AAA membership renewal and driver's license renewal are separate processes that happen on different timelines
Your AAA membership card and your driver's license are two different documents with two different expiration dates. AAA is a private membership organization that provides roadside information, discounts, and travel services. Your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) issues and renews your driver's license. Renewing one does not renew the other, and missing either important date carries different consequences.
If you are looking to renew your driver's license, that process is handled entirely by your state DMV — online, by mail, or in person depending on your state and how long it has been since your last renewal. If you are looking to renew your AAA membership, you handle that directly with AAA through their website, by phone, or by mail. This guide covers both processes so you understand what each one requires and when each one is due.
Key Takeaways
- AAA membership renewal happens through AAA directly (online at aaa.com, by phone, or by mail), while driver's license renewal happens through your state DMV.
- Your AAA membership typically renews annually, while your driver's license renews on a schedule set by your state — usually every 4 to 8 years depending on your age and state.
- You can renew your driver's license online in most states if it has not been more than a certain number of years since your last in-person visit (usually 4 to 8 years).
- AAA sends renewal notices by mail and email before your membership expires, and you can renew before expiration to avoid losing member benefits.
- Driving with an expired license is illegal; driving without active AAA membership straightforward means you lose roadside information and member discounts until you renew.
How to renew your AAA membership
AAA membership renews on an annual basis. You will receive a renewal notice in the mail and by email approximately 30 to 60 days before your membership expires. The notice will include your membership number, current expiration date, and renewal cost.
You can renew in three ways: online at aaa.com (fastest option, takes a few minutes), by phone by calling your local AAA club, or by mail by returning the renewal notice with payment. Online renewal is when ready — your membership stays active without interruption if you renew before the expiration date. If you renew after expiration, there may be a brief gap in coverage depending on your club's policy.
Renewal cost varies by membership tier (basic, plus, or premier) and by region, since AAA is organized into regional clubs. Your renewal notice will show the exact cost for your membership level. Many AAA members pay the renewal fee automatically through a credit card or bank account on file, which you can set up or change on the AAA website.
How to renew your driver's license through your state DMV
Your driver's license renewal timeline depends on your state and your age. Most states renew licenses every 4 to 8 years. Your license will show an expiration date on the front. You can renew starting 6 months before that date in most states, though some allow renewal up to one year early.
The DMV offers three renewal routes in most states: online (if you meet may be able to access requirements), by mail, or in person at a DMV office. Online renewal is available in nearly all states if your license has not expired, you have not had any address changes, and it has not been more than a certain number of years since your last in-person visit — typically 4 to 8 years depending on your state. You will need your current license number and may need to answer security questions or verify your identity through your state's online portal.
Mail renewal is available in some states for standard renewals with no changes. You will receive a renewal notice from your DMV; follow the instructions on that notice to return it with payment and any required documents. In-person renewal at a DMV office is always an option and is required if you need to update your photo, address, or other information, or if your state does not offer online or mail renewal.
Documents and fees you will need for each process
| Process | Documents Needed | Fee | Time to Complete |
|---|---|---|---|
| AAA Membership Renewal | Membership number (on renewal notice or card) | Varies by tier and region; typically $50–$150 per year | Online: when ready; Mail: 1–2 weeks |
| Driver's License Renewal (Online) | Current license number; may need to verify identity through state portal | Varies by state; typically $20–$80 | 5–10 business days for new card to arrive |
| Driver's License Renewal (In Person) | Current license, proof of residency, proof of citizenship or legal presence (varies by state) | Varies by state; typically $20–$80 | Same day or within 1 week depending on state |
AAA renewal requires only your membership number and payment method. Driver's license renewal requirements depend on the route you choose. Online renewal typically requires only your current license number and the ability to verify your identity through your state's system. In-person renewal requires your current license plus documents proving your identity, residency, and citizenship or legal presence — your state DMV website lists the specific documents it accepts.
What happens if your AAA membership or license expires
If your AAA membership expires, you lose access to roadside information, member discounts, and travel benefits when ready. You can renew at any time after expiration, but there may be a brief gap in coverage. Some AAA clubs allow you to renew online even after expiration; others require you to call or visit in person. Check your renewal notice or aaa.com for your club's policy.
If your driver's license expires, you cannot legally drive. Driving with an expired license is a traffic violation in every state and can result in a fine, points on your driving record, or both. If you are stopped by law enforcement, you may also face additional penalties. Renew your license before the expiration date shown on the front of your card.
If your license has already expired, you can still renew it through your state DMV using the same online, mail, or in-person routes. However, some states require an in-person visit if your license has been expired for more than a certain period (often 1 to 2 years). Check your state DMV website to confirm the renewal process for an expired license.
Checking your renewal dates and setting reminders
Your AAA membership expiration date appears on your membership card and in your online account at aaa.com. Your driver's license expiration date is printed on the front of your license. Write both dates down or set phone reminders 30 to 60 days before each expiration so you do not miss either important date.
AAA sends renewal notices by mail and email automatically, so check your email inbox and spam folder for renewal reminders. Your state DMV may also send a renewal notice by mail for your driver's license, though not all states do. Do not rely on receiving a notice — check your license expiration date yourself and plan to renew at least a few weeks before it expires.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my driver's license and AAA membership at the same time?
No — they are completely separate processes handled by different organizations. You renew your driver's license through your state DMV and your AAA membership through AAA directly. However, you can do both online on the same day if you want to handle them together. Neither one affects the other.
What if I let my AAA membership lapse but still need roadside information?
You can renew your AAA membership at any time, even after it expires. Renew online at aaa.com, by phone, or by mail. Coverage typically begins when ready for online renewal. If you need roadside information before you renew, you can call a towing service directly or contact your auto insurance company — many policies include roadside information coverage.
Do I have to renew my driver's license in person?
Not necessarily. Most states offer online or mail renewal if your license has not expired and you meet other requirements. In-person renewal is required if your license has expired for a long time, if you need to update your photo or address, or if your state does not offer online or mail renewal. Check your state DMV website to see which options are available to you.
What if my AAA membership expires while I am waiting for my new card?
If you renew online or by phone before your membership expires, your coverage continues without a gap. If you renew by mail, there may be a brief delay between expiration and the time your new card arrives. Contact your local AAA club to confirm whether coverage continues during this period, or renew online to avoid any gap.
Can I renew my driver's license if I have moved to a different state?
No — you must renew your license in the state where you currently live. If you have moved, you need to get a new license from your new state's DMV rather than renewing your old one. Contact your new state's DMV for the process to obtain a license there. Your AAA membership, however, can move with you — update your address on aaa.com or by calling your local AAA club.