Frequently Asked Questions

Although it is not required, the state of California recommends that you report your lost drivers license or stolen drivers license to the proper authorities. By doing so, not only will this important notation be made to your record, but it will also reduce the chances of identity theft and/or fraud.

Bring the police report in with you to the DMV and the drivers license replacement fee will be waived.

For more information: Replace a Lost, Stolen, or Mutilated California Driver’s License or ID Card

• Korean
• Russian
• Farsi
• Chinese
• Arabic
• Spanish
• English Audio
• Spanish Audio

For a full listing, visit the CA Department of Motor Vehicles Publications page.

To balance your studying and remember the information, it’s also recommended that you use California DMV Practice Tests.

For more information: California Driver’s License Manual

There are various ways to apply for drivers license renewal. California offers four different options: by mail, online, in person or by phone.

Online

To renew your drivers license online, you will need to visit the CA DMV Driver License/Identification Renewal page. But, in order to be eligible for online renewal, you must first receive a renewal notice in the mail.

If you renew drivers license online, it may take up to 60 days to receive it in the mail.

In Person

For in-person renewals, visit your local DMV office. You can find one near you by using our DMV locator. Keep in mind that you will need to fill out a Driver License or Identification Card application, as well as submit to a vision test and pay any applicable fees.

By mail

You can submit your renewal request by mail after filling out the California Driver License Renewal by Mail Eligibility Information (DL 410)

Send your application, along with any applicable fees, to the following address:

Department of Motor Vehicles ATTN: Renewal By Mail Unit P.O. Box 942890 Sacramento, CA 94290

By phone

For phone renewals, you will need to call the number listed on your renewal notice.

For more information:How to Renew a Driver’s License in California

If you are applying for a standard, non-commercial drivers license in California, you will be required to complete the following at your local DMV office:

• Fill out a Drivers License application.
• Provide your thumb print and have a photo taken.
• Verify your legal status in the country, along with your date of birth.
• Provide your complete name and your Social Security number.
• Pass a vision test.
• Pass a traffic laws and signs test.
• Pay any necessary fees.

For those individuals who have a drivers license from a different state and are establishing new residency in California, the road skills test will be waived. However, if you recently moved to the United States, then you will be required to take the driving test.

If you are required to take a driving test, you will need to present proof of financial responsibility in the form of your car insurance.

For more information: How to Apply for a New Driver’s License in California

In the state of California, you can only obtain a hardship license, also known as a restricted license, when your drivers license suspension is the result of driving under the influence or lack of car insurance.

Therefore, if you have a DUI, you will need to first take part in a DUI First Offender program. After your 30-day suspension period, you will need to do the following to be eligible for a restricted license:

• Have your program provider contact the DMV and file a Proof of Enrollment Certificate.
• File Proof of Financial Responsibility.
• Pay the required reissue fee.
• Ask for a “To/From/During Course of Employment and DUI Program†restriction.

If your license was suspended due to failure to obtain vehicle insurance, you may be eligible to request a restricted license by doing the following:

• Provide your DMV with Proof of Financial Responsibility.
• Pay the required Financial Responsibility fee and reissuance fee.

Contact a DUI attorney to help you through the process.

For more informationSuspended License Information for California

Military personnel are also required to submit a replacement application in person at their local DMV office. You will need to complete all the proper steps for a CA drivers license replacement, including payment for the appropriate fee and re-taking a new drivers license photo. When it comes to verifying your identity, your military ID card will suffice.

For more information: Replace a Lost, Stolen, or Mutilated California Driver’s License or ID Card

The best way to find out if your drivers license has been mailed out is by contacting the California Department of Motor Vehicles directly. You can do so by calling their toll-free number at 1-800-777-0133. Their regular operating hours are Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

You can also make an in-person visit to one of their offices. Find a location near you using our DMV locator.

