Driver’s License & Vehicle Registration California

California Driver’s License Renewal: Step by Step + FAQs

By Prateek Agarwal
Updated October 09, 2024

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Key Takeaways

California residents can renew their driver’s licenses online, by mail, in person, or at a DMV kiosk.
Seniors aged 70+ must apply for a new license in person. The same goes for drivers who need to change the name, address, or other personal details that appear on their licenses.
The DMV will send you a renewal notice by mail about four months before your driver’s license expires.
Driving with an expired license is illegal and can lead to fines of up to $1,000.
Most drivers don’t have to take any tests to renew their licenses. All you need to do is fill out an application form and submit the necessary documents.

Renewing your driver’s license probably sounds like a chore. But California DMV driver’s license renewal is actually pretty easy.

In this guide, we’ll tell you everything you should know about California driver’s license renewal. Read on to see what documents you need, how to renew an expired license, and more.

Ways to Renew Your Driver’s License in California

Except for certain groups, most California residents can renew their driver’s licenses online. Here’s an overview of all the ways you can renew your license.

Online: If you go this route, you’ll create a MyDMV account and complete an online application.
At a DMV kiosk: Submit your registration renewal application at a local DMV kiosk.
By mail: If eligible, you can fill out and mail in the California Driver License Renewal By Mail Eligibility Information (DL 410 FO) form to the DMV.
In-person: Fill out the application form online or in person and then book an appointment with the DMV. In general, only drivers with certain medical conditions, and drivers with a history of violations may have to do any testing to renew their license. A test could also be required if your driver’s license has been expired for an extended period.

Expect to receive a renewal notification by mail about four months before your license expires.

Eligibility Requirements

If you’re 70 or older, you must renew your driver’s license in person. However, you can apply online and finish the process at a DMV office. See our guide to senior driver’s license renewal in California for more information.

Drivers under 70 can apply online, by mail, or at a DMV kiosk. In some cases, they may need to visit a local DMV office.

Below are the requirements you must meet to renew your license.

Online Renewal

You should be able to request a new driver’s license online if:

You’re under 70
You’re not changing your name, home address, or gender identity
You’re renewing a non-commercial driver’s license
You already have a REAL ID driver’s license issued in California

In-Person License Renewal

Most California residents need to appear in person at a DMV office at least once every 10 years to renew their license. If this is the case, it will be listed on your license renewal notice. In-person application is also required if:

You’re a senior driver (70+)
You’re applying for a California REAL ID for the first time
You want to change your name, home address, or gender identity
You received a notice to renew your driver’s license in person

Driver’s License Renewal by Mail

The DMV may allow you to renew your driver’s license by mail under the following conditions:

You’re under 70 years old
You are not on any kind of driving probation or suspension
You have not violated any written notice to appear in court in the last two years
You haven’t already received two consecutive renewal notices by mail
You don’t have driver’s licenses in multiple states
You already have a REAL ID
You need to renew a non-commercial license
Your current driver’s license will expire within 120 days.

License Renewal at a DMV Kiosk

To qualify for this option, you must be under 70 and keep your current address. Apart from that, the same conditions apply as when renewing your driver’s license online.

What Do I Need to Renew My Driver’s License in California?

In order to renew your driver’s license in California, you need the following documents:

Driver’s license application form: That’s DL 44 for non-commercial licenses.
Proof of identity: You can use your old driver’s license, a state ID, a passport, or your Social Security Number.
Proof of residence: Bring two documents that prove you reside in California (e.g., mortgage or rental documents and utility bills).
Proof of legal presence:
- For a U.S. Citizen: You can use your birth certificate, passport, certificate of citizenship, or Certificate of Naturalization.
- For a non-U.S. Citizen: Bring an Employment Authorization Document, foreign passport with valid U.S. visa, I-20 form or DS-2019 form.
- Drivers who are non-legal residents can apply for an AB 60 license. Different renewal standards will apply.
Form DL 410 FO (California Driver License Renewal by Mail Eligibility Information): Fill out and submit this form only if you’re renewing your license by mail.
Form of payment: Pay cash or with a debit or credit card, money order, or digital wallet. Renewing a standard Class C driver’s license costs $45. But if you need to replace a lost or stolen license, you’ll pay $36. Additional fees may apply if testing is required.

The DMV may require additional documents from seniors or drivers with certain medical issues. That’s actually one of the reasons they must submit their applications in person. For example, seniors who fail the DMV’s vision test may be referred to a specialist. He or she will conduct further testing and then fill out Form DL 62, which you must bring to the DMV.

When Should I Renew My Driver’s License?

