How to Renew Your Virginia Driver's License

Virginia driver's licenses expire every eight years, and you can renew yours online, by mail, or in person at a DMV office

Virginia's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) lets you renew your license through three different routes depending on your situation. The online renewal is fastest if you're may be able to access — it takes about 10 minutes and your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days. Mail renewal takes longer but requires no trip to an office. In-person renewal at a DMV location is necessary if you need a new photo, have certain medical conditions, or don't meet the requirements for online or mail renewal.

Your license expires on your birthday in the year shown on the front. Virginia sends renewal notices about 60 days before expiration, though you don't have to wait for the notice to start the process. You can renew up to one year before your license expires.

Key Takeaways

Online renewal through the Virginia DMV website is available if your license is not suspended or revoked, you have no medical restrictions, and your address hasn't changed since your last renewal.
Mail renewal requires you to send your current license, a completed form, and payment to the DMV address listed on the renewal notice or the DMV website.
In-person renewal at a DMV office is required if you need a new photo, have medical conditions that affect driving, or don't meet the requirements for online or mail renewal.
Virginia charges different renewal fees depending on the length of your license — a standard eight-year renewal costs $75, while a four-year renewal costs $50.
Your new license will be mailed to the address on file with the DMV, so update your address before you renew if you've moved.

Online renewal through the Virginia DMV website

The Virginia DMV's online renewal system is the fastest option if you meet the requirements. You go to the DMV website, create or log into your account, and complete the renewal form. The system checks your driving record in real time and tells you when ready whether you're may be able to access. If you are, you pay the renewal fee by credit or debit card, and your new license is mailed within 7 to 10 business days.

You cannot renew online if your license is suspended or revoked, if you have medical restrictions on your license, if your address has changed since your last renewal, or if you're renewing a commercial driver's license (CDL). You also cannot renew online if you're under 18 or if your license has been expired for more than one year. If any of these explore to you, use mail or in-person renewal instead.

Mail renewal when you cannot go to a DMV office

Mail renewal works if you meet the same basic requirements as online renewal — no suspension, no medical restrictions, no address change, and your license not expired for more than a year. You complete the renewal form (available on the DMV website or included in your renewal notice), sign it, and mail it with your current license and payment to the address listed on your renewal notice.

Mail renewal takes longer than online renewal because the DMV has to process your form by hand. You should expect 4 to 6 weeks from the time the DMV receives your envelope. Send your renewal at least two months before your license expires so there's time for processing and mail delivery. If your license expires before your new one arrives, you can still drive legally as long as you have proof that you mailed your renewal — keep a copy of your mailed form or a receipt from the post office.

In-person renewal at a Virginia DMV office

You need to renew in person if you need a new photo, have medical conditions that affect your driving, have a suspended or revoked license, or don't meet the requirements for online or mail renewal. You can also choose in-person renewal even if you're may be able to access for other methods — some people prefer to get their new license the same day rather than wait for mail delivery.

To renew in person, bring your current license, proof of your Social Security number (your Social Security card, W-2, or 1099 form), and proof of your current address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days). If your address on file is different from your current address, bring proof of both your old and new addresses. You'll have your photo taken at the office, pay the renewal fee, and receive a temporary license to drive while your permanent one is mailed. The permanent license arrives in 7 to 10 business days.

You can schedule an appointment online through the Virginia DMV website or walk in without an appointment. Appointment wait times are usually shorter, but walk-in service is available at all offices. Check the DMV website for your nearest location and current hours.

What documents and fees you need

For any renewal method, you need to pay the renewal fee. Virginia charges $75 for a standard eight-year renewal and $50 for a four-year renewal. You pay by credit or debit card for online renewal, by check or money order for mail renewal, and by cash, check, debit card, or credit card for in-person renewal. The DMV does not accept personal checks for mail renewal, so use a money order or cashier's check instead.

For in-person renewal, bring your current license, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your current address. If your address has changed, bring proof of both addresses. For mail renewal, send your current license, the completed form, and payment. For online renewal, you need only your current license number and the last four digits of your Social Security number — the system verifies your identity electronically.

What happens if your license expires before your renewal arrives

If you renew by mail and your license expires before your new one arrives, you can still drive legally as long as you have proof that you mailed your renewal process. Keep a copy of the form you mailed or a receipt from the post office showing when you sent it. If a police officer stops you, show your expired license and your proof of mailing. The officer can verify with the DMV that your renewal is in process.

If you renew online or in person, your temporary license or proof of process serves the same purpose. For online renewal, print your confirmation page. For in-person renewal, you receive a temporary license at the office that's valid until your permanent license arrives.

Renewing a commercial driver's license (CDL) in Virginia

Commercial driver's licenses cannot be renewed online or by mail. You must renew in person at a DMV office. Bring your current CDL, proof of your Social Security number, proof of your current address, and a completed medical examination form (MCSA-5875) if your CDL has medical restrictions or if your medical certification is expiring. The medical form must be completed by a certified medical examiner — your regular doctor may not be certified for this purpose.

CDL renewal fees are the same as regular license renewal ($75 for eight years, $50 for four years), but the process takes longer because the DMV verifies your commercial driving record and medical status. Schedule an appointment online to reduce wait time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Virginia license if I've moved to another state?

No. If you've moved out of Virginia, you need to get a license from your new state. If you still live in Virginia but your address on file with the DMV is different from your current address, you can update it during renewal — bring proof of both your old and new addresses if renewing in person, or update your address online before renewing.

What if my license has been expired for more than a year?

You cannot renew online or by mail if your license has been expired for more than one year. You must renew in person at a DMV office. You'll need to bring all required documents and may need to retake the written test and vision test depending on how long it's been expired — call your local DMV office to ask what's required before you go.

Do I need a new photo when I renew my Virginia license?

Not necessarily. If you renew online or by mail, your old photo stays on your new license. If you renew in person, you get a new photo taken at the office. You can also request a new photo during online or mail renewal by paying an additional fee and visiting a DMV office to have it taken.

How long is my temporary license valid if I renew in person?

Your temporary license is valid until your permanent license arrives by mail, which usually takes 7 to 10 business days. The temporary license has the same driving privileges as your permanent license and is accepted as proof of a valid Virginia license.

Can I renew my license if it's suspended or revoked?

No. You cannot renew online or by mail if your license is suspended or revoked. You must contact the Virginia DMV to resolve the suspension or revocation before you can renew. Call the DMV or visit a local office to find out why your license is suspended and what steps you need to take.

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.