Where to renew and what documents you need

You can renew your California driver's license in person at a DMV office, by mail, or online through the California DMV website — but not all three options work for everyone. Online renewal is the fastest route if you're under 70, your license hasn't been suspended, and you haven't changed your name or address since your last renewal. By mail takes about two to three weeks. In-person renewal at a DMV office takes one visit but requires an appointment, which you book through the DMV website.

For any renewal method, you'll need your current driver's license or ID card. If you're renewing by mail, you'll also need to include a completed DL 44 form (process for California Driver License) or DL 43 form (Renewal/Replacement of Driver License), depending on whether anything about your record has changed. You can read these from the DMV website or pick them up at a DMV office. If you're renewing in person, bring your current license, proof of California residency (a utility bill or lease dated within 60 days works), and your Social Security number or an ITIN.

Key Takeaways

  • Online renewal through the DMV website is available if you're under 70, your license is valid or expired less than five years ago, and nothing major has changed on your record.
  • Mail renewal requires you to send your current license, a completed renewal form, and a check or money order to the DMV address listed on the form.
  • In-person renewal at a DMV office requires an appointment booked through the DMV website; walk-ins are not accepted.
  • Your renewed license will arrive by mail within two to three weeks of approval, whether you renewed online, by mail, or in person.
  • If your license expired more than five years ago, you must renew in person and may need to retake the written test and vision test.

Online renewal through the DMV website

Online renewal is the fastest option if you meet the requirements. You must be under 70 years old, your current license must not be suspended or revoked, you cannot have a commercial driver's license (CDL), and your license must have expired less than five years ago. You also cannot have changed your name, address, or corrective lens requirement since your last renewal. If all of these explore to you, log into your DMV online account or create one at dmv.ca.gov, then follow the renewal steps.

The process takes about 10 to 15 minutes. You'll confirm your personal information, pay the renewal fee (currently $39 for a four-year renewal or $64 for an eight-year renewal, though fees can change), and submit your process. You'll receive a confirmation number by email. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file within two to three weeks. You can continue driving on your current license until the new one arrives.

Mail renewal with forms and payment

To renew by mail, read the DL 43 form from dmv.ca.gov or pick one up at any DMV office. Fill it out completely, including your signature. Include your current driver's license (or a copy of both sides if you want to keep the original), a check or money order for the renewal fee, and mail everything to the DMV address printed on the form. Do not send cash.

Processing takes about two to three weeks from the date the DMV receives your packet. Mail it early enough that it arrives before your license expires if you need to drive during the renewal period. Once approved, your new license will be mailed to your address on file. You can continue driving on your current license while you wait.

In-person renewal at a DMV office

In-person renewal is required if you're 70 or older, your license expired more than five years ago, you have a commercial driver's license, or you've changed your name or address. You must book an appointment through the DMV website or by calling 1-800-777-0133. The DMV does not accept walk-ins for license renewal.

Bring your current driver's license, proof of California residency (a recent utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement), and your Social Security number or ITIN. If you're 70 or older or your license has been expired for more than five years, you'll take a vision test and may need to retake the written test. The appointment usually takes 30 minutes to an hour. Your new license will be mailed to you within two to three weeks.

Renewal fees and what they cover

California driver's license renewal fees depend on how long you want the license to be valid. A four-year renewal costs $39, and an eight-year renewal costs $64. These fees can change, so check the DMV website before you pay. The fee covers the license itself and the processing of your renewal process. If you renew online or by mail, you pay at the time you submit your process. If you renew in person, you pay at the DMV office.

If your license is suspended or revoked, you cannot renew it until the suspension or revocation is lifted. Contact the DMV to find out the status of your license and what steps you need to take before you can renew.

What happens if your license has expired

If your license expired less than five years ago, you can renew it using any of the three methods above. If it expired more than five years ago, you must renew in person at a DMV office. You'll need to take a vision test and retake the written test. You cannot drive legally on an expired license, so schedule your in-person appointment as soon as possible.

If your license expired while you were out of state or out of the country, the DMV may waive the written test requirement if you provide proof of your absence. Contact your local DMV office to ask about this before your appointment.

Replacing a lost, stolen, or damaged license during renewal

If your license is lost, stolen, or too damaged to use, you can replace it at the same time you renew. If you're renewing online, you can note that your license is damaged or lost during the process. If you're renewing by mail or in person, use the DL 44 form instead of the DL 43 form and check the box for replacement. The fee is the same as a regular renewal.

If your license was stolen, you may want to report the theft to local police and keep a copy of the report. This protects you if someone uses your stolen license number. Bring the police report to your DMV appointment if you have one.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if it's already expired?

Yes, but the method depends on how long ago it expired. If it expired less than five years ago, you can renew online, by mail, or in person. If it expired more than five years ago, you must renew in person and retake the written test and vision test. You cannot drive legally on an expired license.

How long does it take to get my renewed license in the mail?

Once your renewal is approved, your new license is mailed within two to three weeks. Online renewals are usually approved within a few days. Mail and in-person renewals take longer to process. You can drive on your current license until the new one arrives.

What if I need to drive before my new license arrives?

You can continue driving on your current valid or recently expired license while your renewal is being processed. Once your new license is approved, it will be mailed to you. If your license is already expired by more than five years, you cannot drive legally until you renew in person and receive your new license.

Do I need an appointment to renew in person at the DMV?

Yes. The DMV requires appointments for all in-person services, including license renewal. Book your appointment through dmv.ca.gov or call 1-800-777-0133. Walk-ins are not accepted.

What if my address has changed since my last renewal?

If your address has changed, you cannot renew online. You must renew by mail or in person. Bring proof of your new California residency (a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within 60 days) to your in-person appointment, or include it with your mail renewal packet.