How to Renew Your California Driver's License

California driver's license renewal happens online, by mail, or in person depending on your age and when your license expires

California lets you renew your driver's license through three routes: the DMV website (fastest for most people), by mail (if you meet age and timing requirements), or at a DMV office in person. Which route you can use depends on your age, how long until your license expires, and whether you need a new photo. Most people under 70 can renew online if their license is not yet expired, while mail renewal is limited to people 70 and older or those renewing early. In-person renewal is required if your license has already expired, if you need a new photo, or if you want to change your address or name.

The cost is $39 for a standard five-year renewal, or $64 for a ten-year renewal if you are under 70. You will need your current driver's license number, a valid email address, and a payment method (debit or credit card) to renew online. Processing time varies: online renewals typically show results within days, mail renewals take two to three weeks, and in-person appointments depend on your local DMV office's schedule.

Key Takeaways

Online renewal through the DMV website is available to most people under 70 whose license has not yet expired, and results come back within days.
Mail renewal is only open to people 70 and older or those renewing more than four months before expiration, and takes two to three weeks.
In-person renewal at a DMV office is required if your license has already expired, you need a new photo, or you are changing your address or name.
The renewal fee is $39 for five years or $64 for ten years, paid by debit or credit card online or at the DMV office.
Your new license will be mailed to you after approval, whether you renew online, by mail, or in person.

Online renewal through the DMV website

Go to the California DMV website and select "Renew Your Driver's License" from the homepage. You will need your current driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth to start. The system will verify your identity and pull up your current license information. You then confirm or update your address, choose your renewal length (five or ten years), and pay the fee with a debit or credit card.

Online renewal is available only if your license has not yet expired and you are under 70 years old. You also cannot use this route if you need a new photo, want to change your name, or are renewing a commercial driver's license. After you submit, the DMV processes your renewal and sends a confirmation email. Your new physical license arrives by mail within one to two weeks in most cases.

Mail renewal for drivers 70 and older

If you are 70 or older, you can renew by mail without visiting a DMV office. Request a renewal form by calling the DMV at 1-800-777-0133, or read the DL 44 form from the DMV website and mail it with your current license, a check or money order for the renewal fee, and a new photo (passport-style, 2x2 inches). Mail your packet to the address listed on the form.

You can also renew by mail if you are under 70 but your license does not expire for at least four months. This gives the DMV time to process your renewal before your current license runs out. Mail renewal takes two to three weeks from the time the DMV receives your packet. Your new license will be mailed to you after approval.

In-person renewal at a DMV office

You must renew in person if your license has already expired, if you need a new photo, or if you are changing your name or address. You can also choose in-person renewal even if you are not required to. Book an appointment through the DMV website by selecting your local office and choosing an available time slot. Walk-ins are accepted at some offices, but appointment holders are served first.

Bring your current driver's license, proof of your current address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 90 days), and payment for the renewal fee. If you are changing your name, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). The DMV will take a new photo during your visit. Your new license is mailed to you after processing, usually within one to two weeks.

What happens if your license has already expired

If your license expired more than five years ago, you cannot renew it—you must explore for a new license instead. This requires an in-person visit, a written test, and a driving test. If your license expired five years ago or more recently, you still have the option to renew rather than reapply, but you must do so in person at a DMV office.

Bring your expired license, proof of your current address, and payment for the renewal fee. The DMV will take a new photo and process your renewal. You do not need to retake the written or driving test if you are renewing an expired license, even if it has been expired for several years.

Changing your address or name during renewal

If you want to update your address or name on your driver's license, you must renew in person at a DMV office. Online and mail renewal do not allow address or name changes. During your in-person visit, tell the DMV staff what information you want to update. If you are changing your name, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order).

The DMV will update your record and issue a new license with your current information. You do not pay an additional fee for address or name changes made during renewal—the standard renewal fee covers the update.

Renewing a commercial driver's license

Commercial driver's licenses (CDLs) cannot be renewed online or by mail. You must renew in person at a DMV office. Book an appointment through the DMV website or call 1-800-777-0133. Bring your current CDL, proof of your current address, and payment for the renewal fee ($64 for five years or $100 for ten years).

The DMV will take a new photo and update your record. You do not need to retake the written or driving test unless your CDL has been expired for more than one year, or unless you are adding or removing endorsements. Processing time is the same as for standard renewals—your new license arrives by mail within one to two weeks.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get my renewed license after I explore online?

The DMV typically processes online renewals within one to two weeks and mails your new license when ready after approval. You should receive it within one to two weeks of approval, so the total time from process to arrival is usually two to four weeks. You can check the status of your renewal on the DMV website using your driver's license number.

Can I drive with an expired license while I wait for my renewal?

No. Once your license expires, you cannot legally drive. If you renewed online or by mail before your license expired, you can drive with your expired license until your new one arrives. If your license has already expired, you must have your new license in hand before driving.

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

You cannot renew a lost license. You must report it lost and request a replacement, which requires an in-person visit to a DMV office. Bring proof of your identity and current address, and pay the replacement fee ($38 for a standard license). The DMV will issue a new license with the same expiration date as your original.

Do I have to renew my license in person if I moved out of California?

If you moved out of California, you should not renew your California license. Instead, you need to obtain a driver's license from your new state. If you still have a California address on file and want to keep your California license, you can renew online or by mail if you meet the requirements. Contact the DMV to update your address before renewing.

Can I renew my license early?

Yes. You can renew online if your license has not yet expired and you are under 70. You can also renew by mail if you are 70 or older, or if you are under 70 and your license does not expire for at least four months. Renewing early does not extend your expiration date—your new license will expire five or ten years from your current expiration date, not from the date you renew.

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.