DMV.com - your advisor for California DMV issues (not from California? Select another state)

How to Renew a Driver's License in California

Updated on Thu, 4/28/2011

A California Driver's License can be renewed either in person at any local DMV office in the State, online or by mail.

WHEN TO RENEW YOUR DRIVER'S LICENSE

Your California driver's license expires every four years.

TO RENEW IN PERSON

You must bring:

  1. A filled in form DL 44 or DL44C in original, available at all locations or can be mailed on request by calling (800) 777-0133.
  2. Commercial driver license holders require to complete the 10 year history record check form (DL 939) if renewing in person. Commercial drivers also need to submit a medical Certificate Card (DL 51A).
  3. If your name has changed, documentation of the name change is required along with proof of a true name.
  4. Appropriate renewal fee, payable by cash, check or ATM card (credit cards are not accepted).

Additional Notes:

You will be required to give a thumb print, have a picture taken and pass the vision exam.

If your renewal notice states that you must take a written test, then you must take the traffic laws and signs test as well.

You can also schedule an appointment to speed up the process.

You will receive an interim license valid for 60 days. The DMV will send your new one in the mail, failing to receive which within 60 days you can call DMV at (800) 777-0133.

TO RENEW VIA THE INTERNET

You may renew your driver license online only if you receive a renewal notice in the mail.

You will require:

  1. A Renewal Identification Number as stated on the renewal notice.
  2. A verified Social Security number on file with the DMV.
  3. The same address as on the expired license.
  4. Have one of the acceptable credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover) handy or an e-check.

Note: If you need to change your address, you will have to visit a DMV office.

TO RENEW BY MAIL

Renewal by mail is available only to residents who meet the following requirements:

  • Your license must not be expiring in the next 60 days.
  • You must be under the age of 70 upon the expiration date.
  • You must have no suspension or driving probation on your license.
  • You must not have violated a written order to appear in court in the last two years.
  • You should not have more than two consecutive five-year extensions on your license processed via mail.
  • You should not possess a driver's license from another state.

Prepare and/or complete:

  • Form DL 410 FQ (California Driver License Renewal by Mail Eligibility Information)
  • A check with the appropriate renewal fee.

Mail all the documents to:

Department of Motor Vehicles

ATTN: Renewal By Mail Unit



PO Box 942890



Sacramento, CA 94290-0001.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Reviews of How to Renew a Driver's License in California

Submitted by nicmgr on Thu, 09/15/2011 - 20:24.

My son surrendered his CA DL in Alaska and now has an Alaska Driver's License, as he is stationed in the Air Force there. Notification that his CA DL will expire in October 2011, arrived in the mail. Is there anything he needs to do about it?

Submitted by jmmcurtis@gmail.com on Mon, 09/05/2011 - 20:48.

My driver's license will expire on August 14, 2012........I will not be in the country to renew............is it possible to get a renewal prior to my extended stay overseas?

I will be leaving in October 2011

Submitted by Astute but Anonymous on Thu, 05/26/2011 - 16:14.

This is NOT NOT NOT NOT NOT the state website for DMV! STOP sending your money and information to them! The correct website is www.dmv.ca.GOV (http://www.dmv.ca.GOV) .... not COM!!!! When you come to this website, it even says that it's a PRIVATE COMPANY AND NOT RUN BY THE GOVERNMENT.

Does no one pay attention to details anymore?!

Submitted by nicmgr on Thu, 09/15/2011 - 20:29.

Now that you mention it, I do see that in VERY SMALL type, greyed out lettering at the top of your page. If there is confusion which is causing you frustration, I would think it would be helpful to make it more obvious to people.

Submitted by Anonymous on Thu, 05/05/2011 - 18:42.

I am a visiting scholar in USC. I applied a driver license. I received my driver license yesterday, but it shows it will expiration on 11/30/2011. Could you tell me why period of validity of my driver license is only 7 months. thank you.

Submitted by Anonymous on Tue, 05/03/2011 - 19:08.

Hello.., How do I get obtain an extenstion for my driver liscence? I haven't received my new liscence yet? My liscence expired last month. Please let me know.

Submitted by Anonymous on Mon, 04/18/2011 - 22:42.

I have been sick and was not able to drive or come in for a renewal of my license. My name is Carolyn Littlefield, I have also moved too 8989 Mission Blvd #237 Riverside Ca 92509. Old Address was 8711 S Harvard Blvd 526 Los Angeles Ca 90047. It is time to renew everything please advise me on what to do. I'm still not able too drive but I do have persons to take me where I want or need to go in my car.

Thanks

Carolyn Littlefield

Submitted by Anonymous on Sun, 05/01/2011 - 14:43.

Carolyn you just gave a bunch of information to a public website...

