How to Renew Your Virginia Driver's License

Renewing your Virginia driver's license online, by mail, or in person

You can renew your Virginia driver's license through three routes: online at the Virginia DMV website if you meet certain conditions, by mail if you're renewing early, or in person at a DMV office. The online option is fastest — you'll receive your renewed license by mail within 7 to 10 business days. In-person renewal takes about 30 minutes at a DMV location. Your license is valid for eight years from the issue date, and Virginia sends renewal notices about 60 days before expiration.

Which route you take depends on whether you're renewing before expiration, at expiration, or after it has already expired, and whether you've had any changes to your name, address, or vision status since your last renewal.

Key Takeaways

Online renewal through the Virginia DMV website is the fastest option and takes 7 to 10 business days if you meet the requirements.
You must renew in person if your license has been expired for more than one year, if you've changed your name, or if your vision has changed.
Mail renewal is available only if you're renewing before your license expires and haven't had a name change.
Virginia driver's licenses are valid for eight years, and the DMV sends renewal notices about 60 days before expiration.
You'll need your current license, proof of Virginia residency, and a valid Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number to renew.

Renewing online through the Virginia DMV website

Online renewal is the fastest method if you're renewing before your license expires. Go to the Virginia DMV website, select the renewal option, and log in with your driver's license number and date of birth. You'll answer questions about any changes to your information, pay the renewal fee (currently $70 for an eight-year license), and submit. Your renewed license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

You cannot renew online if your license has been expired for more than one year, if you've had a name change since your last renewal, if your vision has changed, or if you're renewing a commercial driver's license. You also cannot renew online if you need to update your address — you must do that in person or by mail before renewing.

Renewing by mail

Mail renewal works only if you're renewing before your license expires and you haven't had a name change. Complete the renewal process form (available on the Virginia DMV website), include your current license, proof of Virginia residency (such as a utility bill or bank statement), and a check or money order for the renewal fee. Mail the packet to the address listed on the DMV website.

Processing by mail typically takes two to three weeks. If the DMV needs more information, they'll contact you by mail, which adds time. Mail renewal is useful if you prefer not to go online or visit an office, but it's slower than online renewal.

Renewing in person at a DMV office

In-person renewal is required if your license has been expired for more than one year, if you've changed your name, if your vision has changed, or if you're renewing a commercial license. You'll also renew in person if you want to update your address at the same time. Bring your current license, proof of Virginia residency, and your Social Security number or ITIN. The DMV will take a new photo and process your renewal on the spot.

Visit the Virginia DMV website to find the office nearest you and check wait times. Many offices allow you to schedule an appointment online, which can reduce your wait. In-person renewal typically takes 30 minutes to an hour. You'll receive a temporary paper license when ready and your permanent license by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

What documents you need to bring

For any renewal method, have your current Virginia driver's license ready. You'll also need proof of Virginia residency — a utility bill, bank statement, lease agreement, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days all work. If you're renewing in person, bring your Social Security number or ITIN. If you're renewing by mail, include a photocopy of your Social Security card or a document showing your ITIN.

If you've changed your name since your last renewal, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. You cannot change your name online; you must renew in person or by mail.

Renewal fees and payment methods

A standard eight-year Virginia driver's license renewal costs $70. If you're renewing a commercial driver's license, the fee is higher. Online and in-person renewal accept credit cards, debit cards, and electronic checks. Mail renewal requires a check or money order made out to the Virginia DMV.

Some DMV offices accept cash for in-person renewal, but not all — check the Virginia DMV website for your specific location. If you're renewing by mail and your check is returned for insufficient funds, the DMV will contact you to collect payment before processing your renewal.

What happens if your license has already expired

If your license expired more than 30 days ago, you cannot drive legally in Virginia, even if you've submitted a renewal. You must renew in person at a DMV office. Bring the same documents you would for a standard in-person renewal. The DMV will process your renewal and issue a temporary paper license when ready so you can drive while your permanent license arrives by mail.

If your license has been expired for more than one year, the DMV may require you to pass a vision test or written knowledge test in addition to the standard renewal process. Call your local DMV office before you visit to ask whether you'll need to take a test.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license before it expires?

Yes. Virginia allows you to renew up to one year before your license expires. Renewing early is useful if you're planning to travel or if you prefer to handle it before the expiration date arrives. Your new license will have a new eight-year expiration date from the date of renewal.

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

Online and in-person renewals typically take 7 to 10 business days for the license to arrive by mail. Mail renewal takes two to three weeks, plus any additional time if the DMV needs to contact you for more information. If you need your license faster, renew in person to get a temporary paper license when ready.

What if I've moved to a different address?

You can update your address online if you're renewing online and haven't had other changes. If you're renewing by mail or in person, you can update your address as part of the renewal process. You cannot update your address without renewing your license at the same time.

Do I need a new photo for renewal?

For online renewal, the DMV uses your existing photo from your current license. For in-person renewal, the DMV takes a new photo. For mail renewal, you do not submit a new photo — the DMV uses your existing one.

What if I lost my current license?

If you've lost your license, you cannot renew it by mail or online. You must go to a DMV office in person and request a replacement license. Bring proof of identity and Virginia residency. The DMV will issue you a temporary paper license and mail your permanent license within 7 to 10 business days.

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.