How to Renew Your California Driver's License Online or In Person

California driver's license renewal through DMV

You can renew your California driver's license online, by mail, or in person at a DMV office. The method you use depends on how much time is left before your license expires, whether you need to change information, and whether you want to renew for four or eight years. Most people renew online through the California DMV website at dmv.ca.gov, which takes about 10 minutes and costs less than renewing in person.

Your license expires on your birthday. You can renew it up to 60 days before that date or up to one year after it expires. If you renew before it expires, your new license will be mailed to you within 10 to 14 business days. If you wait until after it expires, you may need to visit a DMV office instead.

Key Takeaways

Online renewal through dmv.ca.gov is the fastest option for most people and takes about 10 minutes if you meet the requirements.
You can renew online only if your license is not suspended or revoked, you have not had any major violations in the past 10 years, and your address on file is current.
If you renew online, you will receive your new license by mail in 10 to 14 business days and do not need to visit a DMV office.
Mail renewal is available if you cannot renew online, but it takes longer and requires you to submit documents by post.
In-person renewal at a DMV office is required if your license is expired by more than one year or if you need to update your photo or address.

Online renewal requirements and how to start

To renew online, you must meet several conditions. Your license cannot be suspended or revoked. You cannot have had any major violations — such as a DUI, reckless driving, or driving with a suspended license — in the past 10 years. Your address on file with the DMV must be current. You must be renewing for a standard four-year or eight-year term, not a commercial license or a license with special restrictions.

To start, go to dmv.ca.gov and look for the "Online Services" section. Click on "Renew Your Driver's License." You will need your 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 ask you to confirm your address and other information. You will pay the renewal fee by credit card or debit card. The fee is $39 for a four-year renewal or $78 for an eight-year renewal.

After you submit your renewal online, you will receive a confirmation number. Write this down or save the email. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file. If your address has changed, update it before you renew, or your license will arrive at the wrong location.

When you cannot renew online and must use mail or in-person options

If you do not meet the online renewal requirements, you have two other options: mail renewal or in-person renewal at a DMV office.

Mail renewal is available if your license is not suspended or revoked and you are renewing before it expires or within one year of expiration. You will need to fill out Form DL 44 or Form DL 43 (depending on whether you are renewing or renewing with changes), include a new photo, and mail the form and fee to the address listed on the DMV website. Mail renewal takes four to six weeks. You will need to include a check or money order for the renewal fee.

In-person renewal at a DMV office is required if your license expired more than one year ago, if you have a suspended or revoked license, if you need to update your photo or address, or if you are renewing a commercial license. You will need to bring your current license, proof of residency (such as a utility bill or lease), and proof of your Social Security number. The DMV will take a new photo and process your renewal on the spot. You will receive a temporary license to use while your permanent license is mailed to you.

Fees and what you will receive

The renewal fee depends on how long you want your license to be valid. A four-year renewal costs $39. An eight-year renewal costs $78. These fees are the same whether you renew online, by mail, or in person. If you renew in person, you may pay by cash, check, debit card, or credit card. Online and mail renewals require a card or check.

When you renew, you will receive a new physical license card in the mail. If you renew online or by mail, the card arrives in 10 to 14 business days. If you renew in person, you receive a temporary paper license when ready and the permanent card arrives in 10 to 14 business days. Your new license will have a new expiration date — four or eight years from the date you renew.

Renewing with a name change or address update

If your name has changed since your last license was issued, you cannot renew online. You must renew by mail or in person. For mail renewal, you will need to include a certified copy of the document that shows your name change — such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. For in-person renewal, bring the original or certified copy of the name change document to the DMV office.

If you need to update your address, you can do this online before you renew. Go to dmv.ca.gov, click "Online Services," and select "Change Your Address." You can update your address without renewing your license. If you update your address online and then renew online, your new license will be mailed to the updated address.

What to do if your license is expired or about to expire

If your license expires soon, renew before the expiration date to avoid any gaps. You can renew up to 60 days before your birthday. If you renew early, your new license will arrive before the old one expires, so you will have a valid license at all times.

If your license has already expired, you can still renew by mail or in person as long as it expired less than one year ago. If it expired more than one year ago, you will need to explore for a new license instead of renewing. This requires an in-person visit, a written test, and a driving test. You will also need to provide proof of residency and proof of your Social Security number.

If you are driving with an expired license, you may be stopped by law enforcement. Driving with an expired license can result in a citation and a fine. Renew your license as soon as possible to avoid this.

Tracking your renewal and what to do if it does not arrive

After you renew online or by mail, you can track the status of your license on dmv.ca.gov. Go to "Online Services" and select "Check process Status." You will need your confirmation number and date of birth. The system will tell you whether your license has been mailed and when it is expected to arrive.

If your license does not arrive within 14 business days of renewal, contact the DMV. You can call 1-800-777-0133 or visit a local DMV office. Have your confirmation number ready. The DMV can check whether your license was mailed and provide a new expected delivery date. If your license was lost in the mail, the DMV can issue a replacement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if I have unpaid traffic tickets or fines?

Yes, you can renew your license even if you have unpaid traffic tickets or fines. However, if you have a suspended license due to unpaid fines, you cannot renew until the suspension is lifted. Contact the DMV or the court that issued the ticket to find out how to resolve the suspension.

What if I want to change my photo but do not want to renew my license yet?

You cannot change your photo without renewing your license. If you want a new photo, you must renew. You can renew online, by mail, or in person. In-person renewal is the fastest way to get a new photo on your license.

Do I need to take a written test or driving test to renew my license?

No, you do not need to take any tests to renew your license. Tests are only required if you are explore for a new license or if your license has been expired for more than one year. Renewal is straightforward updating your existing license.

Can I renew my license if I am out of state?

Yes, you can renew online or by mail from anywhere. Online renewal takes about 10 minutes and your license will be mailed to your California address. If you have moved out of state, update your address on file with the DMV before you renew so your license arrives at the correct location.

What happens if I renew my license but then move to a different address?

You can update your address with the DMV at any time without renewing your license. Go to dmv.ca.gov and select "Change Your Address." Your license will still be valid at your old address, but you should update your address so the DMV has your current information on file.

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.