California driver's licenses expire every five or ten years depending on your age, and you can renew online, by mail, or in person at a DMV office
Your California driver's license has an expiration date printed on the front. When it gets close to that date, the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) will send you a notice in the mail telling you it's time to renew. You don't have to wait for that notice—you can renew up to 60 days before your license expires. The method you use depends on whether you need a new photo, whether your information has changed, and how quickly you need the renewed license in your hands.
Most people can renew online through the DMV website without going to an office or paying a visit. Some people must renew in person. Understanding which path applies to you saves time and frustration.
Key Takeaways
- California driver's licenses expire every five years for people under 70 and every ten years for people 70 and older, with the exact date printed on your card.
- You can renew online if your license is not suspended or revoked, you have not had a major change in vision or medical condition, and you do not need a new photo.
- Online renewal costs $38 and takes about two weeks to arrive by mail; in-person renewal at a DMV office costs $38 and you receive a temporary license when ready.
- If your address, name, or other information has changed significantly, or if you want a new photo, you must renew in person at a DMV office.
- The DMV mails renewal notices 60 days before expiration, but you can start the process up to 60 days early on your own.
Online renewal: when you can use it and what to expect
Online renewal through the DMV website is the fastest and most convenient option if you meet the requirements. You can renew online if your current license is valid (not suspended or revoked), you have not reported any major changes to your vision or medical condition, and you do not need a new photograph on your license. The process takes about 10 minutes and costs $38.
To renew online, go to the DMV website, select "Renew Your Driver's License," and follow the steps. You will need your driver's license number, Social Security number, and date of birth. You pay the fee with a credit or debit card. The DMV will mail your new license to the address on file, which typically arrives within two weeks. Your current license remains valid until the expiration date, so you can drive legally while you wait.
Online renewal is not available if your license has been suspended or revoked, if you have had a change in your medical condition or vision that affects your ability to drive safely, if you need to change your name or address, or if you want a new photo. In those cases, you must renew in person.
In-person renewal at a DMV office
If you cannot renew online, or if you prefer to renew in person, you will need to visit a DMV office. Bring your current driver's license, proof of residency (such as a recent utility bill or lease), and proof of your Social Security number (such as a Social Security card or tax return). If your name has changed, bring a document that shows the change, such as a marriage certificate or court order.
The DMV office will take a new photograph, check your vision, and update your information. The renewal fee is $38. You will receive a temporary paper license when ready that is valid for 30 days, and your permanent license will arrive by mail within two weeks. If you need to drive before your permanent license arrives, the temporary license is your proof of a valid license.
Wait times at DMV offices vary widely depending on location and time of day. You can check the wait time for your local office on the DMV website before you go. Many people find that visiting early in the morning on a weekday results in shorter waits than afternoons or weekends.
Mail renewal for people with disabilities or hardship
If you have a disability or hardship that makes it difficult to visit a DMV office, you may be able to renew by mail. You must request this option by calling the DMV at 1-800-777-0133 or visiting your local DMV office to ask. The DMV will send you a form to complete and return with your current license and the renewal fee. Your new license will be mailed to you.
Mail renewal takes longer than online or in-person renewal—typically four to six weeks—because the DMV must process your form and photograph you by mail. This option is not available for everyone, so call ahead to find out whether you are may be able to access and what documents you need to send.
What happens if your license expires before you renew
If your license expires and you have not yet renewed it, your license is no longer valid for driving. Driving with an expired license can result in a traffic citation and a fine. If you are stopped by law enforcement, you should tell them that you have submitted a renewal and ask whether you can show proof of that submission (such as an email confirmation from the DMV website).
If your license has been expired for more than six months, you may not be able to renew by mail or online. You will have to renew in person at a DMV office and may be required to take a written test and vision test again. The sooner you renew after expiration, the simpler the process.
Changes to your information during renewal
If your address has changed, you can update it during online renewal. If your name has changed due to marriage, divorce, or court order, you must renew in person and bring the document that proves the change. The same applies if you have changed your gender marker or if you want to update your height, eye color, or other physical information.
If you have moved out of state and no longer live in California, you cannot renew your California license. You will need to get a license from your new state of residence. If you are moving to California from another state, you will need to get a California license within 10 days of establishing residency.
Costs and payment methods
California driver's license renewal costs $38 for most people. This fee covers the cost of the new license and the DMV's processing. You pay this fee whether you renew online, by mail, or in person. If you renew online or by mail, you pay by credit or debit card. If you renew in person at a DMV office, you can pay by cash, check, debit card, or credit card.
Some people may be may be able to access for a reduced fee or a fee waiver based on income or other circumstances. Call the DMV at 1-800-777-0133 to ask whether you may have access to.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if it has been suspended?
No. If your license is suspended or revoked, you cannot renew it until the suspension or revocation is lifted. Contact the DMV to find out why your license is suspended and what you need to do to restore it. This may involve paying a fine, completing a traffic safety course, or other steps depending on the reason for the suspension.
How long does it take to get my renewed license after I explore online?
The DMV typically mails your renewed license within two weeks of your online submission. Delivery time depends on your location and the postal service. Your current license remains valid until the expiration date, so you can drive legally while you wait for your new one to arrive.
What if I need to renew my license but I am not a U.S. citizen?
You can renew your California driver's license if you have a valid visa, work permit, or other immigration document that shows you are allowed to be in the United States. You will need to bring proof of your legal presence when you renew in person. Online renewal is not available if you are not a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.
Can I renew my license if I am over 70 years old?
Yes. Licenses for people 70 and older are valid for ten years instead of five. You can renew online if you meet the other requirements, or in person at a DMV office. You may be asked to take a vision test or medical examination depending on your age and the DMV's assessment of your driving safety.
What if my address changed but I have not updated my driver's license yet?
You can update your address during online renewal if you are renewing your license at the same time. If you want to change your address without renewing your license, you can do that online through the DMV website or in person at a DMV office. Updating your address does not cost anything if you are not renewing your license.