If you are in the US on a temporary visa, your driver's license or state ID is usually a limited-term card. The end date on the card is usually tied to your I-94 end date or your EAD (Employment Authorization Document, the work permit card). When that date passes, the license often stops being valid, even if your status is being extended.
This differs by state; see In your state below.
Open i94.cbp.dhs.gov and tap Get Most Recent I-94. Write down the Admit Until date.
Look at the end date on your EAD card, if you have one.
Look at the end date on your license.
Put a reminder in your phone 90 days before the earliest date.
F-1 and J-1 students: your I-94 usually says "D/S" (duration of status), not a date. Your end date is then the program end date on your I-20 or DS-2019. A 2026 rule to replace D/S with fixed dates is on hold in court. Ask your DSO or RO (the school official for your visa) if you hear news.
If you filed an extension
When you file to extend or change your status, USCIS sends a receipt notice, Form I-797C. Some states will renew a limited-term license with this receipt; others wait for the approval.
Keep the original I-797C and print the online case status from uscis.gov.
Call or check your DMV website: ask "Do you accept a pending I-797 receipt to renew a limited-term license?"
Go before your license ends, with your passport, newest I-94, I-797C, and any EAD.
If the DMV's SAVE check (the federal status system) needs more time, the DMV may ask you to wait for a letter. Keep your receipts.
When the approval (I-797A or I-797B) arrives, go back and renew again so the card shows the new end date.
EAD auto-extension: the rule changed
For years, filing an EAD renewal on time could extend an expiring card for up to 540 days. For renewals filed on or after October 30, 2025, this automatic extension generally no longer applies. Renewals filed before that date keep their extension. Some groups have special rules set by notice, so check uscis.gov for your category.
What this means:
Your EAD and license may end before the new EAD arrives.
The new I-797C receipt says it is not proof of work permission by itself.
File your EAD renewal as early as USCIS allows. Check the current filing window and fee on uscis.gov.
Current or expiring EAD, if you have one
I-797 receipt or approval notice
I-20 or DS-2019 for students and exchange visitors
Two proofs of address, if your state asks again
Driving after the license end date because "my extension is pending". You may be driving without a valid license.
Not renewing after the approval, so the card still shows the old date.
Waiting until the last week. DMV appointments can take weeks.