How to Renew Your Virginia Driver's License

Virginia driver's licenses expire every eight years, and you can renew in person, by mail, or online depending on your situation

Virginia's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) lets you renew your driver's license through three routes: online at dmvnow.com, by mail using Form DL-44, or in person at a DMV office. Which one you use depends on whether your license is expired, how soon you need it, and whether you've had any address changes or violations since your last renewal. Most people can renew online or by mail without visiting an office, but some situations require an in-person visit.

Your Virginia license is valid for eight years from the date of issue. The DMV sends renewal notices about 60 days before expiration, but 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 dmvnow.com takes about 10 minutes and costs $24 for an eight-year license, but only works if your license is not expired and you have no address changes.
Mail renewal using Form DL-44 takes two to three weeks and costs $24, but requires you to mail in your current license and a completed form.
In-person renewal at a DMV office is required if your license is expired, you've changed your address, or you want to update your photo.
You'll need proof of identity, Social Security number, and proof of Virginia residency for any renewal method.
A temporary license is not issued during renewal, so plan ahead if you need to drive before your new license arrives.

Online renewal through dmvnow.com

Online renewal is the fastest option if your license is not yet expired and your address hasn't changed. You go to dmvnow.com, create or log into your account, select "Renew Driver's License," and answer questions about your current license and any traffic violations or medical conditions. The system checks your information against DMV records and either approves you on the spot or tells you that you need to renew in person.

If approved, you pay $24 by credit or debit card and receive a confirmation number. Your new license is mailed to your address on file within 7 to 10 business days. You can use your confirmation number as proof of a valid license if you're stopped by police before the physical card arrives, though not all officers will accept it.

Online renewal does not work if your license is already expired, if you've moved and haven't updated your address with the DMV, if you want to change your photo, or if you have certain medical conditions that require DMV review. The system will tell you when ready if you're ineligible and direct you to the next step.

Mail renewal with Form DL-44

Mail renewal takes longer but requires no office visit. You read or request Form DL-44 from the DMV website, fill it out, and mail it along with your current license and a check or money order for $24 to the address listed on the form. The DMV processes mail renewals in the order received, which typically takes two to three weeks.

Mail renewal has the same restrictions as online renewal: your license cannot be expired, your address cannot have changed, and you cannot have certain medical conditions flagged in the system. If any of these explore, you must renew in person. You also cannot change your photo by mail.

One advantage of mail renewal is that you keep your current license while the new one is being processed. However, you have no proof of renewal status while waiting, and if the DMV loses your form or check, you won't know until your license fails to arrive. Keep a copy of the form and a record of when you mailed it.

In-person renewal at a DMV office

In-person renewal is required if your license is expired, you've changed your address since your last renewal, you want to update your photo, or you have medical conditions that need DMV review. You can also choose in-person renewal even if you're may be able to access for online or mail renewal if you prefer to handle it when ready.

Visit a DMV office with your current license, proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, and proof of Virginia residency. Bring documents such as a birth certificate or passport for identity, a Social Security card or tax return for your SSN, and a utility bill or lease for residency proof. The office staff will take a new photo, verify your information, and issue a temporary license valid for 45 days while your permanent license is mailed.

Wait times at DMV offices vary widely by location and time of day. You can check wait times on dmvnow.com before you go. Some offices accept walk-ins; others require an appointment made through the website. In-person renewal costs $24 and takes about 15 to 30 minutes once you're called.

What documents you need for any renewal method

All three renewal methods require you to provide or confirm the same core information: your current Virginia driver's license number, your full legal name, your date of birth, your Social Security number, and your current address. The DMV cross-checks this against its records and the Social Security Administration.

If you're renewing in person, bring physical documents: your current license, a document showing your identity (birth certificate, passport, or military ID), a document with your Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2, or tax return), and a document showing your Virginia address (utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within 60 days). If you're renewing online or by mail, you don't need to submit documents, but you must answer questions accurately because the DMV will verify your answers.

If your name has changed since your last license was issued, you'll need to bring a document proving the change, such as a marriage certificate or court order. This applies to all three renewal methods.

Address changes and out-of-state moves

If you've moved within Virginia since your last license was issued, you cannot use online or mail renewal. You must renew in person and provide proof of your new address. The DMV updates your address during the in-person visit, and your new license will reflect the new address.

If you've moved out of Virginia, you cannot renew your Virginia license. You must obtain a license from your new state. Virginia does not issue licenses to out-of-state residents. If you're a Virginia resident temporarily living out of state (for military service, work, or school), you can renew by mail or online as long as you still have a Virginia address on file.

Expired licenses and late renewal

If your license has already expired, you cannot renew online or by mail. You must go to a DMV office in person. Bring the same documents you would for a standard in-person renewal. The process is the same, and the cost is still $24 for an eight-year license.

There is no penalty or fine for renewing a license after it expires, as long as you renew before you're stopped by police. Driving with an expired license is a traffic violation. If you're pulled over, you can show the officer your temporary license issued at the DMV office as proof that you've renewed.

If your license has been expired for more than a few years, the DMV may require you to retake the written test or vision test. Call your local DMV office before you go to confirm whether you'll need to test.

Timeline and temporary licenses

Online renewal takes 7 to 10 business days from approval to delivery. Mail renewal takes 2 to 3 weeks from the date the DMV receives your form. In-person renewal issues a temporary license on the spot, valid for 45 days, while your permanent license is mailed within 7 to 10 business days.

If you need to drive before your new license arrives, in-person renewal is your only option because it gives you a temporary license when ready. The temporary license is a printed card that looks different from your permanent license but is legally valid for driving, voting, and other ID purposes.

Plan your renewal timing around when you actually need the license. If you renew online or by mail and your license expires before the new one arrives, you cannot legally drive. If you're close to your expiration date and need to drive, go in person.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Virginia license if I'm out of state?

Yes, if you still have a Virginia address on file and your license is not expired. You can renew online or by mail. If your license is expired or your address has changed, you must renew in person at a Virginia DMV office, which means traveling back to the state or waiting until you return.

What if I lost my license before renewal?

You cannot renew a lost license by mail or online. Go to a DMV office and request a replacement license. Bring your documents as if you were renewing in person. The replacement costs $24 and takes the same amount of time as a renewal.

Do I need an appointment to renew in person?

Some DMV offices require appointments, others accept walk-ins. Check dmvnow.com to see the policy for your local office and to book an appointment if needed. Walk-in wait times can be long, especially on Fridays and near month-end.

Can I renew online if I have a medical condition?

The online system will tell you if your medical history prevents online renewal. If you have a condition flagged in the DMV system, you'll be directed to renew in person so a staff member can review your situation and determine if any restrictions explore to your license.

What happens if my renewal is rejected?

If online or mail renewal is rejected, the DMV will tell you why and direct you to renew in person. Common reasons include an expired license, an address change, or a medical flag. In-person renewal almost always succeeds once you bring the required documents.

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.