Determine the Status of Your License

To maintain your status as a legal driver, you must renew your driver's license every five years, or two years if you are 75 or older.

In addition to a license, you're also required to carry car insurance. If you're a first-time driver, or, perhaps, someone looking for lower premiums, consider visiting our insurance center for a list of national providers.

Valid License

If you're unsure whether your license is valid or not, take the time to order a driving record report. You must renew your full operator's license or motorcycle license every five years, in person, at any Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) location.

NOTE: If you're a commercial driver, visit our CDL section on how to renew your license.

Expired License

You won't be charged with a fine for renewing an expired license, but you will face a high-priced citation if caught by the police driving with an expired license. If you need help determining the status of your license, either check the date printed on your license, or order a driving record report.

You cannot renew a license that has been expired for three or more years. Instead, you must retake the written and road exams. If your license has been expired for less than three years, you can renew it in person at any DMV location.

Suspended License

If you need an update on the current status of your suspended license, consider ordering a driving record report.

To get reinstated, you must meet with a hearing officer and pay a $151.50 reinstatement fee ($351.50 if your suspension resulted from DUI or refusing to submit to a chemical test). After reinstatement you'll probably discover that your insurance rates have spiked significantly. If such is the case, you may want to consider finding a new insurance provider.

For more detailed information, visit our suspended license page.

Lost License

Has your license disappeared? Visit our Lost License page for how to apply for a duplicate.

Check Your Renewal Notice

You should receive a renewal form in the mail about three weeks prior to the expiration date on your driver's license.

Don't fret if you don't receive a renewal notice. This has no reflection on your driving status, but generally is the result of not notifying the DMV of an address change. If one does not arrive, just bring in your expiring license with you when you go to renew.

Renew Online

Not an option.

Renew By Mail

Not an option.

Renew in Person

Visit any DMV location and bring with you:

1. Your expiring license.
2. Your renewal notice, if you received one.
3. A credit card or check to pay a $31.50 renewal fee ($9.50 if you're 75 or older).

You will receive a temporary license, valid for 60 days. If your permanent license does not arrive in the mail during this interim, you must visit the Cranston DMV.

Update Your Driving Skills

Regardless of your age or driving record, you should always consider enrolling in a supplemental traffic school course to keep up to date on the current road rules. This will not only keep you behind-the-wheel sharp, but, maybe, also lower your insurance premiums.

If your current carrier doesn't acknowledge traffic schools, you may want to consider shopping for a new one at our Insurance Center.

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