How to Renew Your Virginia Driver's License

Virginia lets you renew your driver's license online, by mail, or in person, depending on how much time you have and whether your license is expired

The fastest route is the Virginia DMV website if your license is not yet expired and you have not renewed online in the past two years. You can complete the whole process from home, pay the fee by card, and receive your new license by mail in about 7 to 10 business days. If your license is already expired or you need it faster, you will need to visit a DMV office in person.

The renewal fee is $48 for an eight-year license (the standard term for adults under 75). If you are 75 or older, you can renew for four years at $24, or eight years at $48. Military members on active duty stationed outside Virginia can renew by mail without visiting an office. Replacement licenses cost extra if you need a new card before your renewal date.

Key Takeaways

Online renewal through the Virginia DMV website takes 7 to 10 business days and costs $48 for an eight-year license, but only works if your current license is not expired and you have not renewed online in the past two years.
In-person renewal at a DMV office is required if your license is expired, and you will receive your new license when ready or within a few days depending on the office's processing speed.
Mail renewal is available only to military members on active duty stationed outside Virginia; civilians cannot renew by mail.
You will need either a Real ID-compliant document (passport, military ID, or birth certificate plus proof of address) or a standard ID document to renew in person.
Virginia does not send renewal reminders, so check your license expiration date yourself — driving on an expired license is illegal even if you have applied to renew.

Online renewal through the DMV website

Go to dmvnow.com and select "Renew Driver's License" from the menu. You will need your current Virginia driver's license number, Social Security number, and a valid payment method (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, or Discover). The system will verify your information against DMV records and ask you to confirm that your address, name, and other details are still correct. If anything has changed, you will need to update it before you can complete the renewal.

Online renewal is only available if your license is not expired and you have not renewed online in the past two years. If either condition applies to you, you must renew in person at a DMV office. After you pay the $48 fee, you will receive a confirmation number. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file, usually within 7 to 10 business days. During that time, your current license remains valid.

In-person renewal at a DMV office

Visit any Virginia DMV office with your current driver's license and proof of your Social Security number (your Social Security card, W-2, or 1099 form). You do not need additional identity documents for a standard renewal if you are renewing before your license expires. Bring a payment method — the DMV accepts cash, check, debit card, or credit card. The $48 fee is the same whether you renew online or in person.

Processing times vary by office and how busy they are. Some offices issue your new license on the spot; others mail it within a few days. If you need your license when ready, ask the office staff whether they can print it there. If your license is expired, you will still be able to renew in person, but you may be asked to provide additional identity documents such as a birth certificate or passport to confirm you are who you say you are.

Find your nearest DMV office and check current wait times on dmvnow.com. Many offices allow you to reserve a time slot online, which can save you from waiting in line. If you cannot visit an office during regular hours, some locations offer evening or Saturday appointments.

What to do if your license is already expired

You cannot renew an expired license online. You must visit a DMV office in person. Bring your expired license, proof of your Social Security number, and a form of identity that shows your current address — a utility bill, bank statement, or lease agreement will work. The DMV may also ask for your birth certificate or passport to verify your identity.

Driving on an expired license is illegal in Virginia, even if you have submitted a renewal request. If you are stopped by police, you can show them your confirmation number from an online renewal or a receipt from an in-person visit, but this does not may provide you will avoid a ticket. Renew as soon as you notice your license has expired.

Military members stationed outside Virginia

If you are on active duty and stationed outside Virginia, you can renew by mail without visiting a DMV office. Request a mail renewal form from dmvnow.com or call the DMV at 804-367-0538. Complete the form, include a copy of your current driver's license and military ID, and mail it to the address provided on the form along with your payment.

Processing takes longer than online renewal — typically 3 to 4 weeks — so plan ahead if you need your license by a specific date. Mail renewal is not available to civilians or to military members stationed in Virginia; those groups must use online or in-person renewal instead.

Real ID compliance and what it means for renewal

Your renewed Virginia driver's license will be Real ID-compliant by default. This means it will have a gold star in the upper right corner and can be used for federal purposes like boarding domestic flights and entering federal buildings. You do not need to do anything special to get a Real ID license when you renew — it is automatic.

If you prefer a standard (non-Real ID) license instead, you can request one when you renew in person at a DMV office. Standard licenses cost the same but cannot be used for federal identification purposes. Most people keep the Real ID version because it is more widely accepted.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if I have moved to a different address?

Yes. If you renew online, you can update your address during the process before you pay. If you renew in person, bring proof of your new address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement) and the DMV will update your records and print your new license with the correct address.

What happens if I renew online but my license expires before it arrives?

Your current license remains valid while your renewal is being processed. If it expires before your new license arrives, you can show the DMV confirmation number to police if you are stopped, though this does not may provide you will avoid a ticket. To avoid this, renew online at least two weeks before your expiration date.

Do I have to renew in person if I have changed my name?

Yes. Name changes require in-person verification and a certified copy of the document that shows your new name (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). Bring that document along with your current license and proof of your Social Security number to any DMV office.

How much does it cost to renew if I am over 75?

You can renew for four years at $24 or eight years at $48. The choice is yours — you do not have to renew for the shorter term just because you are older. Both options are available online and in person.

What if I lost my license and need to renew at the same time?

You will need to replace your lost license and renew it. Visit a DMV office in person with proof of your Social Security number and identity documents. The replacement fee is $20, and the renewal fee is $48, for a total of $68. You cannot do this online.

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.