California renews your license by mail, online, or in person depending on your age and record
You can renew your California driver's license through three routes: online at the DMV website, by mail using the renewal notice the state sends you, or in person at a DMV office. Which route you can use depends on your age, how long it has been since your last renewal, and whether you have any traffic violations or medical holds on your record. Most people under 70 with a clean driving history can renew online or by mail without visiting an office.
Your license expires on your birthday. California sends a renewal notice in the mail about 60 days before that date. The notice tells you which renewal method you are may be able to access for and includes a barcode you will need if you choose to renew by mail. If you do not receive a notice, you can still renew online or in person, but having the notice makes the process faster.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal takes about 15 minutes and costs $38 if you are under 70 and your license has not been suspended or revoked.
- Mail renewal requires the renewal notice California sends you, a check or money order, and takes two to three weeks from the time the DMV receives it.
- In-person renewal at a DMV office is necessary if you are over 70, have a medical condition flagged on your record, or are not may be able to access for online or mail renewal.
- You must renew before your birthday; driving on an expired license is illegal and can result in a citation.
- If your address has changed, you must update it during renewal, and the DMV will mail your new license to your current address.
Online renewal: fastest option for most drivers
Online renewal through the California DMV website is the quickest method if you are under 70 and have no suspensions, revocations, or medical restrictions on your record. You will need your driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth. The process takes about 15 minutes, and the fee is $38 for a standard four-year renewal.
After you complete the online renewal, the DMV mails your new license to the address on file. Standard delivery takes 7 to 10 business days. If you need your license sooner, you can pay an additional fee for expedited shipping, though this is not necessary for most situations. Your old license remains valid until your birthday, so you can continue driving while you wait for the new one to arrive.
Online renewal is not available if you are over 70, have a medical condition noted on your record, have any license suspensions or revocations, or if more than 12 years have passed since your last license was issued. In those cases, you must renew by mail or in person.
Mail renewal: no appointment needed, but slower
Mail renewal uses the renewal notice the DMV sends you about two months before your birthday. The notice includes a barcode, instructions, and a postage-paid envelope. You fill out the form on the back of the notice, include a check or money order for $38, and mail it back to the address shown. Do not include cash.
Processing time is typically two to three weeks from the date the DMV receives your envelope, not from the date you mail it. Mail delivery itself can add several days on each end. To avoid delays, mail your renewal at least three weeks before your birthday. The DMV will mail your new license to the address listed on your renewal notice, so update your address before you mail the form if you have moved.
Mail renewal has the same restrictions as online renewal: you cannot use this method if you are over 70, have medical flags on your record, have suspensions or revocations, or if your last license was issued more than 12 years ago. You also cannot renew by mail if you need to change your name, add or remove a Real ID designation, or update your gender marker.
In-person renewal at a DMV office
In-person renewal is required if you are over 70, have a medical condition on your record, have any license suspension or revocation, or if you need to make changes beyond a straightforward address update. You will also need to renew in person if you are changing your name, updating your Real ID status, or modifying your gender marker on the license.
To renew in person, you need to bring your current driver's license, proof of residency (such as a utility bill or lease), and payment of $38. If you are over 70, you may also need to pass a vision test and written test depending on your record and the DMV officer's assessment. Bring your renewal notice if you have it, though it is not required.
Schedule an appointment through the DMV website or by calling 1-800-777-0133. Walk-in appointments are available at some offices, but appointment slots often fill up weeks in advance, especially near the end of the month. Bring all documents with you; the DMV will not process your renewal if you are missing required paperwork.
What happens if your license expires before you renew
Driving on an expired license is illegal in California, even if you have submitted a renewal process. If you are stopped by law enforcement, you can receive a citation. The fine for driving with an expired license is typically $100 to $250, depending on how long the license has been expired and whether you have prior violations.
If your license expires and you have not yet received your renewed one in the mail, you can still drive legally if you can show proof that you submitted your renewal before the expiration date. Carry a copy of your online renewal confirmation or the postmarked envelope from your mail renewal. However, it is safer to renew early to avoid this situation entirely.
If your license has already expired and you have not renewed it, you can still renew through any of the three methods. There is no additional penalty for renewing after expiration, but you cannot legally drive until your new license arrives or you renew in person at a DMV office.
Address changes and other updates during renewal
If you have moved since your last license was issued, you must update your address during renewal. For online and mail renewal, the DMV uses the address on file in their system. If you have not notified the DMV of a move, update your address before you renew so your new license is mailed to the correct location.
You can update your address online through the DMV website even if you are not renewing your license. If you update your address separately and then renew by mail, make sure the address change has been processed before you mail your renewal form, or the new license may go to your old address.
If you need to change your name, add or remove Real ID, or update your gender marker, you cannot use online or mail renewal. You must renew in person at a DMV office and bring the required documents for that change (such as a marriage certificate for a name change or a court order for a gender marker update).
Real ID and renewal: what you need to know
California's Real ID compliant license is required for federal purposes such as boarding domestic flights or entering federal buildings. If your current license is Real ID compliant (marked with a gold star in the upper right corner), your renewed license will also be Real ID compliant at no extra cost.
If your current license is not Real ID compliant and you want to add the Real ID designation during renewal, you must renew in person and bring documents that prove your identity, Social Security number, and California residency. These documents typically include a birth certificate or passport, Social Security card, and proof of residency such as a utility bill.
If you do not want Real ID on your renewed license, you can renew online or by mail and your new license will not have the Real ID designation. This is a legal choice, though it means you will need a passport or other federal ID for air travel.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license before the renewal notice arrives?
Yes. You can renew online or in person at any time within 60 days before your birthday, even if you have not received the renewal notice yet. For mail renewal, you need the notice and its barcode, so you must wait for it to arrive or contact the DMV to request a duplicate.
What if I lost my renewal notice?
You can still renew online or in person without the notice. For mail renewal, call the DMV at 1-800-777-0133 and request a duplicate renewal notice, or visit a DMV office to pick one up. Online renewal does not require the notice at all.
How much does renewal cost?
Standard renewal costs $38 for a four-year license. If you choose expedited mail delivery, there is an additional fee of around $15 to $20, depending on the service level. In-person renewal at a DMV office costs the same $38.
Can I renew if I have a suspended license?
No. You cannot renew online or by mail if your license is suspended or revoked. You must resolve the suspension first by paying fines, completing traffic school, or meeting other requirements. Contact the DMV or the court that issued the suspension to find out what is required before you can renew.
What if my name has changed since my last license?
You must renew in person and bring a document that shows your name change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The DMV will not process a name change through online or mail renewal.