What Documents to Bring When You Renew Your California Driver License

Bring These Documents to the DMV

When you renew your California driver license, the DMV requires you to bring proof of identity, proof of California residency, and your current license. The exact documents you need depend on whether you are renewing in person or by mail, and whether your license is still valid or has expired. Most people renewing in person need to bring one document from each of three categories: identity, residency, and your current license itself.

If your license expired more than five years ago, you cannot renew by mail and must go to a DMV office in person. The DMV will also require you to pass a vision test and may require a written test if your license has been expired for a long time or if you have certain medical conditions.

Key Takeaways

You must bring your current California driver license, even if it is expired, plus one proof of identity and one proof of California residency.
Acceptable identity documents include a U.S. passport, birth certificate, permanent resident card, or military ID — the DMV website lists all options.
Proof of residency can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or government mail dated within the last 60 days showing your current address.
If you renew by mail, you only need to submit copies of documents and do not bring originals to an office.
If your license expired more than five years ago, you must renew in person and will need to take a vision test and possibly a written test.

Identity Documents the DMV Accepts

The DMV accepts a wide range of documents to prove who you are. A U.S. passport, passport card, or permanent resident card (green card) all work. So do a military ID, a tribal ID issued by a federally recognized tribe, or a foreign passport paired with a visa or I-94 arrival record. You can also use a certified birth certificate, a court order changing your name, or a divorce decree if your name has changed.

If you do not have any of those, the DMV will accept a combination of two documents from a longer list: a Social Security card, a school or work ID, a credit card, a bank statement, or a medical record. The full list is on the DMV website under "Acceptable Documents for Identity." Bring the original document, not a photocopy, unless the DMV specifically tells you otherwise.

Proof of California Residency

You need one document showing your current California address. A utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, property tax bill, or vehicle registration all work. The document must be dated within the last 60 days and show your name and your current address. Government mail counts too — a tax return, benefit statement, or court document with your name and address will do.

If you have recently moved and your documents still show an old address, bring the newest document you have plus a second document that shows your new address. A lease signed within the last 60 days works well for this. If you live with someone else and have no documents in your name, ask the property owner or manager for a signed letter on letterhead stating that you live there, dated within the last 60 days.

Your Current License and Other Required Items

Bring your current California driver license, even if it is expired. If you have lost your license, bring a police report of the loss or a statement signed under penalty of perjury saying you lost it. You will also need to pay the renewal fee, which varies depending on how long your license is valid for — the DMV website shows the current fee.

If you are renewing in person, you will need to pass a vision test. Bring your glasses or contacts if you wear them. You may also need to take a written test if your license has been expired for more than five years, if you are over 70 years old, or if the DMV has flagged your record for medical reasons. The DMV will tell you before your appointment whether you need to study for a test.

Renewing by Mail: What You Submit Instead

If your license is still valid or expired less than five years ago, you can renew by mail. The DMV will send you a renewal notice in the mail about 60 days before your license expires. The notice includes a form and instructions for which documents to photocopy and mail back.

You do not mail your original documents. Instead, you make copies of your identity document, your residency proof, and your current license, then mail those copies along with the signed form and your payment. The DMV will process your renewal and mail you a new license. This usually takes two to three weeks, though it can take longer during busy periods. Do not mail cash — pay by check or money order.

Real ID Compliance and Your License

California driver licenses issued after January 22, 2018 are Real ID compliant, which means they can be used to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building. If your current license is not Real ID compliant, you can request a Real ID compliant license when you renew. You will need to bring an extra document proving your Social Security number — a Social Security card, W-2, or tax return all work.

If you do not want a Real ID compliant license, you can ask for a standard license instead. Either way, the process and documents are the same. The fee is the same whether you choose Real ID or standard. Your new license will arrive in the mail within two to three weeks.

What Happens If You Are Missing a Document

If you show up to the DMV without all the documents you need, the staff will tell you what is missing and you will have to leave and come back. You cannot complete your renewal that day. To avoid a wasted trip, check the DMV website or call your local office before you go to confirm what you need to bring.

If you cannot find an original document — for example, you lost your birth certificate — you can order a replacement from the state or county where you were born. This takes time, so start early if your license is expiring soon. Some documents, like utility bills or bank statements, are straightforward to get a new copy of by calling the company. If you are stuck, the DMV website has a phone number for your local office and staff can tell you what alternatives exist.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if it expired more than five years ago?

No, you must renew in person at a DMV office. You cannot renew by mail if your license has been expired for more than five years. You will need to bring all the documents listed above, pass a vision test, and may need to take a written test as well.

What if my address on my ID document does not match my current address?

Bring your current ID document even if the address is old, plus a second document dated within the last 60 days showing your new address. A recent utility bill, lease, or bank statement works. The DMV will update your address on your new license.

Do I need to bring my Social Security card?

Only if you are requesting a Real ID compliant license and your current license is not Real ID compliant. Otherwise, a Social Security card is not required. If you do not have one, a W-2, tax return, or other document showing your Social Security number will work.

Can I mail in my original documents or do I have to bring them in person?

If you renew by mail, you mail photocopies, not originals. If you renew in person at a DMV office, you bring the original documents. The DMV will not accept mailed original documents for security reasons.

What if I lost my current license?

Bring a police report of the loss or a signed statement under penalty of perjury saying you lost it. You will still need to bring proof of identity and residency. The DMV will issue you a new license with a new number.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.