California driver licenses renew every five or ten years, depending on your age and license type

California sends you a renewal notice in the mail about 60 days before your license expires. You can renew online, by mail, or in person at a Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office. Most people renew online through the DMV website, which takes about 10 minutes and costs less than renewing in person. If you cannot renew online — because your license is too old, you need to update your address, or you have certain medical conditions — you will need to go to a DMV office or mail in your process.

Your renewal timeline depends on when you were born and what type of license you hold. Standard driver licenses renew every 5 years if you are under 70, and every 2 years if you are 70 or older. Commercial licenses and those with certain restrictions have different schedules. The DMV notice tells you your exact expiration date and which renewal method works for you.

Key Takeaways

  • California sends a renewal notice 60 days before your license expires; check the mail or log into your DMV account to see your expiration date.
  • Online renewal through the DMV website is the fastest and cheapest option for most people and takes about 10 minutes.
  • You can renew by mail if you prefer not to go online, though it takes longer and costs more than the online fee.
  • If your license is expired by more than 5 years, you cannot renew by mail or online and must visit a DMV office in person.
  • Bring your current license, proof of California residency, and payment when you renew in person; the fee varies by license type and age.

Renewing online through the DMV website

Online renewal is available to most California drivers and is the fastest way to get a renewed license. Go to the official DMV website (dmv.ca.gov), log in with your driver license number and date of birth, and follow the prompts. You will answer questions about your health and driving record, confirm your address, and pay the renewal fee by credit or debit card. The fee for a standard five-year renewal is $64 for drivers under 70.

After you complete the online renewal, the DMV mails your new license to the address on file. Standard delivery takes about 7 to 10 business days. You can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives, even if your current license has expired, as long as you have proof that you renewed online. Keep your renewal confirmation email or receipt as proof.

You cannot renew online if your license expired more than 5 years ago, if you need to change your address and have not updated it with the DMV in the last 4 years, if you are renewing for the first time after turning 70, or if you have certain medical conditions that require a DMV review. In those cases, you must renew by mail or in person.

Renewing by mail

If you prefer not to renew online, you can mail your process to the DMV. The DMV will send you a renewal notice that includes a mail-in form. Fill out the form, include your current license, and mail it to the address shown on the notice along with your payment. The fee for mail renewal is $64 for a standard five-year license, the same as online.

Mail renewal takes longer than online renewal — typically 3 to 4 weeks from the time the DMV receives your process. During that time, you can continue to drive on your current license. Once the DMV processes your process, they will mail your new license to your address on file. You do not need to visit a DMV office for mail renewal.

Mail renewal is not available if your license has been expired for more than 5 years. If that is the case, you must renew in person at a DMV office.

Renewing in person at a DMV office

You can renew your license at any DMV office in California. Bring your current driver license, proof of California residency (such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement), and payment. The renewal fee is $64 for drivers under 70 renewing a standard five-year license. Drivers 70 and older pay $32 for a two-year renewal.

You will need to take a new photo at the DMV office. You may also be asked to take a vision test or answer questions about your health and driving record. The entire process usually takes 30 minutes to an hour, though wait times vary by location and time of day. You will receive your new license on the spot or within a few days, depending on the office.

In-person renewal is required if your license expired more than 5 years ago, if you are renewing for the first time after turning 70, if you need to change your address and have not updated it with the DMV in the last 4 years, or if you have medical conditions that require a DMV review. You can make an appointment online through the DMV website to reduce your wait time.

What happens if your license expires before you renew

If your license expires before your new one arrives, you can still drive legally as long as you have proof that you renewed online or by mail. Keep your renewal confirmation email or receipt with you. If you renewed in person, your temporary license or receipt serves as proof.

Driving with an expired license can result in a traffic citation if you are pulled over, even if you have proof of renewal. To avoid this, renew before your expiration date. If your license has already expired and you did not renew before it expired, you can still renew online or by mail if it has been less than 5 years since expiration.

Updating your address during renewal

If you have moved since your last license was issued, you can update your address during renewal. Online renewal allows you to change your address if you updated it with the DMV within the last 4 years. If you have not updated your address with the DMV in more than 4 years, you must renew in person at a DMV office.

When you renew in person, bring proof of your new California residency, such as a utility bill, lease agreement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. The DMV will update your address and issue a new license with the correct information.

Renewal fees and payment methods

The renewal fee for a standard five-year California driver license is $64 for drivers under 70. Drivers 70 and older renew for two years at a cost of $32. Commercial licenses and licenses with certain restrictions have different fees. When you renew online or by mail, you can pay by credit card or debit card. When you renew in person, the DMV accepts cash, check, credit card, and debit card.

Some people may be may be able to access for a fee reduction or waiver based on income. The DMV website has information about reduced-fee licenses if you meet certain criteria. Ask at the DMV office if you think you may may have access to.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know when my California driver license expires?

Your expiration date is printed on the front of your license. The DMV also sends a renewal notice in the mail about 60 days before expiration. You can log into your DMV account online to check your expiration date at any time.

Can I renew my license if it expired more than a year ago?

Yes, as long as it has been less than 5 years since expiration. If it has been 5 years or more, you cannot renew by mail or online and must visit a DMV office in person. You may also need to retake the written test and vision test.

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

The DMV mails your new license within 7 to 10 business days of approval. You can drive on your current license until the new one arrives, even if your current license has expired, as long as you have proof of your online renewal.

Do I need an appointment to renew my license in person at the DMV?

You do not need an appointment, but making one online through the DMV website will reduce your wait time. Walk-ins are accepted, but you may wait longer during busy times.

What if I moved out of California after my last renewal?

If you no longer live in California, you cannot renew a California driver license. You will need to get a license from your new state instead. Contact your new state's DMV for information about obtaining a license there.