{"id":29379,"date":"2024-11-08T09:20:59","date_gmt":"2024-11-08T17:20:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/getjerry.com\/wp-site\/?p=29379"},"modified":"2025-07-14T18:23:09","modified_gmt":"2025-07-15T01:23:09","slug":"how-do-you-renew-an-expired-drivers-license-in-california","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/jerry.ai\/dmv\/how-do-you-renew-an-expired-drivers-license-in-california\/","title":{"rendered":"How Do You Renew an Expired Driver&#8217;s License in California?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p><strong>Question:<\/strong> I accidentally let my driver\u2019s license expire and I\u2019ve been scared to try to renew it! How can I get my expired license renewed in California?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Answer:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Once your California license has expired, you have 90 days to renew it before you\u2019ll be required to apply for a new driver\u2019s license. Renewing is typically easier than applying for a new license\u2014and driving with an expired license is illegal\u2014so it\u2019s best to take care of the issue as soon as possible. You can renew your license in person at DMV, by mail, or online. On the bright side, you won\u2019t pay extra to renew an expired driver\u2019s license.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"Renewing-your-California-driver\u2019s-license-online\">Renewing your California driver\u2019s license online<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Assuming you don\u2019t need to make any changes to your license (such as your address), you don\u2019t need to switch to a REAL ID, and you\u2019re not renewing a commercial driver\u2019s license, you are likely eligible to renew online. Head to<a href=\"https:\/\/www.dmv.ca.gov\/portal\/driver-licenses-identification-cards\/driver-license-id-card-online-renewal\/\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.dmv.ca.gov\/portal\/driver-licenses-identification-cards\/driver-license-id-card-online-renewal\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"> the California DMV page<\/a> to do so.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"Renewing-your-California-driver\u2019s-license-at-the-DMV\">Renewing your California driver\u2019s license at the DMV<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>At some California DMVs, you can renew your license at a kiosk during regular business hours. You\u2019ll need some basic information, such as your:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Full name<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Address (the one the DMV has on file)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Birth date<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Driver\u2019s license card number<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>In some cases, your renewal notice will require you to renew in person. In that case, you\u2019ll need to complete an application or bring the DMV renewal notice that was mailed to you. You\u2019ll receive a thumbprint scan, take a vision test, and have your photo taken.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You\u2019ll also need to pay a nonrefundable application fee and, if specified in your renewal notice, pass a knowledge test or tests.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"Renewing-your-California-driver\u2019s-license-by-mail\">Renewing your California driver\u2019s license by mail<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>There are several qualifications to meet before you can renew your driver\u2019s license by mail:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Your license must expire less than 120 days from today\u2019s date.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>You must not currently be suspended from driving or on driving probation.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>You must not have violated a written promise to appear in court within the last two years.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>You must not have already received two consecutive five-year extensions by mail or internet.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>You must not have a license from more than one state or jurisdiction.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>You must not be applying for a REAL ID for the first time.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>You must not be applying for a commercial driver\u2019s license.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>You\u2019ll want to mail your form, including a check for the renewal fee, to:<br>Department of Motor Vehicles<br>ATTN: Renewal By Mail Unit<br>PO Box 942890<br>Sacramento, CA 94290-0001<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you no longer have your renewal form, you can complete form <a href=\"https:\/\/www.dmv.ca.gov\/portal\/file\/california-driver-license-renewal-by-mail-eligibility-information-dl-410-fo-pdf\/\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.dmv.ca.gov\/portal\/file\/california-driver-license-renewal-by-mail-eligibility-information-dl-410-fo-pdf\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">DL 410 FO<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"What-about-REAL-ID\">What about REAL ID?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>If you already have a California REAL ID-style driver\u2019s license, you can likely renew it by any of the above methods. If you\u2019re looking to switch from a standard driver\u2019s license to a REAL ID, head to<a href=\"https:\/\/www.dmv.ca.gov\/portal\/driver-licenses-identification-cards\/real-id\/what-is-real-id\/#:~:text=Since%20a%20REAL%20ID%20is,list%20of%20all%20acceptable%20documentation.