Like most individuals, you have a never-ending list of duties to do. Renewal of a driver’s license is merely another task on the list.

Renewal of a driver’s license may also have unpleasant implications for many individuals – you may recollect spending hours in a crowded, miserable DMV and instinctively avoid the whole procedure. 

It’s also challenging to recall the expiry date since you don’t renew your driver’s license yearly.

For these reasons, letting your driver’s license lapse is relatively simple. Fortunately, you can renew an expired license, although you may have to go through some extra hurdles. 

Here’s the information you need to know if you renew an expired driver’s license: 

How Long Do You Have After Your Current Driver’s License Expires to Get a New One? 

Keep in mind that each state has its own set of deadlines. In New York, for example, you’ll have two years from the expiration of your current license to renew. 

It’s essential to visit the DMV website for the state where you reside or where you’re migrating. This allows you to determine how long you have to renew an expired license. 

If you miss the renewal date for an expired license, you may have to reapply from scratch, including vision, road, and written examinations. Knowing your state’s rules allows you to avoid all of this. 

Will You Be Charged a Penalty? 

Let’s get one thing straight. Driving with any form of expired license is against the law. You may be penalized and punished if you are caught. 

Generally, there are no penalties for renewing an expired license at the DMV. 

The worst that may happen if you renew your driver’s license within the grace period is that you may have to retake the vision exam. Some states make this a requirement. 

If your license has expired, you may be unable to renew it using the most straightforward approach – completing everything online. Some states, such as North Carolina, nevertheless allow you to renew your driver’s license online for up to two years after it has expired. 

The state of Texas, on the other hand, requires those with expired licenses to visit the DMV. 

REAL ID and Renewal 

When it comes time to renew your driver’s license, you may have an option. Beginning May 3, 2023, many citizens must provide a REAL ID-compliant document while boarding an aircraft for domestic travel in the United States or visiting specific government sites, military bases, and nuclear power plants. 

You already have a REAL ID-compliant card if you have an improved driver’s license. (Enhanced licenses without a star are still REAL ID compatible and will be printed with one when renewed or replaced.)

If you hold a driver’s license, look at your renewal notice to see what alternatives you have.

How Can I Determine if I need a REAL ID-Compliant Driver’s License? 

If you meet the following criteria, you may not require a REAL ID-compliant license:

After May 3, 2023, do not fly or access certain government institutions, military sites, or nuclear power plants. 

A valid U.S. passport or passport card is an acceptable alternative to a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license. The Transportation Security Administration provides a comprehensive list of approved papers. 

If having a driver’s license that fulfills all standards for boarding an aircraft for domestic travel appeals to you, then a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license is the way to go. 

When renewing your license, you must apply for a REAL ID-compliant license.

• Present your certified U.S. birth certificate with a stamp or raised seal; an unexpired U.S. passport or passport card; or another acceptable citizenship or legal presence document as evidence of U.S. citizenship or legal presence. If your name differs from the one on your birth certificate, you must present a documented name-change document, such as a marriage license or court decree. If your name has changed more than once, you may need to provide additional documentation. 

Documents about name changes must include both the new and former names. You may utilize divorce decrees if certified (copies are not recognized) and indicate the altered and prior names. Faxes and photocopies are not allowed.

• Pass the eyesight examination.
• Pay the renewal cost for your driver’s license. There is no cost to change to a REAL ID.

If you apply for a REAL ID license or ID card and do not intend to renew it, you must pay a duplicate card cost. Please ensure that you have the necessary papers before visiting a branch office.

Online Renewal 

If you renewed your driver’s license or enhanced driver’s license at a Secretary of State branch office within the past eight years, you may renew it online or at a self-service station. Online renewal is easy and saves time.

A standard driver’s license cannot be changed to an enhanced one while renewing online. To provide paperwork, a branch office visit is necessary. Make an appointment to learn more about expanded driver’s license requirements.

Mailing a Renewal 

• Complete and sign the renewal notification. 
• Fill up the blanks with your current address. 
• You may pay with a cheque or a money order. 
• Send your request three weeks before your driver’s license expires.

Renewing a Driver’s License at a Secretary of State Branch Office 

Many people are required by law to renew their driver’s license in person at a Secretary of State branch office every twelve years. 

If you meet the following criteria, you must renew at a Secretary of State branch office:

• You haven’t renewed at a Secretary of State branch office in over eight years. 
• We were unable to validate your Social Security number. (When you renew, you must verify a valid Social Security number.) When renewing a license, a notice of ineligibility from the Social Security Administration and evidence of the lawful presence in the United States will be acceptable in place of a Social Security number.) 

When Renewing Your Driver’s License at a Secretary of State Branch Office: 

Go to the website of your state’s shipping department and obtain the online software

Bring your driver’s license or another appropriate form of identification. 

Bring any necessary glasses or contact lenses for driving. 

A vision test will be administered to you. 

Cash, check, money order, Discover, MasterCard, Visa debit, or credit card are all acceptable forms of payment. 

Making Changes to Your License When Renewing 

You may also make changes while renewing or upgrading your license. 

When renewing your license, you may submit a change of address online, via mail, or in person at a branch office.

If you need to alter your name on your valid driver’s license, you must bring documentation of the name change. Official documentation, such as a certified marriage license, divorce decree, or legal name change paperwork, must be used to provide proof of your name change. 

If your name has changed more than once, you may need to provide additional documentation. Documents about name changes must include both the new and former names. 

You may utilize divorce decrees if they are certified (copies are not recognized) and reflect both the altered and prior names. They will correct your name for a cost, and a new image will be taken. 

Early Renewal – In State 

If you cannot renew your driver’s or enhanced driver’s license on time for whatever reason, you may renew it up to 12 months early at a Secretary of State branch office. 

If you are a U.S. citizen with a valid Social Security number, you may renew your driver’s license online or at a self-service station up to 12 months early.

Early Renewal – Out of State 

If you are out of state when your license or enhanced license expires, you should renew it at a Secretary of State branch office before you leave. 

If you cannot renew your driver’s license on time, you may renew it up to 12 months early. 

Eligible drivers may also renew their regular driver’s license online 12 months in advance.