California driver's license renewal happens online, by mail, or in person at a DMV office, depending on your age and how long it's been since your last renewal
The California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) lets most drivers renew without visiting an office. If you're under 70 and your license isn't suspended or revoked, you can renew online through the DMV website or by mail. Drivers 70 and older, or those with certain medical conditions, must renew in person. Your renewal window opens 60 days before your license expires and closes 60 days after, though renewing early is always an option.
Your license expires on your birthday. The DMV sends a renewal notice to the address on file about 60 days before that date—check your mail carefully, because you'll need information from that notice to renew online. If you've moved and didn't update your address with the DMV, the notice won't reach you, so log into your DMV account or call 1-800-777-0133 to confirm your mailing address first.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal takes about 10 minutes and costs $39 for a four-year license or $69 for an eight-year license, paid by debit or credit card.
- You'll need your renewal notice, current driver's license number, and the last four digits of your Social Security number to renew online.
- Mail renewal requires the same documents plus a check or money order, and takes two to three weeks after the DMV receives it.
- In-person renewal at a DMV office requires an appointment booked through the DMV website; walk-ins are not accepted.
- If your license has been expired for more than 60 days, you cannot renew by mail or online and must visit a DMV office in person.
Online renewal: fastest option for most drivers
Go to the California DMV website (dmv.ca.gov) and select "Renew Your Driver License" from the homepage. You'll enter your driver's license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The system will pull up your record and ask you to confirm your address, emergency contact, and organ donor status. You can change your address during this step if you've moved.
After you confirm your information, you'll pay the renewal fee—$39 for a four-year license or $69 for an eight-year license. The DMV accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover. Once payment clears, you're done. Your new license will arrive by mail in 10 to 14 days. Your current license remains valid until it expires, so you can drive legally while you wait.
Online renewal is not available if your license has been expired for more than 60 days, if you have a commercial driver's license (CDL), if you need to change your name or gender marker, or if you're renewing a license that was suspended or revoked. In those cases, you must renew in person.
Mail renewal: slower but no appointment needed
Request a mail renewal form by calling the DMV at 1-800-777-0133, or read the form from the DMV website (form DL 44 or DL 43, depending on your situation). Fill out the form completely, sign it, and include a check or money order for the renewal fee payable to "Department of Motor Vehicles." Do not send cash.
Mail your completed form and payment to the address shown on the form. Processing takes two to three weeks after the DMV receives your envelope. Include a return envelope with your address if you want the DMV to mail your new license to you; otherwise, you can pick it up at a DMV office. Your current license stays valid during this time.
Mail renewal has the same restrictions as online renewal: it's not available if your license expired more than 60 days ago, if you hold a CDL, if you need to change your name or gender marker, or if your license was suspended or revoked. Check the form instructions carefully before mailing, because incomplete applications get sent back and delay your renewal.
In-person renewal at a DMV office
You must renew in person if you're 70 or older, if your license has been expired for more than 60 days, if you have a CDL, if you need to change your name or gender marker, or if your license was suspended or revoked. You'll also need to renew in person if you have certain medical conditions that require a DMV medical evaluation.
Book an appointment through the DMV website (dmv.ca.gov). Select your county and the office location closest to you, then choose an available date and time. Walk-ins are not accepted. Bring your current driver's license, proof of California residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days), and your Social Security number or an ITIN. If you're changing your name, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change (marriage certificate, court order, or passport).
Your appointment usually takes 30 to 45 minutes. You'll have your photo taken, answer vision and medical history questions, and pay the renewal fee in cash, check, or card. Your new license will be mailed to you within 10 to 14 days. If you need to drive before it arrives, ask the DMV office for a temporary license document valid for 30 days.
What documents you need for each renewal method
| Renewal Method | Documents Needed | Cost | Processing Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online | Renewal notice, driver's license number, last 4 digits of SSN | $39 (4-year) or $69 (8-year) | 10–14 days by mail |
| Completed form, check or money order, renewal notice | $39 (4-year) or $69 (8-year) | 2–3 weeks after receipt | |
| In-person | Current license, proof of residency, SSN or ITIN, appointment confirmation | $39 (4-year) or $69 (8-year) | 10–14 days by mail |
What happens if your license expires before you renew
If your license expires and you haven't renewed yet, you can still renew online or by mail as long as it's been no more than 60 days since the expiration date. After 60 days, you must renew in person at a DMV office. Driving with an expired license is illegal and can result in a traffic citation, even if you've already started the renewal process.
If you're past the 60-day window, book an in-person appointment as soon as possible. Bring the same documents you would for a regular in-person renewal. The DMV will not charge you a penalty for renewing late, but you cannot legally drive until your new license arrives.
Changing your address, name, or gender marker during renewal
If you're renewing online or by mail, you can update your address but not your name or gender marker. The online system has a field to enter a new address; for mail renewal, write your new address clearly on the form. The DMV will mail your new license to the address you provide.
To change your name or gender marker, you must renew in person. Bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change: a marriage certificate, divorce decree, court order, or passport. The DMV will update your record and issue a new license with the correct information. This process takes the same 10 to 14 days as a standard in-person renewal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if I have an out-of-state address?
No. You must be a California resident to renew a California driver's license. If you've moved out of state, you need to get a license from your new state. If you're temporarily out of state but still a California resident, update your address back to a California address before renewing.
What if I lost my renewal notice?
You can still renew online without the notice—you only need your driver's license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. For mail renewal, call the DMV at 1-800-777-0133 to request a new form.
Can I renew early, before my license expires?
Yes. You can renew anytime during the 60-day window before your expiration date. Renewing early is useful if you're traveling or want your new license to arrive before your birthday. Your new license will have a new expiration date based on when you renew.
How long is a California driver's license valid?
Standard licenses are valid for four or eight years, depending on which you choose at renewal. Licenses for drivers 70 and older are valid for four years. Commercial driver's licenses have different validity periods depending on the class.
What if my license was suspended or revoked?
You cannot renew online or by mail. You must visit a DMV office in person and bring proof that the suspension or revocation has been lifted. Contact the DMV before your appointment to confirm what documents you need.