Question: I accidentally let my driver’s license expire and I’ve been scared to try to renew it! How can I get my expired license renewed in California?
Answer:
Once your California license has expired, you have 90 days to renew it before you’ll be required to apply for a new driver’s license. Renewing is typically easier than applying for a new license—and driving with an expired license is illegal—so it’s best to take care of the issue as soon as possible. You can renew your license in person at DMV, by mail, or online. On the bright side, you won’t pay extra to renew an expired driver’s license.
Renewing your California driver’s license online
Assuming you don’t need to make any changes to your license (such as your address), you don’t need to switch to a REAL ID, and you’re not renewing a commercial driver’s license, you are likely eligible to renew online. Head to the California DMV page to do so.
Renewing your California driver’s license at the DMV
At some California DMVs, you can renew your license at a kiosk during regular business hours. You’ll need some basic information, such as your:
- Full name
- Address (the one the DMV has on file)
- Birth date
- Driver’s license card number
In some cases, your renewal notice will require you to renew in person. In that case, you’ll need to complete an application or bring the DMV renewal notice that was mailed to you. You’ll receive a thumbprint scan, take a vision test, and have your photo taken.
You’ll also need to pay a nonrefundable application fee and, if specified in your renewal notice, pass a knowledge test or tests.
Renewing your California driver’s license by mail
There are several qualifications to meet before you can renew your driver’s license by mail:
- Your license must expire less than 120 days from today’s date.
- You must not currently be suspended from driving or on driving probation.
- You must not have violated a written promise to appear in court within the last two years.
- You must not have already received two consecutive five-year extensions by mail or internet.
- You must not have a license from more than one state or jurisdiction.
- You must not be applying for a REAL ID for the first time.
- You must not be applying for a commercial driver’s license.
You’ll want to mail your form, including a check for the renewal fee, to:
Department of Motor Vehicles
ATTN: Renewal By Mail Unit
PO Box 942890
Sacramento, CA 94290-0001
If you no longer have your renewal form, you can complete form DL 410 FO.
What about REAL ID?
If you already have a California REAL ID-style driver’s license, you can likely renew it by any of the above methods. If you’re looking to switch from a standard driver’s license to a REAL ID, head to the California DMV site for further information on the procedures and requirements.
Regardless of how you apply for your renewed license, the DMV will issue you a temporary license until the new one shows up in the mail. Your temporary license is only good for 60 days.
Kevin Berry is the Senior Director of Content at Jerry and has been working in the digital content space since 2011 across the car insurance/repair, personal finance, travel and sports industries. Prior to Jerry, Kevin was a content team lead at NerdWallet overseeing the Multimedia Production and Travel Rewards teams. Previously, he worked for NBC Sports, Comcast Cable and Nike. He has a Master`s Degree from Arkansas State and a Bachelor`s from Oregon State University.
Alice Holbrook is an editor with more than a decade of experience covering personal finance, including car insurance. She\’s passionate about creating easy-to-understand content that demystifies intimidating topics for readers. Previously, she worked for NerdWallet, and her work has been featured by Newsweek, The Washington Post and the Associated Press, among others.
