Renewing Your California Driver’s License: What It Will Cost You
Renewing your California driver’s license is an important task that must be completed every few years to ensure that you can continue to legally drive on the state’s roads. However, many people are often surprised by the cost associated with renewing their license. In this article, we will break down the fees and charges that you can expect to pay when renewing your California driver’s license.
Basic Renewal Fees:
The basic fee for renewing your California driver’s license is $36 for a non-commercial Class C license. This fee covers the cost of processing your renewal application and issuing a new license. However, this fee is subject to change, so it is important to check the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) website for the most up-to-date information.
Additional Fees:
In addition to the basic renewal fee, there are a number of additional fees that you may be required to pay when renewing your California driver’s license. These fees can vary depending on your specific circumstances, so it is important to review the DMV website or contact your local DMV office for more information. Some of the additional fees that you may encounter include:
– A $1 fee for processing your renewal application online, by mail, or by phone.
– A $5 fee for processing your renewal application at a DMV field office.
– A $7 fee for completing the eye exam required for renewal.
– A $35 fee for the behind-the-wheel driving test, if required.
– A $20 fee for the knowledge test, if required.
It is important to note that these fees are in addition to the basic renewal fee and can quickly add up, depending on your circumstances. For example, if you choose to renew your license online, complete the required eye exam, and take the behind-the-wheel driving test, you could be looking at a total cost of $104 to renew your California driver’s license.
Military Personnel:
If you are a member of the military serving outside of California, you may be eligible for a fee waiver when renewing your driver’s license. This waiver is available to active duty military members, their spouses, and their dependents, and can help to offset the cost of renewing your license. To apply for a fee waiver, you will need to complete a Military Personnel/Veteran’s License Application, which can be found on the DMV website.
Senior Citizens:
Senior citizens aged 70 and older are required to renew their California driver’s license in person at a DMV field office. However, senior citizens are not required to pay the renewal fee for their driver’s license. This waiver applies to both the basic renewal fee and any additional fees that may be required. Senior citizens should also be aware that they are not required to take the driving test when renewing their license, but may still need to pass the knowledge test and eye exam.
Out-of-State Residents:
If you are an out-of-state resident with a California driver’s license, you may still be able to renew your license without returning to California. You can renew your license online, by mail, or by phone, as long as you meet the eligibility requirements. However, out-of-state residents may be required to pay an additional fee for processing their renewal application, depending on the method that they choose.
Conclusion:
Renewing your California driver’s license is an important task that must be completed every few years to ensure that you can continue to legally drive on the state’s roads. However, it is important to be aware of the fees and charges associated with renewing your license, as they can quickly add up depending on your circumstances. By reviewing the information provided in this article, you can better prepare yourself for the cost of renewing your California driver’s license and avoid any surprises when it comes time to renew.
