How Long Does It Take To Renew Your Driving License?

Renewing your license can take from 1 day to 6 weeks; however, the procedure usually finishes on the same day. You can renew your license at the nearest Department of Motor Vehicle (DMV) office, online, or through the mail.

To do so, you must bring your expired license and other supporting documents that show your name and physical or residential address, which must be less than one year old; for example, a birth certificate, passport, utility bill, and social security card.

Renewing Your Driver’s License In Person At The DMV

The DMV urges you to renew your driver’s license before it expires. Here is how to renew your license in person.

• Complete a driver’s license application or submit the DMV renewal notice that was mailed to you with your current information.
• At the DMV office, the workers will take your fingerprints.
• You will then go through the DMV’s vision exam or test. This is done to ensure that it is safe for you to continue operating your vehicle.
• Next, your photo will be taken since your driver’s license photograph is updated .whenever you renew your license.
• Next, you will be asked to pay the license renewal fee. Fees usually range from $20 to $40 for a noncommercial license but can go up to $85 for commercial license renewal.
• Depending on your state, you may be taken through a knowledge test if required. This is usually stated on the renewal notice. You have three attempts to pass the test and will have to reapply if you fail all three attempts. 
• If successful, you will be given a temporary driver’s license until you’re sent your new license by mail, which usually takes 3 to 4 weeks. 

Renewing Your Driver’s License Online

You can renew your license online if you meet eligibility requirements. These requirements may depend on your state. Generally, though, you can renew your license online if:

• You do not need to change your personal information or address
• If you’re not applying for a Real ID Driver’s license 
• If you’re not renewing a commercial driver’s license

A Real ID is a driver’s license that is a federally accepted form of identification. With a Real ID, you can get on domestic flights within the U.S. and enter federal facilities such as federal courthouses, military bases, and other secured federal facilities.

All in all, to renew online, you have to do the following: 

• First, visit your state DMV’s website.
• Depending on your state, you may or may not be required to create a DMV account.
• Enter your information for the license renewal.
• Complete the medical questionnaire.
• Pay the renewal fee with your credit, debit card, or bank account. Paying with a card may come with additional processing fees. 
• If everything goes through, your new driver’s license should arrive in 4 to 6 weeks. 

Renewing Your License By Mail

Renewing your license by mail is a simple process, but there are several requirements you must meet. For the renewal, your DMV will send you a paper registration renewal notice by mail. The mail will also include a return envelope. Complete the form and forward all payments as directed. Once completed, your new license will be sent to you by mail.

Note that you cannot renew your license by mail if you have changed your address or name. Also, you cannot apply via mail for Real ID or commercial license.

Other eligibility requirements include the following:

• Your license should be expired for no more than 120 days.
• You should not be on any type of driving probation or suspension.
• You should not have a driver’s license from more than one state or jurisdiction.
• You should not have violated a written promise to appear in court within the last two years.

Again, some of these requirements will vary depending on your state or jurisdiction. Check your state’s DMV website to see if you qualify.

What Happens When You Drive With An Expired License

It is illegal to drive with an expired license. Even though some states afford a grace period to renew licenses without penalty, driving with an expired license is prohibited. It is because the state must ensure that drivers can operate their vehicles safely and that all required documents with the DMV are current. Motorists may incur fines, tickets, or even jail time if caught driving with an expired license. Additionally, vehicle insurance coverage could be terminated or the vehicle impounded, depending on the policy and laws in the given state.

Summary

Renewing your driver’s license can take from one day up to six weeks. You can renew your driver’s license in person at the nearest DMV office, online, or via mail. However, you must meet certain requirements to become eligible to renew online or by mail, which will be indicated on your state’s DMV website.

The cost of renewing your license ranges from $20 to $40 but can cost up to $85 for a commercial license. 

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