You can renew your California
driver's license online, by mail, or in person depending on your situation. No matter how you renew, you’ll need to pay a $39 fee and wait about 3-4 weeks to receive the new license in the mail. RECOMMENDEDNo spam or unwanted phone calls · No long forms
When to renew your driver’s license in California
Your California driver’s license
has an expiration date listed on the front of the card, just below your ID number and above your name. You should receive a notice by mail alerting you that your license is expiring about four months before you’re due for renewal. Keep an eye out for that notice—but keep in mind that if you’ve since moved away from the address listed on your license, you may not receive it.
How to renew your driver’s license in California
Depending on your situation, you may be able to renew your license online, by mail, or in person.
Renew your license online
If you’re not changing your address
or any personal information and are not applying for a REAL ID-compliant license
for the first time, you’re eligible to renew online. Just head to the California DMV’s online portal
and follow the directions there. Be prepared to pay $39, plus additional processing fees, for your license renewal. You’ll also have the chance to register to vote during the online renewal.
Renew your license by mail
You can renew your license by mail if:
You’re not on driving probation or suspension
Your license expires within 120 days or fewer
You haven’t violated a promise to appear in court in the last two years
You only have a driver's license in one state
You’re not applying for a commercial or REAL ID compliant license for the first time
You haven’t already received two consecutive extensions
Unless any of those apply to your situation, you’re all set to renew by mail! Just fill out a California Renewal By Mail Eligibility Information Form (DL 410 FO)
and send it to the following address: Department of Motor Vehicles
ATTN: Renewal By Mail Unit
Sacramento, CA 94290-0001
Be sure to include a check for the $39 renewal fee, along with an additional $2 contribution to the organ and tissue donor registry if you choose. You can also register to vote in California elections using this form.
Renew your license in person
If you’re not able to renew your license online or by mail, you’ll need to go to the DMV in person to renew.
To start, either fill out the form that was mailed to you or complete an online renewal application
. Then head to your local DMV field office
to complete the process. At the DMV, you will: Get your thumbprint scanned
Pass a knowledge test
if applicable (your renewal notice will indicate whether this is required)
If you’re applying for a commercial driver’s license or a REAL ID compliant license, you’ll have additional steps. These applications can only be completed in person.
How long does it take to renew a California driver’s license?
When you renew your license, you’ll get a temporary license valid for 60 days. In most cases, your new license will arrive by mail in 3 to 4 weeks.
If your temporary license is about to expire and you still haven’t received the replacement, call 1-800-777-0133 to check the status of your application.
How to save money on car insurance in California
Once you’ve renewed your license, take a few extra minutes to lower your car insurance rates
with help from Jerry! California has some of the highest average car insurance rates
in the US, but living here shouldn’t automatically mean you have to pay an arm and a leg to insure your car. As a licensed broker
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, our top-notch team of agents can help you handle all the paperwork to switch over, and they’ll even help you cancel your old policy! “Jerry
quoted me a price that saved me almost $4000 a year in California! I definitely recommend Jerry.” —Patricia B.
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