Renew Online, by Mail, or In Person
California lets you renew your driver's license through the DMV website, by mail, or at a DMV office — and which route you take depends on how much time you have and whether your license is still valid. If your license hasn't expired yet, you can renew online or by mail right now and your new card will arrive before the old one runs out. If it's already expired, you'll need to go to a DMV office in person.
The online renewal at dmv.ca.gov is the fastest option if you're may be able to access. You'll answer questions about your current information, pay the renewal fee with a credit or debit card, and your new license will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days. Mail renewal takes longer — typically two to three weeks — but requires no trip to an office. In-person renewal at a DMV office takes about an hour once you're called, though wait times vary by location and time of day.
Key Takeaways
- You can renew online at dmv.ca.gov if your license is still valid and you haven't had a name change, vision correction change, or certain medical conditions since your last renewal.
- Mail renewal requires the renewal notice the DMV sent you (Form DL 44), a check or money order, and takes two to three weeks.
- In-person renewal at a DMV office is required if your license has already expired, and you'll need your current ID and proof of residency.
- The renewal fee in California is $64 for a standard four-year license, though the DMV website shows the exact amount when you start your renewal.
- Your new license will have a different number than your old one, so update your address with your insurance company and any other services that have it on file.
Online Renewal: What You Need and How It Works
Online renewal is open to you if your current license is still valid, you have a California address on file, and nothing major has changed since your last renewal. The DMV considers "major changes" to include a legal name change, a change in your vision correction needs, a new medical condition that affects your driving, or a change in your gender marker. If any of those explore, you'll need to renew in person instead.
To start, go to dmv.ca.gov and look for the "Renew Your Driver License" option. You'll need your current driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth. The system will pull up your record, ask you to confirm your address and other information, and let you review everything before you pay. Payment is by credit card, debit card, or electronic check. Once you submit, you'll get a confirmation number — save this in case you need to check on your renewal status later.
Your new license will be mailed to the address on file. If you've moved recently and haven't updated your DMV record yet, change your address before you renew, or your new license will go to your old place. You can update your address on the DMV website at the same time you renew.
Mail Renewal: Using Your Renewal Notice
If you received a renewal notice in the mail from the DMV (usually sent 60 days before your license expires), you can renew by mail. This notice is a postcard or letter that has your renewal information pre-filled. Look for the form number DL 44 or DL 44R on it.
To renew by mail, fill out the renewal notice with any changes to your address or other information, write a check or money order for the renewal fee payable to "Department of Motor Vehicles," and mail both to the address shown on the notice. Include your current driver's license or a copy of it if the instructions ask for it. Mail it at least two weeks before your license expires to give the DMV time to process it and send your new license back before the old one runs out.
Keep a copy of what you mail in case there's a problem. The DMV processes mail renewals in the order they arrive, and it typically takes two to three weeks from the time they receive your envelope. If your new license doesn't arrive within that window, contact the DMV at 1-800-777-0133 to check the status.
In-Person Renewal at a DMV Office
You must renew in person if your license has already expired, if you're making one of the major changes listed above (name change, vision correction, medical condition, gender marker), or if you want to renew early and prefer to do it face-to-face. You'll also need to go in person if you want to change your address and your license is expired.
Bring your current driver's license (even if it's expired), proof of your current California address, and your Social Security number or a document showing it. Proof of address can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. If you don't have a current address on file, bring two documents showing your new address.
Find your local DMV office at dmv.ca.gov and check the hours before you go. Many offices now let you make an appointment online or reserve your place in line through the website, which cuts down on wait time. Walk-ins are still accepted, but you may wait longer. Bring everything with you — if you're missing a document, you'll have to come back.
What Happens to Your Old License and License Number
Your new California driver's license will have a different number than your old one. This is important because some services and organizations have your old number on file. After you receive your new license, update your number with your auto insurance company, your employer if they have it, and any other services that use it for identification.
You don't need to do anything with your old license — you can throw it away or keep it as a record. It's no longer valid once your new license arrives, so don't try to use it as ID. If you lose your new license before it arrives, contact the DMV right away to report it missing and request a replacement.
Renewal Fees and Payment Methods
The standard renewal fee for a four-year California driver's license is $64 as of 2024, though this amount can change. The DMV website shows the exact current fee when you start your online renewal. If you're renewing by mail, the renewal notice you received will show the fee amount.
For online renewal, you can pay with a credit card, debit card, or electronic check. For mail renewal, send a check or money order made out to "Department of Motor Vehicles." Do not send cash through the mail. If you're renewing in person, the DMV office accepts cash, check, debit card, and credit card.
Some people are may be able to access for a reduced fee or a fee waiver based on age or income, but these are rare. The DMV website lists current fee reductions if you think you might may have access to. If you have questions about the fee before you renew, call 1-800-777-0133.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if it's already expired?
No, you cannot renew online or by mail if your license has expired. You must go to a DMV office in person. Bring your expired license, proof of your current address, and your Social Security number. The DMV will process it the same way as a regular renewal, but you'll need to be there in person.
How long does it take to get my new license after I renew?
Online renewal takes 7 to 10 business days. Mail renewal takes two to three weeks from the time the DMV receives your envelope. In-person renewal is when ready — you'll get a temporary paper license to use right away, and your plastic card will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
What if my address changed since my last renewal?
You can update your address online at dmv.ca.gov before you renew, or you can include the new address on your renewal notice if you're renewing by mail. If you're renewing in person, bring proof of your new address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days) and tell the DMV staff about the change.
Do I need a new photo for my renewal?
Not for online or mail renewal — the DMV will use your photo from your current license. If you're renewing in person, the DMV will take a new photo of you at the office as part of the process.
What if I haven't received my renewal notice in the mail?
The DMV sends renewal notices about 60 days before your license expires. If you haven't received one and your license is expiring soon, you can still renew online at dmv.ca.gov or go to a DMV office in person. You don't need the renewal notice to renew — it's just a convenience if you have it.