✅ Updated February 2022
Everything you demand to know almost your California Driver License Renewal

Wondering what you lot need and how you can renew your California Commuter'south License? Read on!

Here are some basic facts on your driver'south license:

  • Your California driver'southward license expires every 5 years on your birthday(or until the engagement you lot're legally authorized to stay in USA )
  • To be eligible to renew your license, it must expire within 60 days or already be expired - the California DMV will mail y'all a renewal notice 2 months before the expiration
  • You can renew your license online even if it is expired
  • You tin renew your commuter'due south license online, in-person or by mail depending on the condition of your driver's license (valid, expired, lost) and your age - each renewal procedure is outlined beneath

How do you renew your California driver's license online?

You are eligible for online renewal if you:

  • Are not irresolute your address
  • Are not on driving intermission or probation
  • Take a driver's license from only one state
  • Have not violated a written promise to announced in court in the last ii years
  • Your last 2 consecutive renewals were non by post
  • Practice not need to take the written examination
  • Are non a senior commuter (lxx years erstwhile or older)

Important Note:To lath a domestic flight in  Oct 2022 y'all will need a federally complaint ID, such as a Existent ID commuter'due south license. An in-person DMV visit is required for this. To renew to see Federal Real ID compliance standards make a DMV date here.

How do you renew your California driver'southward license in person?

You must renew in person if you are 70 years onetime or older, your license will expire in more than than lx days, your concluding 2 renewals were not completed in person, or you need to take a written test.

To renew in person:

  • Complete your Driver's License awarding:  (to relieve time, do information technology ahead of time online!)
  • Schedule a DMV engagement  (select renew commuter'southward license choice)
  • Bring your required documents to your appointment. For US citizens, these include:
    • Identification documents and proof of legal presence: California state ID
    • SSN
    • ii proofs of California residency - mortgage or utility bills (including phone bills), rental or lease agreement, bank statements
    • (If applicable) Legal documents stating proper noun alter
    • $36 renewal fee in cash or debit

How exercise you renew your California driver's license by mail?

You lot are eligible for mail service renewal if:

  • Your license is expiring inside 60 days
  • Are not on driving probation or suspension
  • Did not renew your last two times by postal service
  • Y'all have a DL in merely one state
  • Are non renewing a CDL (*all CDL holders must renew in person)
  • Are not applying for a Real ID
  • Have non violated a hope to appear in court in the final 2 years
  • Do not need to take the written test
  • Are not a senior driver (seventy years quondam or older)

To renew your license past mail:

  • Complete the renewal discover that the California DMV will post you lot around lx days earlier your license expires or; DL 410 FO: California Driver License Renewal Past Mail Eligibility Information form
  • Set a $36 renewal fee check and write your license number on the back
  • Post your renewal notice or FL 410 FO and the cheque to:
    • Section of Motor Vehicles
      ATTN: Renewal By Mail Unit
      P.O. Box 942890
      Sacramento, CA 94290

What if my California driver'south license is expired, suspended, or lost?

  • For an expired license, you can still renew online, in person, or by mail. There are no late fees. Remember, it is illegal for yous to drive until your license is renewed.  Besides, if you're a commercial commuter and your CDL has been expired over 2 (two) years, you lot'll demand to take the road skills examination over again.
  • For a suspended driver'southward license, yous'll need to get your driving privileges back before you lot can renew. You can find out more data here.
  • For a lost or stolen driver'south license, first, click hither to study your missing ID to the CA DMV via their electronic mail address. If you're lost, stolen, or damaged card is up for renewal, you can use the above methods to renew information technology.

🚀 Pro-Tip: Always make a DMV appointment.


More California Questions?

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