Where to renew and what documents you need

You can renew your Virginia driver's license in person at any Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) location, or by mail if you meet certain conditions. In-person renewal takes about 30 minutes on average, though wait times vary by location and time of day. Mail renewal takes two to three weeks from the time the DMV receives your process.

For either method, you will need to bring or submit a valid form of identification, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your current address. A utility bill, lease agreement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days works for address proof. If your name has changed since your last license, you will also need a certified copy of the document that shows the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.

Key Takeaways

  • You can renew in person at any DMV office or by mail if your license is not suspended and you have not had certain violations in the past five years.
  • In-person renewal requires a valid ID, proof of Social Security number, and proof of current address; mail renewal uses the same documents sent by post.
  • Virginia licenses expire on your birthday, and you can renew up to one year before expiration or up to six months after.
  • The fee for a standard five-year renewal is $40 for a driver's license; an eight-year license costs $64.
  • If you renew by mail and your vision or medical status has changed significantly, the DMV may require an in-person visit to verify your fitness to drive.

Renewing in person at a DMV office

Walk into any Virginia DMV location with your documents and a completed process for Driver's License or Identification Card (Form DL 43). You can fill this out at home before you go or at the office. Bring your current license, a valid ID (passport, military ID, or state ID card), your Social Security card or a document showing your number, and proof of your address.

You will take a new photo and pass a vision screening. The vision test checks whether you can read a standard eye chart at 20 feet. If you wear glasses or contacts, wear them during the test. If you fail the vision screening, you will be referred to an eye care professional and cannot renew until you bring back a vision report. The DMV will not issue your new license that day if you fail.

Pay the renewal fee at the counter. A five-year license costs $40; an eight-year license costs $64. You can pay by cash, check, or card. Your new license will be mailed to the address on your process within 7 to 10 business days. You will receive a temporary paper license at the office that you can use while you wait.

Renewing by mail

Mail renewal is available only if your current license is valid (not suspended or revoked), you have not been convicted of certain traffic violations in the past five years, and you are not required to take a new photo. Virginia requires a new photo every 16 years, so if your license is older than that, you must renew in person.

Complete Form DL 43 and mail it with a copy of your current license, proof of your address, and the renewal fee ($40 or $64) to the address listed on the form. Include a check or money order — the DMV does not accept card payments by mail. Mail your packet to the DMV address shown in your renewal notice or on the DMV website.

The DMV will process your process and mail your new license within two to three weeks of receiving it. During this time, your old license remains valid. If the DMV needs more information or has concerns about your medical fitness to drive, they will contact you by mail and may require you to come in person.

When your license expires and renewal windows

Your Virginia driver's license expires on your birthday. You can renew it starting one year before that date and up to six months after. If you renew after your birthday, your license will have been expired during that gap, and you should not drive during that time.

If your license has been expired for more than six months, you cannot renew by mail and must explore for a new license in person. The process is the same as renewal, but the DMV treats it as a new process rather than a renewal, which may affect processing time.

What happens if your medical status or vision has changed

If you have a medical condition that affects your ability to drive — such as a seizure disorder, severe arthritis, or vision loss — you must report it to the DMV. You can do this when you renew. On Form DL 43, there is a section asking about medical conditions. Answer honestly.

If you report a condition or if the DMV has reason to believe your fitness to drive has changed, they may require you to submit a medical report from your doctor or to take a behind-the-wheel driving test. This can delay your renewal by several weeks. If the DMV determines you are not safe to drive, they will not renew your license and will explain your options for appeal.

Replacing a lost, stolen, or damaged license during renewal

If your license is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can renew it at the same time you replace it. Bring the same documents you would for a standard renewal. If your license is damaged but still readable, bring it with you. If it is lost or stolen, you do not need to bring it, but you should report a stolen license to local police and keep the report number for your records.

The fee for replacement is $20 if you are also renewing, or $20 if you are replacing only. If you are doing both at the same time, you pay the renewal fee ($40 or $64) and the replacement is included. Processing time is the same as a standard renewal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license online?

Virginia does not offer online renewal. You must renew in person at a DMV office or by mail. Some states offer online renewal, but Virginia has not implemented this option.

What if I moved out of state but still have a Virginia license?

You can renew your Virginia license by mail from out of state if you meet the mail renewal conditions. Mail your process to the Virginia DMV address. However, if you now live in another state permanently, you should consider obtaining a license from your new state instead, as most states require you to get a local license within a set time after moving.

Do I need an appointment to renew in person?

Virginia DMV offices operate on a first-come, first-served basis at most locations, but some offices now offer online appointment scheduling. Check the DMV website for your local office to see if appointments are available. Even without an appointment, you can walk in, though wait times may be longer during peak hours.

What if I have a commercial driver's license?

Commercial driver's licenses (CDLs) cannot be renewed by mail. You must renew in person at a DMV office. Bring the same documents as for a standard renewal, plus your current CDL. You will need to pass a medical examination and vision test.

How long is my temporary paper license valid?

Your temporary paper license is valid for 45 days from the date of issue. If your new plastic license has not arrived by then, contact the DMV. Your old license remains valid until your new one arrives, even after the temporary expires.