You can renew by mail or in person at the DMV if you do not have computer access

California requires drivers over 70 to renew their license in person or by mail — online renewal is not an option for your age group. If you do not have a computer or prefer not to use one, the mail-in process is straightforward and takes about two to three weeks from the time the DMV receives your completed form. You can also walk into any DMV office and complete the renewal on the spot, though you should expect to wait and bring all required documents with you.

The mail-in route requires you to fill out a paper form, gather specific documents, and send everything to the DMV address for your county. The in-person route is faster if you have time to visit an office, but both methods work equally well and cost the same.

Key Takeaways

  • Drivers over 70 in California must renew in person or by mail; online renewal is not available to you.
  • The mail-in process requires Form DL 44 or Form DL 43 (depending on whether you are renewing or replacing), a completed Vision Screening Report, and proof of residency.
  • Mail-in renewal typically takes two to three weeks after the DMV receives your packet, so plan ahead if your license is expiring soon.
  • In-person renewal at a DMV office is faster but requires a visit during business hours and may involve a wait.
  • You must pass a vision test as part of the renewal process, either at the DMV or through a licensed eye care professional who completes the official form.

What documents you need for mail-in renewal

Start by obtaining Form DL 43 (process for Renewal of Driving License) from the DMV website, by calling the DMV at 1-800-777-0133, or by visiting a DMV office in person. You can also request the form by mail if you call the DMV and ask them to send it to your address. Do not use Form DL 44 unless you are replacing a lost or damaged license — Form DL 43 is the correct form for a standard renewal.

You will also need a Vision Screening Report completed by a licensed optometrist, ophthalmologist, or certified vision screener. This is a separate form (sometimes called the "Vision Screening Report for Driver License Applicants") that must be signed and dated by the eye care professional. You cannot complete this yourself; you must visit an eye care provider. Many optometry offices and eye clinics are familiar with this form and can complete it during a routine eye exam or vision screening. Call ahead to confirm they offer this service and ask whether there is a fee.

You also need proof of residency — a document showing your current California address. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, lease or mortgage statement, property tax bill, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. A government-issued ID with your current address also works. Bring the original or a certified copy.

Finally, bring your current driver's license or identification card. If you do not have it, you will need to explain why and may need additional documents.

Step-by-step process for mailing in your renewal

Step 1: Complete Form DL 43. Fill out the form in black or blue ink. Print clearly. You will need your driver's license number, date of birth, and current address. Sign and date the form where indicated.

Step 2: Obtain your Vision Screening Report. Schedule an appointment with an eye care provider (optometrist, ophthalmologist, or certified vision screener). Bring the Vision Screening Report form with you or ask the office to provide it. The provider will test your vision and complete the form. This usually takes 15 to 30 minutes and may cost $20 to $50, depending on the provider.

Step 3: Gather your proof of residency and current license. Make a copy of your proof of residency if you wish to keep the original. Have your current driver's license ready to include in the envelope.

Step 4: Mail your packet to the DMV. Place all documents in an envelope and mail to the DMV address for your county. You can find the correct address on the DMV website (dmv.ca.gov) or by calling 1-800-777-0133. Use first-class mail or certified mail if you want tracking. Do not use overnight or priority mail unless you are in a time crunch — standard mail is sufficient and costs less.

Step 5: Wait for processing. The DMV typically processes mail-in renewals within two to three weeks of receipt. Your new license will be mailed to the address you provided on the form. If you do not receive it within four weeks, call the DMV to check the status.

Renewing in person at a DMV office instead

If you prefer to complete your renewal when ready rather than wait for mail processing, visit any California DMV office. Bring your current driver's license, proof of residency, and be prepared to take a vision test at the DMV. You do not need to bring a pre-completed Vision Screening Report if you renew in person — the DMV will conduct the vision test for you as part of the appointment.

Arrive early or check the DMV website for your local office's current wait times. Many DMV offices now allow you to reserve a time slot online, which can significantly reduce your wait. Go to dmv.ca.gov, select your county, and look for the option to schedule an appointment. If you cannot schedule online, arrive as early as possible when the office opens.

Bring Form DL 43 completed and signed, or the DMV staff can provide a blank form for you to fill out on-site. The entire process — form completion, vision test, and photo — usually takes 30 minutes to an hour once you are called, though the wait before that can vary widely depending on how busy the office is.

Vision testing requirements for drivers over 70

California requires all drivers over 70 to pass a vision test during renewal. The test checks your visual acuity (how clearly you see) and your visual field (how wide your vision is). You must meet minimum standards: corrected vision of at least 20/40 in each eye, and a visual field of at least 140 degrees.

If you wear glasses or contact lenses, bring them with you. The test will be conducted with your correction in place. If you fail the vision test, the DMV will not renew your license and will provide you with information about retesting or appealing the result.

For mail-in renewal, you must have the vision test completed by a licensed eye care professional before you mail your packet. For in-person renewal, the DMV conducts the test at the office. Either way, the vision test is mandatory and cannot be skipped.

Fees and what to expect in your new license

The renewal fee for a driver's license in California is $64 for an eight-year renewal (the standard term for drivers under 70) or $38 for a four-year renewal (available to drivers 70 and older). If you are renewing by mail, include a check or money order made out to the "Department of Motor Vehicles" in your envelope. Do not send cash.

Your new license will be mailed to the address you provided on your process. It will be valid for four years from the date of issuance if you chose the four-year option, or eight years if you chose the eight-year option. Drivers over 70 can choose either term at renewal.

If you renew in person, you can pay by cash, check, debit card, or credit card at the DMV office. You will receive a temporary paper license on the spot and your plastic card will arrive by mail within two to three weeks.

Common mistakes to avoid

Do not use Form DL 44 unless your license was lost or stolen. Form DL 43 is the correct form for a standard renewal. Using the wrong form will delay your renewal.

Do not mail your renewal without a Vision Screening Report (for mail-in) or without planning to take the vision test (for in-person). The DMV will return your packet if the vision form is missing or incomplete. The vision test is not optional for drivers over 70.

Do not forget to sign and date your form. An unsigned form will be rejected. Also, do not use pencil — use black or blue ink only.

Do not send cash in the mail. Use a check or money order. If you are renewing in person, you can pay with cash, but mailing cash is unsafe and the DMV may not accept it.

Do not assume your current address is on file with the DMV. Include proof of residency even if you think your address is correct. This prevents delays and ensures your new license is mailed to the right place.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license online if I am over 70?

No. California law requires all drivers over 70 to renew in person or by mail. Online renewal is not available to you. You must either visit a DMV office or mail in your renewal packet with a completed Vision Screening Report.

How long does mail-in renewal take?

The DMV typically processes mail-in renewals within two to three weeks of receipt. Your new license will then be mailed to you, which adds another few days. Plan for four to five weeks total from the time you mail your packet to the time your new license arrives. If you are in a time crunch, renewing in person is faster.

Do I need to take a written test or driving test when I renew?

No. Drivers renewing (not obtaining a license for the first time) do not take a written or driving test. You only need to pass the vision test. If you fail the vision test, the DMV will not renew your license.

What if I cannot pass the vision test?

If you fail the vision test, the DMV will not issue a renewal. You can request a retest or appeal the result. The DMV will provide you with information about next steps. You may also be able to correct the problem (for example, with new glasses) and retest.

Can someone else mail in my renewal for me?

You must sign the form yourself, but another person can mail the envelope for you. You cannot have someone else sign the form on your behalf. The Vision Screening Report must be signed by the eye care professional, not by you on their behalf.