Renew a driver license before it expires

Check the expiration date and renewal notice first. It is illegal to drive with an expired California driver license. That is still true while a renewal is pending. An ID card does not give you the right to drive.

Renew before the license expires. Otherwise, use a lawful way to travel until DMV gives you a valid license or temporary license.

A regular noncommercial license may qualify for online renewal. The online window runs from 90 days before expiration through 12 months after it. This path may be open when you do not need an address or personal-description change. Online renewal is not available for a first REAL ID application.

Commercial, limited-term, test-required, and some other renewals use different paths. Follow your notice and the DMV renewal page. Do not assume you can renew online.

An in-person applicant who finishes the steps gets a temporary license. It is valid for 60 days. DMV says the new card usually comes in three to four weeks. Use the status tool if it has not come after 60 days. Keep the notice, receipt, and temporary paper until the new card arrives.