Where can I renew my drivers license in nys?

How can expat residing in Japan renew lapsed Calif drivers license?

• I last renewed my California drivers license in February or March 1991 and have been living in Japan ever since. Eventually I'll move back. But in the interim I may need to visit to do some things. I'll have the means to rent a car, but not the drivers license. Or so I assume; it's been 11 years since the last one was issued. And in Los Angeles in particular, ya just gotta be able to drive! Theoretically I could just arrive, go immediately to a DMV office, get a pamphlet, study it, come back the next day, take the tests, and be given a temporary license until the real one comes through. But _can_ I? What are the waiting periods involved? Can someone whose actual living address is overseas apply for a California license? (I use my former address for my absentee voting ballot, but in fact I have no connection with that address anymore and don't even know if that building still exists.) Are there any steps that can be done by mail? BTW, my driving record is clear -- no tickets, warrants, uncleared accidents, etc. before I left. I do not still have my old drivers license. If needed by a Researcher I can provide further personal details, but not publically.

• Answer:

  Hi there, Firstly, if you have a license from elsewhere (like Japan) it is okay to use that license: "If you are a visitor in California over 18 years old and have a valid driver license from your home state or country (where you live permanently), you may drive in this state without getting a California driver license as long as your home state license remains valid." http://www.dmv.ca.gov/pubs/hdbk/pgs01thru03.htm#visitorstoca However, I'm guessing that you don't currently have a license from anywhere, so this is what you have to do... Because it expired so long ago, it is not possible to renew it by mail http://www.dmv.ca.gov/dl/dl_info.htm#renewbymail So the only other way is to renew it in person, in California. - Visit a DMV office (make an appointment for faster service) - Complete application form DL 44 - Give a thumb print - Have your picture taken - Pay the $15 application fee - Pass an vision exam - Pass a traffic laws and sign test - After you pass your test you will be issued an interim license valid for 60 days until you receive your new photo license in the mail http://www.dmv.ca.gov/dl/dl_info.htm#RENEW Locations of California DMV offices http://www.dmv.ca.gov/fo/regions/california.htm The DMV web site makes no mention of requiring a California address. Another alternative is to apply for a Japanese license - in large cities this can be done in English. Obtaining a Japanese license http://www.koyama.co.jp/e1_1.htm Driver's license office locations in Japan http://www.koyama.co.jp/e5.htm Search strategy: Personal bookmark for the California DMV "driver's license" Japan ://www.google.com/search?hl=en&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&q=%22driver%27s+license%22+Japan I hope this answers your question. Feel free to ask for any clarifications you may require. Best wishes, robertskelton-ga