For more information: Suspended License Information for California

In order to replace license credentials in the state of California, you will need to make an in-person visit to a nearby DMV office to begin the process. Once there, you will need to present the following:

• A filled out Driver License or Identification Card Application (Form DL 44 or DL 44C).
• Have a picture of yourself taken
• Provide your thumbprint
• Method of payment for the replacement fee

For more information: Replace a Lost, Stolen, or Mutilated California Driver’s License or ID Card

When a driver already has his or her driving privileges suspended or revoked, continuing to drive and accumulating points on his or her driving record will result in that driver being designated a Habitual Traffic Offender. His or her license may be revoked for up to three years. The driver may also face imprisonment in the county jail and further fines.

The driver s license will not be reinstated until proof of financial responsibility and proof that the driver has completed a state-approved DUI program.

For more information: Suspended License Information for California

The guidelines you need to follow in order to get your drivers license reinstated depends on why it was suspended. In every case, however, you will be required to pay a reissue fee and fulfill any suspension period that has been set forth. Below are a few examples of what to expect for different scenarios:

DUI suspension

• Satisfy suspension period.
• Pay reissue fee and any court fines.
• File Proof Of Financial Responsibility.
• Complete required jail time, if applicable.

Negligent operator suspension (accumulation of points)

• Pay reissue fee and any court fines.
• File Proof of Financial Responsibility.
• Fulfill negligent operator probation without accumulating any additional violations.

Lack of car insurance suspension

• Satisfy suspension period.
• Pay reissue fee.
• File Proof of Financial Responsibility.

For more information Suspended License Information for California

If you happen to be stationed in a different state or overseas when your drivers license expires, then you will have the option to request a license extension, which will be good for an additional year.

It is highly suggested that you send your extension request by mail prior to having an expired drivers license. Make sure to include the following information in your letter:

• Your license number
• Your full name
• Your date of birth
• Your California address
• Your out-of-state address

For more information:How to Renew a Driver’s License in California

If you are a non-United States citizen, you will be required to present proof of the following when applying for a drivers license copy:

• Proof of legal status in the country
• Proof of date of birth

For more information: Replace a Lost, Stolen, or Mutilated California Driver’s License or ID Card

The California DMV does not allow drivers to replace DMV drivers license credentials when they are outside the state. If you are out of state and lose your license, you will have to wait until you get back home to apply for a replacement.

For more information: Replace a Lost, Stolen, or Mutilated California Driver’s License or ID Card

The DMV will check your vision on-site when you are in the process of applying for drivers license or renewing it. In order to pass the vision test, you must be able to see 20/40 with both eyes together, regardless of whether or not you are wearing contact lenses.

If you fail the vision test, you will be asked to see a vision specialist. Said specialist can then fill out a Report of Vision Examination and submit it to the DMV. As long as your vision condition does not affect your ability to drive, you may still be able to obtain a limited term or temporary license.

For more information: How to Apply for a New Driver’s License in California

Your CA suspended drivers license period for not taking a chemical test is determined as follows:

• If it is your first offense, you will receive a one-year suspension.
• If it is your second offense, you will receive a two-year suspension.
• If it is your third offense, you will receive a three-year suspension.

For more information: Suspended License Information for California

You can process your California drivers license renewal request up to six months before the expiration date. You then have three months after the expiration date to renew, considering that it is illegal to drive without a valid drivers license.

For more information: How to Renew a Driver’s License in California

Yes, the fee will be waived to replace lost drivers license or stolen drivers license documentation if you provide a police report. You must file a report with the police after you discover the driving license is missing.

For more information: Replace a Lost, Stolen, or Mutilated California Driver’s License or ID Card

The DMV might flag your license number if another driver is pulled over by the police and presents your driving license as your own. Also, a DMV clerk might suggest that you should apply for a duplicate license. However, to be on the safe side, immediately report your driver s license as lost or stolen at your nearest CA DMV. For more information: Replace a Lost, Stolen, or Mutilated California Driver’s License or ID Card

No, there is no age limit for CA drivers license renewal, as long as you meet the standard requirements.

