Top Determine the Status of Your License

You must have a current license to legally drive a vehicle. So, pay close attention to when your driver's license expires. You can renew your license up to six months before its expiration date.

Of course, you'll need to have liability coverage in order to drive, too. Visit our Insurance Center to find carriers.

Valid License

Class 1-4 driver licenses generally expire every six years. (Commercial drivers should turn to our Renewing Your CDL page for information about their situation.) However, renewals issued to those 72 years of age and older are valid for two years.

You can renew your license:

• In person

• By mail

If you're not sure about the status of your driver license, you can obtain a copy of your driving record.

Expired License

It's illegal to drive with an expired license. However, you have up to one year after it expires to renew without having to repeat the licensing process, and the renewal process is the same as for valid licenses. You will face a $5 monthly surcharge penalty after the first 90 days of expiration, though.

You can always verify the status of your driver license by purchasing a copy of your driving record.

Suspended License

License suspensions often lead to complicated driving license issues and higher insurance rates. You can order a copy of your driving record to get a clear idea of your current license status. A good way to keep your premiums as affordable as possible is by searching our Insurance Center for the best rates available to you.

See our Suspended License page to learn how to get your license reinstated and the costs involved.

Lost License

Visit our Replacing a Lost License page to find out how to obtain a duplicate license.

Top Renewal Notice

The state doesn't send out renewal reminder notices. So, you'll need to keep track of your expiration date on your own. But, you can renew up to six months before the expiration date.

Top Renew Online

Because you can't renew online, you'll have to do so in person or through the mail.

Top Renew by Mail

If you're a civilian who is away from the state when your license expires, you can try to apply through the mail by writing or faxing a signed letter to your county's central driver's license office that contains information such as your:

• Name

• Address

• Date of birth

• Social Security number

You'll be sent a renewal packet, which you'll need to complete and return. Contact your driver's license office for complete details.

Military Personnel

If you're on active duty in the military outside the state and your license expires, you have 90 days upon your return to renew your license. Just be sure to bring your deployment papers to the driver's license office.

Top Renew in Person

To renew in person, go to a driver's license office with your driver's license and be ready to:

1. Take a vision test.
2. Be fingerprinted.
3. Complete the renewal application.
4. Pay the appropriate fee.

Fees vary depending on where you live and the length of your license renewal. Although it's not likely, you may be asked to take the road test.

Top Update Your Driving Skills

Taking a traffic school class is a great way to learn about any new driving laws, brush up on your driving technique, and in some circumstances, even lower your insurance rates. Check with your provider for more information, or find a company that does offer those discounts through our Insurance Center.

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