How Can I Renew My California Driver's Permit?

Renewing your California driver's permit is a relatively simple process. Be sure to check the expiration date of your current permit and complete the renewal application. You will also need to take a new photo and receive your new driver's permit in the mail. You will keep your driver's permit in good standing and avoid any penalties or fines by following these steps.

Dec 9, 2022

Your driver's permit is one of the most important documents you have as a driver. It allows you to legally operate a motor vehicle on public roads. As such, it's essential to keep it up to date and in good standing. Renew it each time it expires to avoid any potential penalties or fines that could come your way if you let it lapse. Renewing your California driver's permit is a relatively simple process, and here is how to go about it. You can obtain the renewal application from your local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office or the DMV's website.

1. Check the Expiration Date of the Current Permit

The first step is to determine the expiration date of your current driver's permit. You should find this information on the license itself. If you can't find it or if it's faded, you can check the California Driver Handbook or contact the DMV. You need to apply for a new driving permit no more than 60 days before the old one expires in California.

2. Complete the Driver's Permit Renewal Application

Once you have determined the expiration date of your current driver's permit, it's time to complete the renewal application. This can be done in person at a local DMV office or online through the DMV website. Be sure to have your social security number, proof of residency and current driver's license handy when filling out the application.

If you choose to do it online, you'll need to create an account with the DMV. Once you have created your account, you can log in and complete the driver's permit renewal application.

If you opt for the physical form, you can pick it up at your local DMV office or have it mailed to you. The application will ask for the same information as the online form, so be sure to have it handy.

Along with the application, you will also be required to pay the renewal fees. These fees vary depending on your age and where you live. You can find a breakdown of the fees on the DMV website.

3. Have a New Photo Taken

As part of the renewal process, you will also need your photo taken. This is because your driver's permit will show your new picture when it's issued. You can have your photo taken at a local DMV office or through the DMV website. If you choose the online option, you will need to upload a recent photo of yourself. The picture must be in color, full-face view and taken within six months.

4. Receive Your New Driver's Permit

Once you have completed the application and paid the fees, you will need to wait for your new driver's permit to arrive in the mail. This process usually takes a few weeks, so be patient.

When it arrives, be sure to carefully read over the instructions enclosed. Also, go through it to look for any errors. If you find any, contact the DMV. The permit will have your new photo on it and information about your driving restrictions. Always carry your driver's permit with you when driving, and be sure to comply with all the rules and regulations.

Further questions?

Ask a followup or related question and we will try to provide an answer in seconds.
Adam has been tirelessly trying to help customers find the best tips and tricks to get through phone trees and writing many guides for prickly customer service problems. He's been featured in the Wall Street Journal, Inside Edition and Bloomberg.
How Can I Renew My California Driver's Permit?

Help from Real People

We partner with a US-based company with live tech support experts available 24/7. Take advantage of a $5 one-week trial membership and chat with an expert now.
Chat with an expert

Why does GetHuman Write How-to Guides for California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV/RMV) Problems?

GetHuman has been working for over 10 years on sourcing information about big organizations like California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV/RMV) in order to help customers resolve customer service issues faster. We started with contact information and fastest ways to reach a human at big companies. Particularly ones with slow or complicated IVR or phone menu systems. Or companies that have self-serve help forums instead of a customer service department. From there, we realized that consumers still needed more detailed help solving the most common problems, so we expanded to this set of guides, which grows every day. And if you spot any issues with our How Can I Renew My California Driver's Permit? guide, please let us know by sending us feedback. We want to be as helpful as possible. If you appreciated this guide, please share it with your favorite people. Our free information and tools is powered by you, the customer. The more people that use it, the better it gets.

California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV/RMV)

Asked 2 years ago
Updated a year ago
Viewed 959,444 times
California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV/RMV)
How to get a new driving permit in California
Tips for renewing your California driving permit

Speak to An Expert Now

We partner with a US-based expert help site to provide you with tech support 24/7. Enjoy a $5 one-week trial membership and chat with a live expert now.
Get Live Expert Help
Was this page helpful?
Thank you and please share!
Thank you and please share!
Needs work
Sharing is what powers GetHuman's free customer service contact information and tools. You can help!