Renewing your driver’s license probably sounds like a chore. But for California drivers, it’s actually pretty easy — the state DMV has implemented a modern system that offers residents multiple ways to renew their driver’s licenses as conveniently as possible.
Don’t wait for your driver’s license to expire. Renew it following the instructions below so you can keep driving without any interruption.
When to Renew Your California Driver’s License
California residents’ driver’s licenses expire every five years, on your birthday. You can renew your license up to six months before it expires, or up to two months after. You should receive a renewal notice from the DMV through the mail about two months before your license expiration date.
What You Need to Renew Your Driver’s License in California
In order to renew your driver’s license in California, you will need:
- A complete driver’s license application form. You can fill this out at the DMV, or save time by downloading it from the DMV website and filling it out at home.
- Proof of your identity. This can be your old driver’s license, a state ID, a passport, or your social security number.
- Proof of legal presence. Most people use their passport for this.
- Proof of residence. You will need at least two documents proving you reside in the State of California. These can be mortgage or rental documents, utility bills, or any other document that shows your address is in California.
- An appointment at the DMV. If you’re renewing your driver’s license in person, making an appointment will help you save time. However, there are other ways you can renew your license (more on those below).
Cost to Renew Your California Driver’s License
Renewing a standard, Class C driver’s license costs $41. If you need to take a behind-the-wheel driving test, that’s an additional $8.
Replacing a lost, damaged, or stolen driver’s license costs $33.
Driver’s license renewal or replacement fees can be paid by cash, check, credit card, debit card, digital wallet, or money order. Debit or credit card transactions incur additional service fees.
Ways to Renew Your Driver’s License in California
California makes it easier than many other states to renew your driver’s license, with multiple options available for most drivers.
Renewing Your Driver’s License In Person
Most California residents need to appear in person at a DMV field office at least once every 10 years to renew their license (so, every other renewal).
Reasons you must renew your license in person include:
- If you’re applying for a REAL ID for the first time.
- If you’ve changed your home address.
- If you’re 70 years of age or older.
In order to renew your license in person:
- Go to a DMV field office (or make an appointment ahead of time).
- Fill out a Driver’s License Application Form (Form DL 44 or DL 44C). Alternatively, you can download the form and fill it out ahead of time. It must be an original, not a copy.
- Have your thumbprint and photo taken.
- Pay your renewal fee.
- Pass a vision test.
- Take a written driving test, if necessary (for most renewals, this is not required).
- Receive a temporary license that is valid for 90 days. Your permanent license will arrive by mail within 60 days.
Renewing Your Driver’s License by Mail
When you receive your renewal notice in the mail, it may have instructions to renew by mail. To do so, you must meet these eligibility requirements:
- Your current driver’s license must not expire more than 60 days from the date you send in your renewal by mail.
- You must not be 70 years of age or older on the day your driver’s license is set to expire.
- You must not be on any kind of driving probation or suspension.
- You must not have violated any written notice to appear in court in the last two years.
- You must not have already received two consecutive renewals by mail.
- You must not have a driver’s license in more than one state.
If you meet the eligibility requirements, you can renew by mail by taking the following steps:
- Download and fill out a Driver’s License Application Form (Form DL 44 or DL 44C).
- Mail your form, including a check for your renewal fee, to this address:
Department of Motor Vehicles
ATTN: Renewal By Mail Unit
PO Box 942890
Sacramento, CA 94290-0001
Renewing Your Driver’s License by Phone
Not all California residents are eligible to renew their driver’s license by phone. But if you are, your renewal notice that you receive by mail should indicate this, as well as contain instructions, including the number to call.
Note that if you choose to renew your driver’s license by phone, you need to be able to pay by credit or debit card, and this will incur an extra processing fee.
Renewing Your Driver’s License Online
You are eligible to renew your driver’s license online if:
- You received a Renewal by Mail (RBM) Notice along with a Renewal Identification Number (RIN).
- You have not changed your home address in the last five years.
- You have a verified social security number on record with the DMV.
- You are not on any kind of driving probation or suspension.
- You will not be 70 years of age or older on the day your driver’s license is set to expire.
- You have not violated any written notice to appear in court in the last two years.
- You have not already received two consecutive renewals by mail.
If you meet all the eligibility requirements, you can renew your driver’s license online by following these steps:
- Go to the official DMV website.
- Click the “Driver’s License & ID Cards” tab.
- Choose “Renew.”
- Follow the on-screen instructions.
Note that if you choose to renew your driver’s license online, you need to be able to pay by credit or debit card, and this will incur an extra processing fee.
What to Do if Your Driver’s License is Lost, Damaged, or Stolen
If your driver’s license is lost, damaged, or stolen, the first thing you should do is report it to the DMV. You can do this by calling 1-800-777-0133.
You can apply for a replacement ID either online or in person. If you choose to apply online:
- Go to the official DMV website.
- Click the “Driver’s License & ID Cards” tab.
- Choose “Order a Replacement.”
- Follow the on-screen instructions.
Note that if you order a replacement driver’s license online, you need to be able to pay by credit or debit card, and this will incur an extra processing fee. It will also take 3-4 weeks for your replacement driver’s license to be mailed to you.
If you need a driver’s license sooner than that, you must apply for a replacement in person. To do so, go to any DMV field office. You can save time by making an appointment in advance. Make sure to bring all the materials from the “What You Need to Renew Your Driver’s License in California” section of this article.
What to Do if Your Driver’s License is Expired
The State of California still allows you to renew your driver’s license without penalty for up to 60 days after it expires. Just note that during those 60 days, your license is not valid and you cannot legally drive. If you’re still within 60 days of your license expiration date, you can renew it using any method you are eligible for.
If it has been more than 60 days since your driver’s license expired, you’ll have to apply for a new driver’s license, which has more requirements than a simple renewal. If it has been more than two years since your driver’s license expired, you’ll need to apply for a new license, as well as take a road skills test.
What to Do if Your Driver’s License is Suspended
If your driver’s license is suspended, you cannot renew it until your driving privileges have been reinstated. Contact the DMV for more information, as situations vary depending on each individual’s circumstances.
How to Renew Your California Driver’s License from Out-of-State
If you are a California resident who will be temporarily outside of the state when your driver’s license is set to expire, you can request a free one-year renewal. Before your license expires, you must send a letter to the DMV requesting the renewal. The letter must include:
- Your name.
- Your driver’s license number.
- Your California address.
- Your date of birth.
- Your out-of-state address.
Send your letter to:
Department of Motor Vehicles
P.O. Box 942890
Sacramento, CA 94290
How to Renew Your California Driver’s License if You’re Active Duty Military
If you’re a California resident on active duty serving somewhere outside the state, you don’t need to worry about renewing your driver’s license before it expires, as long as you have the DL 236 card (Extension of License for Person in Armed Forces card). If you have this card, then you and your spouse will be able to use your driver’s licenses past their expiry dates.
Once you return to California, you have 30 days to renew your driver’s license.
How to Renew Your California Driver’s License if You’re a Non-U.S. Citizen
If you are a non-U.S. citizen using a provisional license, you can request to extend it before it expires. The California DMV will send you instructions by mail. If you do not receive them by two months before your provisional license is set to expire, contact the DMV.
