Your driver's license has an expiration date printed on it

Every driver's license issued in the United States has an expiration date. How long your license lasts depends on your state, your age, and the type of license you hold. Most adult licenses are valid for four to eight years; licenses issued to drivers under 21 are often shorter. When your license expires, you cannot legally drive — you must renew it before getting behind the wheel again.

The expiration date is printed on the front of your license card. You can find it by looking for the words "Expires" or "Exp" followed by a date in month/year format. Some states also print the issue date so you can see how long you have had the license.

Key Takeaways

  • Most states issue adult licenses that last four to eight years, with the exact length depending on your state and age.
  • Licenses issued to drivers under 21 typically expire sooner than adult licenses, often within two to five years.
  • Your expiration date is printed on the front of your license card under "Expires" or "Exp".
  • You can renew your license before it expires, and many states let you renew online or by mail without visiting an office.
  • Driving on an expired license is illegal and can result in a traffic citation, even if you have a valid license at home.

How long licenses last by age group

States set different expiration lengths based on your age when you receive the license. Younger drivers — typically those under 21 — get licenses that expire faster than adult licenses. This is because states want younger drivers to renew more often, which gives them a chance to update their information and photograph.

A driver under 21 might receive a license valid for two to five years. Once you turn 21, your next renewal usually gives you a longer license — often four to eight years depending on your state. Some states issue even longer licenses to drivers over 65, while others shorten them for that age group. The specific years vary by state, so check your state's DMV website to see what applies to you.

State-by-state variation in expiration length

There is no single federal rule for how long a license lasts. Each state decides its own expiration schedule. Some states issue four-year licenses to most adults; others issue eight-year licenses. A few states have different lengths depending on whether you renew in person or online.

The best way to find your state's rules is to visit your state's Department of Motor Vehicles website and search for "license expiration" or "renewal." You can also call your local DMV office and ask how long your specific license will last. If you have already received your license, the expiration date is the most reliable answer — it is printed right on the card.

When to renew before your license expires

You do not have to wait until your license expires to renew it. Most states let you renew your license up to six months before the expiration date. Renewing early is a good idea if you are planning a trip or know you will be busy when the expiration date approaches.

Some states offer online renewal for drivers whose licenses are not expiring soon. Others require you to renew in person at a DMV office. A few states mail renewal notices to your address on file a few weeks before expiration, which can remind you to start the process. Check your state's DMV website to see whether you can renew online, by mail, or only in person.

What happens if your license expires

Driving on an expired license is illegal. If a police officer stops you and your license has expired, you can receive a traffic citation. The penalty varies by state but can include a fine, points on your driving record, or both. Some states treat an expired license as a minor violation; others treat it more seriously.

An expired license also means you cannot legally rent a car, board a domestic flight, or use it as proof of identity in many situations. If you realize your license has expired, stop driving and renew it before you get back on the road. Most states can issue a renewed license within a few days if you renew in person at a DMV office.

Renewing your license before it expires

The renewal process is usually simpler than getting your first license. You typically do not need to take a written test or road test again — you just need to update your information and provide a new photograph. Some states require you to pass a vision test at renewal, and a few require a written test if your license has been expired for a long time.

To renew, you will need to bring your current license, proof of identity, and proof of your current address. Some states accept online renewal if you meet certain requirements, such as having a valid license that is not yet expired. Others require you to visit a DMV office in person. A few states offer mail-in renewal for certain drivers. Visit your state's DMV website to see which method is available to you.

Commercial and special license expiration dates

A Commercial Driver's License (CDL) has different expiration rules than a regular driver's license. CDLs typically last four years, though some states issue them for longer. CDLs also require medical certification, which must be renewed separately and may expire before the license itself does.

Licenses with special restrictions — such as a license that requires you to wear corrective lenses or use an ignition interlock device — follow the same expiration schedule as a regular license. However, if your restriction changes (for example, if you no longer need glasses), you may need to visit a DMV office to update your license before it expires.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive if my license expires tomorrow?

No. Once your license expires, you cannot legally drive. Driving on an expired license is a traffic violation. If you know your license is about to expire, renew it before the expiration date. Many states can issue a renewed license the same day if you visit a DMV office in person.

What if I let my license expire and did not renew it?

You will need to renew it before you can drive legally again. The renewal process depends on how long it has been expired. If it expired recently, you may be able to renew it the same way as a normal renewal. If it has been expired for a long time (rules vary by state, but often one to five years), you may need to retake the written test or road test.

Do I have to renew my license in person?

It depends on your state and situation. Many states offer online or mail renewal for drivers whose licenses are not expiring soon and who have no changes to their information. Some states require in-person renewal for all drivers. Check your state's DMV website to see which options are available to you.

How do I know when my license expires if I lost the card?

Contact your state's DMV office by phone or visit their website. You can usually look up your license information online if you have your driver's license number and date of birth. The DMV can tell you your expiration date and help you renew or replace your license.

Does my license expiration date change if I move to a different state?

No. Your current license remains valid until its printed expiration date, even if you move. However, you will need to get a new license from your new state within a certain time period (usually 30 to 60 days). Your new state's license will have a new expiration date based on that state's rules.