What is the California Driver's License Renewal Form?

The State of California Driver's License Renewal Form is a document used for the renewal of a California Driver's License or Identification Card.

How to fill out the California Driver's License Renewal Form?

1. Purpose of your visit
Driver License(DL)
Select what you would like to do for your driver’s license (Original DL/Permit, Renewal, Duplicate, Remove restriction or Change/Adds Class). If your driver’s license was lost, check the box for lost. If your driver’s license was stolen, check the box for stolen.

Identification Card (ID)
Select what you would like to do for your Identification Card or ID (Original ID Card or Renewal, Senior ID Card, or Renewal (Age 62+). If your identification card was lost, check the box for lost. If your identification card was stolen, check the box for stolen.

Name Change/Correction
Select the type of card with which you would like to change your name(DL or ID Card).

2. Please provide the following:
Driver License or ID Card Number
Enter your Driver License or ID Card Number.

State or Country
Enter the State or Country where your driver's license or ID card was issued.

Expires
Enter the expiration date of your license or card.

Birth Date
Enter your birth date.

Social Security Number
Enter your Social Security Number.

First Name
Enter your first name.

Middle Name
Enter your middle name.

Last Name
Enter your last name.

Suffix
Enter your suffix, if you have one.

Mailing Address, P.O. Box or Private Mail Box
Enter your mailing address including Number, Street, Apartment or Space number, City, State, and Zip Code on the space provided.

Address Where You Live
Enter your residential address including Number, Street, Apartment or Space number, City, State, and Zip Code on the space provided.

Sex
Select your sex (Male or Female).

Hair Color
Enter your hair color.

Eye Color
Enter your eye color.

Height
Enter your height.

3. Complete this section only if you ARE NOT eligible for a social security number

Signature
Provide your signature on the space provided.

Date
Provide the date you signed the form.

4. Licensing Needs

Basic License
If you are operating any single vehicle or combination of vehicles that is designated to transport 16 or more passengers including the driver, select “Basic Class C”.

If you are operating a motor vehicle, select “Motorcycle”.

Non-Commercial License

If you operate any combination of vehicles with a gross combination weight rating (GCWR) of 26,001 or more pounds, provided the GVWR of the vehicle(s) being towed is more than 10,000 pounds, select "Class A".

If you operate any single vehicle with a GVWR of 26,001 or more pounds or any such vehicle towing a vehicle, not above 10,000 pounds GVWR, select "Class B".

Ambulance Certificate
If none from the basic and non-commercial license applies to you, select this box.

5. The following question must be answered:
A. Have you applied for a Driver License or Identification Card in California or another state/country using a different name or number within the past ten (10) years?
If you have applied for a DL or ID Card in California or another state or country using a different name or number within the past ten (10) years, select “Yes” and print your name, DL/ID number, and state or country. If not, select “No”.

B. Have you had your driving privilege or a driver license cancelled, refused, delayed, suspended, or revoked?
If you had your driver's license canceled, refused, delayed, suspended, or revoked, select “Yes” then enter the date and reasoning on the space provided. If not, select “No”.

C. Within the last five years, have you had or experienced any of the medical conditions specified on the back of this form that affects your ability to operate a motor vehicle safely?
If you had or experienced any of the medical conditions specified on the back of the form that affects your ability to operate a motor vehicle safely, select “yes” and briefly explain on the space provided. If not, select “No”.

6. Do you wish to register to vote or change political affiliation or voter address?

Do you wish to register to vote or change political affiliation?
If you wish to register to vote or change political affiliation select “Yes”. If not, select “No”.

Voter change of address
Select “C” if you would like to move to a new county.
Select “S” if you would like to move within the same county.

7. Do you wish to register to be an organ or tissue donor?
Select “Yes” if you wish to register to be an organ or tissue donor. Select the other box if you would like to make a $2 voluntary contribution to support and promote organ and tissue donation.

8. For driver under 18, parent/guardian signatures required:

Mother’s/guardian’s Signature
If you are under 18 years old, let your parent or guardian provide his/her signature.

Date
Enter the date that you signed the form.

Daytime phone number
Provide your daytime phone number.

Address Street
Provide your address including Apartment Number, City, State, and Zip.

Father’s/Guardian’s Signature
Provide your signature.

Date
Enter the date that you signed the form.

Daytime phone number
Provide your daytime phone number.

9. Certification

Applicant’s signature
Provide your signature.

Date
Enter the date that you signed the form.

