Roadwise States California Driving lessons Renewing, replacing & changing your license California driving lesson · Getting Your License
Renewing, replacing & changing your license A 3-minute lesson from the California course. Read the rules and examples, follow the handbook page references, and check your understanding before you move on.
Read time 3 minutes
Course unit Getting Your License
Checkpoint questions 6
Source pages 14 Once you're licensed, you must keep your license current and your address up to date with DMV. Most of this can be done online, but some rules have firm deadlines.
Know the rule
You can submit a change of address online or by mail. It is your responsibility to make sure DMV has your correct mailing address.
Handbook p. 14 ↗ Know the rule
You do not automatically get a new license when you change your address. You may request a replacement for a fee.
Handbook p. 14 ↗ Know the rule
It is against the law to drive with an expired driver's license.
Handbook p. 14 ↗ Know the rule
If you cannot renew online, visit a DMV office. You may need to provide additional proof of identity.
Handbook p. 14 ↗ Know the rule
If your license and identity document expire on the same date, you will be required to provide a valid identity document.
Handbook p. 14 ↗ Know the rule
If you are a minor, your parent or guardian must sign the renewal or replacement application.
Handbook p. 14 ↗ Know the rule
Once you receive a replacement card, your old card is no longer valid. If you find it, destroy it.
Handbook p. 14 ↗ 1 year Extension you may request if you are out of state and cannot renew
Handbook p. 14 ↗ Email the extension request before your license expires, including: Your name Driver's license number Birth date California residence address Out-of-state address Handbook p. 14 ↗ Know the rule
Limited-term driver's licenses are not eligible for the one-year extension.
Handbook p. 14 ↗ Put it into practice
You move across town on June 1. You must tell DMV by June 11. Your current license stays valid; you only get a new card if you request a replacement and pay the fee.
A useful reminder Address change = 10 days. Out-of-state extension = one year, but never for a limited-term license.
Check your understanding Read the question, decide on an answer, then open it to check the explanation. These are Roadwise study questions based on the source handbook.
Within how many days of moving must you notify DMV of your new address? Ten days Five days Thirty days Twenty days Answer: Ten days
You must notify DMV of a new address within ten days of moving.
Handbook p. 14 ↗ Is it legal to drive with an expired driver's license? Yes, for up to 30 days No, it is against the law Yes, if you applied to renew Yes, within 60 days of expiring Answer: No, it is against the law
It is against the law to drive with an expired driver's license.
Handbook p. 14 ↗ If you are out-of-state and cannot renew your license, what can you request? A permanent waiver A six-month grace period only A one-year extension An automatic five-year renewal Answer: A one-year extension
Out-of-state residents who cannot renew may request a one-year extension of their license.
Handbook p. 14 ↗ Which type of license is NOT eligible for the out-of-state one-year extension? A standard Class C license A provisional license A REAL ID license A limited-term license Answer: A limited-term license
Limited-term driver's licenses are not eligible for the out-of-state extension.
Handbook p. 14 ↗ What should you do with your old license after receiving a replacement? Destroy it Mail it back to DMV Keep it as a backup ID Keep it until it expires Answer: Destroy it
Once you receive a replacement card, the old card is no longer valid and should be destroyed if found.
Handbook p. 14 ↗ Do you automatically receive a new driver's license when you change your address? Yes, DMV mails one automatically No, you must request a replacement for a fee Yes, but only if you renew online No, but the old one remains usable indefinitely Answer: No, you must request a replacement for a fee
You do not automatically get a new license after an address change; a replacement can be requested for a fee.
Handbook p. 14 ↗ Previous lesson Drive test day: what to bring & vehicle check Next lesson Are you fit to drive? More in Getting Your License About the source Roadwise’s California course uses the driver handbook edition supplied with this study pack. This lesson cites source pages 14. The linked PDF is a third-party mirror of the handbook, rather than a government-hosted page.
Open the handbook source PDF · View the source edition
For current application requirements, fees, appointments, and the format that applies to your age or license type, check California’s DMV. Roadwise provides study material and does not issue permits or licenses.