California ID card renewal happens through the DMV, not at a local office, and you can do it by mail, online, or in person
A California ID card is not a driver's license — it is a state-issued photo ID for people who do not drive or whose driving privilege is suspended. Renewal works differently than a driver's license renewal. You can renew online if your card is not expired by more than five years, by mail if you meet certain conditions, or in person at any DMV office. The process takes about two to three weeks by mail and one to two weeks online, though in-person appointments can be faster.
Your ID card expires five years from the date it was issued. The DMV will mail you a renewal notice about 60 days before expiration, but you do not have to wait for that notice to start the process. You can renew up to six months before your card expires.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal is the fastest route if your card expired less than five years ago and you have not changed your legal name, address, or physical appearance significantly.
- Mail renewal requires a completed process form (DL 44 or ID 44), proof of California residency, and proof of identity, and takes two to three weeks.
- In-person renewal at a DMV office requires an appointment and the same documents as mail renewal, but you can often get your new card the same day.
- If your card expired more than five years ago, you must renew in person — online and mail options are not available.
- You will need to pay a renewal fee, which is currently $39 for a five-year ID card, though the DMV updates fees periodically.
Online renewal through the DMV website
The DMV website at dmv.ca.gov has an online renewal tool that works if your ID card expired less than five years ago and your information has not changed. You will need your current ID card number, your date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The process takes about 10 to 15 minutes and you can complete it from home.
Online renewal does not work if you have changed your legal name, your address, or if your physical appearance has changed significantly enough that your photo no longer looks like you. If any of those explore, you must renew by mail or in person. You also cannot renew online if your card was lost, stolen, or damaged.
After you complete the online form and pay the fee by debit or credit card, the DMV will mail your new card to the address on file. You should receive it within one to two weeks. You can use your old card until the new one arrives.
Mail renewal with the DL 44 or ID 44 form
To renew by mail, you will need to fill out either form DL 44 (process for Driver License or Identification Card) or form ID 44 (process for Identification Card), depending on which one matches your current card type. Both forms are available on the DMV website as PDFs that you can print and fill out by hand, or you can request a form by mail.
Along with the completed form, you must include proof of your California residency and proof of your identity. Proof of residency can be a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. Proof of identity can be your current ID card, a passport, a birth certificate, or a Social Security card — the DMV accepts multiple documents, so check the form for the full list.
Mail your completed form and documents to the address listed on the form itself, which varies by region. Include the renewal fee of $39 (or the current fee if it has changed). The DMV will process your process and mail your new card to you within two to three weeks. Do not mail your old card — keep it until the new one arrives.
In-person renewal at a DMV office
You can renew your ID card in person at any DMV office in California. You will need to make an appointment through the DMV website or by calling 1-800-777-0133. Walk-ins are not accepted at most offices, though a few locations still take them on a limited basis — check your local office's page on dmv.ca.gov to see if yours does.
Bring your current ID card, proof of California residency, and proof of identity. The same documents that work for mail renewal work in person. You will also need to bring the renewal fee. At your appointment, a DMV employee will take a new photo, verify your information, and process your process. In many cases you can receive your new card the same day, though some offices mail it instead.
In-person renewal is the only option if your ID card expired more than five years ago, if you have changed your legal name, or if you need to update your address or physical description. It is also the fastest way to get a replacement if your card was lost or stolen.
What documents you need for any renewal method
| Document Type | What Counts | Required for All Methods? |
|---|---|---|
| Proof of Identity | Current ID card, passport, birth certificate, Social Security card, or driver's license | Yes, unless renewing online |
| Proof of California Residency | Utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within 60 days | Yes, unless renewing online |
| Current ID Card | Your existing California ID card | Yes for in-person; recommended for mail |
| Renewal Fee | $39 for a five-year card (subject to change) | Yes for all methods |
If you are renewing online, you do not need to submit physical documents — the DMV verifies your information against its existing records. For mail and in-person renewal, the DMV is strict about document dates and types, so review the form instructions before you submit or visit an office.
What to do if your card was lost, stolen, or damaged
If your ID card is lost, stolen, or damaged, you cannot renew it by mail or online. You must go to a DMV office in person and request a replacement. Bring proof of identity and proof of California residency, just as you would for a regular renewal. You will also need to pay the replacement fee, which is the same as the renewal fee ($39).
If your card was stolen, you may want to report it to local police and keep a copy of the report for your records, though the DMV does not require it. If your card is damaged but still readable, you can try renewing online or by mail — the DMV will decide whether to accept it or require you to come in person.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my ID card before it expires?
Yes. You can renew up to six months before your card expires. This is useful if you know you will need a new card soon or if you want to update your photo or address. The new card will have a new expiration date five years from the date you renew.
What if I changed my name since my last ID card?
You cannot renew online if your legal name has changed. You must renew in person at a DMV office and bring a document proving the name change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The DMV will issue a new card with your current legal name.
How long does it take to get my new card?
Online renewal takes one to two weeks by mail. Mail renewal takes two to three weeks. In-person renewal can be same-day at some offices, though others mail the card to you after your appointment. Check your local DMV office's page to see what to expect.
Do I need to bring my old card to renew?
For online renewal, you need your card number but do not mail the card itself. For mail renewal, it is recommended but not required. For in-person renewal, bring it with you. Do not mail your old card to the DMV unless they specifically ask you to.
What if my renewal fee payment is rejected?
If you are renewing online and your card or payment is declined, the DMV will show an error message and you can try again with a different payment method. For mail renewal, include a check or money order made out to the DMV. If payment fails, the DMV will contact you by mail.