What you need to know before you renew
California lets you renew your driver's license online, by mail, or in person at a DMV office. Which method you can use depends on how close you are to your expiration date and whether your license is a Real ID or a standard license. Most people can renew online through the DMV website if their license expires within six months, but you cannot renew online if you need to update your address, change your name, or correct other information on the license itself.
Your renewal notice arrives by mail about 60 days before your license expires. That notice contains a renewal code you will need if you choose to renew online. If you do not receive a notice, you can still renew, but you will need your driver's license number and date of birth to start the process.
The fee for renewing a standard California driver's license is $38 for an eight-year renewal. Real ID licenses cost $39 for an eight-year renewal. If you are renewing early because your license was lost or stolen, the cost is the same. You cannot renew a license that has been suspended or revoked.
Key Takeaways
- You can renew online through the California DMV website if your license expires within six months and you do not need to change your address or other information.
- If you renew online, you will receive a temporary license number by email and your physical license by mail within two weeks.
- Mail-in renewal takes about two weeks and works only if your license is not expiring within 30 days and you have no changes to make.
- In-person renewal at a DMV office is required if your license has expired, if you need to update your address or name, or if you are renewing a Real ID license for the first time.
- You must bring your current driver's license and proof of California residency to any in-person renewal.
Renewing online through the DMV website
Online renewal is the fastest option if you are within the six-month window before your expiration date. Go to the California DMV website, select "Renew Your Driver's License or ID Card," and follow the prompts. You will need your renewal code from your notice in the mail, or you can use your driver's license number and date of birth if you did not receive a notice.
The process takes about 10 minutes. You will answer questions about your current address, any name changes, and whether your vision and medical information have changed. At the end, you pay the renewal fee using a credit or debit card. The DMV does not accept cash or checks online.
After you submit, the DMV sends you a temporary license number by email. You can use this number as proof of a valid license while you wait for your physical card. Your new license arrives by mail in about two weeks. If you do not receive it within three weeks, contact the DMV to check the status.
Renewing by mail
Mail-in renewal works only if your license does not expire within 30 days and you have no changes to make to your address, name, or other information. You cannot use mail renewal if you are renewing a Real ID license for the first time or if you need to update your photo.
Your renewal notice includes a mail-in envelope and instructions. Fill out the form, sign it, and include a check or money order for the renewal fee. Do not send cash. Mail the envelope to the address printed on the notice. The DMV processes mail renewals in about two weeks, though during busy periods it may take longer.
You will receive your new license by mail. If you need to drive before it arrives, you can use your current license until the expiration date. The DMV does not issue a temporary license number for mail renewals.
Renewing in person at a DMV office
You must renew in person if your license has already expired, if you need to change your address or name, if you are renewing a Real ID license for the first time, or if you want to update your photo. In-person renewal also applies if you are over 70 years old, as California requires a vision test at that age.
Bring your current driver's license and one document that proves your California address. Acceptable documents include a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your name and address. If you are changing your name, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the name change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.
You can make an appointment online through the DMV website or walk in during office hours. Appointments are faster and usually available within a few days. When you arrive, you will take a new photo, answer health and safety questions, and pay the renewal fee. You can pay by cash, check, debit card, or credit card. The DMV issues a temporary license number on the spot, and your physical license arrives by mail in about two weeks.
Real ID licenses and renewal
If your current license says "REAL ID" at the top, you can renew it online, by mail, or in person using the same methods described above. If your current license does not say "REAL ID" and you want to upgrade to one during renewal, you must renew in person and bring proof of your Social Security number and citizenship or legal residency status.
Acceptable documents for Real ID upgrade include a U.S. passport, passport card, birth certificate, or permanent resident card. You also need proof of your Social Security number, such as a Social Security card or tax return. The Real ID renewal fee is $39 instead of $38.
What to do if your license has expired
If your license expired more than six months ago, you cannot renew it — you must explore for a new license. This requires an in-person visit to a DMV office, a vision test, and a new photo. The process is the same as a first-time license process. If your license expired fewer than six months ago, you can still renew it using any of the three methods above.
Driving with an expired license can result in a traffic citation, even if you are renewing. If you are pulled over, tell the officer that your license has expired and that you are in the process of renewing it. This does not may provide you will avoid a citation, but it provides context.
Scams and safety alerts
Do not pay to renew your license through any website other than the official California DMV website. Scammers create fake DMV sites that look nearly identical to the real one. Check the URL carefully — it should be dmv.ca.gov, not dmv.com or any variation. If you are unsure, go directly to the DMV website by typing the address into your browser rather than clicking a link in an email.
The DMV will never contact you by phone, email, or text to ask for your license number, Social Security number, or payment information. If someone contacts you claiming to be from the DMV and asking for personal information, hang up or delete the message. You can report the scam to the California Attorney General's office.
Do not use a third-party service that charges a fee to renew your license for you. These services take your money and submit the same renewal form you could submit yourself. The DMV renewal process is free to use directly — you only pay the license fee.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if I have an outstanding traffic ticket or fine?
No. The DMV will not process your renewal if you have an unpaid traffic citation or court-ordered fine. You must resolve the ticket first by paying it or appearing in court. Once the ticket is cleared, you can renew your license.
What if I moved out of California but still have a California license?
You cannot renew a California license if you no longer live in California. You must obtain a license from your new state. If you are temporarily out of state but still a California resident, you can renew online or by mail.
How long can I drive on a temporary license number after online renewal?
You can use the temporary license number the DMV sends by email for as long as your old license was valid. Once your old license expires, the temporary number is no longer valid. Your physical license should arrive within two weeks, so plan ahead if your expiration date is soon.
What happens if I renew but my new license arrives after my old one expires?
If you renewed online or by mail, use the temporary license number the DMV provided until your physical license arrives. If you renewed in person, the DMV issued you a temporary license number at the office. Either way, you have a valid license during the wait.
Can I renew my license if I am out of the country?
Yes, if you are a California resident temporarily out of the country, you can renew by mail. You cannot renew online from outside the United States. Mail your renewal form and payment to the address on your renewal notice.