Daytime phone number

Provide your daytime phone number.

Frequently Asked Questions About the California Driver's License Renewal Form

What are the qualifications to renew a California driver’s license online?

You can renew your California driver's license online if:

you do not need to change any personal description, such as your name, address, or gender;
you do not need to take the written test;
you are not in driving probation or suspension;
are not applying for a REAL ID-compliant driver's license or identification for the first time; or
you are not renewing a commercial identification. A commercial identification is a California driver's license or identification card that has a class code of "Commercial."

What can I do if I cannot renew my California driver's license online?

You may be eligible to renew your California driver's license by mail. If not, you may renew in person.

How do I know if I am eligible to renew my driver's license by mail?

You may be eligible to renew your driver's license in California (CA) by mail if:

your driver's license does not expire more than 120 days from the date of your renewal application date;
you are not 70 years old or above when your current driver's license expires;
you are not currently on any type of driving probation nor suspension;
you did not violate a written promise to appear in court within the last two years;
you did not receive two consecutive five-year extensions by mail or internet;
you do not have a driver's license from more than one state or jurisdiction;
you are not applying for a REAL ID-compliant driver's license or identification card for the first time; or
you are not applying to renew a commercial driver's license.

If you do not qualify for the above conditions, you must go to the California Department of Motor Vehicles in person to ask for assistance.

Can I renew my California driver’s license by mail?

Yes, you can renew your California driver's license by mail. Here are the documents you will need:

Form DL 44, Driver License or Identification Card Application, or the California Driver's License Renewal Form; and
A renewal fee of $36, make it a check or money order.

Mail the documents to:

Department of Motor Vehicles

ATTN: Renewal By Mail Unit

PO Box 942890

Sacramento, CA 94290-0001

Can I renew my driver's license in person?

Yes, you can renew your California driver's license in person. You will need to bring:

your current California driver's license;
Form DL 44 or the California Driver License Renewal Form;
Form DL 62, Report of Vision Examination;
your valid photo; and
the applicable renewal fee.

You also need to take the knowledge test to determine your understanding of road rules and regulations.

Can I renew online if my California driver's license is expired?

Yes, you can renew online even if your California driver's license is expired.

To be eligible for driver's license renewal, your driver's license must expire within 60 days or already expired.

If your California driver’s license is between 61 and 120 days past expiration, you can still renew it online. However, before doing so, contact the California Department of Motor Vehicle to determine whether your driving privilege has been reinstated.

What can I do if my California driver's license is suspended?

You cannot renew your California driver's license online or by mail if your California driving privilege is under suspension or probation. You must visit your local California DMV office in person to determine whether you are eligible to apply for a California driver's license renewal.

How much does it cost to renew a driver's license in California?

The renewal cost for a driver's license in California depends on your California driver's license class.

Class C — The renewal fee for a Class C driver's license is $38.
Class M1 or M2 — The renewal fee for a Class M1 or M2 driver's license is $38.
Noncommercial Class A or B — The renewal fee for a Class A or B noncommercial driver's license is $38.
Commercial Class A or B — The renewal fee for a Class A or B commercial driver's license is $49.
Commercial Class C — The renewal fee for a Class C commercial driver's license is $49.

What are the license types in California?

Here are the different types of licenses.

Class A Non-Commercial Driver's License — A Class A non-commercial driver's license is for drivers who own or operate any non-commercial vehicle that transports persons or property over state highways, except farm tractors and implements of husbandry.

Class B Non-Commercial Driver's License — A Class B non-commercial driver's license is for drivers who operate any non-commercial vehicle with a California gross weight of 26,001 pounds or more.

Class A Commercial Driver's License — A Class A commercial driver's license is for drivers who own or operate any commercial motor vehicle that transports passengers or property over state highways, except school buses and farm labor vehicles.

Commercial Class B — A Class B commercial driver's license is for drivers who own or operate any commercial motor vehicle with a California gross weight of 26,001 pounds or more.

Commercial Class C — A Class B commercial driver's license is for drivers who own or operate any California-registered vehicle that has a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) up to 26,000 lbs., transports hazardous materials requiring placards, or transports between 9 and 15 passengers including the driver.

Class M1 — A California Class M1 driver's license is for drivers who operate motorcycles, motor-driven cycles, mopeds, or any two or three-wheeled vehicle that is capable of speeds in excess of 30 mph.

