How to Renew Your California Driver's License

What You Need to Know About California Driver's License Renewal

You can renew your California driver's license online, by mail, or in person at a DMV office. The method you use depends on your age, how long your license has been expired, and whether you need to update your address or other information. Most people renew online through the DMV website, which takes about 10 minutes and costs $39 for a four-year license or $69 for an eight-year license.

Your license is valid for four or eight years depending on your age when you renew. The DMV sends you a renewal notice about 60 days before your license expires, but you do not have to wait for that notice to start the process. You can renew up to six months before your expiration date.

Key Takeaways

Online renewal through dmv.ca.gov takes about 10 minutes and works if your license is not expired and you have not had a major change in your medical condition or vision.
You must renew in person if your license has been expired for more than five years, if you need to change your address, or if you have a commercial driver's license.
The DMV charges $39 for a four-year renewal or $69 for an eight-year renewal, and you pay by credit card, debit card, or electronic check online.
After you renew online, your new license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days, and you can drive legally with your old license until the new one arrives.
If you renew in person, bring your current license, proof of California residency, and proof of your Social Security number.

Renewing Your License Online

Online renewal is the fastest option if your license is not expired and you meet the basic requirements. Go to dmv.ca.gov, click on "Online Services," and select "Renew Your Driver's License." You will need your current driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a credit or debit card to pay the renewal fee.

You cannot renew online if your license expired more than five years ago, if you have a commercial driver's license (CDL), if you need to change your address, or if you have reported a change in your medical condition or vision. You also cannot renew online if you are under 18 or if you have a license from another state that you are converting to a California license.

After you submit your online renewal, you will receive a confirmation number. Your new license is mailed to the address on file and should arrive within 7 to 10 business days. You can continue to drive with your current license until the new one arrives. If you do not receive your new license within 15 days, contact the DMV at 1-800-777-0133.

Renewing Your License in Person at a DMV Office

You must renew in person if your license has been expired for more than five years, if you have a commercial driver's license, if you need to change your address, or if you have had a significant change in your medical condition or vision. You will also need to renew in person if you want to change your name, update your organ donor status, or if you are converting a license from another state.

Bring your current driver's license, proof of your Social Security number (such as a Social Security card, W-2 form, or 1099 form), and proof of your California residency (such as a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days). If you are changing your address, bring the new proof of residency for that address.

Visit dmv.ca.gov/appointments to schedule an appointment at your local DMV office. Walk-ins are accepted, but appointments are faster and you are less likely to wait. The renewal fee is the same whether you renew online or in person: $39 for four years or $69 for eight years. You can pay by cash, check, credit card, or debit card.

Renewing Your License by Mail

The DMV allows mail renewal only in specific situations. You can renew by mail if you are over 70 years old, if you have a military address, or if you are renewing a license that is not yet expired. You cannot renew by mail if your license has already expired.

If you are may be able to access, the DMV will send you a renewal notice in the mail about 60 days before your license expires. The notice includes a mail-in form and instructions. Fill out the form, include a check or money order for the renewal fee, and mail it back to the address shown on the form. Processing takes about two to three weeks after the DMV receives your form.

What Happens If Your License Is Expired

If your license expired fewer than five years ago, you can renew it online or in person using the same process as a regular renewal. You will pay the standard renewal fee, and your new license will be valid for four or eight years from the date you renew.

If your license expired more than five years ago, you cannot renew it — you must explore for a new license instead. This requires an in-person visit to a DMV office, a written test, a driving test, and a vision test. You will also need to provide proof of your identity, Social Security number, and California residency. The fee for a new license is $39 for four years or $69 for eight years, plus any test fees.

Scam Alert: Fake DMV Renewal Websites

Scammers create fake websites that look like dmv.ca.gov to steal your personal information and money. These sites often appear in search results or in emails claiming your license is about to expire. The real DMV website is always dmv.ca.gov — check the web address carefully before you enter any information.

The DMV will never ask you to renew your license through email, text message, or a link in an email. If you receive an email or text claiming to be from the DMV, do not click any links. Instead, go directly to dmv.ca.gov or call 1-800-777-0133 to verify whether the message is real.

Never pay a renewal fee to anyone except the official DMV website or a DMV office. If you pay through a third-party website or service, you are not renewing your license — you are giving your money and personal information to a scammer.

Understanding Your License Expiration Date and Renewal Timeline

Your California driver's license expires on your birthday in the year shown on the front of your license. You can renew starting six months before that date. The DMV sends a renewal notice about 60 days before your expiration date, but you do not have to wait for it.

If you renew before your license expires, your new license will be valid for four or eight years from your current expiration date, not from the date you renew. This means you do not lose any time on your license by renewing early. If you renew after your license expires, your new license is valid for four or eight years from the date you renew.

Driving with an expired license is illegal in California, even if you have already started the renewal process. If you are stopped by law enforcement, you can show proof that you have renewed online (your confirmation number), but this does not may provide you will not be cited. Renew before your expiration date to avoid this risk.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if I have moved out of California?

No. You must have a California address to renew a California driver's license. If you have moved to another state, you need to get a driver's license from that state. If you have moved temporarily but still live in California, update your address with the DMV before you renew.

What if I lost my driver's license and need to renew it?

You cannot renew a license you have lost. Instead, you must report it lost to the DMV and explore for a replacement license. You can report a lost license online at dmv.ca.gov or in person at a DMV office. A replacement license costs $39 for four years or $69 for eight years.

Do I have to take a new photo when I renew online?

No. When you renew online, the DMV uses your existing photo from your current license. If you want a new photo, you must renew in person at a DMV office. You can also request a new photo in person even if you are not renewing your license.

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

Online renewals are mailed within 7 to 10 business days. In-person renewals may give you a temporary license to use while your permanent license is mailed, which typically arrives within 7 to 10 business days. If you do not receive your license within 15 days, contact the DMV at 1-800-777-0133.

Can I renew my commercial driver's license online?

No. Commercial driver's licenses (CDLs) must be renewed in person at a DMV office. You will need to provide your current CDL, proof of your Social Security number, proof of California residency, and proof of your medical certification. You may also need to take a written test depending on your endorsements.

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.