How to Renew Your Drivers License in California

You can renew your California drivers license online, by mail, or in person at a DMV office. Most people can renew online at dmv.ca.govDriver Licenses Identification Cards Dl Renewal PortalDriver Licenses Identification Cards Dl Renewal Portal in about 5 minutes. The renewal fee is $45 for a standard Class C license.

Here's how each renewal method works and which one you qualify for.

How Do I Renew My Drivers License Online?

Online renewal is the fastest option. You can renew online if you:

Are within 90 days before or 12 months after your expiration date
Don't need to change your address or personal description
Aren't applying for a REAL ID for the first time
Don't have a commercial drivers license

To renew online:

Go to dmv.ca.gov/portal/driver-licenses-identification-cards/dl-renewalDriver Licenses Identification Cards Dl Renewal PortalDriver Licenses Identification Cards Dl Renewal Portal
Log in or create a DMV online account
Verify your information
Pay the $45 renewal fee

Your new license arrives by mail within 3–4 weeks.

How Do I Renew My Drivers License by Mail?

You can renew by mail if all of the following are true:

Your license expires within 120 days
You're not on driving probation or suspension
You haven't had two consecutive mail/online renewals
You don't have a license from another state
You're not applying for a REAL ID for the first time

To renew by mail:

Complete your renewal notice or download the DL 410 FO form (PDF)File California Driver License Renewal By Mail Eligibility Information Dl 410 Fo Pdf Portal
Write a check for $45 (include your license number on the check)
Mail to: Department of Motor Vehicles, ATTN: Renewal By Mail Unit, PO Box 942890, Sacramento, CA 94290-0001

How Do I Renew My Drivers License in Person?

You must renew in person if:

You're 70 years old or older
You're required to take a knowledge test
You're applying for a REAL ID for the first time
Your last two renewals were by mail or online
You have a commercial drivers license

What to bring:

Your renewal notice or a completed DL 44 applicationDriver Licenses Identification Cards Dl Id Online App Edl 44 Portal
Payment for the $45 renewal fee
REAL ID documents (if upgrading): proof of identity, Social Security number, and two proofs of California residency

At the DMV, you'll:

Provide your thumbprint
Pass a vision exam
Have your photo taken
Take a knowledge test (if required — your renewal notice will specify)

You'll receive a temporary license valid for 60 days. Your permanent card arrives by mail within 3–4 weeks.

How Much Does It Cost to Renew a California Drivers License?

License Type	Renewal Fee
Class C (standard)	$45
Motorcycle (M1/M2)	$45
Noncommercial Class A or B	$45
Commercial Class A or B	$58
Commercial Class C	$58

Credit and debit card payments include a 1.95% service fee online or 2.1% in person. Paying by bank account or check has no additional fee.

Fees are subject to change — verify at dmv.ca.govDriver Licenses Identification Cards Licensing Fees Portal.

What If My License Is Already Expired?

You can still renew online or by mail up to 12 months after expiration with no late fee. However, driving with an expired license is illegal and you can be cited.

If your license has been expired for more than 12 months, you may need to reapply in person and retake the knowledge test.

What About REAL ID?

As of May 7, 2025, you need a REAL ID (or passport or military ID) to board domestic flights and enter secure federal facilities.

If you already have a REAL ID, you can renew it online. If you're upgrading to a REAL ID for the first time, you must visit a DMV office in person with proof of identity, Social Security number, and California residencyDriver Licenses Identification Cards Real Id Portal.

FAQ

When should I renew my California drivers license?

You can renew up to 90 days before your expiration date. The DMV sends a renewal notice about 4 months before your license expires.

How long does a California drivers license last?

California drivers licenses are valid for 5 years from the date of issue. Your expiration date is on your birthday.

Can I renew my license if it's suspended?

No. You must reinstate your driving privileges before you can renew. Contact the DMV to find out what's required based on the reason for your suspension.

What if I'm out of state when my license expires?

You can request a free 1-year extension by mailing a letter with your name, license number, California address, birth date, and out-of-state address to: Department of Motor Vehicles, PO Box 942890, Sacramento, CA 94290.

Do military members need to renew?

Active-duty military members and their spouses can drive on an expired California license until 30 days after honorable discharge.

Need to pass a knowledge test to renew?

If the DMV requires you to retake the written test, Aceable's California drivers edCalifornia Drivers EdCalifornia Drivers Ed includes unlimited practice exams to help you prepare.

Start practicing →California Drivers EdCalifornia Drivers Ed