How to Renew Your Virginia Driver's License

Where and how to renew your Virginia license

You can renew your Virginia driver's license through the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) in three ways: online, by mail, or in person at a DMV office. Online renewal is the fastest option if you meet the requirements. Mail renewal takes longer but requires no office visit. In-person renewal is necessary if you need to update your photo, address, or other information, or if you do not meet the online or mail requirements.

Your renewal method depends on how much time remains before your license expires, whether your address has changed, and whether you need a new photo. Virginia allows some renewals without a new photograph, which speeds up the process. Check the expiration date on your current license and the type of renewal you need before choosing your method.

Key Takeaways

Online renewal through the Virginia DMV website takes about 10 minutes and costs $24 for a four-year license or $36 for an eight-year license, with no office visit required.
You can renew by mail if your license is not expired and you do not need to change your photo, address, or other personal information.
In-person renewal at a DMV office is required if your license is expired, you need a new photo, or you are changing your address or name.
Virginia licenses expire on your birthday, and you can renew up to one year before expiration or up to six months after expiration.
Bring your current Virginia license, proof of Virginia residency, and payment when renewing in person; online and mail renewals have different document requirements.

Online renewal through the Virginia DMV website

Online renewal is available through the official Virginia DMV website at dmvnow.com. You can renew online if your current license is not expired, you do not need a new photograph, and your personal information (name, address, date of birth) has not changed. The process takes about 10 minutes and you will receive your renewed license by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

To renew online, you will need your current Virginia driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a valid payment method (debit or credit card). The fee is $24 for a four-year license or $36 for an eight-year license. After you complete the online transaction, you will receive a confirmation number. Do not discard this number until your new license arrives.

If the online system tells you that you are not may be able to access to renew online, it means you must renew by mail or in person. This happens most often when your license is expired, when you need a new photo, or when your address or name has changed since your last renewal.

Mail renewal for licenses that are not expired

You can renew by mail if your current license is not expired and you do not need to change your photo or personal information. Mail renewal takes 4 to 6 weeks from the time the DMV receives your process. Send your completed process to the address provided by the DMV; do not mail your current license unless the DMV specifically instructs you to do so.

To renew by mail, read and complete the process for Driver's License or Identification Card (Form DL 43) from the Virginia DMV website. Include your current license, a check or money order for the renewal fee (made payable to the Treasurer of Virginia), and a copy of proof of Virginia residency. Mail the packet to the DMV office address listed on the form.

Mail renewal is slower than online renewal but works well if you do not need your new license quickly and your information has not changed. If your license will expire before your renewal arrives, you can still drive legally on your old license while the new one is in the mail, provided you have proof that you mailed your process.

In-person renewal at a DMV office

You must renew in person if your license is expired, if you need a new photograph, if you are changing your name or address, or if you have other changes to your personal information. Bring your current Virginia license, proof of Virginia residency (such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days), and payment. The fee is $24 for a four-year license or $36 for an eight-year license.

Visit the Virginia DMV website to find the office nearest you and check its hours. Many offices accept walk-ins, but some require you to schedule an appointment online or by phone. During busy times, wait times can be long, so arriving early in the day or on a weekday morning often means shorter lines. Bring all required documents with you; missing documents will delay your renewal.

At the office, you will have your photograph taken for your new license. The DMV will verify your information, process your payment, and issue you a temporary paper license that is valid when ready. Your permanent license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. Keep your temporary license with you until the permanent one arrives.

What happens if your license is expired

If your Virginia license is expired, you cannot renew online or by mail. You must renew in person at a DMV office. Virginia allows you to renew up to six months after your license expires, so if your license expired recently, you can still renew it without penalty. However, you cannot legally drive with an expired license, even if you have a renewal process in progress.

If your license expired more than six months ago, you may need to retake the written test and vision test in addition to renewing. Contact the DMV office directly to find out what is required for your specific situation. The DMV phone number is available on the Virginia DMV website.

Changing your address during renewal

If you have moved to a new address in Virginia since your last license was issued, you must update your address during renewal. You cannot change your address online or by mail; you must renew in person at a DMV office. Bring your current license, proof of your new Virginia address (such as a utility bill or lease dated within 60 days), and payment.

If you have moved out of Virginia, you will need to obtain a license from your new state instead of renewing your Virginia license. Virginia will not renew a license for someone who no longer lives in the state. Contact the DMV office in your new state to begin that process.

Fees and payment methods

Virginia driver's license renewal costs $24 for a four-year license or $36 for an eight-year license. These are the standard fees as of this writing, though fees can change. When renewing online, you can pay by debit or credit card. When renewing by mail, send a check or money order made payable to the Treasurer of Virginia. When renewing in person, you can pay by cash, check, debit card, or credit card.

Some DMV offices may accept additional payment methods, so ask when you arrive. If you are renewing by mail and your check is returned for insufficient funds, the DMV will contact you to request payment before processing your renewal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Virginia license before it expires?

Yes. Virginia allows you to renew your license up to one year before it expires. Renewing early is useful if you are traveling or if you want to avoid the rush near your birthday. Your new license will have a new expiration date based on when you renew, not on your original expiration date.

How long does it take to get my renewed license?

Online and in-person renewals result in a license arriving by mail within 7 to 10 business days. Mail renewals take 4 to 6 weeks. If you renew in person, you will receive a temporary paper license when ready that is valid while you wait for your permanent license.

What if I need my license before the renewal arrives?

If you renewed in person, your temporary paper license is valid when ready and you can use it to drive. If you renewed online or by mail, you can drive on your current license until the new one arrives, as long as your current license is not expired. If your current license is expired, you cannot legally drive while waiting for your renewal.

Do I need a new photo when I renew?

Not always. If you are renewing online or by mail and your appearance has not changed significantly, you can keep your current photo. If you are renewing in person, the DMV will take a new photo unless you request otherwise. If your current photo is more than eight years old, the DMV may require a new one.

What if I lost my current license?

If your license is lost or stolen, you cannot renew it. Instead, you must obtain a replacement license by visiting a DMV office in person. Bring proof of identity and Virginia residency. A replacement license costs the same as a renewal and you will receive a temporary license when ready.

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.