Renewing a Drivers License in California

How to Renew a California Driver’s License

You can renew your CA driver’s license or ID card:

Online*.
By Mail*.
In person.

*If eligible. Eligibility requirements are explained for each option below.

Can I Renew a California Driver’s License Online?

California driver’s license renewal is quick and easy online. You can renew your driver’s license or ID card online as long as you:

Are NOT renewing a commercial driver’s license.
Are NOT applying for a REAL ID for the first time.
Do NOT have to change any information regarding your address, name or gender identity*.

*These updates must be completed before renewal.

How Do I Renew My CA Driver’s License Online?

Renew your license or ID card online by:

Visiting the DMV online portal.
Filling out the renewal application.
Providing payment for the renewal fee.

You will have to login to your DMV Online Services account to begin the process. If you don’t have an account already, you’ll have to create one.

After completing the California driver’s license renewal process the DMV will send you a new card in the mail.

Can I Renew My CA Driver’s License by Mail?

If you are not eligible to renew your license online, you can still do so by mail, provided that you DO NOT:

Turn 70 years old or older before your current license expires.
Hold a license that expires in more than 120 days.
Currently hold a license in another state or jurisdiction (in addition to California).
Have a suspended license or are on driving probation.
Wish to apply for a REAL ID for the first time.
Wish to renew a commercial driver’s license.

And HAVE NOT:

Received two 5-year extensions consecutively by mail or online.
Violated any promises to appear in court within the last 2 years.

Can I Renew My California ID Card by Mail?

If you wish to renew your ID card by mail, you can do so as long as you(r):

Do not wish to apply for a REAL ID for the first time.
Previous 2 ID cards were NOT renewed online or by mail.
Last ID card did NOT expire more than 1 year ago.
Name does NOT need to be changed or corrected on your new ID.

How Do I Renew My California ID Card by Mail?

Renew your CA driver’s license or ID card by:

Completing the form* received with your renewal notice.
Providing a check for the applicable renewal fee made payable to the DMV.
Mailing the documents to:

Department of Motor Vehicles
ATTN: Renewal By Mail Unit
P.O. Box 942890
Sacramento, CA 94290-0001

*If you qualify for renewal by mail, but did not receive a renewal notice in the mail, complete either a California Driver License Renewal By Mail Eligibility Information Form (DL 410 FO) or a California Identification Card Renewal by Mail Eligibility (DL 410 ID) and mail it along with your check.

How to Renew a CA Driver’s License or ID in Person

In-person renewal is required if you:

Wish to apply for a REAL ID for the first time.
Need to renew a commercial license.
Have inaccurate or outdated information on your current license.

To renew your license or ID card in person, visit a DMV office and:

Provide a completed driver’s license, commercial driver license or ID card application form, or the renewal notice you received in the mail (cross out and update incorrect or outdated information).
Scan your thumbprint.
Get your photo taken.
Pay the renewal fee.
Provide documents that prove your identity, social security number (SSN), and California residency (REAL ID only).
Pass:
- An eye test (bring glasses or contact lenses if you require them).
- Knowledge exam (if your renewal notice says one is required).

Commercial drivers who have held a license in another state or jurisdiction within the past 10 years must also provide a completed 10 Year History Record Check (DL 939).

You’ll be given a document that serves as your temporary license and can expect to receive your new card within 60 days. If you do not receive your new license or ID within 60 days, check with the DMV by calling 1-800-777-0133.

California Driver License Renewal Fees

Here’s a breakdown of the CA driver’s license renewal fees:

Class C (basic automotive license): $37
M1 or M2 (motorcycle license): $37
Noncommercial Class A or B (large vehicles) $37
Commercial Class C: $48
Commercial Class A or B: $82