How to Renew Your California Driver's License

California driver's license renewal takes 4 to 6 weeks by mail or 30 minutes in person at a DMV office

California offers two paths to renew your driver's license: online through the DMV website, by mail, or in person at a DMV office. The online and mail routes are fastest if you meet the requirements — mainly that your license is not expired by more than 5 years and you have no medical conditions or restrictions that changed. If you cannot renew online or by mail, you must visit a DMV office in person.

Your renewal notice arrives about 60 days before your license expires. The notice includes your renewal code, which you need for online renewal. If you have not received a notice and your license is within 60 days of expiration, you can request one through the DMV website or call 1-800-777-0133.

Key Takeaways

Online renewal through the DMV website is the fastest option if your license is not expired by more than 5 years and you have no medical holds or changed restrictions.
Mail renewal requires your renewal notice and a check or money order; processing takes 4 to 6 weeks plus mailing time.
In-person renewal at a DMV office takes about 30 minutes and is required if your license expired more than 5 years ago or if you have medical conditions or restrictions that changed.
The renewal fee is $64 for a standard 5-year license or $216 for a Real ID-compliant license, payable by credit card online or by check or money order by mail.
You can renew up to 6 months before your license expires, so renewing early avoids the rush near your expiration date.

Online renewal through the DMV website

Online renewal is the fastest route if you are may be able to access. Go to dmv.ca.gov, select "Renew Your Driver License or ID Card," and enter your driver's license number, date of birth, and the renewal code from your notice. You will answer questions about your vision, medical conditions, and any restrictions. If everything checks out, you pay the renewal fee by credit card and receive a confirmation number when ready.

Your new license arrives by mail in 4 to 6 weeks. You can continue driving on your current license until the new one arrives. Online renewal is not available if your license expired more than 5 years ago, if you have a medical hold, if your address changed and you did not update it with the DMV, or if you need to change your name, gender marker, or organ donor status.

Mail renewal with your renewal notice

If you prefer not to renew online, you can mail your renewal notice and payment to the address printed on the notice. Include a check or money order for $64 (standard license) or $216 (Real ID license). Do not send cash. Mail your renewal at least 2 weeks before your license expires to account for postal delays.

Processing takes 4 to 6 weeks after the DMV receives your renewal. Your new license arrives by mail. If you do not receive your renewed license within 8 weeks of mailing, contact the DMV at 1-800-777-0133 or through the website to check the status.

In-person renewal at a DMV office

Visit a DMV office if your license expired more than 5 years ago, if you have a medical hold, if you need to change your name or gender marker, or if your address is not current in the DMV system. Bring your current driver's license, proof of residency (a recent utility bill, lease, or bank statement with your current address), and payment. You will take a new photo and answer questions about your vision and medical conditions.

Processing takes about 30 minutes. Your new license is issued on the spot, though you may receive a temporary paper license if the photo processing is delayed. To avoid waiting, make an appointment through the DMV website or by calling 1-800-777-0133. Walk-ins are served on a first-come, first-served basis and wait times vary by location and time of day.

Real ID versus standard license renewal

California offers two types of driver's licenses: a standard license and a Real ID-compliant license. A Real ID license costs $152 more ($216 total instead of $64) and can be used for federal purposes like boarding domestic flights and entering federal buildings. A standard license cannot be used for these purposes as of May 7, 2025, though you can still use it to drive.

If you renew online or by mail, you choose which type during the renewal process. If you renew in person, bring proof of citizenship or legal residency (a passport, birth certificate, or immigration document) if you want a Real ID license. The DMV will tell you which documents you need based on your situation.

What happens if your license is expired

You cannot legally drive with an expired license. If your license expired within the last 6 months, you can renew it using any of the three methods above. If your license expired more than 6 months ago, you must renew in person at a DMV office. Bring your expired license, proof of residency, and payment.

If you were stopped while driving with an expired license, you may receive a citation. The fine depends on how long your license has been expired and whether it is your first offense. Contact the court listed on your citation for information about paying or fighting the fine.

Renewal fees and payment methods

A standard 5-year driver's license renewal costs $64. A Real ID-compliant license costs $216. Online renewal accepts credit and debit cards. Mail renewal requires a check or money order made payable to the Department of Motor Vehicles. In-person renewal accepts cash, check, debit card, and credit card.

If you are over 70 years old, your renewal fee is $24 for a standard license or $192 for a Real ID license. If you are a veteran, you may be may have access to to a discount — ask at the DMV office or check the website for current veteran renewal rates.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if I moved to a different state?

No. You must renew your California license before it expires if you still live in California. If you moved out of state, you should obtain a driver's license from your new state. You can renew your California license in person at a DMV office if you still live in California but plan to move soon.

What if my name changed since I got my current license?

You cannot change your name through online or mail renewal. You must visit a DMV office in person and bring a document showing your name change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The DMV will issue a new license with your updated name.

How do I check the status of my renewed license?

If you renewed online or by mail, you can check the status through the DMV website by entering your driver's license number and date of birth. You can also call 1-800-777-0133. If you renewed in person, your license is issued when ready or you receive a temporary paper license.

Can I renew my license before the renewal notice arrives?

You can renew up to 6 months before your license expires, but you need your renewal code to renew online. If your renewal notice has not arrived, request one through the DMV website or call 1-800-777-0133. You can also renew in person at a DMV office without a renewal notice.

What if I lost my renewal notice?

Request a replacement renewal notice through the DMV website or call 1-800-777-0133. You can also renew in person at a DMV office without the notice. Bring your current driver's license, proof of residency, and payment.

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.