How to Renew Your California Driver's License

California driver's license renewal basics

You can renew your California driver's license online, by mail, or in person at a DMV office. Online renewal is the fastest option if you're may be able to access — you'll get a temporary digital license when ready and your plastic card arrives by mail in about two weeks. Mail renewal takes longer but requires no trip to the DMV. In-person renewal at a DMV office is necessary if you need to update your photo, address, or other information, or if you don't meet the requirements for online or mail renewal.

California lets you renew up to 60 days before your license expires and up to one year after it expires. If your license has been expired for more than one year, you cannot renew by mail or online — you must explore in person as if getting a new license, which includes a written test and driving test.

Key Takeaways

Online renewal through the DMV website takes about 10 minutes and gives you a temporary digital license the same day if your license is not expired and you haven't changed your address or appearance.
Mail renewal requires mailing your current license and a completed form to the DMV, takes 4 to 6 weeks, and costs the same as online renewal.
You must renew in person if your license has been expired for more than one year, if you need a new photo, or if you've changed your legal name.
California charges $39 for a standard four-year renewal and $64 for an eight-year renewal; you can choose which term when you renew.
Your renewal notice arrives by mail about 60 days before your expiration date and includes your renewal code, which you'll need for online renewal.

Online renewal through the DMV website

Go to dmv.ca.gov and select "Renew Your Driver License" under the Online Services section. You'll need your current driver's license number, your renewal code (from the notice the DMV mailed you), and your date of birth. The system will ask you to confirm your address and answer a few security questions. The whole process takes about 10 minutes.

Once you submit, you'll receive a temporary digital license on your phone that you can use when ready for most purposes — driving, identification at bars or airports, and showing police during a traffic stop. Your permanent plastic license card will arrive by mail in 7 to 14 days. You are not may be able to access for online renewal if your license is already expired, if you've changed your address since your last renewal, if you've changed your legal name, or if you want to update your photo.

Mail renewal using the DMV form

Request or read the DL 44 form (process for Driver License or Identification Card) from dmv.ca.gov, or call the DMV at 1-800-777-0133 to have one mailed to you. Fill it out completely, sign it, and mail it along with your current driver's license to the address shown on the form. Include a check or money order for the renewal fee — $39 for a four-year renewal or $64 for an eight-year renewal. Do not send cash.

Mail renewal takes 4 to 6 weeks from the time the DMV receives your envelope. Your old license remains valid during this time, so you can continue driving. The DMV will mail your new license to the address you provided on the form. If you don't receive your new license within 8 weeks, call 1-800-777-0133 to check the status.

In-person renewal at a DMV office

Visit your local DMV office with your current driver's license, proof of California residency (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days), and payment for the renewal fee. You do not need to make an appointment for a standard renewal, but you can reserve a time slot online at dmv.ca.gov to avoid waiting. Walk-ins are served on a first-come, first-served basis, and wait times vary by location and time of day.

Bring your renewal notice if you have it, though it's not required. The DMV will take a new photo during your visit. The entire process usually takes 30 to 45 minutes. You'll receive a temporary paper license valid for 60 days while your permanent card is printed and mailed to you, which typically takes 7 to 14 days.

When you must renew in person

You cannot use online or mail renewal if your license has been expired for more than one year. In that case, you must visit a DMV office and complete a full process, including a written test on traffic laws and a behind-the-wheel driving test. This process is treated as a new license process, not a renewal, and takes longer than a standard renewal.

You also must renew in person if you've changed your legal name since your last license was issued, if you want to update your photo, if you've changed your address and want to update it on your license, or if you need to correct other information like your height or eye color. Bring documents that support any changes — a marriage certificate for a name change, for example, or a utility bill for an address change.

Renewal fees and payment options

California charges $39 to renew a driver's license for four years or $64 to renew for eight years. You choose the term when you renew. When renewing online, you pay by debit card or credit card. When renewing by mail, send a check or money order — do not send cash. When renewing in person, the DMV accepts cash, check, debit card, or credit card.

If you're a senior (age 70 or older), you may be able to renew for a shorter term at a lower cost. Ask at the DMV office or check dmv.ca.gov for current senior renewal rates, as these can change.

What happens if your license expires while you're renewing

If you renew online or in person before your license expires, you can drive legally on your temporary license until your permanent card arrives. If you renew by mail and your license expires before the new one arrives, you are technically driving with an expired license. To avoid this, mail your renewal at least 6 weeks before your expiration date.

If your license does expire while you're waiting for your renewal, you can still drive legally if you have proof that you submitted your renewal before the expiration date. Keep your renewal notice or a receipt from your online submission in your car. However, it's safer to renew early to avoid any confusion during a traffic stop.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my California driver's license if I'm out of state?

Yes. You can renew online or by mail from anywhere. Online renewal is fastest if you're may be able to access. If you must renew in person, you'll need to visit a California DMV office, so plan a trip or use a mail renewal instead.

What if I lost my renewal notice?

You don't need it to renew by mail or in person. For online renewal, you need your renewal code, which is on the notice. Call 1-800-777-0133 and the DMV can provide your code over the phone, or you can renew by mail or in person instead.

How long is my temporary digital license valid?

Your temporary digital license is valid for 60 days. Your permanent plastic card should arrive within 7 to 14 days. If it doesn't, contact the DMV to check the status.

Do I need to take a test to renew my license?

No, not for a standard renewal. You only take a written test and driving test if your license has been expired for more than one year, which means you're explore for a new license rather than renewing.

Can I change my address when I renew?

You can change your address when renewing in person. If you renew online or by mail, your address stays the same as on your current license. To update your address without renewing, visit a DMV office or change it online at dmv.ca.gov under "Address Change."

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.