- California has provided extensions or expanded online renewal eligibility for noncommercial driver’s licenses (including AB 60 and limited-term) expiring during the COVID-19 pandemic. License holders 69 and younger (Beginning March 1, 2020): Most drivers now qualify for online renewal.
- Upon the expiration of a limited term license the department may extend its duration for an additional period without fee but the duration of the license and extensions shall not exceed the term of a regular license. A valid California driver’s license of an appropriate class for the vehicle to be driven, and a tow truck driver.
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If your California driver's license was suspended due to drunk driving: Fulfill your mandatory suspension period. Serve your prison sentence, if applicable. Pay the driver's license reissue fee to the CA DMV. See “Fees for a Suspended CA Driver's License' below. Pay any required fines to the court. Information you need about driver licenses, commercial licenses, the Graduated Driver Licensing program for teen drivers, and information about tickets and points. When to Renew Your CA Driver's License. Your California drivers license expires every 5 years on your birthday. The CA DMV will mail you a renewal notice about 2.
To Replace A Lost/Stolen Or Damaged Driver License
If your driver license is lost, stolen, or damaged, you must go to a DMV office, complete the Driver License or Identification Card Application (DL 44) form, and pay a fee for the replacement. You should also present a photo identification. If the DMV cannot confirm your identity, you will not be issued a temporary driver license.
If you are a minor, your parent(s) or guardian(s) must sign the (DL 44) form. If both parents/guardians have joint custody, both must sign.
Once a replacement driver license is issued, the previous driver license is no longer valid. Destroy the old driver license if you find it later.
Name Changes
When you legally change your name because of marriage or other reasons, be sure to change your name with the Social Security Administration (SSA) before coming into the DMV.
Bring your driver license to the DMV in person, along with your marriage certificate or other acceptable verification of your “true full name” (refer to Obtaining a Driver License section). You must complete the Driver License or Identification Card Application (DL 44) form and pay the applicable fee. The DMV will electronically verify your name, birth date, and social security number (SSN) with the SSA.
A new picture, fingerprint, and signature will be taken. Your old photo DL/ID card will be invalidated and returned to you.
Driver License Renewals
The DMV sends a renewal notice to your address of record about two months before your driver license expires. Follow the instructions on the renewal notice. If you do not receive a renewal notice, go online or call to make an appointment to renew your driver license (refer to DMV Information page page for details on appointments).
Qualified drivers may be eligible to renew their driver license online at DMV’s website at the www.dmv.ca.gov or by mail.
The DMV may issue a driver license for five years. The driver license expires on your birthday in the year shown on the driver license, unless otherwise indicated. It is against the law to drive with an expired driver license.
A driving test may be required as part of any driver license transaction. Driving tests are not required simply because of age.
If the DMV cannot confirm your identity, you will not be issued a temporary driver license.
For other types of driver licenses refer to the California Commercial Driver Handbook (PDF), Recreational Vehicles and Trailers Handbook, or California Motorcycle Handbook.
Renewal By Mail, Internet, Or Telephone
If you have not received two consecutive five-year driver license extensions, you may be eligible to renew by mail, Internet, or telephone without taking a law test, if:
- Your current driver license expires before age 70.
- You do not have a probationary driver license (CVC §14250).
- You have not violated a written promise to appear in court or to pay a fine within the last two years.
- You are not suspended for driving with an illegal Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) level, or refusing or failing to complete a chemical or preliminary alcohol screening test within the last two years.
- You do not have a total violation point count greater than one point.
NOTE: If you renew by telephone, you must have the Renewal Identification Number (RIN) available when you call. This can be found on your renewal notice.
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Ca Driver's License Limited Term Extension Deadline
Driver License Extension
If you are away from California (up to one year), you may request a free one-year extension before your driver license expires. Mail your request to DMV, PO Box 942890, Sacramento, CA 94290-0001. Include your name, driver license number, birth date, California residence address, and out-of-state address. Limited term drivers are not eligible for this extension.
