Where to renew and what you need before you go

You renew an expired driver's license at your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), Secretary of State office, or equivalent agency — the name and location vary by state. Most states let you renew in person at a local office, by mail, or online through their website. Before you go or submit anything, gather your current expired license, proof of residency (a recent utility bill or lease works), and proof of your Social Security number (your Social Security card, W-2, or tax return). Some states also require a new photo, which means you must appear in person; others let you keep your old photo if you renew by mail or online.

Check your state's DMV website first to see which renewal method is open to you. Some states restrict online renewal to licenses that expired fewer than five years ago, or to drivers under a certain age. If your license expired more than a set number of years back — often five to ten years — you may have to take the written test and vision test again, not just renew. Your state's website will tell you which category you fall into before you start the process.

Key Takeaways

  • Contact your state's DMV or Secretary of State office to find the renewal method available to you, since rules differ by state and by how long ago your license expired.
  • Gather your expired license, proof of residency, and proof of your Social Security number before you renew, whether in person, by mail, or online.
  • If your license expired more than five to ten years ago (the threshold varies), you will likely need to retake the written and vision tests instead of straightforward renewing.
  • Renewal fees range from roughly $20 to $100 depending on your state and the length of the new license term.

Renewing in person at a DMV office

Walk into your local DMV office with your expired license, proof of residency, proof of Social Security number, and the renewal fee. Bring your original documents, not copies — the DMV staff will verify them on the spot. You will fill out a renewal form (usually available on the DMV website to read ahead of time, or at the office itself), sit for a new photo, and take a vision test. The whole process usually takes 30 minutes to two hours depending on how busy the office is.

Go early in the day or on a weekday if you can, since DMV offices are typically less crowded then. Some states let you book an appointment online; check your state's website to see if yours does. If you book a slot, you will skip the wait and move straight to the counter. If you cannot book ahead, arrive when the office opens or expect to wait.

Renewing by mail

Not all states offer mail renewal, and those that do usually restrict it to drivers whose licenses expired recently — often within the last one to three years. Check your state's DMV website to see if you are may be able to access. If you are, you will read and print the renewal form, sign it, and mail it along with your expired license, proof of residency, proof of Social Security number, and the renewal fee (usually a check or money order). Mail the packet to the address listed on the form.

Processing by mail takes longer than in-person renewal — typically two to four weeks from the time the DMV receives your packet. Your new license will arrive by mail at the address on file. During this time, you can still drive using your expired license as long as you also carry the renewal confirmation the DMV sends you. Keep that confirmation with you until your new license arrives.

Renewing online

Several states now offer online renewal through their DMV websites. You will log in, verify your identity (usually by answering security questions based on your driving record or credit history), upload a photo or use your old one, and pay the renewal fee by credit or debit card. The whole process takes 10 to 15 minutes. Your new license will be mailed to you within one to two weeks.

Online renewal is available only if your license expired recently — usually within the last three to five years — and only if you have no medical restrictions or license suspensions on your record. If you do not meet those requirements, you will need to renew in person or by mail instead. Check your state's website to see if online renewal is open to you before you start.

What happens if your license expired a long time ago

If your license has been expired for more than five to ten years (the threshold depends on your state), you cannot straightforward renew. You will have to retake the written knowledge test and the vision test, and you may have to provide updated medical information or a new background check. In some states, you also have to take the road test again. Contact your state's DMV to find out exactly what you need to do, because the rules vary.

This process takes longer than a standard renewal and costs more. You will have to go to a DMV office in person. Schedule an appointment if your state offers them, since walk-ins for testing often face longer waits. Bring study materials for the written test — your state's DMV website has a free study guide and sample questions.

Renewal fees and how long your new license lasts

Renewal fees range from about $20 to $100 depending on your state and whether you are renewing for four years, six years, or eight years. Some states charge more for longer terms. A few states offer discounts if you renew online instead of in person. Check your state's DMV website for the exact fee and the renewal term available to you.

Your new license will be valid for the term your state offers — typically four to eight years. Mark the expiration date on your calendar so you know when to renew again. Some states send you a reminder postcard a few months before expiration; others do not, so it is your responsibility to track it.

What to do if you lost your expired license

If you cannot find your expired license, you can still renew. Bring your proof of residency and proof of Social Security number to the DMV office, and tell the staff that your license is lost. They will look up your record in the system and issue you a new one. You do not need to file a separate lost-license report first — the renewal process covers it. If you are renewing by mail or online, note on the form that your license is lost, and include a copy of your proof of residency instead.

If someone else has your expired license and you are concerned about identity theft, contact your state's DMV to report it. They can flag your record so that if someone tries to use it, you will be notified. This is separate from renewing your own license.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive while my renewal is being processed?

Yes, if you renewed in person or online and received a confirmation number or receipt, you can drive using that confirmation along with your expired license until your new one arrives. If you renewed by mail, the DMV will send you a confirmation; carry that with you. Once your new license arrives, destroy the old one or turn it in at a DMV office.

What if I moved since my license expired?

Update your address with the DMV before you renew, or do it as part of the renewal process. If you are renewing in person, bring proof of your new address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days). If you are renewing by mail or online, upload or mail a copy of your proof of address along with your other documents.

Do I need a new photo for renewal?

It depends on your state and how you renew. If you renew in person, you will get a new photo. If you renew by mail or online, some states let you keep your old photo; others require a new one. Check your state's DMV website or call their customer service line to find out what applies to you before you submit your renewal.

What if my name changed since my license expired?

Bring a document showing your name change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order — along with your other renewal documents. If you are renewing in person, show it to the DMV staff. If you are renewing by mail or online, include a copy. The DMV will update your name and issue a new license with the correct name.

How much does it cost to renew?

Renewal fees vary by state, ranging from roughly $20 to $100. The cost depends on how long your new license will be valid (four, six, or eight years) and whether you renew in person, by mail, or online. Check your state's DMV website for the exact fee before you renew.