Submitted by Anonymous on Tue, 03/22/2011 - 20:29.

Unless I am stupid, (could be!), there is a conflict on when to submit by mail as indicated on this web page and the "mail in" license renewal form, wich is:

This web page says "Your licnse must NOT be expiring in the next 60 days."

Renewal form Item 1B says if you answer "YES" to: "does your license expire more than 60 days from today" you can't remew by mail.

Which is it??

Submitted by Anonymous on Wed, 03/16/2011 - 18:08.

Hello My Name is Kelly Hardwick and I recieved a renewal notice in the mail in Janurary and filled it out and attached my check. My Birthday is 2/8/62 and I still have not recieved my license. Could someone please check into this and let me know if it has been processed and send to my address.

Thank You>

Submitted by Anonymous on Wed, 03/23/2011 - 06:33.

i also did my lic in feb 8th and my b day is 03-06-1947 i want to know what is happening please...i need my lic...

Submitted by Anonymous on Tue, 03/08/2011 - 20:22.

Hello, I'm inquiring about a CA Driver's License renewal. Unfortunately, I am deployed overseas iat the moment and my driver's license expired 4 days ago on March 4, my 21st birthday. How do i go about that? I believe my options are via mail or via internet. The only exceptions though are if your expiration date is 60 days away and what not; please advise me with further guidance. Thank You!

Submitted by Anonymous on Tue, 03/08/2011 - 00:37.

I have paid for my renewal California license in February 2011. It's already March 7, 2011 and have not yet recieve it. I have check with my bank and the D.M.V. has cash the money order. Can you please follow up on this matter. My license number is S0515863. thank you. pete almeida

Submitted by Anonymous on Sat, 03/05/2011 - 06:44.

My photo on my current driver's license was taken 9 years ago, at which time I weighed 215 pounds, which is given as my weight on my current license. However, since 2002 I have lost 40 pounds, and currently weigh 175. When can I have a new photo taken, along with a correction of my weight? My license keeps getting automatically renewed without an updated photo and weight.

Submitted by Anonymous on Thu, 03/03/2011 - 20:14.

pharma-mmmfvaxhz.txt;10

Submitted by Anonymous on Thu, 03/03/2011 - 19:57.

pharma-rvauuyhgb.txt;10

Submitted by Anonymous on Mon, 02/28/2011 - 23:03.

Does anyone know if the regular CA ID cards (not drivers license) is also taking the same amount of time/delays??

I recently changed my name and in order to update my passport I need a valid gov't issued photo ID (ie ID Card or drivers license). They won't accept my temp drivers license because it is not a photo ID.

I've been waiting since the beginning of December for my license.

Submitted by Anonymous on Sun, 02/27/2011 - 00:56.

I renewed my DMV license on 11-18-2010... It has been almost four months ( today is 2-27-2011) and still no license. I saw on the news that my expired intern paper license will be good for three months, but it will not for every situation. Glad to know that this state is really doing a good job. I guess I will wait for a while longer before I go to the DMV and ask for another paper license that is not expired. Come on Sacramento, your just as lousy as Jerry Brown.

Submitted by Anonymous on Sun, 02/27/2011 - 07:34.

Call the 800 number for DMV and tell them your temporary will expire on such a date .They will take your information and issue you another temporary and mail it to you.I did this all ready and got my temp three days after talking on the phone.I asked the lady that I talked to where she was and she told me she was in the Riverside DMV which I verified when I got my temp and checked out the zip code.My new license came the following day.

Submitted by Anonymous on Sun, 02/27/2011 - 03:58.

I am in the same situation, also been waiting since November and nothing. I am on my third interim drivers license. You shouldn't wait to get another one if yours is expired, call the 1800 number and they will mail one to you. With out the paper you are driving illegally.

Submitted by Anonymous on Fri, 02/25/2011 - 16:00.

Have been waiting since the beginning of November. Spoke to Sacramento office that doesn't show a reaseon for the dealy (no needing to redo because of new look), now have to call another number that is for special drivers license assistance to find out what the heck is going on!

Submitted by Anonymous on Thu, 02/24/2011 - 18:08.

I renewed online for DL 1/4/11 and as of 2/24/11 no license. And good luck getting through via telephone to anyone "live" person: can't happen and there is no other way to contact. This state is going to hell in a handbasket!

Submitted by Anonymous on Thu, 02/24/2011 - 03:02.

I searched for a way to ask DMV why my renewal license hasn't arrived in the mail yet when I have the canceled check and the license expired last week. I find this site which has a string of similar complaints but no replies explaining how long to wait or what to do about it. The dreaded trip to the DMV to wait for hours only to find out you have to start all over again because they lost your paper work is looming closer and closer. So distressing! Help!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Submitted by Anonymous on Wed, 02/23/2011 - 20:34.