Class M2 — A California Class M2 driver's license is for drivers who operate any vehicle included in Class M1 and other vehicles that the DMV classifies as a motorcycle, including:

A three-wheeled motorcycle that has a steering wheel and seating that does not require the driver to straddle or sit astride it;
A motorcycle has two wheels in tandem and includes any device designed to carry one or more persons such as a sidecar; and
A vehicle with three wheels, fully operative pedals for propulsion by human power, and a motor rated no more than 1.5 brake horsepower and not capable of propelling the vehicle at a speed greater than 60 miles per hour on level ground.

Can I do California DMV written test online?

The California DMV does not offer the California Department of Motor Vehicles written test online.

To receive your California driver's license, you must pass a California knowledge examination and a California road sign test. To take the test, you have to go to the California Department of Motor Vehicles office near you.

Before you go in person, make an appointment with the California Department of Motor Vehicles. You may do it online on their official website or contact them at 1-800-777-0133.

How can I check the status of my driver's license renewal?

You can check the status of your driver's license renewal by contacting the California Department of Vehicles (DMV) at 1-800-777-0133.

If there is a delay in your renewal or your driver's license does not arrive in your mail after 60 days, you can use the number above to contact the California DMV.

What are the other documents I need to renew my California driver's license?

Aside from the documents stated above, you may bring one or two documents that prove your California residency. Acceptable documents include:

Rental contract with California address
California voter's registration card
California vehicle registration card
Car insurance policy
Current military identification card
Social Security Number (SSN)
Mortgage or utility bill
Bank statement
Birth certificate

Although the California Department of Motor Vehicles will likely require you to provide any of the above documents, there may be instances when your identity or residency will be in question. It is best to come prepared to avoid inconvenience or delay.

Do you need your birth certificate to renew your driver's license in California?

No, you do not need to bring your birth certificate to renew your driver's license in California.

The California Department of Motor Vehicles only requires you to bring your valid California driver's license or ID card and your Social Security number (SSN) if you had one on your previous California driver's license.

However, there may be instances when the California Department of Motor Vehicles will require your birth certificate or other state identifications. Thus, you may want to bring your birth certificate when you renew your driver's license in person.

Do I need my Social Security card to renew my driver's license in California?

Yes, you need your Social Security card to renew your driver's license in California.

To renew your driver's license by mail, online, or in person, you must have a verified Social Security Number (SSN) with the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).

The California DMV may directly communicate with the Social Security Administration (SSA) to verify your Social Security Number (SSN).

Can I drive with an expired California driver's license?

You cannot drive with an expired California driver's license.

Driving with an invalid or expired driver's license is considered an infraction. You may be penalized with a fine, jail time, community service, license suspension, or California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) points.

You may be charged with California Vehicle Code 12500 if you drive with an expired California driver's license on the road. California Vehicle Code 12500 is called "drive during suspension." This violation is a California misdemeanor and carries a punishment of up to six months in California county jail and up to a $1,000-California fine.

Can I renew my California driver's license after it expires?

Yes, you can renew your driver's license after it expires. However, you must do it within 60 days after your driver's license expiration date.

California drivers are required to renew their California driver's licenses every five years. Your driver's license will be invalid one day after it expires. It is important to renew your driver's license even if you do not drive or operate a vehicle during that time.

You must simply complete the process for California driver's license renewal. Submit Form DL 44 or the California Driver's License Renewal Form and other documents to the California Department of Motor Vehicles.

What if I did not renew my driver's license 60 days after its expiration?

If you did not renew your driver's license within 60 days after it expired, you cannot use the California Driver's License Renewal Form. Thus, you cannot renew your driver's license anymore.

You must reapply for a driver's license with the California Department of Motor Vehicles in person. You must pay the California driver's license application fee and submit new California driver's license documents.

You also need to retake all California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) written, driving, and vision exams.

When should I renew my California driver’s license?

You may renew your California driver's license two months before it expires or within 60 days after it expires.

The California Department of Motor Vehicles will send you a renewal notice two months before your driver's license expires. It is to remind you when your California driver's license is close to expiration.

If you do not receive this California Department of Motor Vehicles renewal notice, you must renew your California driver's license within 60 days after it expires.

However, if you miss the California Department of Motor Vehicles' two-month window before your California driver's license expires or cannot make it within 60 days, you cannot renew it anymore. You must reapply for a California driver's license renewal in person.

Your California driver's license is valid for five years. You may renew it every five years. Use Form DL 44 or the California Driver's License Renewal Form to renew your California driver's license online, in person, or by mail.

