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  • Renewing Your License

     
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    Top Determine the Status of Your License

    You always need a current driver's license to operate a vehicle, so a mandatory renewal is required every four years.

    Car insurance is also mandatory―the state determines the dollar minimums for each type of insurance coverage you need. If you're ready for a change, you can shop online for a carrier and compare rates at our Insurance Center.

    Valid License

    Owning a valid Class R license requires renewing every four years. You have two renewal options:

    • Online
    • In person

    Ordering a driving record report will clarify any doubts regarding the status of your license.

    NOTE: The license renewal process for commercial drivers differs from Class R licenses.

    Expired License

    Renewing an expired license comes with a $1 late fee. For more information, contact your local driver license location.

    You may renew:

    • In person
    • Online, if your license has not been expired for more than one year

    If you have doubts as to whether you're driving with an expired license, find out by ordering a driving record report.

    Suspended License

    Driving with a suspended license is not advised. To learn about the current status of your suspended or revoked license, give some thought to ordering a driving record report.

    If and when you're reinstated, you may want to consider looking for an insurance carrier that won't penalize you for having a suspension with sky-high premiums.

    Lost License

    It's imperative that you immediately replace a lost or stolen license by applying for a duplicate.

     
    Prepare for your DMV Test
    Pass Your Test with DMV Cheat Sheets

    Get answers, save time and pass your driving written test the first time around. DMV Cheat Sheets also offers:

    • Steps to getting your license
    • 50 essential study-guide questions
    • Traffic signs and signals

    Simply print and pass or your money back guaranteed.

    Top Check Your Renewal Notice

    Keep a keen eye on your license's expiration date, for the state does not send out renewal notices.

    Top Renew Online

    You can renew online under certain circumstances. You cannot renew online if:

    • Your current address is different from the one printed on your license.
    • You used the online option for your last renewal.
    • You're younger than 18 (within two months of turning 18 is okay) or older than 71.

    Pay using MasterCard or Visa. In addition to the $21 renewal fee, you'll also be charged a $2.37 online fee and $1.50 for postage and handling.

    Your new license should arrive in the mail within 12 days. If it does not arrive, contact the Department of Public Safety.

    NOTE: You may renew online up to six months prior to your license's expiration.

    Top Renew By Mail

    Not an option.

    Top Renew in Person

    Visit your local driver license location with:

    • Your expiring license.
    • A check or cash to pay the $21 renewal fee.

    Top Update Your Driving Skills

    Renewing a license does not mean renewing your driving skills. Enrolling in a supplemental driving school course will hone your road-awareness and, depending on your insurance carrier, could lower your rates.

    If your carrier does not acknowledge driving school courses, you always have the option of shopping for a new insurance company that does.

     
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    Related Questions from DMV Answers

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    Need more information about Drivers License Renewal? Try a great source for government information, govguru.com.

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    Test Your Knowledge:

    Are you ready for your drivers license or learners permit test?

    Take a test and find out:

    You cannot legally park your car:
    Less than three feet from a private driveway.
    In an unmarked crosswalk.
    In a bike lane.
    Less than three feet from a private driveway.
    In an unmarked crosswalk.
    In a bike lane.
    Less than three feet from a private driveway.
    In an unmarked crosswalk.
    In a bike lane.
    Less than three feet from a private driveway.
    In an unmarked crosswalk.
    In a bike lane.

    That's Incorrect!

    Don’t fret. The majority of people fail their DMV exam on the first try. But if you’d rather ace the test the first time around, practice with more sample test questions.