How Long Is a California State Driver's License Good For?

Driving is a privilege, not a right, in California.

Having a driver's license is a privilege that many Californians take full advantage of. Preparing to get a driver's license is a major milestone in a person's life. Once the license has been obtained, it's important to know when it will need to be renewed.

Validation Time

According to the California Department of Motor Vehicles, or DMV, Vehicles Code Section 12816 (a) explains that a driver's license expires on the driver's fifth birthday following the application date for the license. In simple terms, a driver's license needs to be renewed every five years.

Types of Licenses

There are several types of driver's license issued in the state of California. The most common license is the Class C. This is the general driver's license for people who are driving passenger cars, trucks and sport utility vehicles. Commercial driver's licenses are for people driving tractor-trailers, buses and larger vehicles. The third type of license is the motorcycle license.

Renewal

Before the driver's license is expired, the cardholder will receive written notification of how to renew it. The California DMV has set up several options for renewing licenses. The most common method is by mail. Other renewal methods are using online forms and visiting local DMV offices.

References

• Department of Motor Vehicles: Types of License Renewals
• Department of Motor Vehicles: Vehicle Codes