Drivers 70+ in California Can Now Renew License for Five More Months Online

In California, people over 70 years old have until March 15 to renew their driver's licenses or IDs. They can do so by mail or online. Those eligible to renew their licenses or IDs using the internet or mail can do so until the end of 2022, even if their renewal notice says they must go to a Department of Motor Vehicles field office.

In October 2020, Gavin Newsom temporarily exempted older drivers from going to a field office to renew their licenses. Then, in September 2021, he signed legislation that allowed people to renew their IDs or licenses online or by mail until December 31, 2022. This option has helped minimize the number of people going to the Department of Motor Vehicles' facilities during the COVID-19 outbreak.

The Department of Motor Vehicles encourages people with valid Real ID cards and driver's licenses to take advantage of this extension until December 2022. According to Steve Gordon, the director of the Department of Motor Vehicles, the agency has made its services more accessible online to make it easier for customers.

Driver's licenses and IDs should be renewed before they expire. Those who can do so by mail or through email should try to do so at least eight weeks before their IDs or licenses expire. They should mail their renewal notice or bring their IDs when they get their mail.

For those trying to get a Real ID for the first time, this process still requires a visit to a field office. Drivers and ID holders can now complete their applications online or by uploading their documents before going to a field office.

The agency has made it easier for customers to complete transactions by reducing their time in its facilities. For instance, it's recommended that people use online services to complete vehicle registration renewals and driver's license applications.

To learn more about how to use the online services of the Department of Motor Vehicles, customers can watch a video that explains the process. They can also access the agency's website to complete their transactions.