California DMV Renewal: Online, Mail, or In Person

You can renew your California driver's license through three routes: online at dmv.ca.gov, by mail, or in person at a DMV office. Which route you take depends on your license type, how much time you have, and whether you need to update your photo. Most people renew online or by mail without visiting an office.

Your renewal notice arrives about 60 days before your license expires. The notice includes a renewal code you will need for online renewal. If you have lost the notice, you can still renew online using your driver's license number and date of birth.

California licenses expire on your birthday. Standard licenses last five years; those issued at age 70 or older expire after two years. Commercial licenses have their own expiration schedule.

Key Takeaways

  • Online renewal takes 10 minutes and costs $44 for a standard five-year license; you receive your renewed license by mail in 7 to 10 business days.
  • Mail renewal requires the renewal notice, a check or money order, and takes 2 to 3 weeks; you do not need to visit a DMV office.
  • In-person renewal is required only if you need a new photo, have a commercial license, or are renewing after your license has already expired.
  • You cannot renew online if you have certain medical conditions, outstanding warrants, or if your license was suspended or revoked.
  • Renewal fees vary: $44 for a standard five-year license, $13 for a two-year license if you are 70 or older, and higher amounts for commercial licenses.

Online Renewal Through dmv.ca.gov

Online renewal is the fastest and most common route. Go to dmv.ca.gov, select "Renew Your Driver License or ID Card," and follow the prompts. You will need your renewal code from your notice, or your driver's license number and date of birth if you do not have the notice.

The system will ask you to confirm your address, emergency contact, and organ donor status. You can update your address during renewal. Review all information carefully before submitting payment. The fee is $44 for a standard five-year license. Pay by debit card, credit card, or electronic check.

After you submit, you will receive a confirmation number. Your renewed license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days. You can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives. If you do not receive your license within 15 business days, contact the DMV to report it.

You cannot renew online if you are renewing a commercial license, if your license is suspended or revoked, if you have a medical condition that affects your driving, or if you have an outstanding warrant. In those cases, you must renew in person.

Mail Renewal Using Your Renewal Notice

Mail renewal requires your renewal notice, which the DMV sends 60 days before expiration. Complete the notice, sign it, and mail it with payment to the address printed on the form. Payment must be by check or money order made out to the Department of Motor Vehicles. Do not send cash.

Include only what the notice asks for — typically the signed notice and payment. Do not send your current license, passport, or other documents unless the notice specifically requests them. Mail your renewal to the address shown on the notice, not to a DMV office.

Processing takes 2 to 3 weeks from the date the DMV receives your renewal. Your new license arrives by mail. If you have not received it within 30 days, contact the DMV. Keep your current license until the new one arrives.

If you have lost your renewal notice, you can still renew by mail by requesting a renewal form from dmv.ca.gov or by calling 1-800-777-0133. You will need to provide your driver's license number and date of birth.

In-Person Renewal at a DMV Office

Visit a DMV office if you need a new photo, are renewing a commercial license, or if your license has already expired. Bring your current license, proof of California residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days), and payment. If your address has changed, bring two documents showing your new address.

Make an appointment through dmv.ca.gov before you go. Walk-ins are accepted but wait times are longer. Bring all required documents; missing even one will delay your renewal. The fee is $44 for a standard five-year license, payable by cash, check, debit card, or credit card.

Processing at the office takes 30 to 45 minutes on average. You will take a new photo and receive a temporary license valid for 60 days while your permanent license is mailed to you. Your permanent license arrives within 7 to 10 business days.

Renewal Fees and Payment Methods

Standard five-year licenses cost $44 to renew. If you are 70 or older, your two-year license costs $13. Commercial driver's licenses cost more; the fee depends on the class and endorsements. Motorcycle endorsements add $5.

You can pay online by debit card or credit card. By mail, send a check or money order. In person, the DMV accepts cash, check, debit card, or credit card. Do not send cash by mail.

Some DMV offices offer payment plans if you cannot pay the full fee at once. Ask at the office or call 1-800-777-0133 to learn whether your location offers this option.

What Happens If Your License Has Already Expired

If your license expired more than 60 days ago, you cannot renew online or by mail. You must renew in person at a DMV office. Bring your expired license, proof of residency, and payment. You will take a new photo and receive a temporary license.

Driving with an expired license is illegal in California, even if you have submitted a renewal process. Do not drive until you have your temporary or permanent license in hand.

If your license expired more than five years ago, the DMV may require you to retake the written test and vision test. Call 1-800-777-0133 before you visit to confirm what tests you will need.

Common Reasons Renewal Is Denied or Delayed

The DMV will not process your renewal if your license is suspended or revoked, if you have an outstanding warrant, if you owe child support, or if you have unpaid traffic fines or court-ordered fees. Contact the DMV at 1-800-777-0133 to find out why your renewal was denied and what you must do to resolve it.

Medical conditions that affect your ability to drive — such as seizure disorders, loss of consciousness, or severe vision problems — may require in-person renewal and a medical evaluation. The DMV will contact you if this applies to your case.

If you have changed your name, you must provide a certified copy of the document that shows the change (marriage certificate, court order, or other legal document). Bring this to a DMV office along with your renewal materials.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if it has been expired for more than a year?

No, you cannot renew online or by mail if your license expired more than 60 days ago. You must renew in person at a DMV office. If it expired more than five years ago, you may need to retake the written and vision tests. Call 1-800-777-0133 before you visit.

How long does it take to get my renewed license after I renew online?

Your renewed license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days after you submit your online renewal. You can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives. If you do not receive it within 15 business days, contact the DMV.

Do I need to take a new photo when I renew?

No, you do not need a new photo for online or mail renewal. Your current photo stays on file. You will take a new photo only if you renew in person at a DMV office.

What if I moved and my address changed since my last license?

You can update your address during online renewal. By mail, the renewal notice includes a space to write your new address. In person, bring two documents showing your new address and the DMV will update it for you.

Can I renew my commercial driver's license online?

No, commercial licenses must be renewed in person at a DMV office. You will need to take a new photo, pass a vision test, and provide your current commercial license and proof of residency.