How to Renew Your California Driver's License

Renewing Your California Driver's License Online, by Mail, or In Person

You can renew your California driver's license through three routes: online at dmv.ca.gov, by mail if you meet certain conditions, or in person at a DMV office. Most people renew online, which takes about 10 minutes and costs $39 for a four-year license or $69 for an eight-year license. The online option is available only if your license is not expired by more than one year, you have no medical conditions on file, and you have not changed your address in the last 60 days.

If you cannot renew online, you can renew by mail by sending your current license, a completed DL 44 form, and the renewal fee to the DMV address listed on the DMV website. Mail renewal takes two to three weeks. If your license has been expired for more than one year, you have changed your address, or you need to update your information, you must renew in person at a DMV office.

Key Takeaways

Online renewal at dmv.ca.gov is the fastest option and works if your license expired less than one year ago and you have not moved.
Mail renewal takes two to three weeks and requires you to send your current license, a completed form, and the renewal fee to the DMV.
In-person renewal at a DMV office is required if your license expired more than one year ago, you changed your address, or you need to update your information.
You will need your current California driver's license, proof of residency if you moved, and payment for the renewal fee to complete any renewal method.

Online Renewal Through the DMV Website

To renew online, go to dmv.ca.gov 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 a payment method (credit card, debit card, or electronic check). The system will verify your identity and confirm that you meet the requirements for online renewal.

After you complete the online form and pay the fee, the DMV will mail your new license to the address on file within 10 to 14 business days. You can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives. If the system tells you that you cannot renew online, you will need to use the mail or in-person method instead.

Mail Renewal: What to Send and Where

Mail renewal works only if your license expired less than one year ago and you have not moved. Gather your current driver's license, a completed DL 44 form (available at dmv.ca.gov), and a check or money order for the renewal fee. Do not send cash.

Mail your documents to the DMV address shown on the form or on the DMV website. Include a cover letter with your name and driver's license number so the DMV can match your payment to your record. The DMV will process your renewal in two to three weeks and mail your new license to the address on file. Keep your current license until the new one arrives.

In-Person Renewal at a DMV Office

You must renew in person if your license expired more than one year ago, you changed your address, you need to update your name or other information, or the online system rejected your renewal. To renew in person, visit a DMV office with your current driver's license, proof of residency (such as a utility bill or lease), and payment for the renewal fee.

You can make an appointment online at dmv.ca.gov before you go, which usually shortens your wait time. Walk-ins are accepted but may have longer waits. The DMV will take a new photo, verify your information, and issue your new license on the spot or mail it to you within 10 to 14 business days, depending on the office and the type of license.

What Happens If Your License Expired More Than One Year Ago

If your license has been expired for more than one year, you cannot renew — you must explore for a new license. This requires an in-person visit to a DMV office, a completed DL 44 form, proof of identity (such as a passport or birth certificate), proof of residency, and proof of your Social Security number. The fee is the same as renewal, but the process is longer because the DMV treats it as a new process rather than a renewal.

You will also need to pass a vision test and may need to pass a written test or driving test depending on your age and how long your license has been expired. Bring all required documents to avoid multiple trips to the DMV office.

Renewal Fees and License Validity Periods

California driver's licenses are valid for either four or eight years. A four-year license costs $39 to renew, and an eight-year license costs $69 to renew. You choose the validity period when you renew. The DMV accepts cash, check, money order, credit card, debit card, and electronic check, depending on the renewal method you use.

If you renew online or by mail, you pay at the time of renewal. If you renew in person, you pay at the DMV office. Renewal fees do not change based on your age or driving record, though commercial driver's license renewals cost more.

Common Mistakes to Avoid During Renewal

Do not wait until your license expires to renew. You can renew up to 60 days before your expiration date, which gives you time to handle any problems before your license becomes invalid. If you move, update your address before you renew, or you will have to renew in person instead of online or by mail.

If you renew by mail, do not send cash — use a check or money order. Do not forget to include a cover letter with your name and license number so the DMV can match your payment to your record. If you renew in person, bring all required documents in one trip; the DMV will not process your renewal if you are missing proof of residency or proof of identity.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if I moved to a different address?

If you moved less than 60 days ago, you can renew online by updating your address during the renewal process. If you moved more than 60 days ago, you must renew in person at a DMV office and bring proof of your new address, such as a utility bill or lease.

What if I lost my current driver's license?

You cannot renew a lost license. Instead, you must explore for a replacement license in person at a DMV office with proof of identity and proof of residency. The replacement fee is $20. Once you have the replacement, you can renew it through any method.

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

The DMV mails your new license within 10 to 14 business days after you complete your online renewal. You can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives. If you need your license sooner, you can renew in person at a DMV office and receive it the same day.

Do I need to take a new photo when I renew?

If you renew online or by mail, the DMV uses your existing photo. If you renew in person, the DMV takes a new photo. You can request a new photo during online or mail renewal, but you will have to go to a DMV office to have it taken.

What if the DMV rejects my online renewal?

The system will tell you why you cannot renew online — usually because your license expired more than one year ago, you moved, or you have a medical condition on file. Use the mail or in-person method instead, or contact the DMV at 1-800-777-0133 to ask about your specific situation.

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.