California DMV renewal happens online, by mail, or in person depending on your license type and how long it's been since you renewed
California offers three paths to renew your driver's license: online through the DMV website, by mail if you meet certain conditions, or in person at a DMV office. Which route you can use depends on whether your license has expired, how many years it's been since your last renewal, and whether you need to update your address or other information. Most people renew online or by mail without visiting an office.
Your renewal notice arrives by mail about 60 days before your license expires. The notice includes your renewal code, which you'll need for online or mail renewal. If you don't receive a notice, you can still renew, but you'll need to provide your driver's license number and date of birth instead.
Renewal fees vary based on your license type and how long you're renewing for. A standard five-year renewal costs $42, while a ten-year renewal costs $64. If you're over 70, you can renew for five years at a lower cost. Commercial licenses and other specialty licenses have different fees.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal through the DMV website is the fastest option and works if your license hasn't been expired for more than five years and you don't need to change your address or photo.
- Mail renewal is available if your license hasn't expired and you meet the same restrictions as online renewal, and takes about two to three weeks from the time the DMV receives your materials.
- In-person renewal at a DMV office is required if your license has been expired for more than five years, you need a new photo, or you're changing your address or other information.
- You'll need to pay the renewal fee at the time you renew, whether online, by mail, or in person, and fees depend on your license type and renewal period.
- Your renewal notice includes a renewal code that speeds up the process, but you can renew without it if you provide your license number and date of birth instead.
Online renewal through the DMV website
Online renewal is the fastest option and requires no visit to a DMV office. Go to the California DMV website, select "Renew Your Driver License or ID Card," and follow the prompts. You'll enter your renewal code from your notice, or your driver's license number and date of birth if you don't have the notice. The system will verify your identity and ask you to confirm your current address and other information.
Online renewal works only if your license hasn't been expired for more than five years, you don't need to change your address, and you don't need a new photo. If any of those conditions don't explore, you'll be directed to mail renewal or in-person renewal instead. The system tells you when ready whether you're may be able to access.
Payment is by credit card, debit card, or electronic check. Your new license arrives by mail in about 7 to 10 business days. You can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives.
Mail renewal when you're not may be able to access for online
Mail renewal follows the same may be able to access rules as online renewal: your license can't have been expired for more than five years, you can't be changing your address, and you can't need a new photo. If you meet these conditions, you can request a mail renewal form from the DMV website or call 1-800-777-0133.
Fill out the form, include your payment, and mail it to the address on the form. Processing takes about two to three weeks from the time the DMV receives your materials. Include a check or money order made payable to the Department of Motor Vehicles. Do not send cash.
Mail renewal is useful if you prefer not to use the website or if you're renewing before your notice arrives. Your new license arrives by mail once processing is complete.
In-person renewal at a DMV office
Visit a DMV office if your license has been expired for more than five years, you need to change your address, you need a new photo, or you're renewing a commercial license. Bring your current driver's license, proof of residency (a recent utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement), and payment. If you've changed your name, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change.
You can make an appointment through the DMV website, which reduces wait time. Walk-ins are accepted but may have longer waits. Appointments typically fill up weeks in advance in busy areas, so plan ahead. The DMV website shows available appointment times at each office.
Processing at the office takes about 15 to 30 minutes once you're called. Your new license is issued on the spot, and you can drive when ready. You'll receive a temporary paper license valid for 60 days while your permanent card is mailed to you.
What documents and information you need
For any renewal method, have your renewal code from your notice ready, or your driver's license number and date of birth. If you're renewing in person, bring your current license and proof of residency. Proof of residency can be a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days and showing your current address.
If you've changed your name since your last renewal, bring a certified copy of the document showing the change: a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. If you're renewing a commercial license, bring your current commercial license and any required medical certificates.
If you're renewing online or by mail and your address has changed, you must renew in person instead. The DMV does not allow address changes through online or mail renewal.
Renewal fees and payment methods
Standard five-year renewal costs $42. Ten-year renewal costs $64. If you're 70 or older, you can renew for five years at a reduced rate. Commercial licenses cost more depending on the class. Motorcycle endorsements and other additions have separate fees.
Online renewal accepts credit cards, debit cards, and electronic checks. Mail renewal requires a check or money order. In-person renewal accepts cash, check, debit card, and credit card. Some DMV offices also accept electronic payment if you pay in person.
If you're renewing before your current license expires, you pay the renewal fee at the time of renewal. If your license has already expired, you still pay the standard renewal fee—there is no additional late fee for expired licenses in California.
What happens after you renew
If you renew online or by mail, your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days. You can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives. If you renew in person, you receive a temporary paper license valid for 60 days and your permanent card arrives by mail.
Your new license is valid for the period you chose at renewal: five or ten years. The expiration date is printed on the front of the card. Set a reminder about 60 days before the new expiration date so you don't miss your next renewal notice.
If you don't receive your new license within the expected timeframe, contact the DMV through their website or call 1-800-777-0133. Have your renewal confirmation number ready if you renewed online or by mail.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if it expired more than five years ago?
No, online and mail renewal are not available if your license has been expired for more than five years. You must renew in person at a DMV office. Bring your expired license, proof of residency, and payment. The DMV will issue you a new license on the spot.
What if I don't have my renewal notice?
You can still renew without the notice. For online renewal, enter your driver's license number and date of birth instead of the renewal code. For mail renewal, request a form from the DMV website or call 1-800-777-0133. For in-person renewal, bring your current license and proof of residency.
How long does it take to get my new license after I renew?
Online and mail renewal take 7 to 10 business days for your new license to arrive by mail. In-person renewal gives you a temporary paper license on the spot, valid for 60 days, and your permanent card arrives by mail within the same timeframe.
Can I change my address when I renew?
No, you cannot change your address through online or mail renewal. If you need to update your address, you must renew in person at a DMV office. Bring proof of your new residency, such as a utility bill or lease dated within the last 60 days.
What if I need a new photo for my license?
If you want a new photo, you must renew in person at a DMV office. The DMV will take a new photo during your visit. Online and mail renewal do not include new photos.