Driver License In Your Possession
You must always have your driver license with you when you drive. Show it to any police officer who asks to see it. If you are in a collision, you must show it to the other driver(s) involved (refer to the “Involved in a Collision” section).
Address Changes
When you move, you must give the DMV your new address within 10 days. There is no fee to change your address. You may notify the DMV of your address change for your driver license, identification card, and vehicle(s) online at www.dmv.ca.gov. You may also download a Change of Address (DMV 14) form and mail it to the address on the form, or call the DMV at 1-800-777-0133, and request a DMV 14 form be mailed to you.
A new driver license or identification card is not issued when you change your address.
You may type or write your new address on a small piece of paper, sign, and date the paper and carry it (do not use tape or staples) with your driver license or identification card.
If you change your address at a field office, the DMV representative will give you a Change of Address Card (DL 43) to complete and carry with your driver license or identification card.
Reminder: The U.S. Postal Service forwards some DMV correspondence; however, it is your responsibility to ensure the DMV has your correct mailing address on record.
Vision
DMV screens all drivers to measure vision with or without corrective lenses. If you do not meet DMV’s vision standard (20/40), you will be required to visit a vision specialist. The DMV representative will give you a Report of Vision Examination (DL 62) form to have completed by the vision specialist. If your vision is not worse than 20/70, DMV may issue you a 30-day temporary driver license to allow you time to have your vision checked.
Medical Information Card
Call 1-800-777-0133 to obtain a Medical Information Card (DL 390) to list your blood type, allergies, name of physician, and other medical information. It can be carried with your DL/ID card.
Organ and Tissue Donation
You may sign up to donate your organs and tissue for transplantation after your death. When you apply for or renew your driver license or ID card, check the “YES! Add my name to the donor registry.” box on the renewal form to place your name on the Donate Life California Organ Tissue Donor Registry. If you need additional information, check the “I do not wish to register at this time.” box and call Donate Life California where Donate Life California representatives can answer any questions you may have about organ and tissue donation. You may also use the renewal form to financially contribute to the registry by checking the “$2 voluntary contribution to support and promote organ and tissue donation.” box.
If you are older than 13, and under 18 years of age, you may register with Donate Life California, provided your parent(s) or guardian(s) authorize the donation.
For more information about the donor registry, adding restrictions to your gift, and the donation process, visit the Donate Life California website atdonateLIFEcalifornia.org, or call 1-866-797-2366. You may consent to the organ and tissue donation on their website; however, a new driver license or identification card with a pink dot will not be issued until you check “YES! Add my name to the donor registry.” box on a driver license or identification application form and DMV processes the new transaction (replacement, renewal, change of name, etc.).
Ca Driver's License Limited Term Extension Fee
VETERAN BENEFIT INFORMATION
Have you ever served in the United States Military? The California Department of Veterans Affairs (CalVet), CalVet Connect program, would like you to receive information regarding benefits, such as employment, housing, education, and health care services, for which you may be entitled. Check the “I have served in the United States Military and I want to receive veteran benefits information.” box on the Driver License or Identification Card Application (DL 44) form. The DMV will transmit your name and mailing address to the CalVet for them to forward you benefits information.
To locate a CalVet office near you, refer to your local government listing in your telephone book, or visit the CalVet’s website at www.CalVet.ca.gov or the DMV’s website at www.dmv.ca.gov.
Unlicensed Drivers
It is against the law to loan your vehicle to a person who is unlicensed or whose driving privilege has been suspended. If an unlicensed person is caught driving your vehicle, it may be impounded for 30 days (CVC §14607.6).
No person of any age may drive on a highway or in a public parking facility unless he or she has a valid driver license or permit. The law also states that you must not employ, permit, or authorize any person to drive your vehicle on a public street or highway, unless he or she is licensed to drive that class of vehicle.
A person must be at least 21 years old to drive most commercial vehicles for hire in interstate commerce and to transport hazardous materials or wastes.
