California lets you renew your driver's license up to 6 months before it expires, but the exact timing depends on your age, license type, and whether you renew in person or online

If your California driver's license expires on your birthday, you can walk into a Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office and renew it starting 6 months before that date. Online renewal through the DMV website opens even earlier — typically 9 months before expiration — but only if you meet certain requirements. The catch: not everyone can renew online, and some people have shorter windows than others.

Your age and when you last renewed matter. A standard adult license lasts 5 years. If you are under 70 and your license is not suspended or revoked, you can usually renew online. If you are 70 or older, you must renew in person at a DMV office. If you have a commercial driver's license (CDL), you cannot renew online at all — you must go to the DMV.

Key Takeaways

  • California allows online renewal up to 9 months before your license expires if you are under 70 and meet other requirements, or in-person renewal starting 6 months before expiration.
  • Drivers 70 and older must renew in person at a DMV office and cannot use online renewal.
  • Commercial driver's license holders must renew in person; online renewal is not available for CDLs.
  • If your license is suspended, revoked, or you have unpaid traffic violations or child support arrears, you may not be able to renew online and must visit a DMV office.
  • Your renewal window closes on your birthday — you cannot legally drive after that date if your license has expired, even if you have started the renewal process.

Online renewal opens 9 months before expiration for most drivers

The DMV website allows you to renew online if you meet all of these conditions: you are under 70, your license is not suspended or revoked, you have no unpaid traffic violations or child support arrears, you have not changed your address in the last 4 years, and your vision is still good enough that you do not need to take a vision test. You can check your renewal may be able to access on the DMV website by entering your driver's license number and date of birth.

Online renewal costs less than in-person renewal — currently $44 instead of $63 — and you receive a temporary digital license when ready that you can show on your phone while you wait for the physical card to arrive by mail. The physical card typically arrives within 7 to 10 business days. You do not need to visit a DMV office, take a new photo, or pass a vision test if you renew online.

In-person renewal at a DMV office starts 6 months before expiration

If you cannot renew online or prefer to renew in person, you can visit any DMV office starting 6 months before your license expires. You will need to bring your current driver's license, proof of California residency (such as a utility bill or lease), and proof of your Social Security number (such as a Social Security card or W-2). If your name has changed since your last renewal, bring a court order or marriage certificate.

In-person renewal requires a new photo and a vision test. The vision test is quick — the DMV checks whether you can see well enough to drive safely. If you fail the vision test, the DMV may restrict your license (for example, requiring you to wear corrective lenses) or deny renewal until you see an eye doctor. The in-person renewal fee is $63, and you receive a temporary paper license on the spot that is valid for 60 days while the DMV mails your new card.

Drivers 70 and older have different rules

If you are 70 or older, you cannot renew online. You must renew in person at a DMV office, and you must do so every 4 years instead of every 5 years. You can start the in-person renewal process 6 months before your license expires, just like younger drivers.

The in-person visit includes a vision test and a written test about California traffic laws. The written test is short — usually 6 questions — and covers rules that change frequently, such as new speed limits or distracted driving laws. If you fail the written test, you can retake it when ready. The fee is the same as for younger drivers: $63.

What happens if your license expires before you renew

Driving with an expired license is illegal in California, even if you have started the renewal process. If you are pulled over, you can be cited. If you renew online and your new card has not arrived yet, the temporary digital license on your phone is valid proof that you have renewed, and you can show it to a police officer. If you are waiting for a card from an in-person renewal, the temporary paper license you received at the DMV is your proof.

If your license expires and you have not yet renewed, you cannot legally drive. Do not wait until your birthday to start the process. If you are renewing in person, plan to visit the DMV at least 2 weeks before expiration to account for wait times and to may support your new card arrives before the old one expires.

Suspended or revoked licenses cannot be renewed online

If your license is suspended or revoked — for example, because of unpaid traffic fines, a DUI conviction, or unpaid child support — you cannot renew online. You must visit a DMV office in person. The DMV will not issue a new license until the reason for the suspension or revocation is resolved.

If your license is suspended for unpaid traffic violations, you must pay the fines or set up a payment plan before the DMV will renew it. If it is suspended for child support arrears, you must contact the Department of Child Support Services to resolve the debt. If it is suspended for a DUI, you may need to complete a DUI education program or install an ignition interlock device, depending on the conviction. Contact the DMV or the court that handled your case to find out what you need to do.

Commercial driver's licenses require in-person renewal

If you hold a commercial driver's license (CDL), you cannot renew online under any circumstances. You must renew in person at a DMV office. CDL renewal requires a medical examination by a certified medical examiner, and the DMV must verify your medical certificate before issuing a new license.

You can start your CDL renewal 6 months before expiration. Bring your current CDL, proof of residency, proof of your Social Security number, and your medical certificate. The medical certificate must be dated within 14 months of your renewal date. If your certificate has expired, you must have a new one issued by a certified medical examiner before the DMV will renew your CDL. The renewal fee for a CDL is $63.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if it has already expired?

Yes, but you cannot legally drive until you renew it. If your license expired more than 5 years ago, the DMV may require you to retake the written and driving tests instead of straightforward renewing. Contact your local DMV office to find out what you need to do.

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

The physical card usually arrives within 7 to 10 business days. You receive a temporary digital license when ready after you complete the online renewal, and that digital license is valid proof of renewal while you wait for the card.

Do I need to take a new photo if I renew online?

No. Online renewal uses your photo from your previous license. If you renew in person, you will take a new photo at the DMV office.

What if I move to a different address before my license expires?

You must update your address with the DMV within 10 days of moving. You can update your address online through the DMV website, by mail, or in person at a DMV office. If you update your address online, you cannot renew online until 4 years have passed since the address change.

Can I renew my license by mail?

No. California does not offer mail-in renewal. You can renew online or in person at a DMV office.