Notice how most of these comments are negative. And government workers wonder why people are antagonistic. These are your tax dollars, going to fund an incompetent workforce for the rest of their lives

Submitted by Anonymous on Wed, 02/23/2011 - 18:09.

My story with DMV would make a book...it would NOT be a best seller...it is too common. I was told initially that I was blind and could not be licensed. I told them the dirty little secret ws that I drove to the DMV that day. Truth is that I am blind in one eye, the other is 20/20. I have been continuously licensed since I was 13 years old. I also informed them I have never had an accident nor a ticket in my 62 years, and I have been licensed in 8 eight states with no problems whatsoever. After several months of proving I could see, this took several trips to my eye doctor and verifications being filed, I was scheduled for a driving test to prove I could drive. We went one block and the examiner said I was disqualified because I didn't look to my right (the blind eye is on the right). During the exam I looked so far to the right that the examiner could see my left eye. It would not have mattered, they were determined to deny me a license. I finally got an attorney, a Highway Patrol Officer, and the Americans with Disabilities agency to back me. They did and I was immediatly given a license. (temporary) No permanant license yet. I have been waiting for four months...temporary has expired.

Submitted by Anonymous on Sat, 02/19/2011 - 05:08.

I've been waiting since August, when I renewed my license. I changed my address online and via mail when I moved in October. Website says my online change of address was declined (seriously). I hope the form I mailed reached them.

I was told to call Legal Services who are permanently engaged - I must have called 50 times. I cannot get through to the DMV at all now.

I just re-registered my car online, but still have had no correspondence in over 6 months so I don't know if they updated my address. I have no way of telling if my new tabs will come to my address or not.

So I have to take the day off work, lose a day's pay, to go to the DMV and find out what the problem is.

How can this be legally acceptable?

Submitted by Anonymous on Wed, 02/16/2011 - 23:01.

My name is Eduardo Huerta DL #E1055817 I sent a check for my driver license renewal on 12-11-10 and still have not recieved it. can you please tell me what is the hold up. I need it for my trip on a cruise and my current DL expired on 1-24-11 I am traveling on 3-3-11 Thank You

Submitted by Anonymous on Wed, 02/16/2011 - 21:12.

What is wrong with this organization? I sincerely feel that the DMV does not represent the intrest of the people. Is anyone with me? Can we start demanding that the DMV have some kind of responsibility to the citizens? Wasted Time, Wasted Money, Wasted Effort!!! Enough waste.

Submitted by Anonymous on Wed, 02/16/2011 - 20:44.

Applied online for renewal 12/16/2010 still have not received the new license. Mine expired 2/10/2011. This is a concern. DMV needs to post an official statement on the website to inform people how to proceed when their license expires because DMV does not send in a timely fashion. A valid ID is required in a number of situations.. applying for insurance, library cards, college residency to name a few.

Submitted by Anonymous on Wed, 02/16/2011 - 21:14.

I am in the same boat... December 12 filled out the papers and my temporary has expired!

Submitted by Anonymous on Wed, 02/16/2011 - 18:08.

I have expereinced similar problems - I have forwarded the issue to Senator Tom Harmons office - I suggest you all send emails to your State Rep

Submitted by Anonymous on Tue, 02/15/2011 - 16:06.

I sent in my check and renewal by mail in Oct. My license expired in Dec.... Feb. and still nothing. I am so glad I am not alone in this. I am keeping a pic of my cancelled check in my car so if I get pulled over I can show the officer the pic. I made an appointment but the earliest I can go to the DMV is late March.... hopefully my new license will come before then. Good luck to you all!! We need it!

Submitted by Anonymous on Tue, 02/15/2011 - 01:10.

Do you have to go to the DMV to request another temporary license if your original temp license expired? I don't mind waiting but I really don't want to have to go to the DMV again!

Submitted by Anonymous on Tue, 02/15/2011 - 17:10.

No call the 1-800 and request one to be sent. I am on my third one and once sent it takes 3-7 days to get

Submitted by Anonymous on Fri, 02/11/2011 - 21:37.

Went in person to DMV to renew license, 3 months later, on my almost third temp license, and no real license, however my family member applied last month are got it in 4 weeks...???? It's great that some go through and some don't but honestly those that were applied for during the new look should be processed frist and the newer ones put on hold, or hire more help. Also love that I am legal to drive with the paper but was denied writing a check.....seriously CA I dislike you!

Submitted by Anonymous on Fri, 02/11/2011 - 10:03.

did online renewal on Dec 17, 2010. 7 weeks later, I still do NOT have my license today, nor a temporary license.