Diplomatic Driver Licenses
Nonresidents who possess a valid diplomatic driver license issued by the U.S. Department of State are exempt from California driver licensing requirements.
Identification (ID) Cards
The DMV issues ID cards to eligible persons of any age. To obtain an original ID card, you must present a birth date/legal presence verification document and provide your social security number refer to the “ Obtaining a Driver License” section). The ID card is valid until the sixth birthday after the issue date. The fee for an ID card may be reduced, if you meet certain income requirements for specific public assistance programs refer to the FFDL 6 Requirements for a California Identification Card brochure for additional information..
Note: Governmental or non-profit organizations determine whether an individual meets the requirements for a reduced-fee ID card.
If you are age 62 or older, you may obtain a free senior citizen ID card that is good for 10 years.
Free ID Cards For Physical And Mental (P&M) Conditions
Drivers with physical or mental (P&M) conditions may need to be reexamined from time to time by a physician or be retested more often than every five years by a DMV examiner to obtain a limited-term driver license.
Drivers who are no longer able to drive safely because of a P&M condition may be eligible to exchange their valid driver license for a no-fee ID card, if certain guidelines are met. Go online at www.dmv.ca.gov or call 1-800-777-0133 for additional information.
Identification (ID) Card Renewal by Mail or Internet
Customers who are eligible to renew their ID cards by mail or Internet will receive a Renewal by Mail or Internet Notice approximately 60 days before the expiration of their current ID card. Reduced-fee ID cards cannot be renewed by mail or Internet.
There is a fee for regular ID cards (customers under 62 years of age); there is no charge for senior citizen ID cards (customers 62 years of age or older), if applying for a senior citizen ID card.
Driving Schools
When learning to drive, you should seek qualified instruction, either with a public or private high school or a state licensed professional driving school.
The DMV licenses professional schools and instructors in California that meet rigid qualifying standards. Schools must carry liability insurance, hold a bond, and maintain complete records for the DMV inspection. Vehicles are subject to annual inspection. Instructors must pass a written examination every three years or show proof of continuing education in the traffic safety field. If you use the services of a professional driving school, ask to see the instructor’s identification card. Go online at www.dmv.ca.gov or refer to the Selecting a Driving School (FFDL 33) Fast Facts brochure for additional information.
Mature Driver Program
The Mature Driver Program is an eight-hour course for drivers 55 and older. This course covers a variety of topics of special interest to the mature driver and is available from the DMV approved course providers.
Your insurance company may offer discounts for those who complete the class and receive a completion certificate. The certificate is valid for three years and can be renewed by completing a four-hour course.
Pedestrian Responsibilities
Pedestrians (including joggers) should be aware of traffic conditions. Watch out for drivers before assuming that you have the right-of-way when crossing a street.
Be aware that hybrid and electric vehicles are virtually silent when running on electric power and you may not hear them approaching an intersection.
Yield the right-of-way to vehicles when you cross a street between intersections and in areas with no pedestrian crosswalks or signals.
Remember: Making eye contact with a driver does not mean the driver will yield the right-of-way.
Do not suddenly leave a curb or other safe place, and walk or run into the path of a vehicle close enough to be a danger to you. This is true even though you are in a crosswalk. The law states that drivers must always yield the right-of-way to a pedestrian, but if the driver cannot stop in time to avoid hitting you, the law will not prevent you from being hit.
Avoid distractions as a pedestrian. Do not use your mobile phone or electronic device while moving. To avoid becoming a hazard to vehicles and other pedestrians, you should be aware of your surroundings at all times.
Always obey traffic signals. Whether the intersection has pedestrian signals or traffic lights, you must obey the pedestrian rules. At an intersection where traffic is not controlled by signals, drivers are required to yield the right-of-way to pedestrians within any crosswalk, marked or unmarked.
When a signal first changes to green or “WALK,” look left, right, and then left again, and yield the right-of-way to any vehicle in the intersection before the traffic signal changes.
