Absent-minded folks out there… We come bearing bad news. If until now you had a grace period to drive with your expired driver’s license and nothing happened if you got caught… Not anymore.
It started as an exceptional measure after the pandemic, the DMVs were overwhelmed and didn’t know what to do, so they decided to allow Americans to keep driving without renewing their license for up to two years, but everything comes to an end and so has this rule.
So, right now you have no excuse if an officer pulls you over and asks for your license, you could face huge fines, your insurance could cancel your policy or even jail time in some states… Now that you know this, it’s better not to risk it. Want to know what else is happening on the roads? We’ll tell you below.
The pandemic is no longer an excuse
Look, back in 2020 we were all a bit nervous, we know, and it was the norm. The lockdown, the data, the economy crashing… Many governors thought the best way to ease the situation was to issue orders temporarily suspending fines for expired licenses. At the time, of course. And 34 states extended the license expiration by up to a year. Yes, you could drive with your expired license and no one would say anything.
But wait, because it only lasted until April 2021, when those measures started to disappear, and with the official end of the health emergency in 2023, there’s no active protection left. So, you have no excuse at all.
But after that, things got even stricter, let’s remember that on May 7 the Real ID requirement came into effect for flights and other official matters. So there was no longer any reason to offer extensions to drivers.
How much does it cost to renew?
As of today, driving with an expired license is the same as not having one. Or worse, having to face the consequences, and we’re telling you, they’re not great.
It varies by state, but… The fines go from 50 dollars in Maine up to 500 dollars and one year in jail in Georgia. Also, imagine if you have an accident (god forbid) and your insurance company refuses to cover it because your license wasn’t valid. As you can see, it’s all disadvantages…
What if I can’t get an appointment in time?
Well, yes, it’s true that DMVs are often busy when it comes to renewals, but we believe you have time to get an appointment before your license expires. We’re not in 2021 with more than 22 million pending procedures… In 2025 there’s at least 3 million fewer delays because even office hours and online portals were doubled to speed things up.
In California, for example, there are more than 20% more online renewals than before the pandemic, confirmed Anita Gore, spokesperson for the DMV in that state. In North Carolina, the DMV extended its weekday hours and added 20 offices open on weekends, but even so, appointments are gone in minutes because there are still many overdue licenses!
One last hope in North Carolina?
In the middle of this tightening, the HB 821 bill emerged, proposing a temporary exception for North Carolina. And yes, if approved, it would allow ordinary (Class C) licenses to remain valid for two more years, but only within the state and until December 31, 2027, so go ahead and book your DMV appointment now because it’s always a rush later.
This measure passed the House Rules Committee on May 13, but it still needs full approval from the legislature and the governor. No other state has considered applying something similar. Even its main sponsor admits it’s “a patch, not a permanent solution.”
How can I renew my license?
Like we said, now it’s all a rush. But online renewal is a must and a great improvement (only if you meet the requirements, of course).
You just need to check the date on your card, gather the required Real ID documents (like passport, proof of residence and Social Security number), and schedule an appointment if you can’t do it online. That’s it, no more to it.
Here’s how to proceed so you don’t run into trouble or say you didn’t know!
- Check your license expiration date, it’s essential to know it
- Try the online option first. There are 42 states that allow online renewal. If yours doesn’t, tough luck. Then request an appointment at your nearest DMV.
- Gather the Real ID documentation (Social Security, two proof of address and a birth certificate or passport)
- Book your appointment early!!!
- Those in special groups (military, seniors or out-of-state residents) can request a temporary permit by mail, as long as it’s done with enough time.
Luck’s run out, and so has the grace period. Now, if you see blue lights behind you, you’d better pray if you haven’t renewed your driver’s license!