California driver's licenses expire based on your age and when you were born

A California driver's license is valid for different lengths of time depending on how old you are when you get it. If you are under 70, your license lasts six years. If you are 70 or older, your license lasts five years. The expiration date is printed on the front of your card in the bottom right corner — it shows the exact month and year your license expires.

Your birth date determines which renewal cycle you fall into. The state groups people by age to spread out the volume of renewals across the year. This means two people who got their licenses on the same day might have different expiration dates if they were born in different years.

The expiration date also tells you when you must renew. You cannot legally drive after that date, and you cannot renew more than 60 days before it arrives. If you try to renew too early, the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) will reject your request and you will have to start over.

Key Takeaways

  • California driver's licenses for people under 70 are valid for six years; licenses for people 70 and older are valid for five years.
  • Your expiration date appears on the front of your license in the bottom right corner and tells you exactly when you must stop driving with that card.
  • You can renew your license starting 60 days before the expiration date, but not before.
  • Driving on an expired license is illegal in California, even if you have already started the renewal process.

How to find your expiration date

Look at the front of your physical license card. In the bottom right corner, you will see a date labeled "Expires" or "Exp." This is your expiration date. It will be written in the format MM/DD/YYYY — for example, 03/15/2028 means your license expires on March 15, 2028.

If you have lost your license or want to check the expiration date without the card in front of you, you can log into your DMV account online at dmv.ca.gov. You will need your driver's license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number to sign in. Once logged in, your license information, including the expiration date, will be displayed on your account dashboard.

What happens if your license expires

Driving on an expired California license is illegal. If you are stopped by law enforcement, you can be cited, fined, and potentially arrested depending on how long your license has been expired. An expired license is also not valid identification for other purposes — you cannot use it to board a plane, enter a federal building, or open a bank account.

If your license has expired but you have already submitted a renewal process to the DMV, you are still not legally permitted to drive. The only exception is if you have a temporary license or receipt from the DMV showing that your renewal is in progress. Even then, you should carry that receipt with you at all times while driving.

If you realize your license has expired and you have not yet renewed, stop driving when ready and submit a renewal process. The sooner you explore, the sooner you can legally drive again. Renewal processing times vary, but the DMV typically mails your new license within two to three weeks after approval.

When to renew your license

You can begin the renewal process 60 days before your expiration date. This is the earliest the DMV will accept a renewal request. If you submit your process before this 60-day window, the DMV will reject it and you will have to reapply later.

The best time to renew is between 60 days before and your actual expiration date. This window gives you enough time to complete the process and receive your new license before the old one expires. If you wait until after your license has expired, you can still renew, but you will be driving illegally in the meantime.

You can renew your California license online, by mail, or in person at a DMV office. Online renewal is the fastest option for most people and takes about two to three weeks. Mail renewal takes longer — typically three to four weeks. In-person renewal at a DMV office can sometimes be completed the same day, but you will need an appointment and wait times vary by location.

Renewing before your license expires

To renew online, visit dmv.ca.gov and select the renewal option. You will need your current driver's license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. You will also need to answer questions about your driving record and any changes to your address or other information. If everything checks out, you can pay the renewal fee and submit your process when ready.

To renew by mail, you can request a renewal form from the DMV website or pick one up at any DMV office. Fill out the form, include a check or money order for the renewal fee, and mail it to the address listed on the form. Include a copy of your current license if possible.

To renew in person, make an appointment through the DMV website or call your local office. Bring your current license, proof of residency (such as a utility bill or lease), and payment for the renewal fee. You will also need to pass a vision test. If you need a new photo, the DMV will take one during your appointment.

Special situations: extensions and conditional licenses

If you are serving in the military outside of California, you may be able to extend your license for up to eight years. You will need to provide proof of active military service and a military address. Contact your local DMV office or visit dmv.ca.gov for details on how to request a military extension.

If you have a commercial driver's license (CDL), the renewal rules are different. CDLs are valid for eight years, not six. You must renew in person at a DMV office and pass a medical examination. You cannot renew a CDL online or by mail.

If your license was suspended or revoked, you may need to complete additional steps before you can renew. This might include paying fines, completing a traffic safety course, or obtaining an SR22 form from your insurance company. Check your DMV record or contact your local office to find out what is required in your specific situation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive if my license expires tomorrow but I have already submitted a renewal?

No. You cannot legally drive on an expired license, even if your renewal process is pending. You can only drive if you have a temporary license or a DMV receipt showing your renewal is in progress. If you do not have either of these documents, you must wait until your new license arrives before driving.

What if I let my license expire more than a year ago?

You can still renew, but the process may take longer and you may need to retake the written test or vision test. Contact your local DMV office to find out what steps you need to complete. In the meantime, you cannot legally drive.

Do I need to renew my license in person or can I do it by mail?

Most people can renew online or by mail without visiting a DMV office. However, if your license has been expired for more than a few months, if you need a new photo, or if you have had a suspension or revocation, you may be required to renew in person. Check dmv.ca.gov or call your local office to confirm what method works for your situation.

What is the renewal fee for a California driver's license?

The renewal fee varies depending on the type of license and how long you are renewing it for. A standard six-year renewal typically costs between $35 and $40. Check dmv.ca.gov or your renewal notice for the exact fee that applies to you.

If I turn 70, does my license expiration date change?

Your current license will still expire on the date printed on it. When you renew after turning 70, your new license will be valid for five years instead of six. The DMV will calculate the new expiration date based on your age at the time of renewal.