If the signal begins blinking or changes to “DON’T WALK,” or to an upraised hand after you have gone part way across a divided street, you may continue across the street.
Do not stop or delay traffic unnecessarily while crossing a street.
Pedestrians are not permitted on any toll bridge or highway crossing, unless there is a sidewalk and signs stating pedestrian traffic is permitted.
If there are no sidewalks, walk facing oncoming traffic (see graphic). Do not walk or jog on any freeway where signs tell you that pedestrians are not allowed. Do not walk or jog in a bike lane unless there is no sidewalk.
At night, make yourself more visible by:
- Wearing white, light, or reflective material clothing.
- Carrying a flashlight.
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Driver License Suspension in California
If you or someone you know has incurred a suspended license, that means your driving privileges have been temporarily withdrawn.
You can face suspensions from both the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and state/federal courts. Below you will find information about how to reinstate your California driver's license and the associated restrictions.
About Your Suspended License in CA
There are many reasons your CA driver's license could be suspended, including:
- Failing to appear (FTA) in court after receiving a traffic ticket. Your license will be suspended until you appear in court.
- Not having proof of car insurance.
- Failing to pay required child support payments.
- Being caught driving when you are physically/mentally unfit to do so.
For a complete list of actions resulting in a driver's license suspension, see the California DMV Driver Handbook.
How Long is My License Suspended?
The duration of your suspension depends on the reason you received it. Typically, suspensions can run anywhere from as little as 30 days for a minor infraction to years for more serious offenses, such as reckless driving, DUI, or multiple offenses.
You could lose your CA license indefinitely if you are not supposed to drive due to a mental or physical disorder. If you would like more information about your individual situation, you may contact the California DMV at (800) 777-0133.
Driving Under the Influence (DUI)
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If you are convicted of a single DUI, the court will suspend your driving privilege and require you to complete a DUI program prior to your license being reinstated. Note that you may face additional penalties from the DMV on top of what the court hands down to you.
If you are under 21 years old, different suspensions will apply to you. See “DUI Related Suspensions in California' below.
For more information regarding DUI related offenses, please refer to our DUI & DWI in California page.
Evading a Police Officer
If you attempt to evade a police officer performing their regular duties, you may be punished by imprisonment for not more than 1 year. If somebody is injured, you may be subject to:
- Up to 1 year imprisonment in a county jail OR up to 7 years in a state prison.
- A $2,000 to $10,000 fine.
- Both a fine and imprisonment.
Driver Record Points (Negligent Operator)
The California DMV keeps a public record of your driving history. Each incident will appear on your record for 36 months or more depending on the type of conviction and are recorded as points.
If you accumulate 4 points in a period of 12 months, your license may suspend and you could be place on probation OR your license make revoke your driving privileges.
- For more information about the point system in California, see the “Negligent Operator Treatment System (NOTS)' section below.
- For more information about point-related incidents, please visit our DMV Point System in California page.
Negligent Operator Treatment System (NOTS)
If your CA driver's license was suspended due to too many points on your driver record, you will receive a series of warning letters and sanctions before your CA driver's license is suspended.
Under the Negligent Operator Treatment System (NOTS), you will receive a:
- Level 1 Warning Letter, if you accrue:
- 2 points within 12 months.
- 4 points within 24 months.
- 6 points within 36 months.
- Level 2 Notice of Intent to Suspend, if you accrue:
- 3 points within 12 months.
- 5 points within 24 months.
- 7 points within 36 months.
- Level 3 Probation/Suspension, if you accrue:
- 4 points within 12 months.
- 6 points within 24 months.
- 8 points within 36 months.
- Level 4 Violation of NOTS Probation and license suspension, if you:
- Commit a violation or collision while your driver's license is suspended.
- Have Failure To Appear (FTA) or a Failure to Pay (FTP) violation during your probation period.
- Are under 18 years old and violate a provisional probation due to a responsible collision, an FTA or FTP, or another reportable violation.
