How to Renew Your Expired Virginia Driver's License

What to do if your Virginia driver's license has expired

If your Virginia driver's license has expired, you can renew it through the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) in person, by mail, or online — depending on how long it has been expired and whether you need a Real ID. The fastest route for most people is the DMV website at dmvnow.com, where you can renew online if your license expired within the last five years and you do not need a Real ID upgrade. If your license expired more than five years ago, or if you need a Real ID-compliant license, you must visit a DMV office in person.

The cost to renew is $40 for a five-year license or $80 for an eight-year license. You will need your Social Security number, your current address, and a valid payment method (debit or credit card for online renewal, or cash, check, or card at an office). Processing time varies: online renewals typically take five to seven business days, while in-person renewals are usually completed the same day.

Key Takeaways

Online renewal through dmvnow.com works only if your license expired within the last five years and you do not need a Real ID.
If your license expired more than five years ago, you must renew in person at a Virginia DMV office with proof of identity and residency.
Real ID-compliant licenses require an in-person visit and additional documents such as a birth certificate or passport.
Renewal costs $40 for five years or $80 for eight years, and you can pay by card online or by cash, check, or card at an office.
You can drive on an expired license only to and from a DMV office to renew it; driving for other purposes is illegal in Virginia.

Renewing online through dmvnow.com

The Virginia DMV online renewal system is the fastest option if you meet the requirements. You can renew online if your license expired within the last five years, you are between 18 and 75 years old, and you do not need a Real ID. You will need your driver's license number, Social Security number, date of birth, and a valid debit or credit card.

Go to dmvnow.com, select "Renew Driver's License," and follow the prompts. The system will ask you to confirm your address or update it if you have moved. You will receive a confirmation number when ready, and your renewed license will arrive by mail in five to seven business days. You do not need to visit an office or provide any documents in person.

Renewing in person at a DMV office

You must visit a DMV office in person if your license expired more than five years ago, if you are 75 or older, if you need a Real ID, or if you want to change your name or address on the license. Bring your expired license, proof of your current address (such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days), and your payment method.

Find your nearest DMV office at dmvnow.com and check the office hours before you go. Many offices allow you to reserve a time slot online to reduce wait times. Bring the documents listed above, and the DMV staff will process your renewal on the spot. Your new license will be mailed to you within 10 business days.

Real ID requirements and what documents you need

A Real ID is a federal standard that allows you to use your driver's license to board domestic flights and enter federal buildings. Virginia began issuing Real ID licenses in 2009, and as of May 2025, you will need a Real ID to board a domestic flight or enter a federal facility. If your current license does not have a gold star in the upper right corner, it is not Real ID-compliant.

To renew with a Real ID, you must visit a DMV office in person and bring proof of identity (your expired license, passport, or birth certificate), proof of your Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2, or 1099), and proof of your current address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days). The renewal fee is the same ($40 or $80), and your new Real ID license will arrive by mail within 10 business days.

Renewing by mail

Virginia does not offer mail-in renewal for expired licenses. However, if you are a Virginia resident living outside the state or abroad, you may be able to renew by mail through a special process. Contact the DMV at 804-367-0538 or visit dmvnow.com to ask about out-of-state renewal options.

If you are in Virginia and cannot visit a DMV office, the online renewal option is your best alternative — it requires no office visit and takes only five to seven business days if your license expired within the last five years.

Driving with an expired license in Virginia

Driving on an expired license in Virginia is illegal, except for one specific purpose: you may drive directly to or from a DMV office to renew your license. If you are stopped by police while driving for any other reason, you can be cited and fined. The fine for driving with an expired license is typically $100 to $500, depending on how long the license has been expired.

If you need to drive before your renewed license arrives, you have two options: wait for your renewed license to arrive by mail, or visit a DMV office in person to get a temporary license (valid for 45 days) while you wait for your permanent license to be mailed.

Getting a temporary license while you wait

If you renew in person at a DMV office, you can request a temporary license on the spot. The temporary license is valid for 45 days and allows you to drive legally while your permanent license is being mailed to you. There is no additional fee for a temporary license — it is included in your renewal fee.

The temporary license is printed on paper and is not as durable as a plastic license, so keep it in a safe place. Once your permanent license arrives by mail, the temporary license is no longer valid. If your permanent license does not arrive within 10 business days, contact the DMV to check the status.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive to the DMV if my license is expired?

Yes, you may drive directly to a DMV office to renew your license. However, you cannot drive for any other purpose. If you are stopped by police while driving for reasons other than renewing your license, you can be cited and fined.

How long does it take to get my renewed license in the mail?

Online renewals typically take five to seven business days. In-person renewals take up to 10 business days. If you renew in person, you can request a temporary paper license valid for 45 days while you wait for your permanent license.

What if I moved and need to update my address?

If you renew online, you can update your address during the renewal process. If you renew in person, bring proof of your new address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days), and the DMV will update it on your new license.

Do I need a Real ID if I do not fly?

Real ID is required only if you plan to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building. If you do neither, a standard Virginia driver's license is sufficient. However, Real ID licenses are now the standard, and you may find it easier to get one during your renewal.

What if my license expired more than five years ago?

You must renew in person at a DMV office. You cannot renew online if your license has been expired for more than five years. Bring your expired license, proof of address, and payment to your nearest DMV office.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.