Virginia driver's licenses renew every eight years, and you can renew in person, by mail, or online depending on your situation
Virginia's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) lets you renew your license without visiting an office if you meet certain conditions—mainly that your license is not suspended, you have no medical restrictions that changed, and your name and address haven't changed since your last renewal. If those conditions fit you, you can renew online or by mail. If any of those things changed, or if your license is expired by more than one year, you must renew in person at a DMV office.
The online renewal process takes about 15 minutes and costs $36 for an eight-year license. Mail renewal takes longer—typically two to three weeks for processing plus mailing time—and costs the same. In-person renewal at a DMV office takes about 30 to 45 minutes on average, though wait times vary by location and time of day.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal is the fastest option if your name, address, and medical status haven't changed since your last license was issued.
- You must renew in person if your license has been expired for more than one year, if you have medical restrictions, or if your name or address changed.
- Virginia licenses are valid for eight years, and you can renew up to one year before expiration without penalty.
- The renewal fee is $36 for an eight-year license whether you renew online, by mail, or in person.
- You will need your current Virginia driver's license number and a valid payment method (credit or debit card) to renew online.
Online renewal through the Virginia DMV website
To renew online, go to the Virginia DMV website and select "Renew Your Driver's License" from the main menu. You will need your current license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth. The system will verify your identity and pull up your record. You then review your information, confirm it is correct, and pay the $36 fee with a credit or debit card.
Online renewal is available only if your license is not expired, your name and address match what the DMV has on file, you have no medical restrictions or they have not changed, and your license is not suspended or revoked. If the system tells you that you do not meet these conditions, you cannot complete the renewal online and must use mail or in-person renewal instead.
After you submit your payment online, the DMV will mail your new license to the address on file. Delivery typically takes five to seven business days. You can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives.
Mail renewal by sending documents to the DMV
To renew by mail, read the process for Driver's License or Identification Card (Form DL-43) from the Virginia DMV website. Fill out the form, sign it, and mail it along with your current license and a check or money order for $36 to the address listed on the form. Do not send cash.
The DMV processes mail renewals in the order they are received. Processing typically takes two to three weeks, and then the new license is mailed to you, which adds another five to seven business days. Total time from mailing your process to receiving your new license is usually four to five weeks.
Mail renewal has the same restrictions as online renewal: your name and address must not have changed, you cannot have medical restrictions that have changed, and your license cannot be suspended or expired by more than one year. If any of these explore to you, you must renew in person.
In-person renewal at a Virginia DMV office
To renew in person, visit any Virginia DMV office with your current driver's license and proof of your current address. Proof of address can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. Bring the original document or a certified copy—a photograph of the document is not accepted.
You must renew in person if your name has changed since your last license was issued, if your address has changed and you did not update it with the DMV, if you have medical restrictions or they have changed, or if your license has been expired for more than one year. You also must renew in person if you want to change your address or name on the license itself.
The DMV office will take a new photograph, verify your information, and process your renewal on the spot. You will receive a temporary paper license valid for 45 days while your permanent license is mailed to you. Wait times vary; calling ahead or checking the DMV website for your local office's current wait time can help you plan when to visit.
What documents and information you need
For any renewal method, have your current Virginia driver's license ready. The DMV will ask for your license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth to verify your identity.
If you are renewing in person, bring proof of your current address—a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, insurance bill, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. If your name has changed, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. A certified copy means the document was issued by a government office or court and bears an official seal or stamp.
If you are renewing by mail, include your current license with your process form and payment. Do not send original documents unless the form specifically asks for them; the DMV will contact you if it needs additional paperwork.
Renewal fees and payment methods
A standard eight-year Virginia driver's license renewal costs $36. This fee is the same whether you renew online, by mail, or in person. If you renew online or in person, you can pay with a credit card or debit card. If you renew by mail, you must send a check or money order—the DMV does not accept cash through the mail.
Some DMV offices may accept other payment methods in person, such as cash, but calling your local office ahead of time will confirm what they take. Online payment is processed when ready, and mail payment is processed when the DMV receives your envelope.
When your license expires and renewal important date
Virginia driver's licenses expire eight years from the date they were issued. Your expiration date is printed on the front of your license. You can renew your license up to one year before it expires without any penalty or extra fee.
If your license expires, you can still renew it, but if it has been expired for more than one year, you must renew in person—online and mail renewal are not available. Driving with an expired license is illegal in Virginia, even if you have a renewal process pending.
The DMV recommends renewing at least two weeks before your expiration date if you are using mail renewal, since processing and mailing take time. If you are renewing online or in person, you can wait until closer to your expiration date.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Virginia license if I moved out of state?
No. If you no longer live in Virginia, you cannot renew a Virginia license. You must obtain a driver's license from your new state. If you still live in Virginia but your address changed, you can renew online or by mail as long as you update your address with the DMV at the same time, or you can renew in person and provide proof of your new address.
What if my license was suspended or revoked?
You cannot renew a suspended or revoked license through any method. You must contact the Virginia DMV to find out why your license was suspended or revoked and what steps you need to take to restore it. Depending on the reason, you may need to pay a reinstatement fee, complete a course, or wait a certain amount of time before you can renew.
How long does it take to get my new license after I renew?
Online renewal takes five to seven business days for mailing. Mail renewal takes two to three weeks for processing plus five to seven business days for mailing, so four to five weeks total. In-person renewal gives you a temporary paper license valid for 45 days, and your permanent license arrives by mail in five to seven business days.
Can I renew my license if my name changed?
If your name changed and you already updated it with the DMV on a previous visit, you can renew online or by mail. If your name changed and you have not yet updated it with the DMV, you must renew in person and bring a certified copy of the document showing the change, such as a marriage certificate or court order.
What if I lost my current license before renewing?
If your license is lost or stolen, you cannot use online or mail renewal. You must visit a DMV office in person to report the loss and renew your license at the same time. Bring proof of your identity and proof of your address. There may be an additional fee for a replacement license; call your local DMV office to confirm the cost.