What You Need to Renew Your Driver's License

Documents and fees you'll need before you go

To renew your driver's license, you need proof of identity, proof of residency, and the renewal fee. The exact documents vary by state, but most require a current passport, birth certificate, or state ID as proof of identity, plus a recent utility bill or lease as proof you live where you say you do. Some states accept a combination of documents instead — for example, a Social Security card plus a credit card statement.

The renewal fee ranges from roughly $20 to $100 depending on your state and how long the license lasts. Most states charge less for a standard renewal than for a first-time license. Check your state's DMV website for the exact fee and whether your state takes cash, card, or both — some locations still do not accept cards.

If your name has changed since your last license, bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the legal change. If you have moved since your last renewal, bring proof of your new address. If your current license is lost or damaged, you may need to pay an additional replacement fee on top of the renewal fee.

Key Takeaways

You will need a government-issued ID (passport, birth certificate, or state ID), proof of current address, and your renewal fee before you visit the DMV.
Most states let you renew by mail or online if your license is not expired and you have not had a major change like a name change or address move.
If you renew in person, bring your current license, the documents listed above, and arrive early — DMV wait times vary widely by location and time of day.
Your state's DMV website lists the exact documents it accepts, the current fee, and whether you can renew online or by mail.
If your license is expired by more than a certain number of years (usually three to five), you may have to renew in person instead of by mail or online.

Renewing by mail or online instead of in person

Many states let you renew without visiting the DMV if your license is still valid and you have not had a major life change. Online renewal is usually the fastest option — you upload your documents, pay the fee with a card, and receive your new license in the mail within one to three weeks. Mail renewal takes longer, typically two to four weeks, because the DMV has to process your documents by hand.

You cannot renew by mail or online if your license has been expired for more than a certain period (usually three to five years, depending on the state), if you need to change your name or address, or if you have medical conditions that affect your driving. Some states also require an in-person renewal if you are over a certain age, such as 70 or 75. Check your state's DMV website to see whether you are may be able to access for mail or online renewal before you gather your documents.

Renewing in person at the DMV

If you have to renew in person, bring your current license, proof of identity, proof of address, and your renewal fee. You will also need to pass a vision test — the DMV will test your eyesight at the counter. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them with you. You do not have to retake the written or driving test unless your state requires it for your age group or your license has been expired for a very long time.

Arrive early in the day if you can — DMV wait times are often longest in the afternoon and on Fridays. Some states let you book an appointment online, which can cut your wait time significantly. Check your state's DMV website to see whether appointments are available in your area. Bring all your documents in one folder so you do not have to search through your bag at the counter.

What happens if your license is expired

If your license has been expired for less than a year, most states treat it as a standard renewal and you can renew by mail or online. If it has been expired for more than a year, you may have to renew in person and retake the written test. A few states require you to retake the driving test as well if your license has been expired for more than three to five years.

You cannot legally drive with an expired license, even if you have already sent in your renewal paperwork. If you are stopped by police, you can show them proof that you have applied for renewal — some states accept a receipt or confirmation number — but this does not may provide you will not be cited. Renew as soon as your license is about to expire rather than waiting until after it has expired.

Name or address changes during renewal

If your name has changed since your last license, you must renew in person and bring legal proof of the change, such as a marriage certificate or court order. The same applies if you have moved to a new state — you will need to get a new license from that state rather than renewing your old one. If you have moved within the same state, you can usually renew by mail or online and update your address at the same time, but check your state's rules first.

Some states charge an extra fee to change your name or address during renewal. A few states let you update your address online without renewing your license, which can be useful if your license is not expiring soon but you have moved. Check your state's DMV website to see what options are available to you.

Getting your new license after renewal

If you renewed by mail or online, your new license will arrive in the mail within one to four weeks, depending on your state. You can usually check the status of your renewal on your state's DMV website using your license number or confirmation number. If more than four weeks have passed and you have not received your license, contact your state's DMV to ask whether it has been mailed.

If you renewed in person, you will receive your new license at the counter before you leave the DMV, or it will be mailed to you within one to two weeks if your state prints licenses off-site. Ask the DMV staff which applies to you before you leave. Until your new license arrives, you can usually drive with your old one if it has not expired, or with a receipt showing you have renewed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if it has been expired for five years?

It depends on your state. Most states require an in-person renewal and a retake of the written test if your license has been expired for more than three to five years. A few states require a driving test as well. Check your state's DMV website or call the DMV to find out what your state requires.

What if I do not have a birth certificate or passport?

Most states accept other documents as proof of identity, such as a Social Security card, school ID, or military ID, often in combination with another document. Your state's DMV website lists all the documents it accepts. If you do not have any of the listed documents, contact your DMV to ask what alternatives are available.

Do I have to retake the written test when I renew?

No, unless your license has been expired for a very long time (usually more than five years) or your state requires retesting at a certain age. You will have to pass a vision test, but not a written or driving test, in most cases.

How long does it take to get my new license after I renew?

If you renewed in person, you get your license at the counter or within one to two weeks by mail. If you renewed by mail or online, expect one to four weeks depending on your state. You can check the status on your state's DMV website.

Can I drive while I wait for my renewed license to arrive?

Yes, you can usually drive with your old license until your new one arrives, as long as your old license has not expired. If your old license has expired, ask the DMV for a receipt or confirmation showing you have renewed — some states accept this as proof while you wait.

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.