California driver licenses renew every five or ten years depending on your age and license type

California sends you a renewal notice in the mail about 60 days before your license expires. The notice tells you whether you can renew by mail, online, or must visit a DMV office in person. Most people under 70 can renew online or by mail. If you are 70 or older, you must renew in person at a DMV office so they can check your vision and medical fitness to drive.

Your renewal window opens 60 days before expiration and closes on your expiration date. You can renew during this window through any method your notice allows. If you miss the important date, you cannot legally drive and will need to reapply as a new driver rather than renew.

Key Takeaways

  • California mails you a renewal notice 60 days before your license expires, and this notice tells you which renewal method you can use.
  • Drivers under 70 can usually renew online at dmv.ca.gov or by mail, while drivers 70 and older must renew in person at a DMV office.
  • Online renewal takes about 10 minutes and your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days.
  • Mail renewal takes longer — typically two to three weeks — because the DMV must process your documents and print your license.
  • If you do not renew before your expiration date, you cannot drive legally and must reapply as a new driver, which costs more and takes longer.

Online renewal: fastest option for most drivers

If your renewal notice says you can renew online, go to dmv.ca.gov and log into your account or create one. You will need your driver license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth. The system will ask you to confirm your address, emergency contact, and organ donor status. You can update any of these during renewal.

Online renewal costs $44 for a five-year license or $120 for a ten-year license. You pay by debit card or credit card at the end. The DMV mails your new license within 7 to 10 business days. Your old license remains valid until the new one arrives, so you can drive and use it for identification during that time.

You cannot renew online if your address has changed outside California, if you need to update your name, if your medical condition has changed, or if your vision or hearing has worsened. The DMV will tell you during the online process if you are not may be able to access and will direct you to mail or in-person renewal instead.

Mail renewal: when online is not an option

If your notice says you can renew by mail, the DMV has already included a renewal form (DL 44) and instructions. Fill out the form, sign it, and mail it with your current license to the address on the form. Do not send cash — pay by check or money order made out to the Department of Motor Vehicles.

Mail renewal takes two to three weeks from the time the DMV receives your envelope. There is no tracking, so you will not know exactly when they received it. Your old license remains valid until your new one arrives. If your new license does not arrive within four weeks of mailing, contact the DMV at 1-800-777-0133 to check the status.

You cannot renew by mail if you are 70 or older, if you need to change your name, if your address is outside California, or if you have medical conditions that affect your ability to drive. The renewal notice will tell you if mail renewal is not available for you.

In-person renewal at a DMV office

If you are 70 or older, if your renewal notice says you must visit an office, or if you prefer to renew in person, you must schedule an appointment at dmv.ca.gov or call 1-800-777-0133. Walk-ins are not accepted for license renewal. You can schedule an appointment up to 60 days in advance.

Bring your current driver license, proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days), and your Social Security number. If you are 70 or older, the DMV will test your vision and may ask about your medical history. The office visit usually takes 15 to 30 minutes.

In-person renewal costs the same as online: $44 for five years or $120 for ten years. You pay at the office by cash, check, debit card, or credit card. The DMV mails your new license within 7 to 10 business days. Your old license remains valid until the new one arrives.

What happens if your license expires before you renew

If your license expires and you have not renewed it, you cannot legally drive. Driving with an expired license can result in a traffic citation and fine. You also cannot use an expired license as identification.

To get back on the road, you must reapply for a driver license rather than renew. This means taking the written test and driving test again, paying the full process fee (around $39 for the test plus $44 for the license), and waiting for an appointment at a DMV office. This process takes much longer and costs more than renewing on time.

If you realize your license has expired, stop driving when ready and contact the DMV to reapply. Some people mistakenly believe they have a grace period after expiration — California does not offer one.

Renewing with a name change or address change

If you changed your name since your last license was issued, you cannot renew online or by mail. You must renew in person at a DMV office and bring a document proving your name change: a marriage certificate, divorce decree, court order, or birth certificate. Schedule an appointment at dmv.ca.gov or call 1-800-777-0133.

If you moved within California, you can renew online or by mail and update your address during the process. If you moved out of state and are now a California resident again, or if you moved to a different country and are back in California, you must renew in person. The DMV needs to verify your residency with a current utility bill, lease, or bank statement.

License types and renewal length

Standard California driver licenses renew every five or ten years depending on your age. Drivers under 70 can choose a five-year license ($44) or ten-year license ($120) at renewal. Drivers 70 and older renew every five years and must do so in person.

Commercial driver licenses (CDL) renew every five years and require in-person renewal at a DMV office. Motorcycle endorsements renew with your driver license on the same schedule. If you have a CDL or motorcycle endorsement, your renewal notice will direct you to an office.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if it has been expired for more than a year?

No. If your license has been expired for more than one year, you cannot renew it. You must reapply for a new driver license, which means taking the written and driving tests again. Contact the DMV to schedule a test appointment.

What if I lost my renewal notice?

You can still renew without the notice. Go to dmv.ca.gov and log into your account, or call 1-800-777-0133 to confirm your renewal may be able to access and which method you can use. Have your driver license number, Social Security number, and date of birth ready.

How long does my old license stay valid after I renew?

Your old license remains valid until your new license arrives by mail, which takes 7 to 10 business days. You can use your old license to drive and for identification during this time. Once your new license arrives, your old one is no longer valid.

Can I renew my license if I am out of state?

If you are a California resident temporarily out of state, you can renew online or by mail if your renewal notice allows it. If you have moved out of California permanently, you cannot renew a California license — you must get a license from your new state.

What if my vision has changed since my last license?

If you are renewing online or by mail and your vision has worsened, you should renew in person instead so the DMV can test your vision. If you are unsure whether your vision meets California standards, schedule an in-person appointment and the DMV will test you during renewal.