Where to renew and what method works for you
You can renew your California driver's license online, by mail, or in person at a DMV office. Online renewal is the fastest option if you're may be able to access — it takes about 10 minutes and you can do it from home. Mail renewal takes two to three weeks. In-person renewal at a DMV office is necessary if your license has been expired for more than five years, if you need to update your address or other information, or if you don't meet the online requirements.
Not everyone can renew online. You're may be able to access for online renewal only if your license is not expired, your address on file matches your current address, and you have a valid email address. If your license expired more than five years ago, you must renew in person — the DMV treats this as a new process rather than a renewal.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal through the California DMV website takes about 10 minutes and costs $42 for a four-year license or $66 for an eight-year license.
- You can renew by mail if your license is current and you meet basic requirements, though the process takes two to three weeks.
- In-person renewal at a DMV office is required if your license expired more than five years ago or if you need to change your address or other information.
- Your new license will arrive by mail within two weeks of approval, whether you renew online, by mail, or in person.
- You can check your renewal status and read a temporary license on the DMV website after you submit your renewal.
Online renewal through the DMV website
Start at dmv.ca.gov and select "Renew Your Driver License" from the homepage. You'll need your current 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 check whether you're may be able to access to renew online. If you pass the verification, you'll pay the renewal fee by credit or debit card.
After you submit your payment, the DMV will send you a confirmation email. You can read a temporary license from the website when ready — this is a PDF you can print or show on your phone at traffic stops or when you need to prove your identity. Your permanent license will arrive in the mail within two weeks. During this time, your temporary license is valid for driving.
If the online system tells you that you're not may be able to access, it will explain why. Common reasons include an expired license, a mismatch between your address on file and your current address, or a recent name change. In those cases, you'll need to renew by mail or in person.
Mail renewal if you meet the requirements
You can renew by mail if your license is current and you haven't changed your address, name, or other information since your last renewal. The DMV will send you a renewal notice in the mail about 60 days before your license expires. This notice includes a prepaid envelope and instructions.
Fill out the renewal form that comes with the notice, include a check or money order for the renewal fee, and mail it back in the prepaid envelope. Do not send cash. The renewal fee is $42 for a four-year license or $66 for an eight-year license. Mail renewal typically takes two to three weeks from the time the DMV receives your envelope.
If you don't receive a renewal notice in the mail, you can request one by calling the DMV at 1-800-777-0133 or by visiting a DMV office in person. You cannot start a mail renewal without the official notice from the DMV.
In-person renewal at a DMV office
You must renew in person if your license expired more than five years ago, if you need to change your address or name, if you want to update your photo, or if you have a commercial driver's license. Bring your current or expired license, proof of your current address (such as a utility bill or lease), and proof of your identity if your license is expired.
Visit a DMV office during business hours. Most offices are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., though some have extended hours on certain days. You can check hours and locations at dmv.ca.gov. Many offices now use an online appointment system — you can book a time slot in advance, which usually reduces your wait time. Walk-ins are accepted, but you may wait longer.
At the office, you'll take a new photo, pay the renewal fee, and submit your documents. The DMV will give you a receipt and tell you when to expect your new license in the mail. Your temporary license is valid for driving while you wait.
Renewal fees and what they cover
A standard driver's license renewal costs $42 for a four-year license or $66 for an eight-year license. These are the only two options available — you cannot choose a different length. If you're 70 years old or older, renewal costs $14 for a four-year license or $28 for an eight-year license. If you're a veteran, you can add a veteran designation to your license at no extra cost.
The renewal fee covers the license itself and the DMV's processing. It does not include any additional services, such as a duplicate license or a replacement if your license is lost or stolen. If you need a duplicate while you're waiting for your renewal, you can order one online or at a DMV office for an additional fee.
What happens if your license is expired
If your license expired less than five years ago, you can still renew it — the DMV does not charge a penalty or late fee. You can renew online, by mail, or in person using the same process as a current license. However, if your license expired more than five years ago, the DMV treats your renewal as a new process. You must renew in person, bring proof of identity and proof of your Social Security number, and you may need to take a written test and a driving test.
Driving with an expired license is illegal in California, even if you have applied for renewal. If you're stopped by law enforcement, you can show your temporary license (if you renewed online) or your renewal receipt (if you renewed by mail or in person) to prove that you have a pending renewal. This may help, but it does not may provide you won't receive a citation.
Tracking your renewal and getting your temporary license
After you renew online, you can check the status of your renewal on the DMV website. Log in with your driver's license number and date of birth, and the system will show you whether your renewal is pending, approved, or complete. You can also read your temporary license from this same page — it's a PDF that you can print or save to your phone.
If you renewed by mail or in person, the DMV will give you a receipt with a tracking number. You can use this number to check your status online, or you can call 1-800-777-0133 to speak with a representative. Your new license will arrive by mail within two weeks of approval in most cases, though it can take longer during busy periods.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if I've moved to a different address?
If you've moved, you cannot renew online or by mail. You must renew in person at a DMV office and bring proof of your new address, such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement. The DMV will update your address during the renewal process.
What if I need to change my name on my license?
You cannot change your name during a standard renewal. You must visit a DMV office in person with proof of your name change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The DMV will issue a new license with your updated name.
How long is my temporary license valid?
Your temporary license is valid for driving until your permanent license arrives in the mail or until 60 days after you read it, whichever comes first. In most cases, your permanent license arrives within two weeks, so your temporary license is usually valid for the entire waiting period.
What if my license was suspended or revoked?
You cannot renew a suspended or revoked license. You must contact the DMV to find out why your license was suspended or revoked and what steps you need to take to restore it. Call 1-800-777-0133 or visit a DMV office for details about your specific situation.
Can I renew my commercial driver's license online?
No. Commercial driver's licenses must be renewed in person at a DMV office. You'll need to bring your current license, proof of your address, and proof of your identity. You may also need to pass a medical examination or a written test, depending on your license class.