When you are older than 65, you will at some point in time receive a renewal notice requesting you to renew your drivers license in person. You will be required to take a vision test, and in some situations a written drivers test.

For tips on how to study for the written DMV test, review the Beginner Drivers in California

If you must renew your drivers license in person, be sure to book an appointment beforehand at your local DMV office.

For more information: How to Renew a Driver’s License in California

Your duplicate drivers license will be mailed to whichever address you currently have on file with the California Department of Motor Vehicles. Therefore, if you have recently moved, make sure to update the DMV with your new residential address.

For more information: Replace a Lost, Stolen, or Mutilated California Driver’s License or ID Card

Senior drivers are required to renew their California driving license in person. You can stay prepared by making sure to bring the renewal notice you received in the mail, as well as your most recent prescription if you wear glasses. To save time, schedule your appointment ahead of time online or by calling 1-800-777-0133.

Keep in mind that your renewal notice will be sent to the address that is on file, so if you recently moved, you will need to contact the DMV with your new residence information. For more information How to Renew a Driver’s License in California

You can have a California suspended drivers license due to various reasons, which include but are not limited to the following:

• Failure to pay child support
• Failure to pay a traffic violation or appear in court for it
• Lack of car insurance
• A physical or mental ailment that makes you an unfit and unsafe driver
• Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol

For more infromation: Suspended License Information for California

If you drive with a suspended driving license and are caught, you may be arrested. In addition to receiving fines, possible jail time and have more time added onto your suspension term. Therefore, it is best to abide by the rules and requirements of your suspension period to avoid any unwanted situation.

For more information: Suspended License Information for California

The fee is $27 to replace the following types of drivers licenses:

• Class C
• Class M1/M2
• Noncommercial Class A or B

The CA DMV accepts cash, personal checks, money orders and ATM/Debit cards.

Keep in mind that fees may vary.

For more information: Replace a Lost, Stolen, or Mutilated California Driver’s License or ID Card

Your required reinstatement fees will depend on the type of CA drivers license suspension you have. However, the California Department of Motor Vehicles has outlined some reissue fees as follows:

• $125 Administration Per Se fee (if 21 and older)
• $20 Removal of license restriction
• $55 Reissue fee
• $24 Drug suspension
• $250 Financial Responsibility Penalty fee

Keep in mind that fees may vary.

The CA DMV accepts cash, personal checks, money orders and ATM/Debit cards as methods of payment.

For more information: Suspended License Information for California

The state of California allows those drivers to apply for a restricted license if they have a suspended driving license as the result of either:

• Lack of car insurance, or
• Driving under the influence

You may want to contact a DUI attorney as well.

For more information: Suspended License Information for California

The state of CA grants individuals three chances to pass the DMV road skills test. If you fail the first time, you may schedule a second test at your earliest convenience. In the event that you fail all three times, you will be required to maintain your learner’s permit for an extended period of time. To be better prepared, it is advised that you enroll in drivers ed courses.

Visit the Beginner Drivers in California page for more information on how to prepare for the DMV drivers exam.For more information: How to Apply for a New Driver’s License in California

To obtain your original CA driving license, you will need to present proof of Social Security Number, legal status in the U.S. and date of birth. For example, acceptable documents can be an original or certified copy of the following:

• Permanent Resident Card
• United States Birth Certificate
• Certificate of Naturalization or Citizenship
• Employment Authorization Card
• United States Passport
• United States Certificate of Birth Abroad
• United States Military ID card
• Canadian Passport/Birth Certificate
• United States Passport Card
• Refugee Travel Document
• Social Security Card
• Medicare Card

For more information: How to Apply for a New Driver’s License in California

If renewing your drivers license credentials in person, you will need to complete a Driver License or Identification Card application. The drivers license agent will give this to you to fill out. Then, bring in your current driver’s license and cash, personal check, money order or debit card to pay for the $33 renewal fee.

