Is it almost time for you to renew your driver’s license? This can be a confusing process, so you’ll want to know what it entails.
Each state’s driver’s license renewal process is a little different, so what’s required of you may differ depending on where you live.
In some circumstances, you might need to take a test before renewal. If this applies to you, then questions and answers for the license renewal test are necessary for helping you prepare.
Understanding if this even applies to you is just one thing that you’ll need to know about license renewal. To help simplify this process, we’ll explain a few other key components below.
When Is Renewal Required?
The first thing you’ll want to know is when you’re required to renew your license.
This is something that varies between states, but a new license is typically good for a period of four to eight years. Before expiration, you’ll need to renew it and get a new license.
While a license lasts for several years, you can only renew it in the later stages of validity. This also varies by state, but two to six months is usually the time frame during which you can renew early.
On the other hand, while you should never let your license expire, you can renew after expiration. Most states have a few month grace period to renew without needing to apply for a new license.
With this in mind, you’ll likely need to renew your license several times during your life and it’s a process you should get comfortable with!
Renewing Online or In-Person?
Another important consideration is whether you can renew online or in-person.
The two methods work quite differently and one is a more convenient option. If you can renew your license online, then why would you ever do it in-person?
Renewing online is certainly a great option and it allows you to skip the lines of the DMV. However, not every driver has the option to do this because in-person renewal is a requirement for many.
Because of this, you should understand when you’re eligible for online renewal. Most states permit online renewal, but more than a dozen do not.
For the states that do allow it, you’re only eligible if you meet specific state criteria. For example, some states permit online renewal for every other renewal, meaning that you’ll need to alternate between in-person and online renewal each time.
A few other qualifiers include not needing to change information like your address, being a safe driver, and after passing a vision test.
Generally speaking, your renewal notice will usually indicate whether you’re eligible to renew online or if you need to visit a DMV office. Pay attention to this and respond accordingly!
When Is Testing Mandatory?
You may also be wondering when re-testing is mandatory.
Most license renewals do not require re-testing, but there are a few circumstances that do prompt it. This primarily involves renewing after a specific age and after having a driving conviction or license suspension.
Many states have rules regarding mandatory vision testing after a set age. This is usually around age 70, but the exact age varies by state. Vision tends to fail as drivers get older, so this is to help ensure that they still have good enough eyesight to drive safely.
Furthermore, re-testing will often be required if you’ve received a license suspension. This is to help verify that you understand what you did wrong and know how to avoid it in the future.
With all of this in mind, you usually won’t need to re-test if you’re fairly young and have a clean driving record.
What Other Requirements Are There?
A final piece of information to know is the other requirements involved with license renewal.
This mainly speaks to the documents you’ll need to provide at the DMV if you want a Real ID. You’ll need official identification, which is either your birth certificate or a valid passport. Nothing else is acceptable and will get you turned away.
Another requirement is the verification of your social security number. If you don’t have your SSN card, then this can get tricky and you’ll need to resort to something like a W2.
Even if you feel like you have the right documents, it’s up to the DMV worker to verify them. This isn’t always consistent, which means that you might get turned away for no reason.
Take the time to research your state’s requirements and ensure that you perfectly match them to give you the best chance of renewing your license during your first visit!
Closing Thoughts
Renewing your driver’s license is a confusing process and what you’ll experience varies from state to state. Figuring out what you need to do will simplify this and make the whole process a little easier.
What you should learn is when renewal is required, whether you should renew online or in-person, when re-testing is mandatory, and the documentation requirements.
These expectations are different from state to state, but on average you’ll need to renew every four to eight years, can renew online every other time, will need to re-test if you’re a senior citizen or had your license suspended, and you’ll need your birth certificate and social security number card for a Real ID.
Look at your state’s DMV website to learn the exact requirements. This will make renewal much easier and you’ll be able to drive without issue for several years to come!
