How to Get Your California Drivers License Reinstated

You can easily renew your license in California.

Reinstating your driver's license in California is an important task to complete, as driving with an expired license can cause legal hassles and repercussions that can be timely and expensive to counteract. There are a number of personal articles and forms needed, as well as an understanding of the process, needed to ensure your reinstating goes smoothly.

Things You'll Need

• License
• Social security card
• Personal bills
• Application form
• Payment

Instructions

1. Make an appointment to reinstate your license at your local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). Renewing a license can be done online or through the mail, but reinstating a license that has been expired or suspended must be done in person.

2. You must have your expired license or a birth certificate, a social security card or other form with your full social security number on it, as well as two bills in your name that have your California address on it.

3. Visit the DMV on your appointment date, and fill out a reinstatement form, which is different than the first-time applicant's form.

4. Turn in your personal items, application and payment fee to a DMV official for processing. They will provide you a temporary license on site.

5. Check the mail about one to two weeks after filing for your newly instated license.

Tips & Warnings

• Make photocopies of your forms for your own records.

• Do not let anyone but the DMV official see or handle your social security card.

References

• DMV: Driver License and Identification Card Information