California Driver's License Validity Periods

A California driver's license is valid for five years from the date of issue if you are between 18 and 69 years old. If you are 70 or older, your license is valid for two years. Licenses issued to drivers under 18 are valid until your 18th birthday, at which point you must renew to get a standard adult license.

The expiration date is printed on the front of your license in the bottom right corner. California does not use a grace period — your license becomes invalid on the date shown, and you cannot legally drive after that date, even for one day.

Your license renewal date does not change based on when you renew. If your license expires on March 15, 2028, and you renew it early in January 2028, your new license will still expire on March 15, 2033 (five years from the original expiration date, not from the renewal date). This means early renewal does not extend your total validity period.

Key Takeaways

  • Standard California driver's licenses for adults aged 18 to 69 are valid for five years from the issue date.
  • Drivers aged 70 and older receive licenses valid for two years only.
  • Licenses for drivers under 18 expire on your 18th birthday and require renewal before you can legally drive as an adult.
  • The expiration date printed on your license is final — California does not allow a grace period to drive after expiration.
  • Renewing early does not extend your license validity; your new expiration date is calculated from your previous expiration date.

When Your License Expires Based on Your Age

Your age at the time of issue determines how long your California license lasts. The state uses age brackets to set validity periods, and this applies whether you are renewing or getting your first license.

If you are 18 to 69 years old when you receive your license, it is valid for five years. This is the standard period for most adult drivers. If you turn 70 before your five-year license expires, you do not automatically get a shorter license — you keep the original one until its printed expiration date. However, when you renew after turning 70, your new license will be valid for only two years.

Drivers aged 70 and older always receive two-year licenses. This shorter validity period applies at every renewal for the rest of your driving life in California, regardless of whether you renew in person or by mail.

If you are under 18, your license expires on your 18th birthday. You cannot renew it before that date. On or after your 18th birthday, you must renew to get an adult license valid for five years.

Renewing Before Your License Expires

California allows you to renew your license up to 60 days before the expiration date. This means you can start the renewal process two months early and receive your new license before the old one technically expires.

If you renew early, your new license is still valid for the full period (five years for ages 18–69, two years for 70+). The expiration date on your new license is calculated from your previous expiration date, not from the date you renew. For example, if your current license expires March 15, 2028, and you renew on January 15, 2028, your new license will expire March 15, 2033.

Renewing early is useful if you want to avoid the rush near your expiration date or if you are planning travel and want a fresh license. However, it does not give you extra validity time overall.

What Happens If Your License Expires

Driving with an expired California license is illegal. If you are stopped by law enforcement after your expiration date, you can be cited for driving with an expired license, which is an infraction. The fine varies but typically ranges from $100 to $250, and you may also face other penalties depending on the circumstances of the stop.

An expired license also cannot be used as valid identification for other purposes, such as boarding a domestic flight, entering a federal building, or opening a bank account. If you need to drive, you must renew your license before getting behind the wheel.

If your license has been expired for more than a few months, you may be required to take a written test or vision test when you renew, depending on how long it has been expired and your age. The DMV will inform you of any testing requirements when you begin the renewal process.

Renewing Your License Before It Expires

You can renew your California license online, by mail, or in person at a DMV office. Online renewal is the fastest option and is available if your license is not suspended or revoked and you meet other basic requirements.

To renew online, you visit the California DMV website, create or log into your account, and complete the renewal process. You will need to pay the renewal fee (currently $39 for a five-year license for drivers under 70, or $26 for a two-year license for drivers 70+). Your new license will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days.

Mail renewal requires you to complete the DL 44 form (process for California Driver License or Identification Card) or use the renewal notice sent by the DMV if you received one. You mail the form, your fee, and any required documents to the address on the form. Processing takes 2 to 3 weeks.

In-person renewal at a DMV office is necessary if you cannot renew online or by mail, or if you need to update your photograph or address. You will need to bring your current license, proof of residency, and your fee. Processing is when ready, though wait times at DMV offices vary.

Special Cases: Conditional and Restricted Licenses

If you have a conditional license (issued to drivers under 18 with restrictions) or a restricted license (issued after a DUI or other violation), the validity period may differ from a standard license. A conditional license is valid until your 18th birthday, just like a regular under-18 license. A restricted license validity period depends on the type of restriction and the reason it was issued.

If you hold a commercial driver's license (CDL), the validity period is the same as a standard license based on your age (five years for ages 18–69, two years for 70+). However, CDL renewal has additional requirements, such as a medical examination and a written test, so you cannot renew online.

If you are unsure whether your license falls into a special category, check the class and restrictions printed on the front and back of your license, or contact the California DMV directly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive after my license expires if I have already applied for renewal?

No. You can only drive with an expired license if you have a valid temporary license or permit issued by the DMV. straightforward having applied for renewal does not give you permission to drive. If you renew online or by mail, your old license remains valid until the printed expiration date. If you renew in person, you receive a temporary license valid for 60 days while your permanent license is being mailed.

What if I turn 70 before my five-year license expires?

You can continue to drive on your current license until the expiration date printed on it. When you renew after that date, your new license will be valid for two years instead of five. You do not need to renew early just because you turned 70.

Do I need to take a test to renew my license?

For most renewals, you do not need to take a written or driving test. However, if your license has been expired for more than a certain period, or if the DMV has reason to question your driving ability, you may be required to take a vision test or written test. The DMV will let you know if testing is required when you start your renewal.

Can I renew my license online if I am 70 or older?

Yes, you can renew online if you are 70 or older and your license is not suspended or revoked. The process is the same as for younger drivers, and your new two-year license will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days.

What is the cost to renew my California driver's license?

The renewal fee is $39 for a five-year license (ages 18–69) and $26 for a two-year license (ages 70+). Fees are paid at the time of renewal, whether you renew online, by mail, or in person. Fees may change, so check the California DMV website for current amounts.