Where do I get the California Driver's License Renewal Form?

You may get a fillable copy of the California Driver's License Renewal Form online. You may fill it out online and download it.

When does my California driver’s license expire?

Your California driver's license will expire in five years from its issuance date.

All driver's license cards have an expiration date. You can locate the expiration date at the top of your card, under the driver's license number.

Do I need the California Driver's License Renewal Form if I renew online?

Yes, you need to complete the California Driver's License Renewal Form to renew your driver's license online.

You can fill out the California Driver's License Renewal Form online and submit a PDF copy to the California Department of Motor Vehicles.

Can I electronically sign the California Driver's License Renewal Form?

Yes, you can electronically sign the California Driver's License Renewal Form. The California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) accepts California Driver's License Renewal Forms that are electronically signed.

You may use valid software that allows you to input your electronic signature to the California Driver's License Renewal Form. You may also print the California Driver's License Renewal Form and sign it with a handwritten signature.

Can I print out the California Driver's License Renewal Form?

Yes, you can print out the California Driver's License Renewal Form.

You may print the California Driver's License Renewal Form after you have filled it out online. You can also print it out and fill it out by hand. However, you may consider filling it out online to prevent errors.

By filling your California Driver's License Renewal Form online, you are ensured that it is readable and free from errors.

Can California seniors renew driver’s licenses online?

Yes, California seniors age 70 or above can renew their driver's licenses online or by mail. California seniors may renew their California driver's license as early as six months before it expires.

Can I renew my California driver's license without an appointment?

Yes, you can renew your California driver's license without an appointment. You may renew your driver's license by mail or online.

However, if you renew in person or visit the California Department of Motor Vehicles for any concerns, you must make an appointment with them online or contact 1-800-777-0133.

How to make an appointment with the California DMV?

There are two ways to make an appointment with the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) — online and phone call.

To make an appointment online, you must visit the official website of the California Department of Motor Vehicles and go to their Appointment System. You need to register or make an account to access the site. You can also cancel your appointment with the California DMV if you wish.

To make an appointment by phone, you may contact the California Department of Motor Vehicles seven days before your visit at 1-800-777-0133 or TDD 1-800-368-4327.

Is the California DMV by appointment only?

No, the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) is not by appointment only. There are other transactions that do not require appointments, such as renewing a driver's license online or by mail.

However, you may be asked to make an appointment before visiting a California Department of Motor Vehicles office. It is to ensure that you can be assisted at the California DMV office for your particular transaction.

How to file the California Driver's License Renewal Form?

You may submit this form by mail, online, or in person.
Your driver's license standing (valid, suspended license, lost/damaged, expired) will determine what method of submission you are eligible for. To meet the requirements for renewals or to check the status of your new license by phone and mail, you need to:

Hold a driver's license that will expire within 60 days.
Be younger than 70 years of age.
Not have any driving probation or license suspension. However, if your e renewal notice states that you can renew on the DMV website online services, over the phone, or through the mail.
Have not failed to appear in court in the prior two years.
Not have made your last two renewals through the mail.
Not have an out-of-state driver's license.

After you renew, you will get a temporary card that will be valid for 90 days before you get your permanent California driver's license. If you don't get your permanent driver’s license in the mail within 60 days, call the DMV at (800) 777-0133.

If you wish to renew your license in person, you will need to do the following:

Go to your local DMV office (make an appointment to save yourself some time).
Fill out a California Driver License or Identification Card Application form (DL 44 or DL 44C).
This form must be an original, not a copy.
Have your thumbprint taken.
Get your photo taken.
Pay the application fee.
Pass the vision and written test.

Once you fulfill all of these requirements, you will be given a temporary license, which is valid for 90 days. You will also receive a new photo license in the mail. If you do not get your new license after 60 days, call (800) 777-0133.

If you get a Renewal by Mail (RBM) Notice along with a Renewal Identification Number (RIN), you might be eligible to renew your CA driver license online and you will need to meet the following criteria:

Able to access the Internet.
Do not have a change of address or a change of personal description.
Have a verified Social Security number on record with the DMV.
Have a valid credit card (Visa, MasterCard, American Express, or Discover).

To renew online, you must gather your RBM notice and credit card, visit the official DMV website. Then, click on the Online Services tab and select Driver License Renewal. Follow all the listed instructions to renew your driver’s license.

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Fillable Form California Driver's License Renewal