\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.dmv.ca.gov\/portal\/driver-licenses-identification-cards\/real-id\/what-is-real-id\/#:~:text=Since%20a%20REAL%20ID%20is,list%20of%20all%20acceptable%20documentation.\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"> the California DMV site<\/a> for further information on the procedures and requirements.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Regardless of how you apply for your renewed license, the DMV will issue you a temporary license until the new one shows up in the mail. Your temporary license is only good for 60 days.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-jerry-meet-experts\" data-wp-interactive=\"jerry\/meet-experts\" data-wp-context=\"{&quot;modalVisible&quot;:false}\">\n  <div class=\"font-circular text-2xl font-extrabold text-slate-900\">Expert-driven. Built for you.<\/div>\n\n  <div class=\"my-3\">\n    <div class=\"flex justify-between items-center py-3 border-b border-neutral-200 cursor-pointer font-semibold text-gray-900\" data-wp-on-async--click=\"actions.toggleModal\">\n  <button class=\"text-left text-base\" type=\"button\">\n    Why you can count on Jerry&#8217;s articles  <\/button>\n\n  <div class=\"transition data-[visible=true]:md:rotate-180 text-xs iconify i--chevron-down text-gray-500\" data-wp-bind--data-visible=\"context.modalVisible\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"modal-backdrop fixed bottom-0 left-0 right-0 top-0 z-50 overflow-hidden overscroll-contain bg-black\/70 font-body transition-transform delay-100 duration-0 md:relative md:z-auto [&amp;:not([data-visible=true])]:translate-y-full [&amp;:not([data-visible=true])]:bg-black\/0 [&amp;:not([data-visible=true])]:md:hidden\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.onModalInit\" data-wp-on-async--click=\"actions.hideModal\" data-wp-bind--data-visible=\"context.modalVisible\">\n  <div class=\"modal-view fixed bottom-0 left-0 right-0 flex max-h-[75%] w-full flex-col rounded-t-3xl bg-white pb-7 pl-7 pt-3.5 transition md:relative md:rounded-none md:pl-0 md:transition-none [&amp;:not([data-visible=true])]:translate-y-full [&amp;:not([data-visible=true])]:md:hidden\" data-wp-bind--data-visible=\"context.modalVisible\">\n    <div class=\"modal-header md:hidden flex justify-between items-center pb-1 mb-1 border-b border-zinc-200\">\n      <div class=\"modal-title text-base font-semibold\">Summary<\/div>\n\n      <div\n        class=\"modal-close-btn wp-block-group w-11 h-11 mr-2.5 content-center text-center\"\n        data-wp-on-async--click=\"actions.hideModal\"\n      >\n        <div class=\"iconify i--close text-gray-500 cursor-pointer\"><\/div>\n      <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n\n    <div class=\"modal-body pr-7 overflow-y-auto\"><div class=\"wp-block-template-part\"><div class=\"flex flex-row items-center gap-2.5 rounded-lg bg-gray-pink px-4 py-5\">\n  <span class=\"iconify mt-0.5 shrink-0 self-start text-xs text-primary i--shield-check\"><\/span>\n\n  <div>\n    <div class=\"font-body text-xs font-bold text-primary\">Our goal is clear, trustworthy information.<\/div>\n    <div class=\"mt-1 font-body text-xs text-gray-600\">\n      Our content is created, edited and fact checked by a team of licensed insurance agents, automotive pros and\n      experienced journalists who know the industry inside and out. Facts are thoroughly researched, verified and kept\n      current, and our editorial team is separate from our business partners, so our opinions &#038; tips are unbiased. All\n      insights drawn from Jerry\u2019s proprietary, aggregated customer auto insurance quotes data provide unique, real-world\n      guidance.\n    <\/div>\n  <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n  <\/div>\n<\/div>\n  <\/div>\n\n  <div class=\"text-base font-semibold text-gray-900\">Our experts<\/div>\n\n  <div class=\"my-8 flex flex-col gap-8 items-center justify-center\">\n          <div\n        class=\"meet-experts-item group relative flex h-auto w-full flex-none flex-col justify-between overflow-hidden rounded-3xl py-9 text-sm shadow-variant-card\"\n        data-expand=\"false\"\n        data-wp-init=\"callbacks.onItemInit\"\n      >\n        <div class=\"grid h-full w-full grid-cols-1 overflow-hidden px-8 md:grid-cols-4\">\n          <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"250\" height=\"250\" src=\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Kevin-Berry.png\" class=\"size-16 rounded-full md:size-32 col-span-1 md:ml-4\" alt=\"meet-experts-thumbnail\" srcset=\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Kevin-Berry.png 250w, \/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Kevin-Berry-150x150.png 150w, \/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Kevin-Berry-56x56.png 56w, \/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Kevin-Berry-120x120.png 120w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 346px) 260px, (max-width: 576px) 432px, (max-width: 720px) 540px, (min-width: 720px) 250px, 100vw\" fetchpriority=\"low\"\/>\n          <div class=\"col-span-3\">\n            <div class=\"my-4 flex-1 content-center font-circular text-lg font-medium text-slate-900 md:mt-0\">\n              Kevin Berry            <\/div>\n\n            \n            <div class=\"text-slate-500 mt-2 leading-6\">\n              <p>Kevin Berry is the Senior Director of Content at Jerry and has been working in the digital content space since 2011 across the car insurance\/repair, personal finance, travel and sports industries. Prior to Jerry, Kevin was a content team lead at NerdWallet overseeing the Multimedia Production and Travel Rewards teams. Previously, he worked for NBC Sports, Comcast Cable and Nike. He has a Master`s Degree from Arkansas State and a Bachelor`s from Oregon State University.