Driver's licenses expire on a schedule set by your state
Your driver's license has an expiration date printed on the front. How long you have before that date arrives depends on which state issued your license and, in some cases, your age when you got it. Most states issue licenses valid for four to eight years, but the exact length varies widely — there is no federal standard.
The expiration date is not something you choose or negotiate. It is built into the license when the state issues it. Once you know your state's renewal cycle, you can mark your calendar and plan ahead, because driving on an expired license is illegal in every state, even if you are only one day past the expiration date.
Key Takeaways
- Most states issue driver's licenses valid for four to eight years, with the expiration date printed on the front of your card.
- Some states issue shorter licenses to drivers under 21, then longer ones once you reach 21 or 25.
- A few states offer optional longer licenses (up to ten years) for an additional fee, usually for drivers over a certain age.
- You can renew your license before it expires, and many states let you renew online, by mail, or in person at the DMV.
- Driving on an expired license can result in a traffic ticket, even if you have a valid license at home that you straightforward forgot to renew.
How long licenses last in each state
The length of a driver's license varies by state. Some states issue four-year licenses, others issue six-year or eight-year licenses. A few states offer optional ten-year licenses for an extra fee. The state where you got your license controls the expiration date — if you move to a new state, your old license remains valid until it expires, but you will eventually need to get a license from your new state.
The table below shows the standard validity period for a regular adult driver's license in each state. If you are under 21, your state may issue a shorter license first.
| State | Standard License Validity |
|---|---|
| Alabama | 4 years |
| Alaska | 5 years |
| Arizona | 12 years (standard); 5 years (under 25) |
| Arkansas | 4 years |
| California | 5 years |
| Colorado | 10 years |
| Connecticut | 6 years |
| Delaware | 8 years |
| Florida | 6 years |
| Georgia | 8 years |
| Hawaii | 4 years |
| Idaho | 4 years |
| Illinois | 4 years |
| Indiana | 6 years |
| Iowa | 4 years |
| Kansas | 6 years |
| Kentucky | 4 years |
| Louisiana | 4 years |
| Maine | 6 years |
| Maryland | 8 years |
| Massachusetts | 5 years |
| Michigan | 4 years (under 21); 6 years (21-64); 4 years (65+) |
| Minnesota | 4 years |
| Mississippi | 4 years |
| Missouri | 6 years |
| Montana | 4 years |
| Nebraska | 5 years |
| Nevada | 4 years |
| New Hampshire | 5 years |
| New Jersey | 4 years |
| New Mexico | 4 years |
| New York | 8 years |
| North Carolina | 8 years |
| North Dakota | 4 years |
| Ohio | 4 years |
| Oklahoma | 4 years |
| Oregon | 8 years |
| Pennsylvania | 4 years |
| Rhode Island | 4 years |
| South Carolina | 10 years |
| South Dakota | 4 years |
| Tennessee | 4 years |
| Texas | 6 years |
| Utah | 5 years |
| Vermont | 4 years |
| Virginia | 5 years |
| Washington | 5 years |
| West Virginia | 5 years |
| Wisconsin | 8 years |
| Wyoming | 4 years |
These are the standard periods for adult drivers with a regular driver's license. Some states have different rules for commercial licenses, motorcycle endorsements, or drivers over a certain age. Check your state's DMV website for the most current information about your specific license type.
Shorter licenses for drivers under 21
Many states issue shorter licenses to drivers under 21, then issue a longer license once you turn 21 or 25. For example, a state might issue a four-year license to a 16-year-old, which expires when they turn 20, then issue an eight-year license when they renew at 21. This practice lets states track younger drivers more closely and update their records as they age out of restrictions.
If you got your license as a teenager, check the expiration date on your card. You may be due for renewal sooner than you expect, especially if you are approaching a birthday that triggers a longer license period. When you renew, you will typically get the longer validity period that applies to your age group.
Optional longer licenses and fees
A handful of states offer optional longer licenses — usually ten years instead of the standard period — for an additional fee. These are typically available to drivers over 21 or 25, and the extra cost ranges depending on the state. If your state offers this option, you can choose the standard license or pay more for the longer one when you renew.
Whether the longer license is worth the extra cost depends on how often you want to visit the DMV and whether you mind paying more upfront. Some people prefer to renew more frequently to keep their photo current; others prefer to renew less often and pay the extra fee once.
When and how to renew before expiration
You can renew your license before it expires. Most states let you renew online, by mail, or in person at a DMV office, depending on your situation. The renewal process is usually simpler than getting your first license — you typically do not need to take a new written or road test unless your state requires it for certain age groups or you have had violations.
Many states send you a renewal notice in the mail a few months before your license expires. This notice tells you how to renew and what documents you need. If you do not receive a notice, you can contact your state's DMV or check their website to start the renewal process yourself. Renewing early gives you time to handle any issues that come up, like a name change or address update, without the pressure of an expiration date approaching.
What happens if your license expires
Driving on an expired license is illegal. If you are stopped by police, you can receive a traffic ticket for driving with an expired license, even if your license is valid and sitting at home — the law requires you to carry a valid license while driving. The ticket and any fine are separate from the cost of renewing your license.
If your license has been expired for a long time, your state may require you to take a written test or road test again before you can renew, rather than letting you renew by mail or online. Some states also charge a late renewal fee if you renew after the expiration date. The safest approach is to renew before your expiration date arrives, which you can do weeks or even months in advance in most states.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license before the expiration date?
Yes. Most states let you renew your license anywhere from a few months to a year before it expires. Check your state's DMV website to find out the exact window for early renewal. Renewing early means you will not have to worry about an expired license and can avoid any late fees or testing requirements that might explore if you renew after the expiration date.
What if I move to a different state?
Your old license remains valid until it expires, even after you move. However, most states require you to get a new license within a certain period — usually 30 to 60 days — after you establish residency. You will need to visit the DMV in your new state with proof of residency and your old license. Your new license will have a new expiration date based on your new state's rules.
Do I need to take a test to renew my license?
Not usually. Most states let you renew by mail or online without taking a written or road test, as long as you renew before your license expires and have no serious violations. However, some states require a vision test or written test for certain age groups, or if your license has been expired for a long time. Check your state's DMV website or renewal notice to see what is required for your situation.
What if I lost my license and need to renew it?
If your license is lost or stolen, you can request a replacement from your state's DMV. The replacement process is usually faster and cheaper than a full renewal, and you will get a new card with the same expiration date as your original license. You may be able to order a replacement online or by mail in some states, or you may need to visit a DMV office in person.
Can I drive if my license expires while I am waiting for the renewal to arrive?
This depends on your state. Some states let you drive for a grace period after you have submitted a renewal process, even if your old license has expired. Others require your new license to arrive before you drive. Check your state's DMV website or call them to ask about the grace period in your state before your expiration date arrives.