Automatic renewals of driver's licenses, which had been a convenient option for many drivers in California, have come to an end. Starting this year, the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) has decided to eliminate this convenience, which has sparked a wave of outrage among drivers in the state. The new regulations and renewal deadlines have caused confusion and concerns about the complexity of the process.
The California DMV has implemented a more rigorous system, which requires drivers to meet certain requirements before they can renew their license. Now, millions of people will have to face new procedures to keep their permits valid, something many did not expect.
Who must renew their license manually in California?
With the elimination of automatic renewals, certain groups of drivers will need to take action to make sure they renew their license on time. Adults over 70 years old are the most affected, since they must go to the DMV every five years. This is due to the need to verify their health and medical conditions to ensure their ability to drive safely.
Another group affected by this new measure are drivers with conditional licenses, meaning those who have medical or immigration-related restrictions. In addition, people who change their name, gender, or address will have to go through an additional process, even if their license is still valid. All drivers are also required to update their account on the DMV portal and make sure the registered address is correct before starting the process.
Key requirements for renewing the license
For those who are required to renew their license manually, the process has new conditions. The procedure can only be started within the 90 days prior to the expiration date. In addition, it is necessary to have an active account on the DMV portal and verify that the residential address is updated.
The DMV also requires that the driver's name matches the official documents. In addition, drivers must review the status of their voter registration, since it can be updated automatically when renewing the license. If these requirements are not met, the system will not allow the renewal application to be started.
Online renewal for commercial drivers
One of the few exceptions to this stricter system is for drivers with commercial licenses. Starting June 10, 2025, those with a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) will be able to renew their license completely online up to 120 days before its expiration. This process includes the possibility of uploading documents such as the medical certificate and TSA authorization, all through a secure system.
Steve Gordon, director of the DMV, emphasized that this measure aims to streamline procedures for commercial drivers, eliminating the need to wait in long lines and speeding up the process.