California driver's licenses renew by mail, online, or in person depending on your age and when yours expires

You can renew your California driver's license up to 60 days before it expires or up to one year after it expires. The fastest route is online through the DMV website if you're between 18 and 70, have a Real ID, and your license hasn't been suspended or revoked. If you don't meet those conditions, you'll renew by mail or at a DMV office. The process takes different amounts of time depending on which method you choose — online renewals typically process in a few days, while mail can take two to three weeks.

Your renewal notice arrives about 60 days before your expiration date. That notice contains a renewal code you'll need for the online process. If you don't receive one, you can still renew, but you'll need your driver's license number and date of birth instead.

Key Takeaways

  • Online renewal through the DMV website is the fastest option if you're 18 to 70, have a Real ID, and your license is in good standing.
  • Mail renewal takes two to three weeks and works for most drivers, but you'll need to send in your current license or a completed DL 44 form.
  • In-person renewal at a DMV office is required if you're over 70, have a suspended license, or need to update your photo or address.
  • You can renew up to 60 days early or up to one year late, but driving with an expired license is illegal even if you've started the renewal process.
  • Your new license arrives by mail within two weeks of approval; you can drive on your old license until the new one arrives if you renewed before expiration.

Online renewal through the DMV website

Go to dmv.ca.gov and select "Renew Your Driver License" from the homepage. You'll need your renewal code from the notice the DMV sent you, or your driver's license number and date of birth. The system will ask you to verify your identity by answering security questions based on your DMV records.

Online renewal costs $39 for a four-year license or $64 for an eight-year license. You pay by credit card, debit card, or electronic check. Once you submit, the DMV processes your renewal within a few business days and mails your new license. You can drive on your old license until the new one arrives.

You cannot renew online if you're over 70, if your license has been suspended or revoked, if you need to change your address or photo, or if you've had a name change since your last renewal. You also cannot renew online if your current license is a Real ID and you need to update your address — address changes require an in-person visit.

Mail renewal with a completed form

read or request the DL 44 form (process for California Driver License) from the DMV website or pick one up at any DMV office. Fill out sections 1 through 4 and sign it. Include your current driver's license or a copy of it, and mail everything to the address listed on the form.

Processing takes two to three weeks from the date the DMV receives your envelope. Include a check or money order for the renewal fee ($39 for four years, $64 for eight years) — do not send cash. Mail your renewal at least three weeks before your license expires to avoid driving with an expired license.

Mail renewal works for drivers of any age and for those with address changes or photo updates. However, if you need to change your name, you'll need to visit a DMV office in person and bring a certified copy of the document that shows your name change (marriage certificate, court order, or other legal document).

In-person renewal at a DMV office

Visit your local DMV office with your current driver's license, proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 90 days), and proof of your Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2, or 1099 form). Bring a completed DL 44 form if you're updating your address or photo, though the DMV can provide one at the office.

Bring your renewal notice if you have it, but it's not required. If you're renewing after your license has expired, bring the expired license anyway — it helps the DMV locate your record. Processing at the office takes 15 to 30 minutes on average, though wait times vary by location and time of day.

In-person renewal is required if you're over 70, if your license has been suspended or revoked, if you need a new photo, or if you've had a name change. You'll take a new photo at the office (unless you're over 70 and your last photo is less than 10 years old — you can keep your existing photo). Your new license is mailed to you within two weeks.

What happens if your license expires before you finish renewing

Driving with an expired license is illegal in California, even if you've submitted a renewal process. If you're pulled over, you can be cited. However, if you renewed before your license expired and your new license hasn't arrived yet, you can drive on your old license as proof that you've started the renewal process — keep the old license with you.

If your license has already expired and you haven't renewed it, you must renew in person at a DMV office. You cannot use online or mail renewal once your license is expired. Bring your expired license, proof of residency, and proof of your Social Security number.

If your license expired more than one year ago, you may need to retake the written test and vision test. Contact your local DMV office before visiting to confirm what documents and tests you'll need.

Real ID requirements for online renewal

Your current California driver's license must be a Real ID to renew online. Real ID licenses have a small gold star in the upper right corner. If your license doesn't have a star, you'll need to renew in person or by mail.

If you're renewing by mail or in person and your current license is not a Real ID, you can request a Real ID license at the same time. You'll need to bring proof of identity (passport, birth certificate, or other document), proof of Social Security number, and two documents showing your current address. The cost is the same as a standard renewal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if it's been suspended?

No, you must visit a DMV office in person. The DMV will check your driving record and explain why your license was suspended. You may need to complete a suspension period, pay a reinstatement fee, or complete a traffic safety course before you can renew. Contact your local DMV office to find out what's required in your case.

What if I moved and my address changed since my last renewal?

If you're renewing online, you cannot change your address — you'll need to renew by mail or in person. For mail renewal, fill out the DL 44 form with your new address. For in-person renewal, bring proof of your new address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 90 days).

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

Online and mail renewals take two to three weeks from approval. In-person renewals also take two weeks from the date you visit the office. You can drive on your old license until your new one arrives if you renewed before your license expired. If your license is already expired, you cannot drive until your new license arrives.

Do I need to take a new photo when I renew?

For online and mail renewal, you keep your existing photo. For in-person renewal, you take a new photo unless you're over 70 and your last photo is less than 10 years old. If you want a new photo for online or mail renewal, you must renew in person.

What if I lost my renewal notice?

You can still renew online without the renewal code — use your driver's license number and date of birth instead. The DMV will verify your identity by asking security questions. If you prefer to renew by mail, you don't need the notice at all; just fill out the DL 44 form and mail it with your current license.