Where and how to renew your Virginia license
You can renew your Virginia driver's license through the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) in three ways: online, by mail, or in person at a DMV office. Which method you use depends on whether your license is still valid, how much time you have, and whether you need a new photo.
The online renewal option is the fastest if you are may be able to access. You go to the Virginia DMV website, create or log into your account, and complete the renewal process without leaving home. The fee is paid by credit or debit card, and your new license arrives by mail in about 7 to 10 business days.
Mail renewal takes longer but requires no trip to an office. You request a renewal form from the DMV, fill it out, mail it with your fee and current license, and wait for your new one. This method typically takes 2 to 3 weeks from the time the DMV receives your packet.
In-person renewal at a DMV office is necessary if you need a new photo, if your license has been expired for more than one year, or if you want your new license when ready. You bring your documents, pay the fee, have your photo taken, and receive a temporary license on the spot while your permanent one is mailed to you.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal through the Virginia DMV website is the fastest option if your license is valid and you do not need a new photo.
- You must renew in person if your license has been expired for more than one year, if you need a new photo, or if you want your license the same day.
- Mail renewal takes 2 to 3 weeks and requires you to send your current license, a completed form, and the renewal fee to the DMV.
- The renewal fee in Virginia is $24 for a five-year license or $48 for an eight-year license, and you choose the term when you renew.
Documents you need for in-person renewal
If you are renewing in person, bring your current Virginia driver's license and proof of your Social Security number. Proof of Social Security can be your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a tax return, or a 1099 form.
You will also need to show proof of your current Virginia address. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. A government-issued ID with your current address also works.
If your name has changed since your last license was issued, bring a document that shows the change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. Without this, you cannot renew under a different name.
When you must renew in person instead of online or by mail
Online and mail renewal are not available to everyone. You must visit a DMV office in person if your current license has been expired for more than one year. The DMV treats this as a new license rather than a renewal, which requires an in-person appointment and a new photo.
You also must renew in person if you want to change your photo. Online and mail renewal use your existing photo from your current license. If you have had the same license photo for years and want a new one, you have to go to an office.
Additionally, if you are renewing a license that was suspended or revoked, you cannot use online or mail renewal. You must appear in person and may need to provide documents showing that the suspension or revocation has been cleared.
If you are a commercial driver's license (CDL) holder, you cannot renew online or by mail under any circumstances. CDL renewals always require an in-person visit to a DMV office.
How to renew online through the Virginia DMV website
Go to the Virginia DMV website and select the option to renew your driver's license. You will be asked to create an account or log in if you already have one. The system will ask for your license number, date of birth, and Social Security number to verify your identity.
Once you are verified, review your current information on file. You can update your address if it has changed. You will choose whether you want a five-year or eight-year license and select your renewal term accordingly.
Pay the renewal fee using a credit card or debit card. The five-year license costs $24, and the eight-year license costs $48. After payment is processed, you will receive a confirmation number. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days.
Keep your confirmation number and your current license until your new one arrives. If your new license does not arrive within two weeks, contact the DMV with your confirmation number to check the status.
How to renew by mail
Request a renewal form from the Virginia DMV by calling 1-866-DMV-LINE (1-866-368-5463) or by visiting a DMV office. You can also read the form from the DMV website if it is available for your situation.
Fill out the form completely and include your current driver's license. Write a check or money order for the renewal fee—$24 for five years or $48 for eight years—made payable to the Virginia DMV. Do not send cash.
Mail your completed form, license, and payment to the address shown on the form. The DMV processes mail renewals in the order they are received. Your new license will be mailed to you within 2 to 3 weeks of the DMV receiving your packet.
Keep a copy of everything you send for your records. If you do not receive your new license within three weeks, contact the DMV with your license number to confirm they received your renewal.
Renewing a license that has been expired for more than one year
If your Virginia license has been expired for more than one year, you cannot use online or mail renewal. You must schedule an in-person appointment at a DMV office and go through a full license renewal process, not just a straightforward renewal.
You will need to bring the same documents as a standard in-person renewal: your expired license, proof of Social Security number, and proof of your current address. You will also have your photo taken for your new license.
The fee is the same as a standard renewal—$24 for five years or $48 for eight years. You will receive a temporary license to use when ready and your permanent license by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
To schedule your appointment, visit the Virginia DMV website or call 1-866-DMV-LINE. Many offices allow you to book appointments online, which can reduce wait times significantly.
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. You can surrender your Virginia license to the DMV or keep it as an ID, but you cannot legally drive using it once you become a resident of another state.
What if my name has changed since I got my current license?
You must renew in person and bring proof of the name change, such as a marriage certificate or court order. Online and mail renewal cannot process name changes. Bring your current license, the name-change document, proof of Social Security number, and proof of address to your appointment.
How long can I drive on my expired license while waiting for my new one?
If you renewed online or by mail before your license expired, you can drive on your expired license until your new one arrives. If your license has already expired and you have not yet renewed, you cannot legally drive. If you renewed in person, you receive a temporary license valid until your permanent one arrives.
Can I renew my license if I have an outstanding traffic ticket or fine?
Yes. Outstanding tickets or fines do not prevent you from renewing your license. However, if your license was suspended due to unpaid fines or a court order, you must clear the suspension before you can renew. Contact the court or the DMV to find out what is required to lift the suspension.
What happens if I renew online but my information is incorrect?
Contact the Virginia DMV before your new license arrives if possible. If your new license arrives with incorrect information, you can request a correction at a DMV office or by mail. Bring your new license and documentation of the correct information. Corrections are usually free if the error was the DMV's mistake.