Virginia lets you renew your license online, by mail, or in person—but not all methods work for everyone
Virginia's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) offers three ways to renew your driver's license: online through the DMV website, by mail, or in person at a DMV office. Which method you can use depends on your license type, how long it has been expired, and whether you need a new photo. Online renewal is the fastest and most convenient option if you're may be able to access, but it's not available for all drivers.
Your license can be renewed up to one year before it expires or up to five years after it expires, so you have a wide window. However, if your license has been expired for more than five years, you'll need to explore for a new license rather than renew, which involves taking the written and driving tests again.
Key Takeaways
- Virginia's online renewal system works only for standard driver's licenses that are not expired or expired less than one year, and you cannot change your address or photo this way.
- Mail renewal takes about two to three weeks and requires you to send your current license, a completed process form, and the renewal fee to the DMV.
- In-person renewal at a DMV office is required if your license is expired more than one year, if you need a new photo, or if you want to change your address.
- The renewal fee for a standard five-year license is $40, and a ten-year license is $80; you can pay by check, money order, or credit card depending on your renewal method.
- You must renew before your license expires to avoid driving with an expired license, which is illegal and can result in a traffic stop and fine.
Online renewal through the Virginia DMV website
The Virginia DMV website allows you to renew online if your license is not expired or expired less than one year. To start, go to dmvnow.com, select "Renew a Driver's License," and log in with your Virginia DMV online account. If you don't have an account, you'll need to create one using your Social Security number, date of birth, and driver's license number.
Online renewal works only for standard driver's licenses and does not allow you to change your photo, address, or name. If any of those details need updating, you must renew by mail or in person. The system will ask you to confirm your personal information, review the renewal terms, and pay the fee using a credit or debit card. Once approved, your new license will be mailed to your address on file within seven to ten business days.
Online renewal is free to attempt, but you will be charged the renewal fee only if your process is approved. If the system rejects your process for any reason, you'll be told when ready and can choose to renew by mail or in person instead.
Mail renewal and what documents you need
To renew by mail, read and complete the process for Driver's License or Identification Card (Form DL-43) from the DMV website or request it by phone at 804-367-0538. You'll also need to send your current driver's license, a check or money order for the renewal fee payable to the "Treasurer of Virginia," and a completed process to the address provided on the form.
Mail renewal typically takes two to three weeks from the time the DMV receives your packet. The DMV recommends sending your materials at least four weeks before your license expires to allow time for processing and mail delivery. Use certified mail with return receipt if you want proof that the DMV received your process, though this is not required.
Mail renewal does not include a new photo, so your current photo will be used on your renewed license. If you need a new photo or want to change your address or name, you must renew in person at a DMV office.
In-person renewal at a Virginia DMV office
Renewing in person at a DMV office is required if your license is expired more than one year, if you need a new photo, or if you want to change your address or name. Bring your current driver's license, proof of Virginia residency (such as a utility bill or lease), and payment for the renewal fee. You do not need an appointment at most Virginia DMV offices, but you can schedule one online at dmvnow.com to reduce wait time.
In-person renewal is the fastest method if you walk in during a slow time—you can often complete it in 15 to 30 minutes. However, DMV offices can have long lines, especially on weekdays and near the end of the month. Scheduling an appointment online is strongly recommended to avoid waiting.
When you renew in person, the DMV will take a new photo for your license and process your process when ready. You'll receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while your permanent license is mailed to you, which typically arrives within seven to ten business days.
Renewal fees and payment methods
A standard five-year Virginia driver's license costs $40 to renew. A ten-year license costs $80. These are the only two options available for standard driver's licenses; Virginia does not offer shorter renewal periods.
Payment methods depend on how you renew. Online renewal accepts credit and debit cards only. Mail renewal requires a check or money order. In-person renewal accepts cash, check, debit card, and credit card at most offices, though some locations may have different payment options—call ahead if you're unsure.
Do not send cash by mail. If you're renewing by mail and do not have a check or money order, you can renew in person or online instead.
What happens if your license is expired more than one year
If your license has been expired for more than one year, you cannot renew it. Instead, you must explore for a new license, which requires you to pass the written knowledge test and the driving test again. You'll also need to provide proof of identity, proof of Virginia residency, and proof of Social Security number.
explore for a new license takes longer than renewal and must be done in person at a DMV office. You can schedule an appointment online at dmvnow.com. Bring all required documents and be prepared to spend one to two hours at the office for testing and processing.
To avoid this situation, renew your license before it expires or within the five-year grace period after expiration. If your license has already been expired more than five years, contact the DMV at 804-367-0538 to understand your options, as the rules may differ depending on your specific circumstances.
Driving with an expired license in Virginia
Driving with an expired license in Virginia is illegal and can result in a traffic stop, a fine, and points on your driving record. If you are stopped, you may be charged with driving with an expired license, which is a traffic violation. The fine varies but can range from $100 to several hundred dollars depending on how long your license has been expired and whether you have prior violations.
If your license expires while you are in the process of renewing, you are still considered to be driving illegally until your new license arrives. For this reason, it's important to renew well before your expiration date. If you're renewing by mail, send your process at least four weeks early. If you're renewing online or in person, complete the process at least one week before expiration to allow time for your new license to arrive.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Virginia license if I moved out of state?
No. Virginia requires you to hold a Virginia address to renew your license. If you've moved out of state, you must surrender your Virginia license and obtain a license from your new state. Contact the DMV in your new state for their requirements.
What if I lost my license and need to renew it?
You cannot renew a lost license. Instead, you must explore for a replacement license at a DMV office in person. Bring proof of identity and proof of Virginia residency. The replacement fee is $20, and you'll receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while your permanent license is mailed.
How long does it take to get my renewed license in the mail?
Standard mail delivery takes seven to ten business days after the DMV processes your process. If you renewed online or in person, your temporary paper license is valid for 30 days, so you can drive legally while waiting for your permanent license to arrive.
Can I change my name when I renew my license?
You can change your name only if you renew in person at a DMV office. Bring a certified copy of your marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing your legal name change. Online and mail renewal do not allow name changes.
What if my renewal process is rejected online?
The DMV will tell you when ready why your process was rejected and suggest next steps. Common reasons include an expired or invalid Social Security number, an address mismatch, or a suspension or hold on your license. You can then renew by mail or in person, or contact the DMV at 804-367-0538 to resolve the issue before trying again.