To renew your drivers license in California, you have several options, including online, by mail, by phone (if eligible), or in-person. Here are the steps you need to follow:
Renewal Options:
- Online: You can renew your driver's license online if you do not need to change your address or personal description, are not applying for a REAL ID compliant DL or ID for the first time, and are not renewing a commercial DL.
- By Mail: You can renew your driver's license by mail if you received a renewal notice from the DMV and your license is not a commercial driver's license.
- By Phone: You can renew your driver's license by phone if you received a renewal notice from the DMV and your license is not a commercial driver's license.
- In-Person: You can renew your driver's license in person at a DMV office if you do not meet the requirements for online, by mail, or by phone renewal.
Steps to Renew:
- Log in to your DMV online account or create one if you don't have one.
- Pay the renewal fee in the amount shown on your renewal notice.
- Update your voter registration information if needed.
- Make sure your address and personal information are up to date before you start.
- Complete a DL or ID card application or bring in the DMV renewal notice mailed to you (cross out any old information and write in the current information) .
- Pay the renewal fee.
- Receive your new DL/ID card in the mail within two to four weeks.
It's important to note that all California licenses expire on the owner's birthday 5 years after issuance, and you can renew your license from six months before the expiration date to two months after the expiration date.
