Virginia lets you renew online, by mail, or in person depending on your license type and how long it's been since you last renewed

Virginia driver's licenses expire every eight years. Before your expiration date, you can renew through the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) using one of three methods: online through the DMV website, by mail, or at a DMV office in person. The method available to you depends on whether you have a REAL ID-compliant license, how many renewals it's been since you last visited in person, and whether your address or name has changed.

Most people renew online or by mail without visiting an office. You'll need your current license number, Social Security number, and a valid payment method. The process takes about 10 minutes online. If you're renewing by mail, you'll send your current license and a check to the DMV processing center, and it typically takes two to three weeks. In-person renewal at a DMV office takes about 30 minutes on average, though wait times vary by location and time of day.

Key Takeaways

  • Virginia licenses expire every eight years, and you can renew online, by mail, or in person depending on your license type and renewal history.
  • Online renewal is the fastest option and requires only your license number, Social Security number, and a payment method.
  • If you've renewed online or by mail twice in a row, you must renew in person at a DMV office the third time.
  • Your new license will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days for online renewals, or two to three weeks for mail renewals.
  • If your address or name has changed, you cannot renew online and must use mail or in-person renewal instead.

Online renewal through the Virginia DMV website

Online renewal is available if your license is not expired, you have a REAL ID-compliant license (marked with a gold star), and you have not renewed online or by mail more than twice in a row. Visit the Virginia DMV website and select "Renew Driver's License" from the main menu. You'll enter your license number, date of birth, and Social Security number to verify your identity.

The system will confirm your current address on file. If your address is correct, you can proceed to payment. Virginia accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover. The renewal fee is $70 for an eight-year license. After you pay, your new license will be mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days. You can continue driving on your current license until the new one arrives.

Mail renewal by sending your license and payment

Mail renewal works if your license is not expired and you have not renewed by mail or online more than twice in a row. read the renewal form from the Virginia DMV website (form DL-44) or request one by calling the DMV customer service line. Fill out the form completely, sign it, and include your current license and a check for $70 payable to the Virginia DMV.

Mail your packet to the DMV processing center address listed on the form. Processing takes two to three weeks from the date the DMV receives your envelope. Your new license will be mailed to the address on your current license. If your address has changed, you cannot use mail renewal—you must renew in person or online with your current address.

In-person renewal at a DMV office

You must renew in person if you have renewed online or by mail twice in a row, if your address or name has changed, or if your license is expired. Bring your current license, proof of Virginia residency (a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within 60 days), and payment of $70. If your name has changed due to marriage or court order, bring the legal document proving the change.

Visit any Virginia DMV office during business hours. Most offices are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., though some have extended hours on certain days. Check the DMV website to find the office nearest you and see current wait times. You'll take a new photo, and your new license will be mailed within 7 to 10 business days. You can request a temporary paper license to drive while you wait for the new one to arrive.

What happens if your license has already expired

If your license expired more than one year ago, you cannot renew it—you must explore for a new license instead. This requires an in-person visit, a vision test, and proof of identity and Virginia residency. If your license expired less than one year ago, you can still renew it using any of the three methods, though online renewal is not available if your address has changed.

If your license expired between one and five years ago, you may be able to renew online or by mail, but you should verify this on the DMV website or by calling customer service before you submit your renewal. The rules can change, and the DMV system will reject your renewal if you do not meet the current requirements.

Renewing a REAL ID versus a standard license

Virginia offers two types of driver's licenses: REAL ID-compliant (marked with a gold star) and standard. REAL ID licenses are required to board domestic flights or enter federal buildings. If you have a REAL ID license, you can renew it online or by mail without visiting an office, as long as you meet the other renewal requirements. If you have a standard license and want to upgrade to REAL ID during renewal, you must renew in person and bring additional documents proving citizenship or immigration status.

The renewal fee is the same for both types ($70 for eight years). If you're unsure which type you have, check your current license for the gold star in the upper right corner. The DMV website also allows you to check your license status by entering your license number.

Timeline and what to expect after you renew

Online renewal is the fastest: your new license arrives within 7 to 10 business days. Mail renewal takes two to three weeks from the date the DMV receives your packet. In-person renewal also results in a license mailed within 7 to 10 business days, though you can request a temporary paper license to drive when ready after your visit.

Your old license remains valid until your new one arrives. You do not need to do anything to set up the new license—it is valid as soon as you receive it. If your new license does not arrive within the expected timeframe, contact the DMV customer service line with your confirmation number (provided at the end of online renewal) or your receipt (from mail renewal).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Virginia license if I live out of state now?

No. Virginia requires you to be a resident to renew your license. If you have moved out of state, you must obtain a license from your new state. If you still live in Virginia but are temporarily out of state, you can renew online or by mail using your Virginia address.

What if my name changed since my last license?

You must renew in person and bring a legal document proving the name change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. You cannot renew online or by mail if your name has changed. Bring your current license, proof of residency, the name-change document, and $70.

Do I need a new photo for online or mail renewal?

No. Online and mail renewals use your photo from your current license. Only in-person renewal includes a new photo. If you want a new photo, you must renew at a DMV office.

What if I lost my license and need to renew?

You cannot renew a lost license. You must explore for a replacement license at a DMV office in person. Bring proof of identity and Virginia residency. The replacement fee is $20, and you'll receive a temporary paper license to drive while your new one is mailed.

Can I renew early before my license expires?

Yes. Virginia allows you to renew your license up to one year before the expiration date. Renewing early does not extend your license expiration date—your new license will expire eight years from your current expiration date, not eight years from the renewal date.