What you need to do to renew an expired license
You can renew an expired driver's license in most states, but the process depends on how long ago it expired and which state issued it. If your license expired fewer than five years ago, you can usually renew by mail, online, or in person at your DMV office. If it expired more than five years ago, most states require you to appear in person and may ask you to retake the written test or vision screening.
The fastest route is usually your state's online renewal system if your license is not too old. You will need your current license number, a valid payment method, and sometimes a recent photo. If you cannot renew online, you can visit a DMV office in person with your expired license, proof of residency, and the renewal fee. Some states also allow mail-in renewal for licenses expired less than a certain number of years.
Do not wait until you need to drive to renew. An expired license is not valid for driving, and you risk a traffic citation or having your vehicle impounded if you are stopped. Start the renewal process as soon as you notice your license has expired or is about to expire.
Key Takeaways
- Licenses expired fewer than five years ago can usually be renewed online, by mail, or in person; licenses expired longer than that typically require an in-person visit and may require retesting.
- Online renewal is the fastest option in most states and takes one to two weeks for the new license to arrive by mail.
- You will need your expired license, proof of your current address, and the renewal fee, which varies by state but typically ranges from $20 to $100.
- If your license expired while you were deployed overseas or in active military service, you may be may have access to to an extension without penalty in some states.
How to renew online or by mail
Most states now offer online renewal for licenses that expired within the past three to five years. Visit your state's DMV website and look for the "renew your license" or "license renewal" link. You will enter your license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The system will verify your identity and show you the renewal fee.
Online renewal usually takes five to ten minutes and costs the same as renewing in person. You will pay by debit card or credit card, and your new license will be mailed to the address on file within one to three weeks. Some states send a temporary digital license to your phone when ready so you can show proof of renewal if you are stopped while waiting for the physical card.
If your state does not offer online renewal or your license is too old to renew that way, check whether mail-in renewal is available. Request a renewal form from your state DMV website or call the DMV office. Fill out the form, include a check or money order for the renewal fee, and mail it with a copy of your expired license and proof of your current address. Mail renewal takes four to six weeks from the time the DMV receives your packet.
Renewing in person at a DMV office
If your license expired more than five years ago, or if your state does not offer online or mail renewal, you must visit a DMV office in person. Bring your expired license, two forms of proof of your current address (such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement), and your renewal fee. Some states also require a completed process form, which you can read from the DMV website or pick up at the office.
When you arrive, take a number or check in at the kiosk if your DMV has one. You will be called to a window where staff will verify your identity, check your vision, and take a new photo. If your license expired more than a certain number of years ago (usually seven to ten), you may be asked to retake the written knowledge test. Ask the DMV staff when you arrive whether you will need to test.
Processing times at DMV offices vary widely. Some offices issue your new license the same day; others mail it within one to two weeks. Ask the staff before you leave whether your license will be issued when ready or mailed. If it will be mailed, ask for a temporary paper license or receipt you can use as proof of renewal if you are stopped while driving.
Documents and fees you will need
The documents required to renew depend on your state and how long your license has been expired. At minimum, bring your expired license and proof of your current address. Proof of address can be a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail with your name and current address. The document must be dated within the past 60 days in most states.
Renewal fees vary by state and by license type. A standard passenger vehicle license renewal typically costs between $20 and $100. Commercial driver's licenses (CDLs) and motorcycle endorsements cost more. Some states charge a higher fee if your license has been expired for a long time. Check your state's DMV website for the exact fee before you go to the office or submit payment online.
If you need a new photo because you look significantly different from your expired license, or if your name has changed since the license was issued, bring supporting documents. A marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order of name change will be needed if your name is different. If you have changed your address, bring the proof of your new address as described above.
What happens if your license expired while you were out of state or deployed
If you were stationed overseas on active military duty or deployed when your license expired, you may not have to pay a penalty or retake tests to renew. The Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA) protects active-duty service members from certain penalties. Many states extend the validity of licenses for service members on active duty and allow them to renew without penalty for a period after they return.
To renew under military extension, bring your military ID and a copy of your orders showing your deployment dates or active-duty status. Some states allow you to renew online or by mail under this provision even if your license is very old. Contact your state's DMV directly to ask about military renewal options, as the rules vary by state and change periodically.
Common mistakes that delay renewal
The most common mistake is bringing the wrong proof of address. A utility bill must show your name and current address and be dated within the past 60 days. A lease or mortgage statement works, but a credit card statement or insurance bill often does not. Check your state's DMV website for the exact list of acceptable documents before you go to the office.
Another frequent error is trying to renew online when your license is too old. If the online system rejects your license number, it means your license is outside the window for online renewal and you must visit in person. Do not assume the website is broken; instead, call the DMV or visit an office to find out what documents you need.
Waiting until the last minute to renew can also cause problems. If you need your license for a job or travel, do not wait until it expires. Start the renewal process as soon as you receive a renewal notice in the mail, or check your license expiration date now and renew at least two weeks before it expires. This gives you time to correct any problems or resubmit documents if the DMV asks for more information.
Renewing a license that was suspended or revoked
If your license was suspended or revoked, you cannot straightforward renew it. You must first have the suspension or revocation lifted by the court or DMV that issued it. Contact the DMV office in the state where the suspension or revocation was ordered and ask what steps you need to take to restore your driving privileges.
Restoration usually requires paying a reinstatement fee, completing a defensive driving course, or meeting other conditions set by the court. Once the suspension or revocation is lifted, you can renew your license using the normal process. If you are unsure whether your license is suspended or revoked, call your state's DMV or check your driving record online through your state's DMV website.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive with an expired license while my renewal is being processed?
No. An expired license is not valid for driving. If you are stopped, you can be cited for driving with an expired license. Some states issue a temporary paper license or digital license when you renew in person or online, which you can use while waiting for your new card to arrive. Ask the DMV whether a temporary license is available in your state.
What if I lost my expired license and cannot find it?
You can still renew without your expired license, but you will need to prove your identity another way. Bring a passport, birth certificate, or other government-issued ID. You may also need to pay a small additional fee for a replacement license. Call your state's DMV before you visit to ask what documents are acceptable as proof of identity.
How long does it take to get a renewed license in the mail?
Standard mail delivery takes one to three weeks from the time the DMV processes your renewal. If you renew online or by mail, add one to two weeks for the DMV to process your request before they mail your license. Expedited shipping is available in some states for an additional fee, usually $10 to $25, and cuts the delivery time in half.
Do I have to retake the written test to renew an expired license?
Not usually. If your license expired fewer than seven to ten years ago, you can renew without retesting in most states. If your license expired longer than that, the DMV may require you to retake the written test and vision screening. Call your state's DMV or check their website to find out the cutoff for your state.
Can I renew my license if I have unpaid traffic tickets or fines?
Some states will not renew your license if you have outstanding traffic fines or unpaid court costs. Check your state's DMV website or call to find out whether you have any holds on your license. If you do, you will need to pay the fines or set up a payment plan before the DMV will process your renewal.