California Driving License Renewal

How to Renew a Driver’s License in California. Renewing your driver’s license in California is a process which can take place online, through the mail, or in the DMV office, depending on your situation.

Every four years, you will need to renew that driver’s license of yours. After all, the DMV needs to keep making money somehow, right? Thankfully, in this particular state, the process of how to renew a driver’s license in California can be painless. In the beginning you might need to renew in person and wait in incredibly long lines, but after that initial torture, you will be able to renew your license online – and continue driving happily and legally and with the same picture from your younger days.

How to Renew a Driver’s License in California In Person

When you need to get a new driver’s license or your address and other information on your license has changed, you will need to head to your local ‘friendly’ DMV office to make the changes in person. You will need to fill out a DL 44 or DL44C form when you arrive, or you can print this ahead of time and have one step taken care of before you sit down for an hour or two. Next, you will need to bring along any supporting documentation of a name change – i.e. legal papers that state the name change or a marriage certificate if you’ve recently gotten hitched. When you’re a commercial driver renewing your license, you will also need a medical clearance form and a filled out DL 939 form with you. If you don’t know that that is, you need to brush up on your commercial driving regulations – and you might want to stop driving your truck or other vehicle until you learn.

How to Renew a Driver’s License in California Online or By Mail

If you have already gotten a driver’s license in the state of California and the state decides to send you your renewal in the mail, you can renew online – and avoid the hours of frustration! It’s like winning the lottery, really. All you need to do then is to follow the instructions on the form and send in a check with the money to pay for the renewal fees. Are there limitations? Oh yes. You can only bypass the renewal lines if your address is still the same and when your social security number is on file with the DMV. Then, they basically trust you and then you can stay home and eat chips instead of proving you are who you say you are on your driver’s license. When you’re submitting your renewal by mail, realize that you can only do this twice before you have to go back in or start submitting your information online. And by mail, you need to fill out a fancy form, called a DL 410 FQ.

Remember that the key in how to renew a driver’s license in California is to do it as quickly as you can because once it’s expired, you have to head into the lines of the DMV. Actually, if you’re new to the state, know that you can often sign up for appointments at your local DMV, so that might work out to speed up the process. Of course, those appointments just make you feel better. They don’t actually make the lines move any faster. Bring a book and your taxes with you. You’re going to be waiting a while.

 

I have crossed the expiry date of my license, how can I get a California drivers license renewal without having to go to the office?

In such circumstances, you will have to visit your local DMV office. Since the expiry date has passed for your license renewal, you can no longer get it renewed online or through mail. You will be required to fill out the forms in person. For additional information, take a look at our page that describes the renewal process in detail.

I don't wish to stand in the long lines at the DMV office for license renewal. Can I get a CA dmv drivers license renewal online?

Yes, you can get your drivers license renewed online. But if you have received a renewal notice through mail, you must visit the office. On the other hand, if you need to get information changed on your license, then again, visiting the DMV office is necessary. Online renewal options are not available for all drivers. Take a look at our page for more information.

For a CA drivers license renewal, will I have to get my picture taken again?

In most cases, yes, you will have to get your picture taken again for a new license. If you are renewing your license online, you can re-use your current photo. It is best that you contact your local DMV office and find out what the exact procedure is. Take a look on our pages and see if you find any information helpful.

Are the steps the same for a California drivers license renewal online?

The online renewal process is the same as the other process. One can simply fill out a form online and submit the renewal application online. However, under a few circumstances, online renewal is not possible. For example, those who have crossed the expiry date of their license will have to visit the DMV office in person.

Can i renew my California drivers license online even if my home address has been changed?

Unfortunately no, you cannot renew your license online if any information has to be changed on your license. If you have moved elsewhere and need to get the new address on your license, you will have to do some extra paperwork and also visit the DMV office. Browse through our pages for more detail.

What are the various requirements if I want to renew driver license in California online?

First of all, you have to keep the renewal notice that you receive in a safe place and then note down the Renewal Identification Number. Next, you have to make sure that the file that the DMV has on you has your verified Social Security number. When applying online, you have to enter the same address as the one mentioned on your expired license. For the online fee, only Visa, MasterCard, American Express or Discover cards or e-checks are acceptable.

How long will it take me to renew drivers license CA?

The time taken for a license renewal will vary from case to case. If you have requested for any change of information on your license, more time may be needed. In normal circumstances, licenses are renewed within 8-10 days of submitting a renewal application. Find out more about this process on your page.

If I have received a renewal CA driver license through mail, can I opt for an online renewal instead?

No, you will have to fill out the applications through mail and submit them either in person, or through mail. Online services are not available in all cases. It is best that you contact your local DMV office and find out whether you can get your license renewed online or not. Take a look at our page for more information.

Is renewing an expired California drivers license a very difficult procedure?

The process for driver’s license renewal in California is not as difficult as many think. All you are required to do is fill out a renewal form by visiting the local DMV office. You may have to pay an additional fee for renewing an expired license. Feel free to browse through our pages for additional information regarding license renewal.

What's the new law with renewal of drivers license in California?

There have not been any change in law regarding drivers licenses in California. You can get your license renewed easily online, or in person. It is important to remember that getting your license renewed before the expiry date can help you avoid legal penalties. More information can be found on our page.

Can you tell me about CA drivers license extensions?

If your drivers license has expired and you need an extension, you must provide your DMV office a BD/LP document. This will give extend your time for getting the license renewed. In California, a BD/LP document will expire in 60 days. You can learn more about driver license extensions by browsing through our website.Ca Drivers License Extensions

For a CA license renewal, will I have to provide identification proof?

Yes, you must provide identification proof and social security number. These documents will act as proof of your residency in the United States. License renewal is a mandatory process for all drivers. A license in California expires after 5 years of being issued. To find out what the renewal process is, view our pages regarding license renewal.

What is the basic California dmv renew license fee? And can I pay via credit card?

When renewing a drivers license in California, individual are required to pay a renewal fee. This fee is approximately $32, but may vary. Individuals can pay via credit card, money order, cash, and check. Without paying the fee, it is not possible to get a drivers license renewed. Learn more about license renewal in this state by looking through our pages.

To renew California drivers license, will I have to personally visit the DMV office?

You can get the drivers license renewed by filling out the form online as well. But online services are not available in all localities. You will have to contact the local DMV office and find out. On the other hand, you can also fill out the form in person by visiting the DMV office. Find out what other requirements you will have to fulfill by browsing through our website.

Search DMV Locations