You can renew your California driver's license up to 60 days before it expires

California lets you start the renewal process two months before your license expires. This means if your license expires on June 15, you can renew starting April 15. You do not have to wait until the last minute, and starting early gives you time to handle any problems that come up — like a name change, address correction, or a failed vision test.

The state does not penalize you for renewing early. In fact, renewing within that 60-day window is the standard way most people do it. If you wait until after your license expires, you can still renew, but you may face longer processing times and cannot legally drive until the new license arrives.

Key Takeaways

  • You can renew your California driver's license starting 60 days before the expiration date on your current license.
  • You have the choice to renew online, by mail, or in person at a DMV office, depending on your situation and how much time you have.
  • If you renew online or by mail, you will receive your new license by mail within 7 to 10 business days under normal circumstances.
  • You must renew in person if you need to update your photo, change your name, or correct your address on your license.
  • If your license has already expired, you can still renew, but you cannot legally drive until your new license arrives.

Renewing online through the DMV website

The fastest way to renew is through the California DMV website if you meet the requirements. You can renew online if your current license is still valid, you have not had any violations or suspensions, and your address has not changed. The online process takes about 10 minutes and costs $39 for a standard five-year renewal.

After you complete the online renewal, the DMV mails your new license to the address on file. You should receive it within 7 to 10 business days. During that time, your old license remains valid for driving, so there is no gap in your ability to drive legally.

If you cannot renew online because your address changed, your name changed, or you have had recent violations, you will need to renew by mail or in person instead.

Renewing by mail with the DMV

You can renew by mail if you are unable or prefer not to go online. The DMV sends renewal notices to your address about 60 days before your license expires. The notice includes a mail-in form and instructions. You fill out the form, include a check or money order for the renewal fee, and mail it back to the address listed on the notice.

Mail renewal takes longer than online renewal — typically 7 to 10 business days for processing, plus mail delivery time in both directions. This means you should mail your renewal form at least two weeks before your license expires to be safe. If you are close to your expiration date, renewing online or in person is faster.

Like online renewal, mail renewal works only if your address and name are current and you have no recent violations or suspensions on your record.

Renewing in person at a DMV office

You must renew in person if you need a new photo, if your name or address has changed, or if you have had any violations or suspensions. You can also choose to renew in person even if you are not required to — some people prefer it because they walk out with a temporary license valid for 60 days while they wait for the permanent one by mail.

To renew in person, bring your current license, proof of residency (like a utility bill or lease), and payment for the renewal fee. If your name has changed, bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the change. The DMV office will take your new photo, process your renewal, and give you a temporary license on the spot.

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. Many people find that going early in the morning or on a weekday reduces their wait.

What happens if you renew after your license expires

If your license has already expired, you can still renew it. However, you cannot legally drive until your new license arrives. If you are caught driving with an expired license, you can be cited, even if you have already submitted your renewal.

Renewing an expired license follows the same process as renewing before expiration — you can go online, by mail, or in person. The renewal fee is the same. The only difference is that you are not legally permitted to drive during the waiting period, so plan accordingly if your license has lapsed.

Renewal fees and what they cover

A standard five-year California driver's license renewal costs $39. If you are 62 or older, a five-year renewal costs $14. A ten-year Real ID-compliant license costs $76, or $36 if you are 62 or older. These fees cover the cost of producing and mailing your new license.

When you renew, you can choose to upgrade to a Real ID license if your current license is not Real ID-compliant. A Real ID license has a gold star in the upper right corner and meets federal requirements for domestic air travel and entry to federal buildings. If you upgrade, you will pay the higher Real ID fee and may need to provide additional documents like a birth certificate or passport.

How to find your license expiration date

Your expiration date is printed on the front of your driver's license in the lower right corner. It is listed as "EXP" followed by the month and year. If you cannot find your physical license, you can log into your DMV online account to see your expiration date, or call the DMV at 1-800-777-0133.

The DMV also sends a renewal notice by mail about 60 days before your license expires. If you do not receive a notice and your expiration date is approaching, do not wait — you can renew online or in person without the notice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my California license if I live out of state?

Yes. You can renew online or by mail from anywhere. You do not need to be in California to renew. If you need to renew in person — for example, because you need a new photo — you can do so at any California DMV office when you visit the state, or you can renew online or by mail instead.

What if I lost my license and need to renew it?

If your license is lost or stolen, you cannot renew it — you must request a replacement. A replacement is different from a renewal and costs $38. You can request a replacement online, by mail, or in person at a DMV office. Once you have your replacement, you can renew it normally when it expires.

Do I need a Real ID to renew my license?

No. You can renew your standard driver's license without upgrading to Real ID. However, starting May 2025, you will need a Real ID or passport to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building. If you want to upgrade during renewal, you will need to provide documents like a birth certificate and proof of residency.

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

Online and mail renewals typically take 7 to 10 business days for the DMV to process, plus mailing time. In person renewals give you a temporary license valid for 60 days while your permanent license is mailed. During peak times, processing may take longer.

Can I renew my license if I have unpaid traffic tickets?

You can renew your license online or by mail if you have unpaid tickets, but you cannot renew in person — the DMV will not process an in-person renewal if there are outstanding violations. You should pay or resolve the tickets before attempting to renew in person, or use online or mail renewal instead.