What You Need to Know Before You Start
California lets you renew your driver's license online, by mail, or in person at a DMV office. Which method works for you depends on when your license expires, whether you need to change your address or photo, and how quickly you need the new card. Most people can renew online or by mail without visiting an office, but some situations require an in-person visit.
Your license is valid for five years from the date it was issued (or until age 70 if you are 70 or older). The DMV sends renewal notices about 60 days before expiration. You do not have to wait for that notice to renew — you can start the process up to six months early. If your license has already expired, you can still renew it, but the process may take longer and you cannot legally drive until the new one arrives.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal through the DMV website works if your license is not expired, you do not need a new photo, and your address has not changed since your last renewal.
- Mail renewal takes about two to three weeks and works for the same situations as online renewal, but you must mail in your current license and pay by check or money order.
- In-person renewal at a DMV office is required if your license is expired, you need a new photo, your address changed, or you want to change your name or other information.
- The renewal fee is $64 for a five-year license, or $13 for a one-year license if you are over 70 or have a medical condition that may affect your driving.
- Scammers pose as the DMV on email and text — the real DMV never asks for payment or personal information through email, and the official website is dmv.ca.gov.
Online Renewal Through the DMV Website
Online renewal is the fastest option if you meet the requirements. Go to dmv.ca.gov, click "Renew Your Driver License," and follow the steps. You will need your current California driver's license number, your date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The system will verify your identity and check whether you are may be able to access to renew online.
You can renew online only if all of these are true: your license is not expired, you do not need a new photo, your address has not changed since your last renewal, and you have not had any major violations or suspensions. If any of these do not explore to you, the system will tell you and direct you to mail renewal or in-person renewal instead.
Once you complete the online form and pay the $64 fee by debit or credit card, you will receive a confirmation number. Your new license will arrive by mail in about two weeks. You can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives.
Mail Renewal: When and How
Mail renewal takes longer than online renewal but works for the same situations. You can use mail renewal if your license is not expired, you do not need a new photo, and your address has not changed. The DMV will send you a renewal notice in the mail about 60 days before your license expires — that notice includes a prepaid envelope and a form you can sign and mail back.
If you did not receive a notice or lost it, you can request a renewal form by calling the DMV at 1-800-777-0133 or by visiting a DMV office. Fill out the form, include your current license, and mail it with a check or money order for $64 to the address on the form. Do not send cash.
Mail renewal usually takes two to three weeks from the time the DMV receives your envelope. You can continue to drive on your current license during this time. If you need your new license faster, use online renewal instead.
In-Person Renewal at a DMV Office
You must renew in person if your license has expired, if you need a new photo, if your address has changed, or if you want to update your name or other information on your license. You will also need to visit in person if the online or mail system tells you that you are not may be able to access for those methods.
Bring your current California driver's license, proof of your current address (a recent utility bill, lease, or bank statement), and payment of $64. If you changed your name, bring a document that shows the name change, such as a marriage certificate or court order. If you are renewing because your license expired more than one year ago, you may need to take a written test and an eye exam.
Make an appointment through dmv.ca.gov before you go to an office. Walk-ins are accepted but wait times are much longer. Appointments are usually available within one to two weeks. Bring all your documents — if you are missing something, the DMV will not process your renewal and you will have to come back.
What Happens If Your License Expired
If your license expired less than one year ago, you can renew it by mail or in person using the same process as a regular renewal. You cannot drive legally until your new license arrives, so plan ahead.
If your license expired more than one year ago, you will need to visit a DMV office in person. You will have to take a written test on California traffic laws and pass an eye exam before the DMV will issue a new license. You cannot renew by mail or online in this situation. Bring your expired license, proof of address, and payment of $64.
Fees and Payment Methods
A five-year driver's license renewal costs $64. If you are 70 years old or older, or if you have a medical condition that may affect your driving, you can choose a one-year license instead for $13. You pay the same fee whether you renew online, by mail, or in person.
Online renewal accepts debit and credit cards. Mail renewal requires a check or money order — do not send cash. In-person renewal at a DMV office accepts cash, check, debit card, and credit card. Some offices also accept electronic payment through their kiosks.
Scam Alerts and Safety
Scammers send fake emails and text messages that look like they come from the California DMV. These messages often say your license is about to expire or that you need to "confirm" your information, and they include a link to a fake website that looks like dmv.ca.gov. If you click the link and enter your personal information, the scammers steal your identity.
The real DMV never sends unsolicited emails or texts asking you to renew your license or confirm your information. The official DMV website is dmv.ca.gov — check the address carefully, because scam sites use similar names like "dmv-ca.gov" or "ca-dmv.gov". If you receive a suspicious message, delete it and go directly to dmv.ca.gov in your browser instead of clicking any link.
If you think you have been scammed, report it to the California Attorney General at oag.ca.gov or call 1-800-952-5225. You can also report the fake email to the DMV by forwarding it to dmv@dmv.ca.gov.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if I moved to a different address?
If you moved within California, you must renew in person at a DMV office and bring proof of your new address. If you moved out of California, you cannot renew your California license — you must get a license from your new state instead. You can surrender your California license by mail if you prefer.
How long does it take to get my new license after I renew?
Online and mail renewal usually take about two weeks. In-person renewal at a DMV office can take longer — you may receive your new license in the mail within two weeks, or the DMV may issue you a temporary paper license to use while you wait. Ask at the office when you renew.
What if I need to renew my license but I do not have proof of my current address?
You must have proof of address to renew in person. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. If you do not have any of these, contact the DMV at 1-800-777-0133 to ask what other documents they will accept.
Can I renew my license if I have unpaid traffic tickets or fines?
Yes, you can renew your license even if you have unpaid tickets or fines. However, the DMV may suspend your license if you do not pay them. Renew your license first, then contact the court that issued the ticket to arrange payment or a payment plan.
Do I need a new photo when I renew my license?
If you renew online or by mail, the DMV uses your photo from your current license. If you want a new photo, you must renew in person at a DMV office. You can also request a new photo at any time by visiting an office and paying a $15 fee.