<\/p>            <\/div>\n          <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n\n        <div class=\"absolute hidden group-data-[expand=true]:flex bottom-0 w-full h-24 bg-gradient-to-t from-white from-30% to-transparent to-100% items-end justify-center\">\n          <div\n            class=\"flex cursor-pointer flex-row items-center gap-2 my-4 font-circular text-primary\"\n            data-wp-on-async--click=\"actions.onItemExpandClick\"\n          >\n            <span class=\"text-sm\">See more<\/span>\n            <span class=\"iconify i--chevron-down text-xs\"><\/span>\n          <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n      <\/div>\n          <div\n        class=\"meet-experts-item group relative flex h-auto w-full flex-none flex-col justify-between overflow-hidden rounded-3xl py-9 text-sm shadow-variant-card\"\n        data-expand=\"false\"\n        data-wp-init=\"callbacks.onItemInit\"\n      >\n        <div class=\"grid h-full w-full grid-cols-1 overflow-hidden px-8 md:grid-cols-4\">\n          <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"250\" height=\"250\" src=\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Alice-Holbrook.png\" class=\"size-16 rounded-full md:size-32 col-span-1 md:ml-4\" alt=\"meet-experts-thumbnail\" srcset=\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Alice-Holbrook.png 250w, \/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Alice-Holbrook-150x150.png 150w, \/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Alice-Holbrook-56x56.png 56w, \/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Alice-Holbrook-120x120.png 120w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 346px) 260px, (max-width: 576px) 432px, (max-width: 720px) 540px, (min-width: 720px) 250px, 100vw\" fetchpriority=\"low\"\/>\n          <div class=\"col-span-3\">\n            <div class=\"my-4 flex-1 content-center font-circular text-lg font-medium text-slate-900 md:mt-0\">\n              Alice Holbrook            <\/div>\n\n            \n            <div class=\"text-slate-500 mt-2 leading-6\">\n              <p>Alice Holbrook is an editor with more than a decade of experience covering personal finance, including car insurance. She&#8217;s passionate about creating easy-to-understand content that demystifies intimidating topics for readers. Previously, she worked for NerdWallet, and her work has been featured by Newsweek, The Washington Post and the Associated Press, among others.<\/p>            <\/div>\n          <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n\n        <div class=\"absolute hidden group-data-[expand=true]:flex bottom-0 w-full h-24 bg-gradient-to-t from-white from-30% to-transparent to-100% items-end justify-center\">\n          <div\n            class=\"flex cursor-pointer flex-row items-center gap-2 my-4 font-circular text-primary\"\n            data-wp-on-async--click=\"actions.onItemExpandClick\"\n          >\n            <span class=\"text-sm\">See more<\/span>\n            <span class=\"iconify i--chevron-down text-xs\"><\/span>\n          <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n      <\/div>\n      <\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>There are three ways to renew your expired license, assuming you are within 60 days of it having expired. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":19,"featured_media":64602,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"jerry_authors":"[{\"id\":\"187\",\"type\":\"main-author\"},{\"id\":\"17\",\"type\":\"editor\"}]","jerry_author_ids":[187],"jerry_idx_page_label":"","jerry_meta_desc":"There are three ways to renew your expired license, assuming you are within 60 days of it having expired. ","jerry_related_posts":"[5161,9859,22099]","jerry_summary":"","inline_featured_image":false,"_lmt_disableupdate":"","_lmt_disable":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[514],"tags":[89,161,589],"class_list":["post-29379","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-dmv","tag-california","tag-dmv","tag-drivers-license-2"],"modified_by":"harveen.sran@getjerry.com","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/jerry.ai\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/29379","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/jerry.ai\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/jerry.ai\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/jerry.ai\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/19"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/jerry.ai\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=29379"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/jerry.ai\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/29379\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":64603,"href":"https:\/\/jerry.ai\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/29379\/revisions\/64603"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/jerry.ai\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/64602"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/jerry.ai\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=29379"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/jerry.ai\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=29379"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/jerry.ai\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=29379"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}