How to Renew Your California Driver's License

What You Need to Know Before You Start

California renews driver's licenses by mail, online, 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 standard or REAL ID card. You cannot renew more than six months before your license expires, and you must renew within five years of the expiration date or you will have to take the written test again.

Most people renew online through the DMV website if their license is not expiring within the next 30 days. If it is expiring sooner, or if you need to update your address, photo, or other information, you will need to go to a DMV office or use the mail-in form. REAL ID licenses have different renewal rules than standard licenses, and some people cannot renew by mail or online at all.

Key Takeaways

You can renew online if your license expires more than 30 days away and you have not changed your address, name, or other personal information since your last renewal.
Mail-in renewal takes about two to three weeks and requires the renewal notice the DMV sends you, a check or money order, and a new photo if you are renewing a REAL ID.
In-person renewal at a DMV office is the only option if your license expires within 30 days, if you need a new photo, or if you are renewing a REAL ID for the first time.
The renewal fee is $64 for a standard license and $69 for a REAL ID, and you must bring proof of residency if you changed your address.
If your license has been expired for more than five years, you cannot renew it — you must explore for a new license and take the written test.

Renewing Online Through the DMV Website

Online renewal is the fastest option if you are may be able to access. Go to the California DMV website, select "Renew Your Driver's License or ID Card," and enter your driver's license number and date of birth. The system will tell you whether you can renew online. You will need a valid email address and a payment method — debit card, credit card, or electronic check.

You cannot renew online if your license expires within 30 days, if you have a REAL ID and need a new photo, if you changed your address, or if you changed your name. You also cannot renew online if you are over 70 years old, if you have certain medical conditions, or if your license was suspended or revoked. If the system says you are not may be able to access, you will need to renew by mail or in person.

Once you complete the online form and pay the fee, the DMV will mail you a temporary renewal notice. Your new license will arrive within two to three weeks. You can use the temporary notice as proof of a valid license until the new card arrives.

Renewing by Mail

Mail-in renewal requires the renewal notice that the DMV sends you about 60 days before your license expires. If you did not receive a notice, you can request one from the DMV website or call 1-800-777-0133. You will need to fill out the form on the back of the notice, include a check or money order for the renewal fee, and mail it to the address printed on the notice.

If you are renewing a REAL ID by mail, you must include a new photo. The DMV specifies the photo requirements on its website — the photo must be in color, taken within the last six months, and show your face straight-on with a plain background. If your photo does not meet the requirements, the DMV will reject your process and you will have to renew in person.

If you changed your address since your last renewal, you must include proof of your new address. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or government mail with your name and address. Mail your renewal packet to the address on your notice. Processing takes about two to three weeks, and your new license will arrive by mail.

Renewing in Person at a DMV Office

In-person renewal is required if your license expires within 30 days, if you are renewing a REAL ID for the first time, if you changed your address or name, or if you need a new photo. You will need to bring your current driver's license, proof of residency if you changed your address, and payment for the renewal fee. If you are renewing a REAL ID, bring proof of citizenship or legal residency as well.

Make an appointment through the DMV website before you go to an office. Walk-ins are accepted but wait times are usually longer. Bring all required documents — if you are missing something, the DMV will not process your renewal and you will have to come back. The DMV will take a new photo at the office, so you do not need to bring one.

Processing at the office usually takes 30 minutes to an hour. You will receive a temporary license document that is valid until your new card arrives by mail, which takes about two to three weeks. If you need your license sooner, you can request expedited mail service for an additional fee.

REAL ID Renewal Rules

REAL ID licenses have a gold star in the upper right corner and are required for domestic air travel and entry to federal buildings. If your REAL ID is expiring and you want to renew it as a REAL ID, you must go to a DMV office in person. You cannot renew a REAL ID online or by mail unless you are renewing a standard license and upgrading to REAL ID at the same time, which requires an office visit.

To renew a REAL ID in person, bring your current REAL ID, proof of citizenship or legal residency, proof of residency if you changed your address, and payment for the $69 fee. Acceptable proof of citizenship includes a U.S. passport, birth certificate, or naturalization papers. The DMV will take a new photo and process your renewal on the spot.

If you do not want to renew your REAL ID and prefer a standard license instead, you can renew online or by mail. Your new standard license will not have the gold star and will not be valid for federal purposes, but it will be valid for driving.

What Happens If Your License Expires

Driving with an expired license is illegal in California, even if you have applied for renewal. If you are pulled over, you can be cited. If your license expired less than six months ago, you can still renew it through the normal process. If it expired more than six months ago but less than five years ago, you can still renew, but you will have to visit a DMV office in person and may have to take a vision test.

If your license has been expired for more than five years, you cannot renew it. You will have to explore for a new license, which means taking the written test, vision test, and paying the full process fee. You can study for the written test using the California DMV handbook, which is available on the DMV website.

Renewal Fees and Payment Methods

The renewal fee for a standard driver's license is $64. The fee for a REAL ID is $69. If you renew online or by mail, you can pay by debit card, credit card, or electronic check. If you renew in person, you can pay by cash, check, debit card, or credit card. Money orders are accepted for mail-in renewal.

If you request expedited mail service, there is an additional fee. Some DMV offices offer a service where you can pick up your license at the office instead of waiting for it to arrive by mail, though this is not available at all locations. Check the DMV website for your local office to see what services are available.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if I changed my address?

You can renew online only if you have not changed your address. If you moved, you must renew by mail or in person and bring proof of your new address, such as a utility bill or lease. In-person renewal is fastest if you need to update your address.

What if I lost my renewal notice from the DMV?

You can request a new notice from the DMV website or by calling 1-800-777-0133. You can also renew in person at a DMV office without the notice — just bring your current license and payment. Online renewal does not require the notice.

How long does it take to get my new license after I renew?

By mail or online, your new license arrives in about two to three weeks. In person, you receive a temporary document right away that is valid until your new card arrives. If you need your license faster, ask about expedited mail service when you renew.

Do I have to take a test when I renew my license?

No, you do not take a written or driving test during renewal. You may have to take a vision test if you renew in person. If your license has been expired for more than five years, you will have to take the written test when you explore for a new license.

What if the DMV rejects my mail-in renewal?

The DMV usually rejects mail-in renewals because the photo does not meet requirements or a required document is missing. The DMV will send you a notice explaining why and tell you how to resubmit or renew in person. Check the DMV website for photo requirements before you mail your process.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.