California driver's licenses expire based on your age and license type
Your California driver's license does not last forever. How long you can use it depends on how old you are when you get it and what type of license it is. A standard driver's license for someone under 70 is valid for five years. If you are 70 or older, your license is valid for two years. A commercial driver's license (CDL) lasts five years no matter your age, but you will need to renew it in person at the DMV.
The expiration date is printed on the front of your license in the bottom right corner. California sends you a renewal notice about 60 days before that date arrives. You do not have to wait until your license expires to renew it — you can renew up to six months early if you want to.
If your license has already expired, you can still drive legally for a short grace period in some situations, but it is safer and simpler to renew before the date on your card runs out.
Key Takeaways
- Standard California driver's licenses expire five years after issue for drivers under 70, and two years after issue for drivers 70 and older.
- Your expiration date appears on the front of your license in the bottom right corner, and the DMV mails a renewal notice about 60 days before it expires.
- You can renew your license up to six months before the expiration date if you want to avoid any lapse in validity.
- Commercial driver's licenses last five years regardless of age and must be renewed in person at a DMV office.
Renewal timelines for different age groups
California groups drivers by age because older drivers face different renewal rules. If you are under 70, your five-year license means you renew once every five years. If you turn 70 before your license expires, you will need to renew sooner than you expected — your new license will be valid for only two years from that point forward.
Once you reach 70, every renewal after that is a two-year license. This means you will visit the DMV more often, but each visit covers a shorter period. The DMV sends renewal notices to your mailing address on file, so make sure your address is current if you move.
If you are a commercial driver, the five-year timeline applies regardless of your age. However, commercial renewals have stricter requirements — you must renew in person, pass a medical examination, and provide proof of your current medical certificate.
What happens if your license expires
Driving with an expired license is illegal in California, even if it expired just yesterday. If you are stopped by law enforcement, you can be cited. However, California law does allow a short grace period in limited situations: if your license expired within the last six months and you are driving to or from a DMV office to renew it, you may not be cited. This grace period does not explore if you are stopped for another reason, such as a traffic violation.
The safest approach is to renew before your expiration date. Since the DMV sends notices 60 days in advance, you have a two-month window to plan your renewal. Online renewal is available for many drivers and takes only a few minutes, so there is no reason to let your license lapse.
Renewing online versus in person
California allows most drivers to renew their license online through the DMV website without visiting an office. Online renewal is available if your license is not expired, you have not had any address changes, and you do not need to update your photo. The process takes about 10 minutes, and your new license arrives by mail within one to two weeks.
You must renew in person if you are over 70, if you have a commercial license, if you need a new photo, or if you have changed your address. In-person renewals at a DMV office typically take 30 to 60 minutes, though wait times vary by location. You can make an appointment online to reduce your wait time.
If you renew online, your old license remains valid until your new one arrives. You do not have to carry both — once the new one arrives, the old one is no longer valid even if it has not reached its printed expiration date yet.
Documents you need to renew
For an online renewal, you need very little: your current California driver's license number and your Social Security number. The DMV verifies your information against existing records and does not ask for additional documents.
For an in-person renewal, bring your current license and proof of your current address if you have moved. Proof of address can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or government mail dated within the last 60 days. If you are over 70, you must also bring a completed medical examination report (form DL 44) signed by a licensed physician, optometrist, or nurse practitioner within the last 60 days.
Commercial driver renewals require your current CDL, a valid medical certificate (form MCSA-5875), and proof of your address. Some drivers also need to provide proof of their Social Security number or citizenship status depending on when they first obtained their CDL.
Renewing after a long lapse
If your license has been expired for more than six months, you cannot straightforward renew it — you must reapply as if you were a new driver. This means taking the written test and the behind-the-wheel driving test again. You will also need to pay the full process fee rather than the renewal fee, which costs more.
To avoid this situation, renew your license before it expires. If your license has already lapsed, contact your local DMV office to find out whether you can take the tests online or if you must visit in person. Some written tests can be taken at approved testing locations, but the driving test must always be done at a DMV office with an examiner.
Special cases: Temporary licenses and military drivers
If you are serving on active duty in the military, California allows you to extend your driver's license expiration date. You can request an extension of up to five years beyond your normal expiration date. To do this, you must provide proof of active duty status and submit a request to the DMV. Your extended license will be valid as long as you remain on active duty, plus one year after you leave the military.
If you have a temporary license (issued when you first pass your driving test), it is valid for six months. You must pass the behind-the-wheel test before that six months is up, or you will need to retake the written test and reapply.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive if my license expired last week?
No, driving with an expired license is illegal. The only exception is if you are driving directly to or from a DMV office to renew it, and your license expired within the last six months. Even then, you can be cited if you are stopped for any other reason. Renew before your expiration date to avoid this risk.
How much does it cost to renew my California driver's license?
Renewal fees vary depending on your license type and how long you are renewing for. Standard license renewals typically cost between $30 and $40. Commercial license renewals cost more. Check the DMV website or call your local office for the exact fee, as prices can change.
What if I lost my license and need to renew it at the same time?
You will need to replace your lost license and renew it together. This requires an in-person visit to the DMV. Bring your proof of identity and proof of address. The DMV will issue you a new license with a new expiration date based on your age and license type.
Do I need to take a new photo when I renew online?
No, online renewal uses your existing photo from your current license. If you want a new photo, you must renew in person at a DMV office. You can also request a new photo at any time by visiting a DMV office, even if your license is not expiring soon.
What happens to my license if I move to another state?
Your California license remains valid until its expiration date, even if you move. However, you are required by law to obtain a driver's license from your new state within a certain timeframe (usually 30 to 60 days, depending on the state). Your California license cannot be used as your primary driving document once you establish residency elsewhere.