For more information about the NOTS program, please refer to the guidelines and actions list.
DUI-Related Suspensions in California
Admin Per Se Program
In 1990, California initiated the Admin Per Se (APS) program. This administrative license suspension program has served as a huge deterrent to drunk driving since its inception.
Under the APS program, if you are pulled over for a DUI, your license will be immediately confiscated if:
- Your BAC level is 0.01% or more while on DUI probation.
- Your BAC level is 0.04% or more while driving a commercial vehicle.
- Your BAC level is 0.04% or more while driving a for hire passenger vehicle with passengers in the vehicle.
- Your BAC level is 0.08% or more while driving a non-commercial vehicle.
OR - You refuse to complete a BAC test.
In addition to the immediate driver's license confiscation under the APS program, you may also receive any of the following penalties from the court system:
- Driver's license suspension.
- Jail time.
- Fines.
- Other criminal penalties.
What Happens to My Driver's License?
At the time of your arrest, your arresting officer should have given you an Order of Suspension/Revocation when they confiscated your license. If the officer did not provide you with an Order of Suspension/Revocation, the California DMV will send you one.
The order includes a temporary driver's license that is valid for 30 days from the issue date. Your driver's license suspension/revocation will begin at the end of this period of 30 days.
If, for some reason, you feel your APS suspension/revocation was an error, you have 10 days to request a hearing after receiving it.
Under 21 Years Old
If you're under 21 years old, your driver's license may be suspended for 1 year if you are caught with alcohol in your vehicle (unless the container is full, sealed, and unopened, and you are accompanied by a parent or other approved person).
If you are caught driving with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.01% or higher, or are driving under the influence (DUI) of alcohol or drugs, your license will be suspended for 1 year.
Restricted California Driver's License
In California, you can apply for a restricted driver's license to use until your permanent license is reinstated, if your suspension was due to:
- Driving under the influence of alcohol (DUI).
OR - Failing to have car insurance.
DUI and Restricted Licenses
If your California driver's license was suspended due to a DUI, you may be eligible for a restricted license if:
- This is your only DUI-related offense within the last 10 years.
- The results of your chemical test showed a BAC level of:
- 0.08% or more, if you were operating a non-commercial vehicle.
OR - 0.04% or more, if you were driving a commercial vehicle.
OR - 0.04% while driving a passenger for hire vehicle when passengers are present
- 0.08% or more, if you were operating a non-commercial vehicle.
- You were 21 years old or older at the time of your arrest.
In order to obtain a restricted license from the CA DMV, you must enroll in a licensed DUI First Offender program. Notify the program provider that you are applying for a restricted driver's license. After your mandatory suspension:
- Ask the program provider to file a Proof of Enrollment Certificate (Form DL-107) with the CA DMV.
- Pay the $125 reissue fee.
- File proof of your financial responsibility, such as:
- California Insurance Proof Certificate (SR-22).
- $35,000 cash deposit.
- Surety bond.
- Self-insurer certificate.
- Request a “To/From/During Course of Employment and DUI Program' restriction.
Your restricted license will only allow you to:
- Drive to, from, and during the period of your employment.
- Drive to and from the location of your DUI program.
NOTE: If you don't complete your DUI program, your CA driver's license will be suspended.
Failure to Have Car Insurance
If your driver's license was suspended as a result of being in an accident and not having car insurance, you may be eligible for a restricted license to use during your mandatory suspension of 1 year.
With a restricted license, you may only drive:
- To, from, and during work.
- To obtain medical care for yourself or your family members for any serious medical problem.
- To and from school for your minor dependents, if no public or alternate school transportation is available.
![Ca Drivers License Limited Term Extension Ca Drivers License Limited Term Extension](/uploads/1/1/9/4/119476374/441898932.jpg)
To apply for a restricted license, visit your local CA DMV office with:
- Proof of your financial responsibility (SR-22).
- Payment for the $250 financial responsibility fee and any additional driver's license reissuance fee.
