Here, we’re going to give you a complete 2024 guide on California driver’s license renewal. We’ll give you the steps to doing it online, in person, or through the mail.
With this, you’ll know exactly what to do, when to do it, and how to do it.
So let’s get started!
As we mentioned above, there are 3 ways to renew your CA driver’s license. These are:
Let’s go through each of them one by one.
Renewing your driver’s license has never been easier with the addition of online renewal.
However, you’re only allowed to renew online if you meet the following criteria:
If so, you can proceed with renewing online.
Start by logging into your DMV account. If you don’t have one yet, you can simply make one.
Once you log in, review the information on your profile. If they’re all correct, you can proceed by paying the $39 renewal fee.
Note: payment can be done through credit card, debit card, or echeck.
And that’s it! That’s how easy it is to renew your driver’s license online in California.
As for the delivery of your new driver’s license, you can expect it to be delivered via mail within 2-4 weeks from renewal.
If you are not eligible to renew online (or if you prefer doing it the traditional way), then you’ll have to go to a DMV office.
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how you can renew your CA driver’s license in person:
Note: if you plan to apply for a REAL ID, bring proof of identity and residency.
Not everyone can take advantage of mail renewal.
You CANNOT renew through the mail if you are any of these:
So if you don’t fit any of those descriptions, you can get started with mail renewal.
Simply complete the California Driver License Renewal by Mail Eligibility Information. You can download the form as a PDF, print it, and fill it out.
After that, mail the form inside an envelope, along with a $39 check, to this address:
Department of Motor Vehicles
ATTN: Renewal By Mail Unit
Sacramento, CA 94290-0001
Note: if the DMV gives you a renewal notice, you can just send that instead of the mail eligibility information form.
Still got some questions? Then let’s answer some of the most frequently asked ones.
Your driver’s license will expire on your birthday every 5 years.
For example, your driver’s license was issued on May 28, 2020, and your birthday is on June 7. June 7, 2025, is the expiration date of your license.
Yes. You are given 60 days from the date of expiration to renew your license. If you are not able to renew within this period, you need to apply for a new driver’s license at your nearest DMV office.
You’re required to take a vision test when you renew your license in person. As for a knowledge exam, you only need to take it if the DMV tells you to do so in the renewal notice they send.
Yes, you can renew your driver’s license online even after it expires. That is, as long as it is within the 60-day grace period.
If you renew beyond the 60 days, you need to go to the nearest DMV to apply for a new driver’s license.
The renewal fee for non-commercial driver’s license holders is $39. For commercial licenses, you’ll have to pay a fee of $50.
If using a credit/debit card, you will need to pay an additional 2.1% for processing.
So those were the 3 ways to renew your driver’s license in California.
As you can see, it isn’t as complicated as you might have expected.
And, thanks to online and mail renewal, it is now SUPER convenient.
Sure, renewing in person might not be as convenient, but if you are not eligible for either online or mail renewal, you can always trust the good ol’ fashion way.
So if you need to renew your CA driver’s license, pick a method and get renewing straight away! You don’t want to risk driving with an expired license.
Want to know how to get a driver’s license in California? Check out this article!
