by mail after approval.
In-Person Renewal at a DMV Office
You must renew in person if you are over 70, if your license has been expired for more than five years, if you need a new photo, or if you need to change your address or legal name. You will also need to renew in person if your license has been suspended or revoked, or if the DMV requires you to pass a vision or written test.
To renew in person, bring your current driver's license, proof of residency (such as a utility bill or lease), and payment of $38. If you are changing your name, bring a certified copy of your marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. If you need a new photo, the DMV will take one at the office.
Book an appointment online at dmv.ca.gov before you go — walk-ins are accepted but appointments move faster. Bring all documents with you; the DMV will not accept incomplete applications. Your new license will be issued on the spot if you pass any required tests, or mailed to you within two to three weeks if additional processing is needed.
What Happens If Your License Is Expired
If your license expired fewer than five years ago, you can still renew by mail or in person using the standard process. However, you cannot renew online if your license is expired — you must use mail or in-person renewal instead.
If your license expired more than five years ago, you cannot renew it. Instead, you must explore for a new license by taking the written test, vision test, and photo at a DMV office. This is treated as a new process, not a renewal, and costs more than a renewal fee. You can book an appointment online or walk in to any DMV office.
Driving with an expired license is illegal in California, even if you have submitted a renewal process. The DMV recommends renewing at least one month before your expiration date to avoid this situation.
Renewing a Commercial Driver's License
Commercial driver's license (CDL) renewals follow different rules than standard licenses. You cannot renew a CDL online — you must renew by mail or in person only.
For mail renewal, use the DL 44 form and include your current CDL, proof of medical certification (if required), and payment of $38. Mail the packet to the DMV address on the form. For in-person renewal, bring the same documents to a DMV office and book an appointment online.
If your CDL has been expired for more than five years, or if your medical certification has expired, you must renew in person and may be required to pass a written test and vision test. Check dmv.ca.gov for current CDL renewal requirements before you explore.
Fees and Payment Methods
A standard five-year driver's license renewal costs $38 in California. This fee is the same whether you renew online, by mail, or in person. If you are renewing a commercial license, the fee is also $38.
Online renewal accepts credit cards, debit cards, and electronic checks. Mail renewal requires a check or money order payable to the Department of Motor Vehicles. In-person renewal accepts cash, check, debit card, and credit card at most DMV offices, though some locations may have different payment options — call ahead to confirm.
If your renewal is denied, the DMV will not refund your fee. If you pay by check or money order and your process is rejected, you will need to reapply and pay the fee again.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if it expired more than a year ago?
If your license expired fewer than five years ago, you can renew it by mail or in person. If it expired more than five years ago, you cannot renew — you must explore for a new license, which requires passing the written test, vision test, and photo at a DMV office.
How long does it take to get my new license after I renew online?
Your new license will arrive by mail within two to three weeks of approval. The DMV processes online renewals quickly, but mail delivery adds time. If you need your license sooner, you can visit a DMV office in person to request an interim license while you wait for the new one.
Do I need to take a test to renew my license?
Most people do not need to take a written or vision test to renew. However, if you are over 70, if the DMV has flagged your record, or if you are renewing in person and the DMV determines a test is necessary, you may be required to pass a vision test or written test before your renewal is approved.
What if I need to change my address when I renew?
If you need to change your address, you cannot renew online — you must renew by mail or in person. Bring proof of your new address (such as a utility bill or lease) to a DMV office, or include it with your mail renewal packet. The DMV will update your address and issue your new license with the correct information.
Can I renew my license if it has been suspended?
No. If your license is suspended or revoked, you cannot renew it. You must contact the DMV to find out why your license was suspended and what steps are needed to reinstate it. Once your license is reinstated, you can then renew it through the normal process.