Renew your California driver license online, by mail, or in person at the DMV

California lets you renew your driver license without visiting a DMV office if you meet a few conditions. You can renew online through the California DMV website, by mail, or in person — the method you choose depends on when your license expires and whether you need a new photo. Most people renew online or by mail and receive their new license in the mail within two to three weeks.

Your license is may be able to access for online or mail renewal if it is not expired by more than five years, you have no medical conditions on file, and you have not had any address changes since your last renewal. If your license expired more than five years ago, or if you need a new photo or have other complications, you must renew in person at a DMV office.

Key Takeaways

  • Online renewal through the California DMV website is the fastest method and takes about two weeks to receive your renewed license by mail.
  • Mail renewal requires you to fill out a form, include your current license, and mail everything to the DMV address provided on their website.
  • In-person renewal at a DMV office is required if your license expired more than five years ago, you need a new photo, or you have medical conditions on file.
  • Renewal fees in California are $64 for a four-year license or $216 for a ten-year license, payable by credit card, debit card, or check depending on your renewal method.
  • You can check your license expiration date and renewal may be able to access on the California DMV website before you start the process.

Online renewal through the California DMV website

Online renewal is the fastest and most convenient option if you are may be able to access. Visit the California DMV website, select "Renew Your Driver License," and create or log into your DMV online account. You will need your current driver license number, Social Security number, and date of birth to start.

During the online process, you will confirm your personal information, choose your license type (four-year or ten-year), and pay the renewal fee using a credit or debit card. You cannot use a check for online renewal. After you submit your process, the DMV will mail your renewed license to the address on file, which usually arrives within two weeks.

If the system tells you that you are not may be able to access for online renewal, it means you fall into one of the categories that requires a visit to a DMV office or mail renewal. The website will explain why and direct you to the next step.

Mail renewal with a paper form

Mail renewal takes longer than online renewal but does not require a trip to the DMV. read the DL 44 form (process for California Driver License) or the DL 43 form (Renewal of Driver License) from the California DMV website. Fill out the form completely, sign it, and include your current driver license.

Mail your completed form, current license, and payment to the DMV address listed on the form. You can pay by check or money order only — credit cards are not accepted by mail. Include a return envelope with postage if you want the DMV to return your old license. Mail renewal typically takes three to four weeks from the time the DMV receives your process.

Keep a copy of everything you mail for your records. If your process does not arrive or you do not receive your renewed license within the expected timeframe, you can contact the DMV to check the status using your driver license number.

In-person renewal at a DMV office

Visit a DMV office if your license expired more than five years ago, you need a new photo, you have medical conditions on file, or you had an address change since your last renewal. Bring your current driver license, proof of California residency (such as a utility bill or lease), and your Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number.

You can make an appointment online through the California DMV website to reduce wait times, though walk-ins are also accepted. At the office, a staff member will take your photo, verify your information, process your payment, and issue your renewed license. You will receive a temporary paper license to use when ready and your permanent license by mail within two weeks.

In-person renewal takes about 30 minutes to an hour depending on how busy the office is. Bring all required documents to avoid delays or having to return another day.

Renewal fees and license types

California offers two license types at renewal: a four-year license for $64 or a ten-year license for $216. The ten-year license costs more but lasts longer and is often a better value if you plan to stay in California. You choose your license type during the renewal process, whether you renew online, by mail, or in person.

Payment methods depend on how you renew. Online renewal accepts credit and debit cards only. Mail renewal accepts checks and money orders only. In-person renewal accepts cash, checks, credit cards, and debit cards. If you are renewing by mail and do not have a check or money order, you may want to renew online or in person instead.

What to do if your license is already expired

If your license expired less than five years ago, you can still renew it using any of the three methods above. If your license expired more than five years ago, you cannot renew — you must explore for a new license instead. explore for a new license requires an in-person visit to a DMV office, a written test, and a driving test.

Do not drive with an expired license while waiting for your renewal to arrive. If you are pulled over, you can show the DMV receipt or confirmation number from your online or mail renewal as proof that you have applied, but this does not may provide you will not receive a citation. If you need to drive before your renewed license arrives, visit a DMV office in person to get a temporary license.

Checking your renewal status and receiving your new license

After you renew online or by mail, you can check the status of your process on the California DMV website using your driver license number. The status will show whether your process is being processed, approved, or ready to mail. If you renewed in person, you will receive a temporary paper license when ready and your permanent license by mail.

Your renewed license will arrive at the address on file with the DMV. If you have moved since your last renewal, update your address before you renew. If your address changed after you renewed, contact the DMV to update it so your license arrives at the correct location. If your renewed license does not arrive within three weeks, contact the DMV to report it missing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my California driver license if I wear glasses or contacts?

Yes. If you wear corrective lenses, you can renew online or by mail as long as you meet the other may be able to access requirements. Your license will have a restriction code indicating that you must wear corrective lenses while driving. If you need a new photo because your vision correction has changed significantly, renew in person at a DMV office.

What if I changed my name since my last renewal?

You cannot renew online or by mail if your name has changed. You must renew in person at a DMV office and bring legal proof of your name change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The DMV will issue a new license with your updated name.

How long does it take to receive my renewed license by mail?

Online renewal typically takes two weeks, and mail renewal typically takes three to four weeks. Times may be longer during busy periods. You can check the status of your process on the California DMV website at any time using your driver license number.

Can I renew my license if it was suspended or revoked?

No. You cannot renew a suspended or revoked license. You must contact the California DMV to find out why your license was suspended or revoked and what steps you need to take to restore it. Once your license is restored, you can then renew it using the standard renewal process.

What if I lose my renewed license before it arrives?

Contact the California DMV when ready to report it lost. You can request a replacement license, which will be mailed to you. You may be charged a replacement fee. In the meantime, you can visit a DMV office to get a temporary paper license so you can drive legally.