Renewing Your California Driver's License Online

California drivers have the convenience of renewing their driver’s license online through the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) website. This process can save time and help drivers avoid in-person visits to a DMV office. However, not all drivers are eligible for online renewal, and it’s essential to understand the requirements and process to ensure a smooth experience.

Who Is Eligible for Online Renewal?

To renew your California driver’s license online, you must meet the following eligibility criteria:

Your license must expire within the next 60 days or have been expired for less than 120 days.
You must be under the age of 70.
You must not have a suspended or revoked license.
You must not have any driving probation or outstanding violations.
Your previous renewal must not have been completed by mail or online (you must alternate in-person every other renewal).
You must have a verified photo, signature, and thumbprint on file with the DMV.

If you are not eligible for online renewal, you may need to renew your license in person or by mail, depending on your situation.

How to Renew Your License Online

If you're eligible, renewing online is straightforward:

Log into or create a DMV account at California DMV Online Services.
Verify your identity using your current license number and other personal information.
Follow the prompts to complete the renewal form and pay the renewal fee (typically $45 for a non-commercial license).
Receive a confirmation of your renewal and track the status of your new license through your DMV account.

Your new license will typically arrive by mail within 2–4 weeks.

Important Considerations

If you haven’t already upgraded to a REAL ID, you won’t be able to do so through online renewal. You’ll need to visit a DMV office in person with the required documentation. Learn more about this in California REAL ID: What You Need to Know.

If your license has been expired for more than 120 days or you’ve had a name change, you’ll need to schedule an appointment at a DMV office and provide appropriate documentation.

Keeping Your DMV Records Up to Date

Before renewing online, ensure your address and other personal details are current. You can update your address with the California DMV online. If your name has changed due to marriage or other reasons, you’ll need to update your name in DMV records before proceeding with the renewal.

When In-Person Renewal Is Required

Even if you are eligible for online renewal, there are circumstances that may require an in-person visit:

If you've reached age 70.
If you’re applying for a REAL ID for the first time.
If your vision has significantly changed since your last renewal.
If you haven't renewed in person in the last two renewal cycles.

For a full overview of license-related procedures, refer to Steps to Obtain a California Driver's License.

By understanding the eligibility requirements and following the correct procedures, renewing your California driver’s license online can be a convenient and efficient option.

Renewing Your California Driver's License Online

Who Is Eligible for Online Renewal?

To renew your California driver’s license online, you must meet the following eligibility criteria:

Your license must expire within the next 60 days or have been expired for less than 120 days.

You must be under the age of 70.

You must not have a suspended or revoked license.

You must not have any driving probation or outstanding violations.

Your previous renewal must not have been completed by mail or online (you must alternate in-person every other renewal).

You must have a verified photo, signature, and thumbprint on file with the DMV.

If you are not eligible for online renewal, you may need to renew your license in person or by mail, depending on your situation.

How to Renew Your License Online

If you're eligible, renewing online is straightforward:

Log into or create a DMV account at California DMV Online Services.

Verify your identity using your current license number and other personal information.

Follow the prompts to complete the renewal form and pay the renewal fee (typically $45 for a non-commercial license).

Receive a confirmation of your renewal and track the status of your new license through your DMV account.

Your new license will typically arrive by mail within 2–4 weeks.

Important Considerations

If your license has been expired for more than 120 days or you’ve had a name change, you’ll need to schedule an appointment at a DMV office and provide appropriate documentation.

When In-Person Renewal Is Required

Even if you are eligible for online renewal, there are circumstances that may require an in-person visit:

If you've reached age 70.

If you’re applying for a REAL ID for the first time.

If your vision has significantly changed since your last renewal.

If you haven't renewed in person in the last two renewal cycles.

By understanding the eligibility requirements and following the correct procedures, renewing your California driver’s license online can be a convenient and efficient option.