Where to renew and what method works for your situation
You can renew your California driver's license online, by mail, or in person at a DMV office. Online renewal is the fastest option if you're may be able to access — it takes about 10 minutes and costs $39 for a five-year license or $69 for a ten-year license. Mail renewal takes two to three weeks and requires you to send documents to the DMV. In-person renewal at a DMV office is necessary if you don't meet online or mail requirements, though wait times vary by location and time of day.
Your renewal method depends on when your license expires, how long it's been since you last renewed, and whether you've had any changes to your address or name. The DMV sends renewal notices 60 days before expiration, but you don't have to wait for the notice to start the process. You can renew up to six months before your license expires.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal through the DMV website works for most people whose licenses expire within the next six months and who haven't had major changes since their last renewal.
- You'll need your current driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a payment method to renew online.
- Mail renewal requires you to send your renewal notice, a completed DL 44 form, and payment to the DMV address listed on your notice.
- In-person renewal at a DMV office is required if your license has been expired for more than five years, you've changed your name, or you need to update your address on your physical card.
Online renewal through the DMV website
Go to 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 verify your information against DMV records and tell you when ready whether you're may be able to access to renew online.
If you're may be able to access, you'll review your current information, make any corrections to your address if needed, and choose your license type (five-year or ten-year). You'll then pay the renewal fee using a credit or debit card. After you submit payment, the DMV will mail your new license to the address on file. Your current license remains valid until the new one arrives, which typically takes 10 to 14 business days.
You cannot renew online if your license has been expired for more than five years, if you need to change your name, if you've had a medical condition develop since your last renewal, or if you're under 18. You also cannot renew online if your address on file is outside California or if you're renewing a commercial driver's license (CDL).
Mail renewal when you receive your notice
The DMV mails renewal notices 60 days before your license expires. The notice includes a prepaid envelope, a renewal form (DL 44), and instructions. Fill out the form with any corrections to your address or name, sign it, and mail it back with your current driver's license and the renewal fee. Do not send cash — pay by check or money order made out to the Department of Motor Vehicles.
Mail renewal takes two to three weeks from the time the DMV receives your envelope. Your current license stays valid during this time. If you don't receive a renewal notice 60 days before expiration, you can request one by calling the DMV at 1-800-777-0133 or by visiting dmv.ca.gov and selecting "Order a Renewal Notice."
Mail renewal is a good option if you prefer not to go online or if you're out of state when your license is about to expire. However, you cannot use mail renewal if your license has been expired for more than five years or if you need to change your name or medical information.
In-person renewal at a DMV office
Visit your local DMV office with your current driver's license, proof of California residency (such as a utility bill or lease), and payment. You can find your nearest office and check current wait times on dmv.ca.gov by entering your ZIP code. Many DMV offices now use an online appointment system — you can book a time slot in advance rather than waiting in line.
In-person renewal is required if your license expired more than five years ago, if you need to change your name on your license, if you've developed a medical condition that affects your driving, or if you're renewing a commercial driver's license. You'll also need to renew in person if you want to change your address on your physical card at the same time (online renewal updates your DMV record but not the card itself until the new one arrives).
Bring your current license, a document proving your California address (issued within the last 60 days), and payment in cash, check, or card. The DMV will take a new photo, verify your information, and issue your new license on the spot or mail it to you depending on the office. Processing usually takes 15 to 30 minutes if you have an appointment, or longer if you walk in.
What happens if your license has expired
If your license expired fewer than five years ago, you can still renew it using any of the three methods above — online, mail, or in person. The process is the same, and your expired license is still valid for identification purposes during the renewal period.
If your license expired more than five years ago, you cannot renew online or by mail. You must go to a DMV office in person with your expired license, proof of residency, and payment. The DMV will treat this as a standard renewal rather than a late renewal, so you won't face penalties or extra fees beyond the standard renewal cost.
If you've been driving with an expired license, you can still renew without additional consequences. However, driving with an expired license is illegal, so renew as soon as possible.
Costs and what your new license covers
A five-year renewal costs $39. A ten-year renewal costs $69. These are the standard fees as of 2024, though the DMV may adjust them. If you're 62 or older, a five-year renewal costs $14 and a ten-year renewal costs $29. Active military members and veterans may be may have access to to fee reductions — ask at the DMV office or check dmv.ca.gov for current military discounts.
Your renewed license is valid for the full term you choose (five or ten years) from the date of issuance, not from your previous expiration date. If you renew online or by mail, you'll receive a temporary paper license via email or mail that you can use when ready while your physical card is in transit. Your new physical license will have a new expiration date printed on it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if I've moved out of California?
No. You must renew your California license while you still live in California or within 60 days of moving. If you've permanently moved to another state, you should get a driver's license from that state instead. If you're temporarily out of state, you can renew by mail or online before you move.
What if my name has changed since my last renewal?
You must renew in person at a DMV office and bring a document proving your name change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. You cannot change your name online or by mail. Bring your current license, the name-change document, proof of residency, and payment.
How long does my temporary license last while I wait for the new one?
If you renew online or by mail, your current license remains valid until your new one arrives. The DMV will mail your new license within 10 to 14 business days for online renewal or two to three weeks for mail renewal. You don't need a separate temporary license — just keep using your current one.
Can I renew my commercial driver's license online?
No. Commercial driver's licenses (CDL) must be renewed in person at a DMV office. Bring your current CDL, proof of residency, medical certification (if required), and payment. The renewal process is the same as a standard license, but you'll need to pass a vision test and may need to pass a written test depending on your endorsements.
What if I lost my renewal notice?
You don't need the notice to renew. You can renew online, by mail, or in person without it. If you want another copy of the notice, call the DMV at 1-800-777-0133 or request one through dmv.ca.gov. The notice includes a prepaid envelope for mail renewal, so requesting a new one can save you postage if you prefer to renew by mail.