California driver’s licenses are valid for five years. However, there are cases where you may need to request a new license sooner than five years, such as when changing your name or home address.

As mentioned earlier, the DMV will send you a mail notification about two months before your license expires. Don’t wait until the last minute to request a new license.

Failure to renew it on time can result in a fine of $240 to $1,000. Plus, driving with an expired license is pretty much like driving without a license from a legal standpoint.

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 by calling 1-800-777-0133.

Next, 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 Replacement DL”
Follow the on-screen instructions

Your driver’s license should arrive by mail within three to four weeks. If you need it sooner, go to any DMV office to apply in person.

Make sure to bring all the materials you’ll need – these will be the same as if you were applying for a renewal.

What to Do If Your Driver’s License Is Expired

The State of California 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. You may also have to take a written test.

The State of California doesn’t charge late fees for renewing an expired license. However, you cannot use a license that’s no longer valid.

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’re going to be temporarily outside of the state when your driver’s license is set to expire, you have several options:

Renew your California driver’s license online
Apply for new driver’s license by mail
Request a one-year extension (if you must renew your license in person)

With the third option, you’ll submit a renewal request to the DMV before your license expires. The letter must include:

Your name
Your driver’s license number
Your California address
Your date of birth
Your out-of-state address

Send it to:

Department of Motor Vehicles

P.O. Box 942890

Sacramento, CA 94290

Not that you may not request an extension if you hold a limited-term driver’s license.

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. Just make sure you have the DL 236 card (Extension of License for Person in Armed Forces card).

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

Non-U.S. citizens can obtain three types of non-commercial drivers’ licenses in California:

Standard driver’s license (Non-REAL ID)
REAL ID driver’s license
AB 60 driver’s license

The type of license you have will determine how it will be renewed.

Standard Driver’s License Renewal for Non-U.S. Citizens

This type of license is for non-U.S. citizens with valid immigration status, such as permanent residents or visa holders.

If your immigration status has not changed, you may be able to renew online or by mail. You will need to provide proof of legal presence and identity. If you are renewing in person, you may also need to bring proof of your Social Security Number and California residency. If there have been changes to your immigration status or you need to update any personal information, you may need to renew in person.

Real ID Driver’s License Renewal for Non-U.S. Citizens

This type of license is for non-U.S. citizens who are in the U.S. legally and meet the identification standards for a REAL ID driver’s license.

You must renew this type of driver’s license in person if any of your documents (like your passport or visa) have expired or changed. If your legal presence and other details are unchanged, you may be able to renew online or by mail. Check for instructions on your DMV renewal notice.

AB 60 Driver’s License

This type of driver’s license is for undocumented immigrants. AB 60 licenses are for driving only, and do not count as federal identification.

You may be able to renew an AB 60 license online, by mail, or in person. Check the renewal notice you receive for more instructions.

FAQs about Driver’s License Renewal in California

How often do seniors have to renew their driver’s license in California?

The State of California requires seniors to renew their driver’s licenses every five years.

At what age do seniors have to take a driving test in California?

If you’re 70 or older, you may need to take a driving test. However, this requirement only applies to some drivers, such as those with medical conditions that can affect their driving abilities. In the past, seniors had to take a knowledge test when they renewed their license. As of October 1, 2024, a knowledge test is no longer required.

Why am I not eligible to renew my driving license online in California?

You may not be able to renew your driver’s license online if you’re 70 or older. Other possible reasons include:

You need to change your name, address, gender identification, date of birth, or class of license
You’re applying for a REAL ID driver’s license for the first time
You’re renewing a commercial driver’s license
You want to renew an expired or suspended license

Do I need to take a test to renew my driver’s license in California?

Most drivers don’t need to take a test to renew their licenses.

According to the DMV, people with poor driving records may need to take a knowledge test. This includes drivers who meet any of the following conditions:

Two or more accidents during the two years immediately preceding the expiration of the license.
Three or more accidents during the three years immediately preceding the expiration of the license.
A DUI suspension during the two years immediately preceding the expiration date of the license.
A violation point count greater than one within the two years immediately preceding the expiration date of the license.

How far in advance should I renew my California driver’s license?

The DMV will send you a renewal notification within four months or so before your license expires. Stay on the safe side and take the steps needed to get a new license ahead of time (at least two or three weeks in advance).

How long can you drive with an expired license in California?

You cannot drive with an expired license in California. If you do, you might end up paying a fine of $240 to $1,000.

Can I renew my California driver’s license online if it’s expired?

Yes and no. If your driver’s license has recently expired, you may be able to renew it online. But if it expired months ago, you’ll likely have to renew it in person.