If your driver’s license is expired, how long do you have to renew it without starting the process over?

In California, if your driver's license is expired, you have a grace period of one year to renew it without having to restart the application process entirely. During this one-year period, you can simply renew your license by fulfilling the necessary requirements, such as passing the vision test and paying the renewal fee.

If you wait longer than one year, you may be required to retake the written and possibly even the driving tests to obtain a new license, as it is considered expired for too long. This rule is designed to ensure that drivers remain up-to-date with their licensing requirements while still allowing some flexibility for those who may have missed the renewal deadline.