What you need before you walk in
To renew your driver's license, you will need your current license, proof of identity, and proof of your current address. The exact documents vary by state, but most states accept a passport, birth certificate, or Social Security card for identity, and a utility bill or lease for address. Some states let you renew online or by mail if your license is not expired by more than a certain number of years — often five — so check your state's DMV website first to see whether you can skip the office visit.
If your name has changed since your last license, you will need a document proving the change, such as a marriage certificate or court order. If you are renewing after your license has been suspended or revoked, you cannot renew by mail or online; you must appear in person and may need to pay a reinstatement fee in addition to the renewal fee.
Key Takeaways
- You will need your current license, one form of identity (such as a passport or birth certificate), and one document showing your current address (such as a utility bill).
- Many states allow online or mail renewal if your license expired fewer than five years ago, which is faster than visiting the DMV in person.
- If your name has changed, bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order to prove it.
- Renewal fees vary by state and range from roughly $20 to $80 depending on how long the new license is valid.
- If your license was suspended or revoked, you must renew in person and may owe a reinstatement fee on top of the renewal fee.
How to find out what your state requires
Each state's DMV website lists the exact documents it accepts. Go to your state's DMV or Department of Motor Vehicles website and search for "renew driver's license" or "license renewal documents." The page will show you which documents count as proof of identity and which count as proof of address, and it will tell you whether you can renew by mail, online, or in person only.
Some states have a tool on their website where you enter your situation — for example, "my license expired three years ago" — and it tells you when ready whether you can renew online. If you cannot find the answer on the website, call your local DMV office. Have your license number ready when you call.
Documents that count as proof of identity
A valid passport (U.S. or foreign) is accepted in all states. A birth certificate (original or certified copy) works in most states. A Social Security card is accepted in most states but not all — check your state first. A military ID or military discharge papers (DD-214) work in most states. Some states also accept a tribal ID or consular ID if you are a non-citizen.
Your current driver's license counts as proof of identity in most states when you are renewing, so you do not need a second form of ID if you still have it. If your license was lost, stolen, or suspended, you will need one of the documents listed above.
Documents that count as proof of address
A utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet) in your name dated within the last 60 days is the most common proof of address. A lease or rental agreement signed by you and your landlord works in most states. A mortgage statement or property tax bill also works. Some states accept a bank statement or credit card statement dated within the last 60 days.
The document must show your current address and your name. A bill addressed to a former address will not work. If you have just moved and do not yet have a bill in your new name, some states will accept a letter from your landlord on their letterhead confirming your address, or a utility company letter confirming your new service address. Call your DMV to ask what they will accept in your situation.
Renewing by mail or online
If your state allows mail or online renewal and you meet the requirements, you can skip the DMV office. Online renewal is usually the fastest — you upload photos of your documents, pay the fee with a credit or debit card, and receive your new license in the mail within one to three weeks. Mail renewal works the same way but takes longer because your documents travel by post.
Not all states offer online renewal, and some states only offer it if your license expired fewer than five years ago or if you are under a certain age. Check your state's DMV website to see which method is available to you. If you are not sure whether you meet the requirements, the website usually has a tool that asks you a few questions and tells you which renewal methods are open to you.
Renewing in person at the DMV
If you must renew in person, bring your current license, your proof of identity, and your proof of address. Arrive during your state's posted office hours — many DMVs are open Monday through Friday during business hours, and some are open one or two evenings per week or on Saturday mornings. Check your state's website to find the office nearest you and its hours.
Most DMVs now use an online appointment system where you book a time slot before you go. This usually takes five to ten minutes and saves you from waiting in line. If your state does not have an appointment system, arrive early in the morning, as wait times are usually shorter then. Bring all your documents in originals or certified copies — photocopies are not accepted.
What happens after you submit your renewal
If you renewed in person, you will usually receive a temporary paper license on the spot that is valid for a few weeks while your permanent license is printed and mailed to you. If you renewed by mail or online, you will receive your new license by mail within one to three weeks. Your old license is no longer valid once your new one arrives, so do not throw it away until the new one is in your hand.
If your renewal is denied — for example, because a document was rejected or because of a flag on your driving record — the DMV will send you a letter explaining why. You will then have a chance to submit additional documents or clear up the issue. If you do not hear back within the time your state says it should take, call the DMV office where you applied to check the status.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if it has been expired for more than a year?
Yes, but you may not be able to renew by mail or online. Most states require an in-person renewal if your license has been expired for more than five years. Some states also require you to retake the written test or vision test if your license has been expired for a long time. Check your state's DMV website or call to find out what applies to you.
What if I do not have a current address proof document?
Some states will accept a letter from your landlord, employer, or a government agency on official letterhead confirming your address. A few states will accept a notarized statement from someone who lives with you. Call your DMV to ask what they will accept — do not show up without a proof of address, as you will be turned away.
Do I need to take a new photo for my renewal?
If you are renewing in person, the DMV will take a new photo. If you are renewing by mail or online, you will upload a digital photo you provide. Most states have rules about the photo — it must be recent, show your face clearly, and have a plain background. Your state's DMV website will show you the exact photo requirements.
What if my name changed since my last license?
Bring a certified copy of your marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the name change. Some states require the original; others accept a certified copy. If you are renewing by mail or online, upload a photo of the document. If you are renewing in person, bring the original or certified copy.
How much does a license renewal cost?
Renewal fees vary by state and range from about $20 to $80. The fee depends on how long your new license will be valid — a four-year license costs less than an eight-year license. Your state's DMV website will show the exact fee. You can usually pay by credit card, debit card, or check, depending on whether you are renewing in person, by mail, or online.