California driver's license renewal: online, by mail, or in person
You can renew your California driver's license in three ways: online through the DMV website, by mail if you meet certain conditions, or in person at a DMV office. Most people renew online because it is the fastest option and requires no appointment. You will need your current license number, a valid email address, and a payment method. The process takes about 15 minutes.
Your new license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days if you renew online or by mail. If you renew in person, you walk out with a temporary paper license the same day and receive your plastic card in the mail later. You can drive legally on the temporary license while you wait for the card.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal through the California DMV website is available if your license is not expired more than 60 days and you have not renewed online in the past 8 years.
- Mail renewal is an option only if you are age 70 or older, have a commercial license, or meet other specific conditions listed on the DMV website.
- In-person renewal at a DMV office requires an appointment, which you can book online; walk-ins are not accepted at most locations.
- Your renewal fee depends on your license type and how many years you are renewing for, typically ranging from $36 to $64 for a standard four-year renewal.
- You do not need to take a written test or vision test to renew by mail or online unless the DMV requests one based on your driving record or age.
Online renewal through the DMV website
Go to dmv.ca.gov and select "Renew Your Driver License" under the Online Services section. You will need your current California driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth. The system will verify your identity and ask you to confirm your address and other information on file.
Online renewal costs $64 for a four-year renewal and $84 for an eight-year renewal. You can pay by debit card, credit card, or electronic check. After you complete the transaction, you will receive a confirmation number by email. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days.
You cannot renew online if your current license has been expired for more than 60 days, if you have renewed online within the past 8 years, or if you have a commercial driver's license. If any of these explore to you, you must renew by mail or in person.
Mail renewal for drivers age 70 and older
If you are 70 or older, you can renew by mail without visiting a DMV office. Request the renewal form DL 44 or DL 43 from the DMV website, or call 1-800-777-0133 to have it mailed to you. Complete the form, include a check or money order for the renewal fee, and mail everything to the address listed on the form.
Processing time for mail renewals is typically 4 to 6 weeks. You can continue to drive on your current license while your renewal is being processed. Your new license will arrive by mail when it is ready.
Drivers under 70 can renew by mail only in specific cases: if you hold a commercial license, if you are renewing a motorcycle endorsement, or if you have a medical condition that prevents you from visiting a DMV office. Contact the DMV to ask whether your situation qualifies.
In-person renewal at a DMV office
To renew in person, you must book an appointment online at dmv.ca.gov or by calling 1-800-777-0133. Walk-in appointments are not accepted at most DMV locations. When you arrive, bring your current driver's license, proof of California residency (such as a utility bill or lease), and payment for the renewal fee.
At your appointment, a DMV employee will take a new photo and may ask you to read an eye chart to check your vision. If you fail the vision test, you may be required to see an eye doctor and provide a Vision Exam Report (form DL 62) before your license is renewed. The appointment usually takes 15 to 30 minutes.
You will receive a temporary paper license to drive on when ready. Your plastic license card will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. In-person renewal is required if you are under 70 and do not meet the conditions for online or mail renewal.
Renewal fees and what they cover
A standard four-year driver's license renewal costs $64. An eight-year renewal costs $84. If you are renewing a commercial driver's license, the fee is higher: $100 for four years or $140 for eight years. These fees are set by California law and do not vary by DMV office.
The renewal fee covers the cost of producing and mailing your new license card. It does not include any additional tests, medical exams, or documents you may need to provide. If the DMV requests a vision exam or medical report, you will pay your eye doctor or physician directly for that service.
When you need a vision test or written test to renew
Most drivers do not take a written test when they renew. However, the DMV may require one if your driving record shows violations, if you are over a certain age, or if there are other concerns about your fitness to drive. If a written test is required, you will be notified by mail before your renewal is processed.
A vision test is required only if you renew in person and fail the eye chart screening at the DMV office, or if the DMV has reason to believe your vision may not meet the legal standard. If you renew online or by mail, no vision test is required unless the DMV specifically requests one.
If you need a vision exam, you can have it done at any optometrist or ophthalmologist in California. Bring the Vision Exam Report (form DL 62) completed by your eye doctor to your DMV appointment, or mail it with your renewal process.
What to do if your license is expired or will expire soon
If your license expired fewer than 60 days ago, you can still renew online. If it expired more than 60 days ago, you must renew in person at a DMV office. You can drive legally to the DMV appointment even with an expired license, as long as you have proof that you have a renewal appointment scheduled.
If your license expired more than one year ago, you may be required to take a written test and vision test in addition to renewing. Contact the DMV to confirm what you will need to bring to your in-person appointment.
To avoid letting your license expire, renew at least 60 days before the expiration date on your current card. The expiration date is printed on the front of your license in the lower right corner.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my California driver's license if I live out of state?
No. California requires you to be a resident to hold a California driver's license. If you have moved out of state, you should obtain a driver's license from your new state instead. If you still have a California address on file and plan to return, you can renew online or by mail before you move.
How long does it take to get my new license after I renew online?
Your new license card will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days after you complete your online renewal. You can drive legally during this time on your current license. If you do not receive your new license within 10 business days, contact the DMV to check the status of your order.
Do I need to take a driving test when I renew my license?
No. A driving test (behind-the-wheel test) is not required for renewal. You only take a driving test when you first obtain a license or when you add a new class or endorsement. Renewal requires only a vision test in some cases and a written test only if the DMV has concerns about your driving record.
What if I want to renew for eight years instead of four years?
You can choose an eight-year renewal when you renew online or in person. The eight-year option costs $84 instead of $64. At the DMV office, the employee will ask which option you prefer. Online, you select the renewal period during checkout before you pay.
Can I renew my license if I have an outstanding traffic ticket or fine?
Yes. An outstanding traffic ticket or unpaid fine does not prevent you from renewing your driver's license. However, if you have a suspended license due to unpaid fines or other reasons, you must clear the suspension before you can renew. Contact the DMV or the court that issued the ticket to find out whether your license is suspended.