California License Renewal Process

Every California driver's license expires five years after it is issued. You have up to six months before your license expires and two months after it has expired to renew it. You should receive a renewal notification in the mail from the California DMV about two months before your license expires, indicating which CA driver's license renewal alternatives are available.

Requirements to Renew Your Driver's License in CA

If you want to renew your license online, via mail, or by phone, you must meet the following requirements:
  • Your driver's license is about to expire in 60 days.
  • You're under the age of 70.
  • Your driver's license has not been suspended.
  • You're not on driving probation.
  • You didn't send in your renewals the last two times.
  • You have a driver's license that is valid in your home state.
If you haven't appeared in court in the last two years, you won't be able to renew your license online, by phone, or by mail. Which renewal options you have will be determined by your driver's license status. Valid, expired, suspended, or lost/damaged driver licenses fall into one of four categories.

Ways To Renew Your CA Driver's License

You can renew your California driver license in a few different ways:

Renew in Person

You must complete the following steps to renew your license in person:
  • Visit your local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office. Make an appointment to save yourself some time.
  • Fill out an application for a California driver's license or identification card (DL 44 or DL 44C). Provides an original form, not a duplicate.
  • Take a picture of your thumb.
  • Take a picture of yourself.
  • The application cost must be paid.
  • You must pass a vision exam.
  • Whether necessary, take a written test: check your renewal notice to see if you need to take one.
    • Questions about traffic regulations and road signs are included in the test.
    • You only have to answer the first 18 questions (out of 36) on the test, and you must get 15 of them accurate to pass.
    • You have three chances to pass the test.
  • Make sure the DMV has your correct address. If the DMV has the wrong address on file for you, you will need to let them know.
You will be issued a temporary license, valid for 90 days, once you have completed all of these procedures to renew your Califonia driver's license. A new photo license will also be mailed to you. If your new license has not arrived after 60 days, call 1-800-777-0133 to inquire about its status.

Renew by Mail

You must be eligible to renew your driver's license via mail. You must ensure that the following conditions apply to you:
  • Your driver's license will not be valid for longer than 60 days.
  • When your existing driver's license expires, you will not be 70 years old or older.
  • You're not on any driving probation or suspension right now.
  • You have not broken any written promises to appear in court in the last two years.
  • You haven't gotten two five-year extensions in a row through the mail.
  • You don't have more than one state/jurisdictional driver's license.
Fill out a California Driver License Renewal By Mail Eligibility Information form if you are eligible and have not received a letter to renew by mail (DL 410 FO). Then ship it to this address, along with a check for the CA drivers license renewal fee: Department of Motor Vehicles ATTN: Renewal By Mail Unit PO Box 942890 Sacramento, CA 94290-0001

Renew Online

You may be able to renew your California driver's license online if you receive a Renewal by Mail (RBM) Notice accompanied with a Renewal Identification Number (RIN). You must also meet the following requirements:
  • You have access to the Internet.
  • You haven't changed your address or your description.
  • The DMV has your confirmed Social Security number on file.
  • You have a valid credit card (Visa, MasterCard, American Express, or Discover).
If you meet the requirements, follow these procedures to renew your license online:
  • Obtain your RBM notification as well as your credit card.
  • Visit the DMV's official website.
  • Select the Online Services tab from the drop-down menu.
  • Choose Renewal of a Driver's License.
  • To renew your driver's license, follow the guidelines.

Renew By Phone

Your renewal notice will provide the phone number to contact if you can renew by phone. You'll need to supply the Renewal Identification Number listed on the notice during the call. To pay the renewal charge, you'll be prompted for your debit or credit card details.

FAQs About License Renewal in California

How To Renew an Expired License?

Licenses in California can only be renewed for 60 days after expiration. If your license has expired, you must apply for a new driving license (Form DL 44) at a DMV location near you.

How To Renew a Suspended License?

Before renewing an expired driver's license, you must first reinstate your driving privileges. The procedure differs based on the reason for your license suspension. You can also qualify for a restricted permit, akin to a learner's permit.

How To Renew a Lost, Damaged, or Stolen License?

California licenses that have been lost or stolen should be reported to the CA DMV by contacting 1-800-777-0133 or emailing. If your license is about to expire, you have the option of replacing it or simply renewing it.

How to Renew License for Out-of-State Residents?

Residents who will be out of state when their license expires can apply for a one-year extension for free. You must submit a letter containing your name, driving license number, California address, birth date, and out-of-state address before the expiration date. Please send your request to: Department of Motor Vehicles P.O. Box 942890 Sacramento, CA 94290

How to Renew License for CA Military Members?

Military personnel does not have to worry about their licenses expiring. Your California driver's license and that of your spouse will be valid for another 30 days after your honorable discharge. You'll have to go through the standard renewal process if you're a non-active veteran.

How to Renew License for Non-US Citizens?

All non-U.S. citizens are required to sign a non-disclosure agreement. Citizens who have been issued a temporary driver's license must apply for an extension. Before your temporary license expires, the California DMV will send you instructions for extending it. You'll also need to submit the following information:
  • Personal details and birthdays have been updated.
  • Documentation of lawful presence has been updated.