Calling California residents!

[mayerling]

Hi everyone,

My fiance's license is expiring within the next two months and we were originally not planning on going to the US (we live in the UK) until the holidays. We're now worried that unless he goes and renews it before it expires (he's not eligible for mail or online renewal), he's going to have to take the written and road test again. Is that accurate? I can't seem to be able to get any info on this online. From what I've read here and there it seems that you only have to retake the test if a long time passes between expiry and renewal but I can't be sure. We tried to call the DMV in CA but it's Friday and they're closed.

Are there any CA residents on PS that might have some info on this?

 

[Hera]

I couldn't find that information but I did find that you could extend your expiration for one year by mail but must do it before the license expires:

f you are away from California (up to one year), you may request a free one-year extension before your driver license expires. Limited term drivers are not eligible for this extension. Mail your request to DMV, PO Box 942890, Sacramento, CA 94290-0001. Include your name, driver license number, birth date, California residence address, and your out-of-state address.

http://www.dmv.ca.gov/pubs/hdbk/misc_lic_info.htm

 

[mayerling]

I couldn't find that information but I did find that you could extend your expiration for one year by mail but must do it before the license expires:

f you are away from California (up to one year), you may request a free one-year extension before your driver license expires. Limited term drivers are not eligible for this extension. Mail your request to DMV, PO Box 942890, Sacramento, CA 94290-0001. Include your name, driver license number, birth date, California residence address, and your out-of-state address.

http://www.dmv.ca.gov/pubs/hdbk/misc_lic_info.htm

Thanks for looking this up. Unfortunately, he's not eligible for mail renewal.

 

[mayerling]

Oh, I see what you mean about extending the expiration. Unfortunately, they say you can be away from CA for up to one year, but since he lives in the UK he doesn't qualify for that.

 

[House Cat]

Quite a few years back, my license expired and I didn't realize it. My mail went to two homes...

The way it was pointed out to me was when the bank refused to cash a check for me due to my expired license/ID. By that time, my license had been expired for 8 months. I went to the DMV the next day and renewed, didn't have to take any test or anything, but I didn't have any citations either.

Hope that helps...

 

[mayerling]

Quite a few years back, my license expired and I didn't realize it. My mail went to two homes...

The way it was pointed out to me was when the bank refused to cash a check for me due to my expired license/ID. By that time, my license had been expired for 8 months. I went to the DMV the next day and renewed, didn't have to take any test or anything, but I didn't have any citations either.

Hope that helps...

Thanks for the info, HouseCat.

Anybody else have any info on this?