Renewing your California driver's license online, by mail, or in person
You can renew your California driver's license through the DMV website, by mail, or at a DMV office. The method you use depends on whether your license is still valid, how much time you have, and whether you need to update your photo or address. Most people renew online if their license hasn't expired and they don't need a new photo. If your license is already expired or you want a new photo, you'll need to go to a DMV office in person.
California lets you renew up to 60 days before your expiration date and up to 6 months after it expires. The expiration date is printed on the front of your license. You can find it by looking at the date next to "EXP" on your card.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal through the DMV website takes about 10 minutes and costs $39 if your license hasn't expired and you don't need a new photo.
- You can renew by mail if your license is still valid, but the process takes 2 to 3 weeks and requires mailing documents to the DMV.
- In-person renewal at a DMV office is required if your license has expired more than 6 months ago, you need a new photo, or you're changing your address or name.
- You'll need your current driver's license, proof of California residency, and proof of your Social Security number for any renewal method.
- The DMV charges $39 for a standard renewal, but the fee increases if you renew in person and need a new photo or Real ID upgrade.
Renewing online through the DMV website
Online renewal is the fastest option if your license is still valid and you don't want a new photo. Go to dmv.ca.gov, click "Renew Your Driver License," and follow the steps. You'll need your current driver's license number, your date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The DMV will verify your information against state records.
The online process takes about 10 minutes. You'll pay $39 with a credit or debit card. Your new license will arrive by mail in 10 to 14 business days. You can continue driving on your current license until the new one arrives, even if it has expired during the renewal process.
Online renewal is not available if your license expired more than 6 months ago, if you need to change your name or address, or if you want a new photo. You also cannot renew online if you have a commercial driver's license (CDL) or a license with a motorcycle endorsement.
Renewing by mail
Mail renewal works if your license is still valid and you don't need to change your address, name, or photo. The DMV will send you a renewal form if you're may be able to access. You can request the form by calling the DMV at 1-800-777-0133 or by visiting a DMV office.
Once you have the form, fill it out completely and mail it to the address shown on the form along with your current driver's license, proof of your Social Security number (such as a Social Security card or tax return), and proof of California residency (such as a utility bill or lease). The DMV will process your process and mail your new license to you. The entire process takes 2 to 3 weeks from the time the DMV receives your documents.
Mail renewal costs $39. You can pay by check or money order made out to the Department of Motor Vehicles. Do not send cash. Keep a copy of everything you mail in case the DMV needs to contact you.
Renewing in person at a DMV office
You must renew in person if your license expired more than 6 months ago, if you want a new photo, if you're changing your name or address, or if you have a commercial driver's license. You'll also need to go in person if you want to upgrade to a Real ID, which is required for domestic air travel starting May 7, 2025.
Bring your current driver's license, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of California residency. If you're changing your name, also bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change, such as a marriage certificate or court order. If you're changing your address, bring a recent utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement showing your new address.
You can make an appointment online at dmv.ca.gov or by calling 1-800-777-0133. Walk-ins are accepted at some offices, but wait times are often longer. In-person renewal costs $39 for a standard renewal. If you need a new photo or are upgrading to Real ID, the fee is higher — Real ID costs $39 plus an additional fee depending on your license type.
What documents you need for any renewal method
For online or mail renewal, you need your current driver's license and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The DMV will verify your information electronically, so you don't need to mail in physical documents.
For in-person renewal, bring your current driver's license, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of California residency. Proof of Social Security number can be your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a tax return, or a bank statement showing your full Social Security number. Proof of residency can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or government mail addressed to you at your current address. The document must show your name and address and be dated within the last 60 days.
If you're renewing after your license has expired, the DMV may ask for additional documents to verify your identity. If you've changed your name, bring a certified copy of the document showing the change.
Renewal fees and what they cover
A standard driver's license renewal costs $39 in California. This fee covers a 5-year renewal for most drivers. If you're 70 years old or older, your license is valid for 4 years instead, and the fee is lower.
If you renew in person and want a new photo, the cost is still $39 for the renewal itself. However, if you're upgrading to a Real ID at the same time, you'll pay an additional fee. Real ID costs vary depending on whether you're renewing a standard license, a commercial license, or a motorcycle endorsement.
The DMV accepts credit cards, debit cards, checks, and money orders. If you renew online or in person, you can pay with a card when ready. If you renew by mail, you must pay by check or money order.
How long your new license takes to arrive
If you renew online, your new license arrives by mail in 10 to 14 business days. If you renew by mail, the process takes 2 to 3 weeks from the time the DMV receives your documents. If you renew in person, you can get a temporary license printed at the office that day, and your permanent license arrives by mail in 10 to 14 business days.
You can drive on your current license while you wait for your new one, even if your current license has expired during the renewal process. If you need to drive before your new license arrives and you renewed in person, the temporary license is valid for 60 days.
If your new license doesn't arrive within the expected timeframe, you can check the status online at dmv.ca.gov or call 1-800-777-0133. Have your driver's license number and date of birth ready.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if it expired more than 6 months ago?
Yes, but you must renew in person at a DMV office. You cannot renew online or by mail if your license has been expired for more than 6 months. Bring your expired license, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of California residency to the office.
Do I need a new photo when I renew?
No, a new photo is not required for renewal. The DMV will use your current photo unless you request a new one. If you want a new photo, you must renew in person at a DMV office. You can also request a new photo without renewing by visiting a DMV office and paying a separate fee.
What if I changed my address since my last license?
If you changed your address, you must renew in person at a DMV office. Bring proof of your new address, such as a utility bill or lease dated within the last 60 days. You cannot change your address online or by mail during renewal.
How much does it cost to renew online versus in person?
Online renewal costs $39. In-person renewal also costs $39 for a standard renewal, but the total cost may be higher if you're upgrading to Real ID or need other services. Real ID adds an additional fee on top of the $39 renewal cost.
Can I renew my commercial driver's license online?
No, commercial driver's licenses must be renewed in person at a DMV office. You cannot renew a CDL online or by mail. Make an appointment at dmv.ca.gov or call 1-800-777-0133 to schedule your in-person renewal.