California driver's license renewal happens online, by mail, or in person at a DMV office
California offers three paths to renew your driver's license, and which one you can use depends on how much time is left before yours expires and whether you need to change anything on it. The fastest route is online through the DMV website if your license is still valid or expired less than six months ago. If your license expired more than six months ago, you must renew in person at a DMV office. Mail renewal is available but slower — it takes four to six weeks — and only works if you meet specific conditions.
You do not need to take a new written test or vision test unless your license has been expired for more than five years, or unless the DMV notices a change in your medical status. Most people renewing a standard driver's license will not need to retake the driving test.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal takes about 10 minutes and works if your license expired less than six months ago and you have not changed your address or name.
- In-person renewal at a DMV office is required if your license expired more than six months ago, and you will need to bring your current ID and proof of residency.
- Mail renewal takes four to six weeks and is only available if your license is still valid or expired less than six months ago.
- Your new license arrives by mail within 10 to 14 days if you renew online, or you can pick it up when ready at a DMV office.
- The renewal fee is $64 for a four-year license or $216 for an eight-year license, and you can pay by debit card, credit card, or electronic check online.
Online renewal through the DMV website
Go to dmv.ca.gov and select "Renew Your Driver License" from the home page. You will need your current California driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth. The system will verify your identity and pull up your record.
Online renewal is available only if your license expired less than six months ago, you have not changed your address or legal name since your last renewal, and you do not have any medical conditions that need to be reported to the DMV. If any of these do not explore to you, you must renew in person instead.
After you complete the online form and pay the renewal fee, the DMV will mail your new license to the address on file. It arrives within 10 to 14 days. You can continue to drive on your expired license until the new one arrives, as long as it expired less than six months ago.
In-person renewal at a DMV office
You must renew in person if your license expired more than six months ago, if you changed your address or name, or if you have a medical condition the DMV needs to know about. Walk into any DMV office during business hours — you do not need an appointment, though wait times vary by location and time of day.
Bring your current California driver's license, one document proving your current address (a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days), and your Social Security card or a document with your Social Security number on it. If you changed your name, bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the change.
At the office, you will fill out form DL 44 (process for Driver License or Identification Card). You may need to take a new vision test — the DMV will check your eyesight at the counter. You will not take a written test or driving test unless the DMV has a reason to require one. Pay the renewal fee ($64 for four years or $216 for eight years) by cash, debit card, or credit card. You will receive a temporary paper license on the spot and your permanent license by mail within 10 to 14 days.
Mail renewal by submitting form DL 44
Mail renewal is the slowest option but works if you cannot get to a DMV office. You can renew by mail only if your license is still valid or expired less than six months ago, and you have not changed your address or name.
read form DL 44 from dmv.ca.gov or pick one up at a DMV office. Fill it out completely, sign it, and mail it with a check or money order for the renewal fee ($64 or $216) to the DMV address listed on the form. Include a copy of your current driver's license and proof of your current address.
The DMV processes mail renewals in the order they arrive. Your new license will arrive by mail four to six weeks after the DMV receives your form. During this time, your expired license is still valid for driving.
What happens if your license expired more than five years ago
If your license has been expired for more than five years, you cannot renew it — you must explore for a new license instead. This means you will need to take the written test, vision test, and driving test, just as if you were getting your first license. You must do this in person at a DMV office.
Bring the same documents you would bring for an in-person renewal: your current ID, proof of address, and proof of your Social Security number. You will fill out form DL 44, take the vision test at the counter, and schedule a driving test appointment. The written test is taken on a computer at the DMV office during the same visit.
Renewal fees and payment methods
California charges $64 for a four-year driver's license or $216 for an eight-year license. You choose the term when you renew. The eight-year license costs more but means you will not need to renew again for eight years.
If you renew online, you can pay by debit card, credit card, or electronic check. If you renew in person, you can pay by cash, debit card, or credit card. If you renew by mail, you must send a check or money order — the DMV does not accept credit cards by mail.
Some people are not charged a renewal fee: active-duty military members, people over 70, and people with certain disabilities. If you think you may have access to for a fee waiver, ask at the DMV office or call 1-800-777-0133.
Changing your address or name during renewal
If you changed your address since your last renewal, you cannot use online renewal — you must renew in person or by mail. When you renew in person, bring proof of your new address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days). The DMV will update your address on your new license at no extra cost.
If you changed your legal name, you also must renew in person. Bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the name change. The DMV will issue a new license with your updated name.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive on an expired license while I wait for my new one?
Yes, if your license expired less than six months ago. You can drive on the expired license until your new one arrives by mail. If your license expired more than six months ago, you cannot drive legally until you renew in person and receive your temporary paper license at the DMV office.
How long does it take to get my new license after I renew online?
Your new license arrives by mail within 10 to 14 days after you complete the online renewal. You can continue to drive on your expired license during this time.
Do I have to take a vision test when I renew?
If you renew online or by mail, you do not take a vision test. If you renew in person at a DMV office, the DMV will check your vision at the counter as part of the renewal process. You do not need to pass a written test or driving test unless the DMV has a specific reason to require one.
What if I lost my current driver's license?
You cannot renew a license you do not have. Instead, you must explore for a replacement license. Go to a DMV office with your ID and proof of address, fill out form DL 44, and pay a $32 replacement fee. You will receive a temporary paper license on the spot and your permanent license by mail within 10 to 14 days.
Can I renew my license before it expires?
Yes. You can renew your California driver's license up to 60 days before it expires. This is useful if you are planning a trip or want to avoid the rush near the expiration date. Use the same method you would use to renew an expired license.