Virginia lets you renew online, by mail, or in person depending on your license type and how long it has been expired
Virginia's renewal process depends on whether your license is still valid, how much time is left, and whether you need a new photo. If your license is not yet expired or expired less than one year ago, you can renew online through the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) website without visiting an office. If your license expired more than one year ago, you must renew in person. Standard licenses last five years; commercial licenses last four years.
The online renewal takes about 10 minutes and costs $24 for a standard five-year license. You will need your current Virginia license number, Social Security number, and a valid payment method. The new license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. If you need a new photo or your address has changed, you cannot use the online option and must go to a DMV office instead.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal is available only if your license is not expired or expired less than one year ago, and you do not need a new photo.
- In-person renewal at a DMV office is required if your license expired more than one year ago or if you need a new photo or address change.
- Standard licenses cost $24 to renew for five years; commercial licenses cost more and last four years.
- Online renewals take 7 to 10 business days by mail; in-person renewals may issue a temporary license the same day.
- You will need your current license number, Social Security number, and proof of Virginia residency if renewing in person.
Renewing online through the Virginia DMV website
Go to the Virginia DMV website and select the online renewal option. You will enter your current license number, date of birth, and Social Security number. The system will verify your information against DMV records. If everything matches, you will proceed to payment.
Online renewal costs $24 for a standard five-year license. You can pay by debit card, credit card, or electronic check. 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. You can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives.
Online renewal is not available if your license has been expired for more than one year, if you need a new photo, if your address has changed, or if you have any suspensions or holds on your record. The system will tell you when ready if you are not may be able to access and will direct you to schedule an in-person appointment instead.
Renewing in person at a DMV office
Find your nearest DMV office on the Virginia DMV website and schedule an appointment. Walk-ins are accepted but appointments move faster and reduce wait time. Bring your current license, proof of Virginia residency (such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days), and your Social Security number.
At the office, a staff member will take a new photo, verify your information, and process your renewal. The in-person renewal fee is $24 for a standard five-year license. You will receive a temporary paper license valid for 45 days while your permanent license is mailed. Your new license arrives within 7 to 10 business days.
In-person renewal is required if your license expired more than one year ago, if you need a new photo, if your address has changed, or if you have any active suspensions or holds. It is also the only option if you want to change your name, update your gender marker, or add or remove the REAL ID designation.
What happens if your license has been expired for more than one year
If your Virginia license has been expired for more than one year, you cannot use online renewal. You must go to a DMV office in person. The process is the same as a standard in-person renewal: bring your current license, proof of residency, and your Social Security number. You will have a new photo taken and receive a temporary license valid for 45 days.
Driving with an expired license is illegal in Virginia, even if you have scheduled a renewal appointment. If you are stopped by law enforcement, you can show your temporary paper license as proof that renewal is in progress, but this does not may provide you will not be cited. Renew as soon as possible to avoid legal consequences.
REAL ID compliance and Virginia licenses
Virginia licenses issued after January 22, 2018 are REAL ID compliant by default. REAL ID is a federal security standard that allows your Virginia license to be used for domestic air travel and entry to federal buildings. If your license was issued before 2018, it may not have the REAL ID designation, and you will not be able to use it for air travel after May 7, 2025.
When you renew, ask the DMV staff whether your new license will include REAL ID. If you want to add REAL ID to your license, you must renew in person and bring an original or certified copy of your birth certificate, passport, or naturalization papers. The renewal fee remains $24 regardless of REAL ID status.
Renewing a commercial driver's license in Virginia
Commercial driver's licenses (CDLs) cannot be renewed online. You must renew in person at a DMV office. Commercial licenses last four years and cost more than standard licenses. You will need to bring your current CDL, proof of residency, your Social Security number, and medical certification if your CDL includes passenger or hazmat endorsements.
The DMV will verify your driving record, take a new photo, and test your knowledge of commercial vehicle regulations. The renewal process takes longer than a standard license renewal and may require multiple visits if you need endorsement testing. Schedule an appointment well before your license expires to avoid gaps in your ability to drive commercially.
Replacing a lost or stolen license during renewal
If your license is lost or stolen, you cannot renew online. You must go to a DMV office and report the loss. Bring proof of identity (such as a passport or birth certificate) and proof of residency. The DMV will issue a replacement license with a new number. The cost is $24 for a standard five-year license.
If your lost license is later found, do not use it. The old number is deactivated once you report it lost. Carry only the new license issued by the DMV. If you are concerned about identity theft, you can place a fraud alert with the three major credit bureaus and monitor your credit report.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Virginia license if I live out of state now?
No. Virginia requires proof of current residency to renew. If you have moved out of state, you must obtain a license from your new state. You can surrender your Virginia license to the DMV office or keep it as an ID, but you cannot legally drive using it.
What if my name has changed since my last license?
You must renew in person and bring legal documentation of the name change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. Online renewal will not allow you to change your name. The renewal fee remains $24.
How long can I drive after my license expires while waiting for the new one?
If you renewed online, you can drive on your current license until the new one arrives by mail. If you renewed in person, you receive a temporary paper license valid for 45 days. After that period, you must have the permanent license in hand to drive legally.
Can I renew my license if I have unpaid traffic tickets or fines?
Virginia may suspend your license if you have unpaid court fines or tickets. The DMV system will flag this during online renewal and prevent you from completing it. You must resolve the outstanding fines first, then renew. Contact the court that issued the ticket to find out how to pay.
What if I want to change my address but do not want to renew yet?
You can update your address without renewing your license by visiting a DMV office or using the online address change option on the Virginia DMV website. This does not extend your license expiration date. When your license does expire, you will renew at that time.