California DMV License Renewal: What You Need to Know
California renews driver's licenses every five or ten years depending on your age and license type. You can renew online, by mail, or in person at a DMV office — and which method works for you depends on when your license expires and whether you need to update your photo or address. Most people renew online through the California DMV website, which takes about 10 minutes and costs $39 for a five-year renewal or $64 for a ten-year renewal.
The state sends you a renewal notice about 60 days before your license expires. That notice tells you which renewal method you're allowed to use. If you're renewing in person, expect to wait — bring your current license, proof of residency, and proof of legal presence in the United States. Processing takes about 30 minutes once you're called, and you'll get a temporary license to drive home with while your permanent one arrives by mail in about two weeks.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal through the California DMV website works for most people and costs $39 for five years or $64 for ten years, but you must be under 70 and not need a photo update.
- Mail renewal is available if you received a renewal notice and meet age and vision requirements, and takes about four weeks from the time the DMV receives your paperwork.
- In-person renewal at a DMV office is required if you're over 70, need a new photo, changed your name, or want to update your address, and you'll need your current license plus proof of residency and legal presence.
- Your renewal notice arrives about 60 days before expiration and specifies which methods you can use — do not ignore it, because it contains your renewal code for online or mail renewal.
- You can renew up to six months before your license expires, so renewing early avoids the rush near the expiration date.
Online Renewal Through the California DMV Website
Online renewal is the fastest and most convenient option if you meet the requirements. You must be under 70 years old, have a valid California license that is not suspended or revoked, and not need a new photo or address change. Go to the California DMV website, select "Renew Your Driver License or ID Card Online," and enter your driver's license number and renewal notice code. The code appears on the renewal notice the DMV mails you.
The process takes about 10 minutes. You'll pay $39 for a five-year renewal or $64 for a ten-year renewal by credit or debit card. After you submit, you'll receive a confirmation number. Your new license arrives by mail in about two weeks. You can drive legally during this time using your current license.
If you don't have your renewal notice code, you can still renew online by answering security questions instead. The DMV asks for your date of birth, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and other personal information to verify your identity.
Mail Renewal: Timeline and What to Send
Mail renewal works if you received a renewal notice and meet the same requirements as online renewal — you must be under 70, not need a new photo, and have no address changes. Complete the renewal notice the DMV sent you, sign it, and mail it back with a check or money order for $39 (five years) or $64 (ten years). Do not send cash.
The DMV processes mail renewals in the order they arrive. From the time they receive your paperwork, processing takes about four weeks. Your new license arrives by mail after that, so plan for six to eight weeks total from when you drop your envelope in the mail. Your current license remains valid during this time.
Mail your renewal notice to the address printed on it — different DMV offices handle mail from different regions. Include a return address so the DMV can send your new license to the right place. If you move before your new license arrives, call the DMV at 1-800-777-0133 to update your mailing address.
In-Person Renewal at a DMV Office
You must renew in person if you're 70 or older, need a new photo, changed your name, want to update your address, or have a suspended or revoked license. Bring your current California driver's license, proof of residency (a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days), and proof of legal presence in the United States (a passport, birth certificate, or permanent resident card). If you changed your name, bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the change.
Visit a DMV office during business hours. Most offices are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., with some locations open on Saturday mornings. You can check hours and book an appointment on the California DMV website. Appointments are not required but reduce wait time significantly — walk-ins often wait 45 minutes to two hours, while appointments typically move faster.
When you're called, you'll have your photo taken, pay the renewal fee ($39 for five years or $64 for ten years), and receive a temporary license printed on the spot. Your permanent license arrives by mail in about two weeks. The temporary license is valid for driving when ready.
Documents You Need for Each Renewal Method
| Renewal Method | Documents Needed | Cost | Processing Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online | Current license number and renewal notice code (or answers to security questions) | $39 or $64 | About 2 weeks |
| Signed renewal notice and check or money order | $39 or $64 | 4 to 8 weeks | |
| In-Person | Current license, proof of residency, proof of legal presence (name change documents if applicable) | $39 or $64 | Same day (temporary) + 2 weeks (permanent) |
When Your License Expires and How to Check
Your expiration date is printed on the front of your California driver's license in the lower right corner. The DMV renews licenses on a staggered schedule based on your birth date, so not everyone renews at the same time. You can renew up to six months before your license expires, which spreads out the workload at DMV offices and lets you avoid the last-minute rush.
If you're unsure when your license expires, check the California DMV website by entering your license number and date of birth. The site also shows whether your license is suspended or revoked and whether you have any outstanding tickets or violations that might prevent renewal.
What Happens If Your License Expires
Driving with an expired license is illegal in California, even if you're only a day past the expiration date. If you're stopped by law enforcement, you can be cited. However, if your license expired within the last six months and you're in the process of renewing, you may be able to show proof of your renewal process to an officer — keep your confirmation number or renewal notice with you.
If your license has been expired for more than six months, you cannot renew by mail or online. You must go to a DMV office in person and may need to retake the written test and vision test. Bring the same documents as a standard in-person renewal. Processing takes longer for late renewals because of the additional testing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my California license if I moved out of state?
No. If you no longer live in California, you must surrender your California license and get a license from your new state. If you're temporarily out of state but still a California resident, you can renew online or by mail using your current address. Contact the DMV at 1-800-777-0133 if you're unsure about your residency status.
What if I lost my renewal notice?
You can still renew online by answering security questions instead of entering the renewal code. If you prefer mail renewal, call the DMV at 1-800-777-0133 and request a duplicate notice. For in-person renewal, just bring your current license and the required documents — you don't need the notice.
Do I have to renew for ten years or can I choose five?
You can choose either five or ten years when you renew online or in person. The cost is $39 for five years or $64 for ten years. If you renew by mail, the renewal notice specifies which option applies to you based on your age, but you can call the DMV to request the other option before mailing it back.
How long does a temporary license last?
A temporary license issued at a DMV office is valid for 60 days. Your permanent license should arrive by mail within two weeks, but if it doesn't, the temporary extends your driving privileges while you wait. If your permanent license doesn't arrive within 30 days, call the DMV to check the status.
Can I renew if my license is suspended?
No. You must clear the suspension first by paying any outstanding fines, completing traffic school if required, or meeting other conditions set by the court or DMV. Contact the DMV or the court that issued the suspension to find out what you need to do. Once the suspension is lifted, you can renew normally.