What you need to do to renew your California license
You can renew your California driver license up to 60 days before it expires. The California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) lets you renew online, by mail, or in person at a DMV office — and which method you can use depends on when your license expires and what type of license you hold.
If your license expired fewer than 5 years ago, you can still renew it using the same process as a current license. If it expired more than 5 years ago, you will need to explore for a new license instead, which requires taking the written test and vision test again.
Key Takeaways
- You can renew your California license online if you are between 18 and 70 years old, your license is not commercial, and you have not had any major violations in the past 10 years.
- Mail renewal takes about 2 to 3 weeks from the time the DMV receives your process, so send it at least 4 weeks before your expiration date.
- In-person renewal at a DMV office requires an appointment booked through the DMV website; walk-ins are not accepted for standard renewals.
- Your renewal fee varies based on your license type and how many years you are renewing for, typically between $36 and $64 for a standard four-year renewal.
- You will need either a Real ID-compliant document or a passport to renew; a standard California ID card does not meet Real ID requirements.
Renewing online through the DMV website
Online renewal is the fastest option if you are may be able to access. You can renew online if you are between 18 and 70 years old, your current license is not a commercial driver license (CDL), you have not been convicted of certain violations in the past 10 years, and your vision has not changed significantly since your last exam.
To renew online, go to the California DMV website, select "Renew Your Driver License," and follow the steps. You will need your driver license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a payment method. The DMV will mail your renewed license to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days after you complete the transaction.
If the online system tells you that you are not may be able to access, you will need to renew by mail or in person. This usually happens if your vision needs updating, you have had a recent violation, or you are over 70 years old.
Renewing by mail
Mail renewal works for most drivers and takes longer than online renewal but requires no appointment. You will need to fill out the renewal form (Form DL 44 or Form DL 43, depending on your situation), include a check or money order for the renewal fee, and mail everything to the DMV address listed on the form.
The DMV processes mail renewals in the order they are received. From the time your envelope arrives at the DMV, expect 2 to 3 weeks for processing. Your renewed license will be mailed to you after that. To be safe, mail your renewal at least 4 weeks before your expiration date.
You do not need to include a new photo for mail renewal unless you are over 70 years old or your license has been expired for more than 5 years. If you want to update your photo, you must renew in person.
Renewing in person at a DMV office
In-person renewal is required if you want to update your photo, if you are over 70 years old, or if you are not may be able to access for online or mail renewal. You must book an appointment through the DMV website before you go to an office; the DMV does not accept walk-ins for standard renewals.
When you arrive for your appointment, bring your current driver license, proof of residency (such as a utility bill or lease), and a Real ID-compliant document or passport. The DMV will take a new photo, verify your information, and you will receive a temporary license to use while your permanent license is mailed to you.
Processing times at DMV offices vary by location and how busy the office is. Your renewed license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. If you need to drive before your permanent license arrives, the temporary license is valid for 60 days.
Documents you need for renewal
For any renewal method, you will need to prove your identity and residency. The DMV requires either a Real ID-compliant document (such as a passport, passport card, or military ID) or a passport. A standard California ID card does not meet Real ID requirements for renewal purposes.
For proof of residency, bring a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or government document with your current address. If you are renewing by mail, you do not need to send originals — photocopies are acceptable. If you are renewing in person, bring the originals so the DMV can verify them.
If you have changed your name since your last license was issued, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the name change (such as a marriage certificate or court order). If you are renewing a commercial driver license, you will need additional documents related to your medical certification.
Renewal fees and payment
The cost of renewal depends on how long you are renewing your license for and what type of license you hold. A standard four-year renewal for a regular driver license costs between $36 and $64. A six-year renewal costs more. Commercial driver licenses have higher fees.
If you are renewing by mail or online, you can pay by credit card, debit card, or electronic check. If you are renewing in person, the DMV accepts cash, check, credit card, and debit card. Do not send cash by mail.
If you renew before your license expires, you do not pay a penalty. If your license has already expired, you still pay the standard renewal fee — there is no additional late fee in California.
What happens if your license expires before you renew
If your license expires and you have not yet renewed it, you can still renew it as long as it has been expired for fewer than 5 years. The process is the same as renewing a current license, and you do not pay a penalty fee.
If your license expired more than 5 years ago, you cannot renew it. Instead, you will need to explore for a new license, which requires taking the written test, the vision test, and the driving test. You will also need to pay the process fee for a new license rather than the renewal fee.
Driving with an expired license is against the law in California, even if you have applied to renew it. If you are stopped by law enforcement, you can show proof that you have submitted a renewal process, but this does not may provide you will not be cited.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if I have moved to a different state?
No. If you have moved out of California and no longer live there, you cannot renew a California license. You will need to get a driver license from your new state of residence. If you still live in California but have moved within the state, you can renew your license and update your address at the same time.
How long does my renewed license take to arrive in the mail?
After the DMV processes your renewal, your new license will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days. If you renewed online or in person, this is the timeline after your transaction is complete. If you renewed by mail, add 2 to 3 weeks for the DMV to process your process first.
Can I renew my license if I have an outstanding traffic ticket or fine?
Yes. An outstanding traffic ticket or fine does not prevent you from renewing your license. However, if you have an unpaid fine related to a suspended license, the DMV may not process your renewal until the suspension is cleared. Contact the DMV or the court that issued the ticket to find out your status.
What if I want to change my name or address during renewal?
You can update your address during any renewal method — online, by mail, or in person. To change your name, you must renew in person and bring a certified copy of the document showing the name change, such as a marriage certificate or court order. Online and mail renewal do not allow name changes.
Do I need a new photo if I renew by mail?
No, unless you are over 70 years old or your license has been expired for more than 5 years. For mail renewal, the DMV uses your existing photo. If you want to update your photo before your license expires, you must renew in person at a DMV office.