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How to Renew A Drivers License in the U.S.
Understanding Drivers License Renewals – Get Your Free Guide to Learn More:
In most states, you can renew your drivers license online, by mail or in person. However, be mindful that the online method is only available to certain applicants, depending on their age and citizenship status. To make sure that you are fully prepared to complete the renewal process, you can download our free, informative guide. It contains helpful information you might need to know to renew your drivers license. In it, you can also get more information about how to complete other important licensing transactions, such as replacing your license or updating your name or address.
Most states now issue licenses that are REAL ID compliant, meaning they can be used as valid ID at federally-protected areas now and in the future when new restrictions kick in across the country. Oftentimes, states offer special license extensions and renewal application procedures for residents temporarily outside of the state or away on active duty military work. Keep reading to find out how license renewal procedures work across the U.S.
To learn more about how to renew your drivers license in your state, please visit your state-specific page.
1. Online
To know how to renew a drivers license online in a specific state, you should look at your state’s specific web service options. In states that do allow online drivers license renewals, some drivers may need an access code provided on a mailed renewal notice or be asked to meet additional eligibility requirements. In some states, an additional application processing fee might be added to the base cost of submitting the renewal request when applying online.
In many cases, drivers cannot renew their drivers license online if they are not American citizens, if they need a new license photo or vision exam, if they renewed their license online previously and for some other conditions.
2. By Mail
Certain motorists might be able to renew their drivers licenses by mail. If your state DMV offers this option, you will be asked to fill out a renewal notice or request form and include certain supporting documentation in your application package. Additionally, you will need to provide an acceptable payment method for the renewal fees, typically a check or money order. All of these documents must be sent to a specified DMV mailing address. It is important to note that this method includes processing times, so it may take longer than others to complete. To minimize your wait time and to avoid delays, be sure to attach the correct paperwork to your renewal form.
3. In Person at the DMV
When renewing your driving license at the DMV, you may be required to pass a vision screening, to retake your photograph and to pay a service fee. Generally, you will need to present your current drivers license, fill out a drivers renewal form and prove that your information is still up-to-date on the DMV’s records.
All drivers licensed in the United States will be required to complete a drivers license renewal every set number of years, decided by the specific state which issued the license. Eligibility criteria and application procedures for a DMV license renewal vary significantly from state to state, so it is important for drivers to familiarize themselves with the specific policies of their state of residence before attempting to submit a renewal request. Not all drivers will be found eligible for a renewal and may have to start the process over; learn more about the license application process!
Who Can Renew a License?
Every state’s central drivers license office, usually a Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), sets the eligibility requirements that drivers in the state must meet. For this reason, it is important to know where to renew a drivers license. However, some basic requirements must be met by all drivers across the country who hope to receive a REAL ID-compliant license. States can choose how and when to gather the necessary information about applicants to be compliant. Drivers typically have to provide proof of the following criteria to be eligible for a REAL ID drivers license renewal:
- Identity and birth date, such as a valid U.S. passport or certified copy of a birth certificate.
- Social Security Number (SSN), such as a SSN card, 1099 form or pay stub.
- Residency in the state of license issuance, such as bank statement or insurance policy.
- Proof of lawful presence in the U.S., such as a passport or permanent resident card.
Instances When You Cannot Renew Your Drivers License
Drivers with an expired drivers license may be ineligible for license renewal and might have to apply for a new license as if a first-time driver. Drivers that have let their licenses remain expired for more than eight years in Wisconsin, for example, can’t complete a renewal. Driving on an expired drivers license is illegal in every state.
How early can you renew your drivers license?
Most states give drivers a generous amount of time before a license expires to complete the renewal process. Drivers in Virginia, for instance can submit a renewal request as soon as one year before their license is set to expire.
Military and Out of State Renewal
Most states have special drivers license renewal requirements for residents who are temporarily out-of-state or who are active members of the military or their family members. Many states automatically extend the validity of an expired drivers license of an eligible military service for years until the resident returns to his or her home base. Sometimes, drivers who are out of state must follow the typical renewal guidelines and simply submit a request online, by phone or by mail. Interested drivers should look into the policies of their local DMV for more specific details on renewal.
REAL ID Drivers License Renewal
There may be an additional license renewal fee in some states for the issuance of licenses that are REAL ID-compliant. The federal government passed the REAL ID Act systemizing the qualifications and procedures necessary to receive an ID that can be accepted as valid ID at federally-restricted areas, like airports. Now, many states use their DMV license renewal process to transition their residents from a basic license to a REAL ID-compliant license that can be used as a valid form of ID across the country in the future.
Drivers License Renewal Fees
The driving license renewal fees are determined by state DMVs. As such, the cost for a renewal varies significantly from state to state as does the length of validity of the document.