Your renewal identification number is a code the California DMV sends you to speed up your ID or driver's license renewal

When you renew your California driver's license or ID card, the DMV mails you a renewal notice that includes a renewal identification number — a unique code printed on that notice. This number lets you renew online or by mail without having to provide as much personal information as you would if you were explore from scratch. The DMV uses it to pull up your existing record and verify that you're the person renewing, not someone else.

You do not have to use this number to renew. You can still renew in person at a DMV office without it. But if you want to renew by mail or online, the DMV will ask for this number, and having it makes the process faster and reduces the chance of errors or delays.

Key Takeaways

  • Your renewal identification number appears on the renewal notice the DMV mails to you before your license or ID expires.
  • You need this number to renew online through the DMV website or by mail using the renewal form.
  • If you lose the renewal notice, you can call the DMV or visit an office to get the number again, or you can renew in person instead.
  • The number is different from your driver's license number and is only used for the renewal process.

Where to find your renewal identification number on the notice

The DMV renewal notice is a postcard or letter that arrives in your mailbox 60 to 90 days before your license or ID expires. The renewal identification number is printed on the front or back of this notice, usually near the top or in a box labeled "Renewal ID Number" or similar. It is typically a series of numbers and letters.

If you have already received your renewal notice, look for this number before you start the renewal process. Write it down or have it ready on your screen if you are renewing online. The DMV website will ask for it during the online renewal steps.

How to renew online using your renewal identification number

To renew your California driver's license or ID online, go to the official California DMV website at dmv.ca.gov. Look for the "Online Services" section and select the option to renew your driver's license or ID. The system will ask you to enter your renewal identification number along with your name, date of birth, and driver's license or ID number.

Once you enter this information, the DMV system will pull up your record and show you what information they have on file. You will review it, make any corrections if needed, and answer a few questions about your current address and whether anything has changed since your last renewal. If everything is correct, you can pay the renewal fee online using a credit or debit card. The DMV will mail your new license or ID to the address on file.

Online renewal is available only if your license or ID is not expired and you meet other requirements — for example, you cannot renew online if you need to take a new photo or if your medical condition has changed. The DMV website will tell you whether you are able to renew online before you start.

Renewing by mail with your renewal identification number

If you prefer to renew by mail, the DMV renewal notice usually includes a renewal form and a prepaid envelope. Fill out the form, include your renewal identification number where it asks for it, and mail it back to the address shown on the envelope. You will also need to include payment for the renewal fee, either by check or money order.

Mail renewal takes longer than online renewal — typically two to three weeks or more, depending on mail delivery and DMV processing time. Do not wait until your license or ID is about to expire if you plan to renew by mail, because there is a risk your new card will not arrive in time.

What to do if you cannot find your renewal identification number

If you lost your renewal notice or cannot locate the renewal identification number, you have several options. You can call the California DMV at 1-800-777-0133 to ask for the number. Have your driver's license or ID number and date of birth ready when you call. The DMV can look up your record and provide the number over the phone.

You can also visit a DMV office in person and ask for the number. Bring your current driver's license or ID and proof of residency, such as a utility bill or lease. A DMV staff member can print out a new renewal notice with the number on it.

If you do not want to call or visit an office, you can straightforward renew in person at a DMV office instead. You will not need the renewal identification number for an in-person renewal — you can bring your current license or ID and complete the renewal at the counter. This option takes longer than online renewal but does not require you to track down the number.

The difference between your renewal identification number and your driver's license number

Your renewal identification number is not the same as your driver's license number or ID number. Your driver's license number is a permanent identifier that stays with you for the life of your license. The renewal identification number is a temporary code created specifically for that renewal cycle and is only used to process that particular renewal.

If you are renewing multiple times over the years, each renewal will have a different renewal identification number. You do not need to remember or save it after your renewal is complete — it is only useful during the renewal process itself.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my California license online without the renewal identification number?

No. Online renewal requires the renewal identification number. If you do not have it, you can call the DMV to get it, visit an office to request a new renewal notice, or renew in person at a DMV office without using the number.

What if I moved and did not receive my renewal notice?

Contact the DMV to update your address on file before your renewal notice is mailed. If you already missed it, call 1-800-777-0133 to request the renewal identification number, or visit a DMV office to renew in person. You can also renew online if you update your address through the DMV website first.

Is the renewal identification number the same as my customer ID?

No. The renewal identification number is specific to your renewal notice and is only used for renewing your license or ID. A customer ID, if you have one, is different and is used for other DMV transactions. Use the renewal identification number only when the DMV asks for it during renewal.

How long is my renewal identification number valid?

Your renewal identification number is valid for the renewal cycle shown on your notice, typically until your current license or ID expires. Once you complete your renewal, the number is no longer needed. If your renewal expires without being processed, you may need to request a new renewal notice and number.