Renewing Your License

When to Renew

What's that? Your license is about to expire? Well, where did those last five years go?

If your license is nearing its expiration date, you'll need to visit an exam station soon. You actually can renew your license up to 180 days before the expiration date. This is a good idea for the forgetful among us. You do have 30 days after your license has expired to renew it without any complications, however.

Of course, make sure to bring your current license with you. And, you'll have to pass the vision test, too, before a new license will be issued. If you pass it and pay the $8 fee, you'll be granted a new license, which will expire on your birthday in five years.

Now, if you wait until 30 days past the license expiration date, you'll have to pass the vision test and the knowledge test. (See our Applying for a New License section for details.)

If you're not a United States citizen, your license will expire when your legal stay expires or in five years, whichever is shortest.

Military Personnel

Each state’s motor vehicle agency will have different renewal policies for drivers in the military. View our Drivers in the Military page to find out how to handle your license renewal while you are stationed out of state.