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Changing, Replacing, and Renewing Your Driver's License — California Driver's License Practice Test

Changing, Replacing, and Renewing Your Driver's LicenseQuestion 1 of 16

16 questions in this topic · 16 drawn at random this round

Once you receive a replacement driver's license card, what should you do with the old card?

CA Driver Handbook

All questions are based on the official California Driver Handbook. Study the relevant section to reinforce your knowledge.

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This California Driver's License Changing, Replacing, and Renewing Your Driver's License practice set has 16 practice questions based on the official exam materials, each with an instant explanation. You need 83% on the real California Driver's License knowledge test to pass.

Topic overview

This chapter covers what to do when your information or card status changes: updating your name or address, replacing a lost, stolen, or damaged license, renewing before it expires, and requesting an extension if you're out of state.

The most-tested idea is that these are separate actions with separate rules — moving requires notifying DMV within a set window, but a new address does not automatically produce a new physical card; you'd need to separately request one. Likewise, driving on an expired license is against the law, so renewal timing matters, and not everyone qualifies to renew online — some must go to a DMV office in person and prove their identity again.

A common mistake is assuming an old license is still valid "just in case" after a replacement arrives — once you get the new card, the old one is void and should be destroyed if found later. Also remember an out-of-state extension must be requested before the license expires, by contacting DMV directly, and doesn't apply to limited-term licenses.

If I move, does my license automatically update?

No — you must notify DMV of your new address yourself, and even after you do, your physical card won't change unless you separately request a new one.

What if I'm out of state when my license is about to expire?

You may be able to request a one-year extension before it expires, but this option isn't available for every type of license.

Written from the official California Driver Handbook — Changing, Replacing, and Renewing Your Driver's License ↗· Last checked: 2026-07-10· Reviewed by the PassPrep editorial team· How we verify →

Sample questions

Three questions from the Changing, Replacing, and Renewing Your Driver's License bank with the correct answer and an explanation. The practice quiz above draws 16 questions at random from the same bank.

How do you make a legal name change, or update your physical description or gender identity, on your driver's license?
- Visit dmv.ca.gov/dlservices — Correct answer
- Simply write the change on the back of your license
- Notify your auto insurance company only
- Wait until your license expires
Explanation: A legal name change, or an update to your physical description or gender identity, requires visiting dmv.ca.gov/dlservices.
Handbook: Changing, Replacing, and Renewing Your Driver's License — Change Your Name or Personal Information
If you move, how soon must you notify the DMV of your new address?
- Within ten days — Correct answer
- Within 30 days
- Within 60 days
- Only when you renew your license
Explanation: A driver must notify the DMV of an address change within ten days of moving.
Handbook: Changing, Replacing, and Renewing Your Driver's License — Change Your Address
How can an address change be submitted to the DMV?
- Online at dmv.ca.gov/addresschange or by mail — Correct answer
- Only by visiting a field office in person
- Only by calling the DMV
- Through your local post office
Explanation: An address change can be submitted online at dmv.ca.gov/addresschange or by mail.
Handbook: Changing, Replacing, and Renewing Your Driver's License — Change Your Address