Expiration dates depend on your state and age
Your driving license expires on a date printed on the card itself — usually somewhere between 4 and 10 years from the date it was issued, depending on which state issued it and how old you were when you got it. Most states print the expiration date in the upper right corner or lower right corner of the front of the card. The easiest way to find yours is to look at the card now rather than wait until you need to renew.
States set their own renewal schedules. Some states renew licenses every 4 years, others every 5, 6, 8, or even 10 years. Younger drivers — typically under 21 — often get shorter validity periods than adults, sometimes as short as 4 years. A few states issue licenses valid until age 65 or 70, then require renewal every few years after that.
If you moved to a new state, your old license remains valid until its printed expiration date, even though you now live elsewhere. You are not required to exchange it for a new state's license unless you want to, though most people do when they get a new job or change their address on official documents.
Key Takeaways
- Your expiration date is printed on the front or back of your license card, usually in a corner.
- Renewal timelines vary by state — some renew every 4 years, others every 8 or 10 years.
- Drivers under 21 typically face shorter renewal periods than adult drivers in the same state.
- You can continue using an out-of-state license after you move, but many people renew it anyway for convenience.
- Renewing before expiration usually takes 1 to 4 weeks if done by mail, or same-day if done in person at your DMV.
How to find your exact expiration date
Pull out your license and look at the front and back. Most states print the expiration date in one of four places: upper right corner, lower right corner, bottom center, or bottom left. The date is usually labeled "Expires" or "Valid Until" and appears as a month and year, sometimes written as MM/DD/YYYY.
If your license is old, worn, or the printing is faded, you may not be able to read it clearly. In that case, contact your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) by phone or visit their website. You will need your license number or Social Security number to look it up. Many state DMV websites have a "check license status" tool that shows your expiration date without requiring a phone call.
State-by-state renewal periods
The length of time between renewals varies significantly. Here are the common patterns:
| Renewal Period | Examples of States |
|---|---|
| 4 years | Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Mexico, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming |
| 5 years | Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island |
| 6 years | Alabama, California, Idaho, Maine (some categories), Mississippi (some categories) |
| 8 years | New York (some categories), Pennsylvania (some categories) |
| 10 years | Some states for drivers over 65 |
These periods can change, and some states offer different renewal lengths depending on whether you renew in person or online. Check your state's DMV website for the current schedule that applies to you.
What happens if you drive on an expired license
Driving with an expired license is illegal in all states. If you are stopped by police, you can be cited for driving with an expired or invalid license. The penalty varies by state but typically includes a fine ranging from $50 to $500, and in some states a court appearance or points on your driving record.
An expired license does not automatically suspend your driving privileges — it straightforward means your license document is no longer valid. You can still renew it after it expires, but you cannot legally drive until you do. If you are in an accident while driving on an expired license, your insurance may deny a claim, leaving you personally liable for damages.
How to renew before expiration
Most states allow you to renew your license up to 6 months before it expires. Some allow renewal up to a year in advance. Starting the renewal process early gives you time to handle any complications — missing documents, address changes, or processing delays.
You have three main options: renew online through your state's DMV website, renew by mail by sending in the required forms and documents, or renew in person at a DMV office. Online renewal is fastest if your state offers it and you are not changing your address or photo. Mail renewal typically takes 2 to 4 weeks. In-person renewal at a DMV office usually takes 30 minutes to 2 hours depending on how busy the office is, and you walk out with a temporary license valid until your new card arrives by mail.
You will need to bring or submit proof of identity, proof of residence, and sometimes a medical form if you are over a certain age (varies by state). Your state's DMV website lists exactly what documents they accept.
Renewing after your license has already expired
If your license has already expired, you can still renew it — you are not starting from scratch. The process is the same as renewing before expiration, and you use the same documents. However, you cannot legally drive until the renewal is complete, so you should not delay.
Some states will not renew a license that has been expired for more than a certain period — often 3 to 5 years. If yours has been expired that long, you may need to retake the written test or driving test, or both. Check your state's DMV website to see whether your expired license falls into this category.
Special situations: military, commercial, and senior drivers
Military drivers: If you are on active duty, some states allow you to renew your license by mail or online even if you are stationed overseas. A few states extend the validity of licenses for active-duty service members. Check with your state's DMV and bring military ID and orders.
Commercial driver's licenses (CDL): These expire more frequently than regular licenses — typically every 4 years — and require a medical certificate. The medical certificate itself expires every 1 to 2 years depending on the type. You must renew both the license and the medical certificate before either expires.
Senior drivers: Many states require drivers over 70 or 75 to renew more often than younger drivers, sometimes every 2 to 4 years instead of the standard 4 to 8. Some states also require a vision test or medical exam at renewal. Your state's DMV website will specify the rules for your age group.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if I have moved to a different state?
Yes. Your old license remains valid until its expiration date even after you move. You can renew it through your original state's DMV by mail or online in most cases. However, if you want a license from your new state, you will need to explore for one there, which usually requires passing a written test and vision test, though some states waive the written test if you have held a valid license recently.
What if I lost my license and do not know when it expires?
Contact your state's DMV by phone or visit their website and use the license lookup tool. You will need your license number, Social Security number, or date of birth. They can tell you the expiration date and whether you need to renew. If your license is lost, you will also need to request a replacement.
Do I need to renew in person or can I do it by mail?
Most states allow mail or online renewal if you are not changing your address or photo. A few states require in-person renewal for all drivers, or for drivers over a certain age. Check your state's DMV website to see which methods are available to you. In-person renewal is fastest if you need the license when ready.
What happens to my license if I do not renew it?
Your license straightforward expires and becomes invalid. You cannot legally drive. Your driving privileges are not suspended — you can renew at any time and resume driving legally. However, if you drive on an expired license and are caught, you can be fined.
How long does it take to get a renewed license in the mail?
This varies by state, but typically 1 to 4 weeks after you submit your renewal. Some states offer expedited mail renewal for an extra fee. If you renew in person at a DMV office, you usually receive a temporary paper license valid until your plastic card arrives, which can take another 1 to 3 weeks.