California driver's license renewal: online, by mail, or in person
California lets you renew your driver's license online, by mail, or at a DMV office, depending on your situation and how much time you have. Most people renew online through the DMV website if their license is not expiring within 30 days and they have not renewed online in the past 8 years. If you cannot renew online, you can mail in your renewal form or go to a DMV office in person. The process takes different amounts of time depending on which method you choose and whether your license is a standard Class C or a commercial license.
Your renewal window opens 60 days before your license expires. You can renew during this window or up to one year after expiration, though driving with an expired license is illegal. Renewing early means you will not have a gap in coverage if you need your license for work or identification.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal through the DMV website is fastest and works if your license is not expiring within 30 days and you have not renewed online in the past 8 years.
- Mail renewal using Form DL 44 takes 2 to 3 weeks and requires a new photo, so you cannot use your old one.
- In-person renewal at a DMV office is required if you need a new photo, have a commercial license, or did not pass the online identity check.
- The renewal fee is $64 for a standard 5-year license and $38 for a 2-year license if you are over 70.
- You can renew up to one year after your license expires, but driving with an expired license is illegal.
Online renewal: fastest option if you meet the requirements
Online renewal through the California DMV website is the quickest method if you are not renewing within 30 days of expiration and have not renewed online in the past 8 years. You will need your driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a valid payment method. The DMV will verify your identity using information from your record, and if you pass, you can complete the entire process in about 10 minutes.
Your new license will be mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days. You can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives. If the DMV cannot verify your identity online, you will be told when ready and directed to renew by mail or in person instead.
Online renewal costs $64 for a standard 5-year license. You cannot change your address, name, or photo online; if you need any of these changed, you must renew in person or by mail.
Mail renewal: requires a new photo and takes 2 to 3 weeks
To renew by mail, you must submit Form DL 44 (process for California Driver License or Identification Card) along with a new passport-style photo, a check or money order for $64, and proof of your current address. You cannot use your old photo; the DMV requires a new one taken within the past 6 months. The photo must be 2 inches by 2 inches, in color or black and white, and show your face clearly without sunglasses or a hat.
Mail your completed form, photo, and payment to the address listed on the DMV website for your county. Processing takes 2 to 3 weeks from the date the DMV receives your envelope. Your new license will be mailed to the address you provide on the form. Keep a copy of your form and proof of mailing in case there are questions.
Mail renewal is a good option if you do not want to go to a DMV office and your license is not expiring within 30 days. However, if you need to change your address, name, or other information on your license, you should renew in person so the DMV can verify your documents.
In-person renewal at a DMV office: required for photos and commercial licenses
You must renew in person if you need a new photo, have a commercial driver's license (CDL), or did not pass the online identity check. Bring your current driver's license, proof of your current address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the past 60 days), and payment of $64. If you are over 70, you can renew for 2 years instead of 5 for $38.
The DMV will take a new photo, verify your information, and issue your new license on the spot or within a few days. You can drive on your current license until your new one is ready. Wait times at DMV offices vary by location and time of day; you can check the wait time for your local office on the DMV website before you go.
If you have a commercial license, you must renew in person and may need to pass a written test or medical exam depending on the type of commercial license you hold. Check with your local DMV office about what you need to bring.
Documents and fees you will need
| Renewal Method | Documents Required | Fee | Processing Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online | Driver's license number, last 4 SSN digits, payment method | $64 | 7–10 business days |
| Form DL 44, new passport photo, proof of address, check or money order | $64 | 2–3 weeks | |
| In Person | Current license, proof of address, payment | $64 (or $38 if over 70) | Same day or within a few days |
Proof of address can be a utility bill, lease agreement, bank statement, or government document dated within the past 60 days. If you do not have a current address on file with the DMV, you must bring proof when you renew in person or by mail.
Payment by credit card, debit card, or electronic check is accepted online and in person. By mail, send a check or money order only; do not send cash. Make the check payable to the California Department of Motor Vehicles.
Renewing a commercial driver's license (CDL)
Commercial driver's licenses must be renewed in person at a DMV office. You cannot renew online or by mail. Bring your current CDL, proof of your current address, and payment of $64. Depending on the class of CDL you hold and any endorsements (such as hazmat or passenger), you may need to pass a written test, a skills test, or a medical exam.
The DMV will tell you what tests or exams you need when you arrive. If you need a medical exam, you can have it done by your own doctor and bring the form to the DMV, or you can schedule one through the DMV. Medical exams can take a few days to a few weeks to schedule, so plan ahead if your CDL is expiring soon.
What to do if your license has already expired
You can still renew your license up to one year after it expires. However, driving with an expired license is illegal, and you can be cited by law enforcement. If your license expired more than one year ago, you cannot renew; you must explore for a new license instead, which requires taking a written test and a driving test.
If your license expired within the past year, you can renew using any of the three methods (online, mail, or in person) as long as you meet the other requirements for that method. For example, if your license expired 6 months ago and you have not renewed online in the past 8 years, you can still renew online. If you cannot renew online, use mail or go to a DMV office.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my California license if I moved out of state?
No. If you no longer live in California, you cannot renew a California license. You must get a license from your new state. If you still live in California but moved to a new address within the state, you can update your address during renewal in person or by mail, or you can update it separately through the DMV website.
What if I lost my license and need to renew at the same time?
You must explore for a replacement license in person at a DMV office. Bring proof of your identity (passport, birth certificate, or other government ID) and proof of your current address. You cannot renew online or by mail if your license is lost. The replacement fee is $38, plus the $64 renewal fee, for a total of $102.
How long is my new license valid after I renew?
A standard California driver's license is valid for 5 years from the date of issue. If you are over 70, you can renew for 2 years instead. Your new license will show the expiration date on the front. You can renew again 60 days before that date expires.
Can I change my name or address when I renew?
You can change your address by mail or in person during renewal. To change your name, you must renew in person and bring a certified copy of your marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the name change. Online renewal does not allow address or name changes.
What if the DMV rejects my online renewal?
If you do not pass the online identity check, the DMV will tell you when ready and explain why. Common reasons include a mismatch between your information and DMV records, or you have renewed online within the past 8 years. You can then renew by mail or in person instead. Contact your local DMV office if you believe there is an error in your record.