Dmv Extension Driver's License Renewal
Reinstate Your CA Suspended Driver's License
The procedures for reinstating a driver's license in California vary depending on the reason why it was suspended; some of these reasons are outlined below. You should call the CA DMV at (800) 777-0133 for information regarding your specific situation.
To reinstate your CA driver's license, visit your CA DMV office in person with the required documents and payment. You will also need to pay any applicable court fees.
Negligent Operator
If your license was suspended due to being a negligent operator, you'll need to:
- Pay a reissue fee to the CA DMV. See “Fees for a Suspended CA Driver's License' below.
- Pay the required fees to the court.
- File proof of insurance or financial responsibility.
- Complete the NOTS probation.
- You must not have any traffic violations or be involved in an accident during the probation period.
Driving Under the Influence
If your California driver's license was suspended due to drunk driving:
California Driver's License Extension Form
- Fulfill your mandatory suspension period.
- Serve your prison sentence, if applicable.
- Pay the driver's license reissue fee to the CA DMV. See “Fees for a Suspended CA Driver's License' below.
- Pay any required fines to the court.
- Complete a DUI program and submit a Notice of Completion Certificate (Form DL-101).
- Supplied by your program provider.
- Submit proof of your insurance or financial responsibility with a:
- California Insurance Proof Certificate (Form SR-22), provided by your insurance carrier.
- $35,000 cash deposit.
- Self-insurer certificate under CVC.
OR - Surety bond.
Mental or Physical Disorder
If your driver's license was suspended due to driving while having a mental or physical disorder, you can reinstate it by submitting:
- A Driver Medical Evaluation (Form DS-326).
AND - Any additional medical information stating that the condition no longer affects the ability for you to operate a motor vehicle safely.
Traffic Accident Without Insurance
If you were involved in an accident and did not have proof of your insurance, you can have your license reinstated by:
- Completing the term of driver's license suspension.
- Paying a reissue fee to the CA DMV. See “Fees for a Suspended CA Driver's License' below.
- Submitting Proof of Financial Responsibility with a California Insurance Proof Certificate (Form SR-22).
- Provided by your insurance carrier.
You may also apply for a restricted California driver's license to use during your suspension period. See “Restricted California Driver's License' above.
Failure to Pay a Fine or Appear in Court
If you failed to pay a fine or failed to appear in court due to a traffic citation, you can have your CA suspended driver's license reinstated by:
- Paying the reissue fee to the California DMV. See “Fees for a Suspended CA Driver's License' below.
- Appearing in court or paying your citations.
- Once the fee is paid, you will be given an FTP/FTA abstract stating you fulfilled your court requirement.
Fees for a Suspended License in CA
There are many fees, fines, and costs associated with a driver's license suspension in California:
Ca Driver's License Limited Term Extension Requirements
- APS reissue fee (under 21 years old): $100.
- APS reissue fee (21 years old and older): $125.
- DUI reissue fee: $55.
- DUI 2nd offense:
- Add court restriction fee: $15.
- Remove court restriction fee: $20.
- Financial responsibility:
- Penalty fee: $250.
- Reissue fee: $55.
In addition to these miscellaneous fees, you'll need to pay any additional court costs, fines, and penalties.
CDL Suspensions in California
If you have a commercial driver's license (CDL) in California, you may receive a suspension if you commit an offense, including:
- Reckless driving.
- Making improper or dangerous lane changes.
- Following too closely to another vehicle.
- Causing a fatal accident by violating a traffic law.
- Driving a commercial vehicle without your CDL.
- Driving under the influence (DUI) of alcohol.
Ca Driver's License Limited Term Extension Application
In addition to state penalties, you may face additional federal penalties and charges. See the California Commercial Driver Handbook for a full list of state penalties and offenses.
Ca Drivers License Limited Term Extension California
For more information about federal CDL suspension laws, refer to the overview of the CDL program provided by the U.S. Department of Transportation.