California driver licenses are valid for different lengths of time depending on your age and license type

A standard California driver license is valid for five years from the date it is issued. However, if you are 70 years old or older when you renew, your license will be valid for only two years. Commercial driver licenses (CDLs) follow different rules: they are valid for five years, but you must renew in person at a Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office — you cannot renew by mail or online.

The expiration date is printed on the front of your license in the bottom right corner. You can renew your license up to six months before it expires, which means you can start the renewal process when you have about six months left on your current license. If your license has already expired, you can still renew it, but the process may take longer and you cannot legally drive until the new license arrives.

Key Takeaways

  • Standard California driver licenses expire five years after issuance, except for drivers 70 and older, whose licenses expire after two years.
  • You can begin renewing your license up to six months before the expiration date printed on the front of your card.
  • Commercial driver licenses must be renewed in person at a DMV office and are valid for five years.
  • Driving with an expired license is illegal in California, even if you have already submitted a renewal request.

Why the expiration date matters for your driving record

Your license expiration date is not just a formality — it affects whether you can legally drive. Once your license expires, you cannot legally operate a vehicle in California, even if you have submitted a renewal process and are waiting for your new license to arrive in the mail. If you are stopped by law enforcement while your license is expired, you can be cited for driving with an expired license.

The expiration date also matters if you are involved in an accident or traffic violation. Insurance companies and law enforcement will check whether your license was valid at the time of the incident. If your license had expired, it can complicate insurance claims and may result in additional penalties.

Renewal timelines and how to plan ahead

The DMV recommends starting your renewal process about two months before your license expires. This gives you time to gather required documents, schedule an appointment if needed, and receive your new license by mail before the old one expires. If you renew online or by mail, your new license typically arrives within two to three weeks, though processing times can vary.

If you wait until your license has already expired, you will need to renew in person at a DMV office. This takes longer than mail or online renewal and may require you to take time off work. You also cannot legally drive to the DMV office if your license is expired — you will need to arrange another form of transportation or have someone else drive.

Different rules for drivers 70 and older

California requires drivers who are 70 years old or older to renew their licenses every two years instead of every five years. This shorter renewal cycle is part of California's safety requirements for older drivers. When you turn 70, your next renewal will be for a two-year license, and all subsequent renewals will follow the two-year cycle unless you move out of state or your situation changes.

Drivers 70 and older must renew in person at a DMV office — they cannot renew by mail or online. The DMV office will conduct a vision test and may ask questions about your driving history and health. This in-person requirement is designed to may support that older drivers are still safe to operate a vehicle.

Commercial driver license renewal requirements

If you hold a commercial driver license (CDL), your license is valid for five years, the same as a standard license. However, the renewal process is different. You must renew your CDL in person at a DMV office — you cannot renew by mail or online, even if you are under 70 years old. You will need to bring your current CDL, proof of residency, and any other documents required by the DMV.

Commercial drivers should plan their renewal even more carefully than standard drivers because the in-person requirement means you cannot straightforward mail in an process. If your CDL expires while you are waiting for a renewal appointment, you cannot legally operate a commercial vehicle. Some commercial drivers schedule their renewal appointment several months in advance to avoid gaps in their driving privileges.

What happens if your license expires while you are out of state

If you are living or traveling outside California when your license expires, you can still renew by mail or online if you are under 70 years old and do not hold a CDL. The DMV will mail your new license to an address you provide, which can be an out-of-state address. However, you cannot legally drive in California with an expired license, even if your renewal is in progress.

If you are 70 or older or hold a CDL, you will need to return to California to renew in person at a DMV office. If you have moved out of California permanently, you will need to obtain a driver license from your new state instead. California will not issue a new license to someone who no longer lives in the state.

Renewing before your license expires versus after

Renewing before your license expires is always the better option. If you renew early, you can do so by mail or online (if you are under 70 and do not hold a CDL), and your new license will arrive before your current one expires. You will have no gap in your driving privileges, and you will not risk being cited for driving with an expired license.

If you renew after your license has already expired, you must go to a DMV office in person, regardless of your age or license type. This is slower, more inconvenient, and means you cannot legally drive until your new license arrives. The only exception is if you have a valid reason for the delay — for example, if you were out of the country — but the DMV will still require you to renew in person.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive if my license expired last month but I already sent in my renewal?

No. You cannot legally drive with an expired license, even if your renewal process is being processed. You must wait for your new license to arrive before you can legally operate a vehicle. If you are stopped by law enforcement, you can be cited for driving with an expired license.

What if I turn 70 right before my license expires?

When you renew, you will receive a two-year license instead of a five-year license. Your age at the time of renewal determines the validity period. If you are already 70 when you renew, your new license will be valid for two years. You must renew in person at a DMV office.

Do I need to renew my license if I move to another state?

Yes. Once you establish residency in another state, you should obtain a driver license from that state. California will not renew a license for someone who no longer lives in California. Most states require you to obtain a new license within 30 to 60 days of moving.

Can I renew my commercial driver license online?

No. Commercial driver licenses must be renewed in person at a DMV office, regardless of your age. You cannot renew a CDL by mail or online. Plan ahead and schedule an appointment to avoid gaps in your driving privileges.

How do I know the exact expiration date of my current license?

The expiration date is printed on the front of your driver license in the bottom right corner. It is formatted as a month and year. You can also check your expiration date by logging into your DMV online account or calling the DMV directly.