Does anybody know if I can request a Temp license to get me into bars? I don't have a passport so I don't know what else I could do.

Submitted by Anonymous on Thu, 02/10/2011 - 20:36.

I renewed my license via the internet on DEC. 15. My license expired Feb.01 and I have still not received my new license. Impossible to contact the DMV. Guess lots of folks are waiting.

Submitted by Anonymous on Thu, 02/10/2011 - 09:19.

I TRIED TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT BUT GOT ERROR MESSAGES PLUS ADITIONAL COMMENTS THAT THE WEBSITE IS UNDER MAINTENENACE. SO THERE, YOU WILL HAVE NO CHOICE BUT TO GO TO AN OFFICE AND DEAL WITH THE CROWD. FUNNY THING IS THAT I SPENT SO MUCH TIME TO DISCOVER IT, EVEN FUNNIER IS THAT I AM ONLY TRYING TO HELP A CRIPPLED MAN WHO CAN'T STAND IN LINE.........THANK YOU STATE OF CALIFORNIA, DMV, YOU NEVER FAIL TO AMAZE ME

Submitted by Anonymous on Thu, 02/10/2011 - 04:49.

JAN.24 REGISTRATION RENEWAL STILL HAVE NOT RECEVED IT , I PRAY YOU SEND MY LICENCE SOON, 2-9-11

Submitted by Anonymous on Thu, 02/10/2011 - 23:32.

I renewed mine at about the same time, and I still haven't received mine either. I hope we both get our licenses soon!

Submitted by Anonymous on Thu, 02/10/2011 - 02:28.

my licensce expires in two days, and I have not received anything in the mail. How do I renew my license.....can't do it online since I have not received anything in the mail, can't do it by mail since it's too late. What do I do? and Why didn't I ever receive a renewal notice in the mail?

Submitted by Anonymous on Sat, 02/12/2011 - 01:11.

They (the DMV) say some get lost, so you have to go into an office and go thru their wait in lines routine and waste a day for it.

Submitted by Anonymous on Thu, 02/10/2011 - 01:18.

Just got off the phone with the 800# he said they are 6 weeks behind when they process, i sent in my payment Ded 14, but they didn't process till Jan 12 so 6 weeks from that date. He said that police have been asked to be understanding but they can issue a "fix it" ticket for not having a valid drivers lic ON me if I'm driving, then i would have to go and get a temporary one to satisfy the fix it ticket. Guess I'll drive VERRYY carefully, so i can stay OUT of the DMV offices and out of trouble! Hope this helps!

Submitted by Anonymous on Tue, 02/15/2011 - 03:56.

Thank you for going through the painful experience of trying to reach the DMV by phone. I tried last week and had to give up as I was at work... I renewed online on 12/17 - I have no new license either and am driving on an expired one. Good to know there is a reason for this and it's not just me!

Submitted by Anonymous on Wed, 02/09/2011 - 15:28.

I renewed my driver's license end of november via mail. my check cleared on 12/2 and my license expired on 1/22. still no license in the mail. How long should i wait before I call DMV?

Submitted by Anonymous on Thu, 02/10/2011 - 05:45.

The EXACT (almost to the date) thing is happening to me! I didnt even realize mine expired till I was at a meeting that required a valid ID. I was almost NOT allowed into the meeting cause it was not considered valid anymore. Thankfully they did let me in, after some convincing! what is going on?

Submitted by Anonymous on Wed, 02/09/2011 - 05:06.

Seriously California? I know the drivers license cards are fancier now but they took my money way back when and I still haven't gotten my new one in the mail yet. Mine expired 13th of January. I think this is ridiculous, they need more people working at the DMV.

Submitted by Anonymous on Wed, 02/09/2011 - 01:06.

Same thing is happening to me. I mailed the check to the DMV in October and my license expired in November. DMV cashed my check the begining of December and I still have not received my license. I'm on hold with the DMV right now but who knows if they will answer because its almost 5 o'clock and I think they close soon.

Submitted by Anonymous on Tue, 02/08/2011 - 19:06.

I renewed my licensed in Nov 2010, the same it expired, thru mail, and payment has been cashed. Now, it Feb 8, 2011, I still have not received my license. Who should I contact to follow up. Should I call the 800#? Or should I go to the nearest DMV? Please advise me what to do.

Submitted by Anonymous on Fri, 02/11/2011 - 22:02.

Same thing is happening to me...3 months now and no license. Call the 1-800-777-0133 number and they can only tell you if it has been mailed or still in the "process" stage, which mine has been in "process" for 3 months now. If you ask they will mail to you a temp paper so you are legal to drive, but it's not much good beyond that. Apparently some license are coming out fine with the new look, and some have to be re-done (me, yours prob, and thousands of others).