If you are a non-U.S. citizen, you will need to present proof of the following:

• Date of birth
• Legal presence in the United States

For more information: How to Renew a Driver’s License in California

The California Department of Motor Vehicles will verify your personal information, including your Social Security Number, when you apply for a drivers license replacement. You will also be required to complete a Driver License or Identification Card Application (Form DL 44 or DL 44C), which will be provided at the DMV office.

For more information: Replace a Lost, Stolen, or Mutilated California Driver’s License or ID Card

In California, the written test is available in English, Spanish or American Sign Language (ASL). You can review a sample of this practice test in the language of your choice by visiting the CA DMV website.

It’s also recommended that you prepare for the DMV written test with the the California DMV Practice Tests. For more information: How to Apply for a New Driver’s License in California

If you fail to renew your drivers license by the expiration date, you will not have to pay a late fee whether you pay online, in person or by mail. You have three months to renew your drivers license after the expiration date.

Keep in mind that it is illegal to drive with an expired driver’s license, so you risk a ticket if caught driving without a valid license.

For more information: How to Renew a Driver’s License in California

If you have yet to receive your renewed license, then contact the CA DMV to get a status update. You can reach them toll-free at 1-800-777-0133, between the operating hours of 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday. On Wednesdays, their business hours are from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

For more information: How to Renew a Driver’s License in California

Aside from the road skills exam, also known as the driving test, you will be required to pass a vision test and a traffic laws and signs test. Keep in mind that you must answer 36 questions correctly in order to pass the traffic laws and signs test. For more information: How to Apply for a New Driver’s License in California

California offers three different types of noncommercial drivers licenses:

• Noncommercial Class A Issued to drivers who tow a travel trailer weighing over 10,000 lbs, a fifth-wheel travel trailer weighing more than 15,000 lbs or a livestock trailer over 10,000 lbs. None of the aforementioned can be used-for-hire vehicles.
• Noncommercial Class B Issued to drivers who operate a housecar that is between 40 to 45 feet.
• Noncommercial Class C Issued to drivers who operate noncommercial passenger vehicles and trucks.

For more information about commercial license classes:California DMV.com’s Commercial Drivers

Your required reinstatement fees will depend on the type of CA drivers license suspension you have. However, the California Department of Motor Vehicles has outlined some reissue fees as follows:

• $125 Administration Per Se fee (if 21 and older)
• $20 Removal of license restriction
• $55 Reissue fee
• $24 Drug suspension
• $250 Financial Responsibility Penalty fee

For more information: Suspended License Information for California

A California drivers license is good for five years. You may renew your drivers license up to six months before it expires, and three months after the expiration date. If you do not renew your drives license within the three-month grace period, you will have to follow the process to get a new driver’s license. The renewal fee is $33.

For more information: How to Renew a Driver’s License in California

After applying in person, you will receive an interim license that will be good for 90 days. You should expected to receive your California duplicate drivers license within 60 days.

For more information: Replace a Lost, Stolen, or Mutilated California Driver’s License or ID Card

To check the status of your drivers license, order a driving record. You can do this online, by mail or in person.

For more information: Your California Driving Record

Please follow the link below for your nearest DMV location:

California DMV Office Contact Information

To get a new CA driver’s license, you must go in person to a local DMV office. The option to get a new driving license online, by mail or over the phone is not possible. It’s recommended that an appointment be made before heading into the DMV.

To find the nearest CA DMV office near you, use our DMV locator.

For more information: How to Apply for a New Driver’s License in California

Yes, you will be asked to take a vision test in person. In order to pass, you must meet the DMV s standard of 20/40. If you do not meet this standard, then the driver s license agent will direct you to see your own licensed vision specialist. Your doctor will be required to fill out a Report of Vision Examination and submit it to the DMV.

For more information: How to Renew a Driver’s License in California

Yes, the California Department of Motor Vehicles sends out a renewal notice roughly two months prior to the expiration date of your California drivers license. The notice will detail the ways you are eligible to renew, and the methods of payment accepted. The cost to renew is $33.

For more information: How to Renew a Driver’s License in California