How to Renew Your California Driver's License

Renewing your California driver's license online, by mail, or in person

You can renew your California driver's license through the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) in three ways: online at dmv.ca.gov, by mail if you meet certain requirements, or in person at a DMV office. The online option is fastest and costs $39 for a four-year renewal or $48 for a six-year renewal. You must renew before your license expires, and the DMV will mail your new license to you within 7 to 10 business days after approval.

Your renewal window opens 60 days before your license expires. The expiration date is printed on the front of your current license. If you renew online, you can print a temporary license when ready to use while you wait for the physical card.

Key Takeaways

Online renewal through dmv.ca.gov is the fastest option and takes about 10 minutes if your information has not changed.
You must renew within the 60-day window before your license expires, or you will need to take a written test and vision test at a DMV office.
Mail renewal is only available if you are age 70 or older, have a Real ID compliant license, and meet other specific requirements.
The DMV mails your new license within 7 to 10 business days after your renewal is approved, and you can print a temporary license to use when ready.
If you have changed your name, address, or medical information, you must renew in person at a DMV office.

Online renewal through the DMV website

Online renewal is the most direct path if your information has not changed since your last renewal. Go to dmv.ca.gov, select "Renew Your Driver License," and log in or create an account. You will need your current driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a valid email address. The system will ask you to confirm your address, vision status, and medical history.

The fee is $39 for a four-year renewal or $48 for a six-year renewal, paid by credit card or debit card. After you submit your renewal, the DMV sends a confirmation email. You can print a temporary license valid for 60 days while you wait for your physical license to arrive by mail. The temporary license is a PDF and works at traffic stops, banks, and other places that accept driver's licenses.

Online renewal is not available if you have changed your name, address, medical information, or corrected your date of birth since your last renewal. If any of these explore to you, you must renew in person at a DMV office.

Mail renewal for drivers age 70 and older

If you are age 70 or older and your license is Real ID compliant (marked with a gold star), you may renew by mail. You must complete the DL 44 form (process for California Driver License or Identification Card), sign it, and mail it to the DMV address listed on the form along with your current license and the renewal fee. The DMV will mail your new license back to you within 7 to 10 business days.

Mail renewal is only available if you have not changed your name, address, or medical information. If you have, you must renew in person. You also cannot use mail renewal if your license has been suspended or revoked, or if you have any outstanding violations or holds.

In-person renewal at a DMV office

You must renew in person if you have changed your name, address, or medical information, or if you did not pass the online renewal system's checks. Bring your current driver's license, proof of residency (such as a utility bill or lease), and payment. The fee is the same as online renewal: $39 for four years or $48 for six years.

At the DMV office, you will take a vision test and answer questions about your medical history. If your vision does not meet California standards without correction, you may be required to wear corrective lenses while driving. The DMV will issue your new license on the spot, and you can use it when ready.

Wait times at DMV offices vary by location and time of day. You can check current wait times on dmv.ca.gov before you go. Many DMV offices now allow you to make an appointment online, which can reduce your wait time significantly.

What happens if your license expires before you renew

If your license expires before your renewal is processed, you cannot legally drive. If you are stopped by law enforcement, you may receive a citation. To restore your driving privileges, you must take a written test, a vision test, and a driving test at a DMV office. This process is longer and more expensive than a standard renewal.

If your renewal was in progress when your license expired, contact the DMV to check the status. You can call 1-800-777-0133 or check your account on dmv.ca.gov. If there is a problem with your renewal, the DMV can issue a temporary license while the issue is resolved.

Real ID compliance and your renewal

California driver's licenses issued after January 2018 are Real ID compliant, marked with a gold star in the upper right corner. Real ID compliance is required to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building. If your current license does not have the gold star, you can request a Real ID compliant license during your renewal at no extra cost.

To get a Real ID compliant license, you must bring proof of citizenship or legal residency (such as a passport or birth certificate) and two forms of proof of residency to a DMV office. You cannot get a Real ID compliant license by mail or online. If you are renewing online or by mail, your new license will have the same Real ID status as your current license.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if it has been suspended or revoked?

No. You must resolve the suspension or revocation before you can renew. Contact the DMV at 1-800-777-0133 to find out why your license is suspended or revoked and what you need to do to clear it. Once it is cleared, you can renew through any of the three methods.

What if I lost my driver's license and need to renew it?

You cannot renew online or by mail if you do not have your current license. You must go to a DMV office and request a replacement license. Bring proof of identity and residency. The DMV will issue a new license on the spot, and you can renew it at the same time if it is within your renewal window.

How long does it take to get my renewed license in the mail?

The DMV mails renewed licenses within 7 to 10 business days after your renewal is approved. Delivery by mail typically takes 3 to 5 additional business days, depending on your location. If you renewed online, you can print a temporary license when ready to use while you wait.

Do I have to renew my license in person if I wear glasses or contacts?

No. You can renew online or by mail if your information has not changed. During online renewal, you will answer questions about your vision and whether you wear correction. If you renew in person, you will take a vision test at the DMV office.

Can I renew my license early?

Yes. You can renew your license up to 60 days before it expires. Renewing early does not extend your expiration date beyond the normal four or six years from your current expiration date.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.