California driver licenses expire every five or ten years depending on your age, and you can renew online, by mail, or in person at a DMV office

Your California driver license expires on your birthday in the year shown on the front. Most adults renew every ten years; those under 70 renew every five years if they have a REAL ID, or ten years if they do not. You do not have to wait until expiration — you can renew up to 60 days before your license expires.

The fastest route for most people is the online renewal at dmv.ca.gov, which takes about 10 minutes and costs $39 for a ten-year renewal or $24 for a five-year renewal. If you cannot renew online, you can mail in an process (Form DL 44) or visit a DMV office in person. The method you choose depends on whether your address has changed, whether you need a new photo, and how quickly you need the renewed license.

Key Takeaways

  • Online renewal at dmv.ca.gov is available if your address has not changed and you do not need a new photo, and takes about 10 minutes.
  • You can renew up to 60 days before your license expires, so you do not have to wait until the expiration date.
  • If you renew online or by mail, your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days; in-person renewal gives you a temporary paper license when ready.
  • You must renew in person if your address has changed, if you need a new photo, or if your name has changed since your last renewal.
  • REAL ID compliant licenses cost the same as standard licenses but are required for domestic air travel starting May 7, 2025.

When you can renew online

Online renewal is the fastest option if you meet these conditions: your address has not changed since your last renewal, you do not need a new photo, your name is the same as on your current license, and your license is not suspended or revoked. You will need your current driver license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a valid email address.

Go to dmv.ca.gov, select "Renew Your Driver License," and follow the steps. You will answer questions about your health and driving record, review your information, pay the renewal fee by debit or credit card, and receive a confirmation number. Your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days. During this time, your old license remains valid.

When you must renew in person

You must visit a DMV office if your address has changed, if you need a new photo, if your name has changed, if your license is suspended or revoked, or if you have medical conditions that affect your driving. You will also need to renew in person if you are changing your gender marker or if you are over 70 (though some over-70 renewals can be done by mail).

Bring your current driver license, proof of California residency (such as a utility bill or lease), and proof of your Social Security number (such as a Social Security card or W-2). If your name has changed, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. You will take a new photo at the DMV, answer health and driving questions, and pay the renewal fee. You will receive a temporary paper license when ready and your plastic license by mail in 7 to 10 business days.

Renewing by mail

Mail renewal is an option if you cannot go online and prefer not to visit an office. You can renew by mail if you are over 70, if you have certain medical conditions, or if you are renewing a standard (non-REAL ID) license. read Form DL 44 from dmv.ca.gov, fill it out, and mail it with a check or money order for the renewal fee to the address on the form.

Processing takes 7 to 10 business days from the time the DMV receives your process. You will not receive a temporary license, so your old license remains valid until your new one arrives. If you need to drive before your new license arrives, you can request an interim license by phone at 1-800-777-0133.

REAL ID versus standard license

A REAL ID compliant license has a gold or gold-colored star in the upper right corner and meets federal security standards. Starting May 7, 2025, you will need a REAL ID or a passport to board a domestic flight; a standard driver license will no longer be accepted. The renewal fee is the same whether you choose REAL ID or standard.

If you renew online or by mail and your current license is not REAL ID compliant, you will receive a standard license unless you specifically request REAL ID. To get REAL ID during online renewal, you must have a Real ID-compliant document on file with the DMV already (such as a passport or certified birth certificate). If you do not, you must renew in person and bring original or certified copies of proof of identity, proof of California residency, and proof of Social Security number.

Renewal fees and payment

A ten-year renewal costs $39 for a standard license or $39 for a REAL ID license. A five-year renewal costs $24 for a standard license or $24 for a REAL ID license. You pay by debit card or credit card if you renew online, or by check or money order if you renew by mail. In-person renewal accepts cash, check, debit card, or credit card.

If you renew online and your payment is declined, you can try again with a different card or contact the DMV at 1-800-777-0133. If you renew by mail and your check bounces, the DMV will contact you to request payment by another method.

What to expect after you renew

If you renew online or by mail, your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days. Your old license remains valid until your new one arrives, so you can continue to drive and use it as identification. If you renew in person, you receive a temporary paper license when ready and your plastic license by mail in 7 to 10 business days.

If your new license does not arrive within 10 business days, contact the DMV at 1-800-777-0133 or check the status of your renewal at dmv.ca.gov. You can also request a replacement license in person at a DMV office if you need one urgently.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if it has already expired?

Yes. You can renew an expired license online, by mail, or in person. However, if your license has been expired for more than five years, you may need to retake the written test and driving test. Contact the DMV at 1-800-777-0133 to confirm what you will need to do.

What if I move out of state before my license expires?

You do not need to renew your California license if you move out of state. You will need to get a driver license from your new state instead. Your California license remains valid for identification purposes even after you move.

Can I renew online if I wear glasses or contacts?

Yes, you can renew online if you wear glasses or contacts and your current license photo shows you wearing them. If your vision correction needs have changed significantly, you may want to renew in person to get a new photo that reflects your current appearance.

How do I change my address during renewal?

If your address has changed, you must renew in person at a DMV office. Bring proof of your new California residency, such as a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days. You cannot change your address online or by mail.

What happens if I renew online but my information is incorrect?

If you notice an error after you have submitted your online renewal, contact the DMV at 1-800-777-0133 before your new license is mailed. If your new license arrives with incorrect information, you can request a correction in person at a DMV office or by mail.