Where to renew and what documents you need
You can renew your Virginia driver's license in person at any DMV office, by mail if you meet certain conditions, or online through the Virginia DMV website. The fastest route depends on whether your license is still valid, whether you need a new photo, and how soon you need the renewed license in hand.
If you renew by mail or online, you'll need your current Virginia driver's license, a completed process form (DL 43), and payment. If you're renewing in person, bring those same items plus proof of your current address — a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days works. You do not need to bring proof of Social Security number or citizenship again unless your license has expired for more than one year.
Your license will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days of approval, whether you renew online, by mail, or in person. During that time, you can use your receipt as a temporary driving permit.
Key Takeaways
- Virginia allows online renewal for most drivers whose licenses are not expired and who do not need a new photo, and the process takes about 10 minutes on the DMV website.
- Mail renewal is an option if your license is still valid and you do not need a new photo, and requires only your current license, the DL 43 form, and payment mailed to the DMV.
- In-person renewal at a DMV office is required if your license has expired for more than one year, if you need a new photo, or if you are changing your name or address.
- Your renewed license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days, and your receipt serves as a temporary permit until it arrives.
- Virginia driver's licenses are valid for eight years, so you will renew at the expiration date printed on the front of your current license.
Online renewal through the Virginia DMV website
Online renewal is the fastest option if your license is not expired and you do not need a new photo. Go to the Virginia DMV website, select "Renew Driver's License," and follow the prompts. You'll enter your license number, date of birth, and Social Security number to verify your identity. The entire process takes about 10 minutes.
The fee for online renewal is $24 for an eight-year license. You can pay by debit card or credit card during the process. After you submit, you'll receive a confirmation number by email — save this, as it serves as your temporary permit until your new license arrives.
You cannot renew online if your license has been expired for more than one year, if you need to change your name or address, if you are under 21, or if you need a new photo. In those cases, you must renew by mail or in person.
Mail renewal and what to send
Mail renewal works the same way as online renewal in terms of may be able to access — your license must not be expired, and you cannot need a new photo or make changes to your name or address. read or print the DL 43 form from the Virginia DMV website, fill it out completely, and mail it along with your current license and a check or money order for $24.
Mail your packet to the address listed on the DMV website for your region. Virginia has four regional DMV offices, and sending your renewal to the correct office speeds up processing. Include a return envelope with your address if you want to track when it arrives.
Processing by mail typically takes 2 to 3 weeks from the date the DMV receives your packet, plus mailing time in both directions. If you need your license faster, renew online or in person instead.
In-person renewal at a DMV office
Renew in person if your license has expired for more than one year, if you need a new photo, if you are changing your name or address, or if you prefer to complete the process when ready. Bring your current license, completed DL 43 form, proof of your current address, and payment.
You do not need an appointment at most Virginia DMV offices, but wait times vary by location and time of day. The DMV website shows current wait times for each office. Arrive early in the day or on a weekday morning to minimize your wait. Processing at the counter takes about 10 to 15 minutes once you reach the front of the line.
You'll pay $24 for an eight-year license at the counter by cash, check, or card. Your receipt is your temporary permit, and your new license will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days.
When your license has expired for more than one year
If your Virginia license expired more than one year ago, you cannot renew by mail or online — you must renew in person at a DMV office. The DMV treats this as a new license rather than a renewal, which means you'll need to pass the vision test and provide additional documentation.
Bring your expired license, a completed DL 43 form, proof of your current address, and payment. You may also need to provide proof of your Social Security number and proof of lawful presence in the United States, depending on how long your license has been expired. Call your local DMV office before you go to confirm what documents they require in your specific situation.
The fee remains $24 for an eight-year license. Processing takes about 15 to 20 minutes at the counter, and your new license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
Changing your name or address during renewal
If you are renewing your license and also changing your name or address, you must renew in person. Bring your current license, a completed DL 43 form, proof of your new address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days), and payment.
If you are changing your name, also bring a document that shows the name change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The DMV will verify the document before issuing your new license. Processing takes about 15 to 20 minutes, and your new license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
What to do if you need your license before it arrives by mail
Your receipt from online renewal, mail renewal, or in-person renewal serves as a temporary permit and is valid for driving until your new license arrives. You can use it to drive, and most employers and financial institutions will accept it as proof of identity.
If you need an actual license card before the 7 to 10 business days have passed, you can visit a DMV office and request an expedited replacement. This costs an additional fee and is not the same as expedited mail shipping — the DMV will print a temporary license at the counter that day. Call ahead to confirm your local office offers this service.
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 of residence. If you still live in Virginia but are temporarily out of state, you can renew online or by mail before your license expires.
What if my name has changed since my last license?
You must renew in person and bring a document showing the name change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The DMV will not process a name change by mail or online. Bring your current license, the DL 43 form, proof of your address, and the name change document.
Do I need a new photo when I renew?
No, unless your current photo is more than 10 years old or you choose to update it. If you want a new photo, you must renew in person. If you are satisfied with your current photo, you can renew online or by mail and keep the same photo on your new license.
How much does it cost to renew in Virginia?
The renewal fee is $24 for an eight-year license, whether you renew online, by mail, or in person. There are no additional fees unless you request expedited service or need to change your name or address.
What if I lost my license before it expired?
If your license is still valid but you lost the card, you can request a replacement at any DMV office or by mail. A replacement is different from a renewal and costs $15. You do not need to wait until your expiration date to get a replacement.