How to Renew Your Virginia Driver's License

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

A Virginia driver's license is valid for eight years if you're under 70, or five years if you're 70 or older. When your license approaches expiration, you have three paths: renew online through the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles website, mail in your renewal process, or visit a DMV office in person. Which route works depends on whether you've renewed online before, whether your address or name has changed, and whether you need a new photo.

The online renewal is the fastest and most convenient option if you're may be able to access. You'll need your current Virginia license number, Social Security number, and a valid payment method. The process takes about 10 minutes, and your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days. However, online renewal is only available if your license hasn't been suspended or revoked, you haven't changed your address, and you're not required to take a new photo.

Key Takeaways

Virginia driver's licenses expire after eight years (five years if you're 70 or older), and you can renew up to one year before expiration.
Online renewal through the DMV website is the fastest option if your address hasn't changed and you don't need a new photo, taking about 10 minutes with delivery in 7 to 10 days.
Mail-in renewal requires a completed form, your current license, and payment, and takes two to three weeks from the time the DMV receives your packet.
In-person renewal at a DMV office is required if you've changed your address, need a new photo, or are renewing for the first time in Virginia.
The renewal fee is $40 for an eight-year license or $25 for a five-year license if you're 70 or older.

Online renewal: the fastest route if you haven't moved

To renew online, go to the Virginia DMV website and select the driver's license renewal option. You'll enter your license number, Social Security number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your phone number. The system will pull up your current information and ask you to confirm it's still correct. If everything matches, you proceed to payment.

Online renewal costs $40 for an eight-year license or $25 for a five-year license. You can pay with a credit card, debit card, or electronic check. Once payment is processed, you'll receive a confirmation number. 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.

You cannot renew online if you've moved to a new address since your last renewal, if your name has changed, if you need a new photo, or if your license has been suspended or revoked. In any of those cases, you'll need to renew by mail or in person.

Mail-in renewal: what to send and what to expect

To renew by mail, read and print the Driver's License Renewal process (Form DL-43) from the Virginia DMV website. Fill it out completely, including your current address, phone number, and email. Sign and date the form. Include your current Virginia driver's license (the DMV will return it to you), a check or money order for the renewal fee payable to the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles, and a copy of a document proving your current address if you've moved since your last renewal.

Mail your packet to the address listed on the form. Processing takes two to three weeks from the date the DMV receives your process. You can track the status of your renewal by calling the DMV customer service line at 804-367-0538 or checking your email if you provided one on the form. Your new license will be mailed to the address you listed on the process.

Mail-in renewal is a good option if you prefer not to visit an office or if you can't renew online. However, it takes longer than online renewal, and if the DMV finds an error on your form, they may contact you to correct it before processing, which adds time.

In-person renewal at a DMV office

Visit a DMV office if you've changed your address, need a new photo, are renewing for the first time in Virginia, or if your license has been suspended or revoked. Bring your current Virginia driver's license, proof of your current address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days), and payment for the renewal fee. If your name has changed since your last renewal, bring a document proving the change, such as a marriage certificate or court order.

DMV offices are open Monday through Friday, 8:15 a.m. to 4:45 p.m., and some locations have extended hours or Saturday hours. You can make an appointment online through the Virginia DMV website, which is strongly recommended because walk-in wait times can be long. When you arrive, you'll have your photo taken, confirm your information, and pay the fee. Your new license is typically mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days, though some offices can issue a temporary license on the spot if you need to drive when ready.

Documents you'll need for any renewal method

For online renewal, you need only your current license number and Social Security number. For mail-in or in-person renewal, bring your current Virginia driver's license and payment. If your address has changed, you'll also need proof of your new address: a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail dated within the last 60 days. A cell phone bill does not count as proof of address.

If your name has changed since your last renewal due to marriage, divorce, or court order, bring the document that proves the change. If you're renewing in person and this is your first Virginia license, bring your Social Security card or a document showing your Social Security number, your birth certificate or passport, and proof of your Virginia residency.

Renewal fees and payment methods

A standard eight-year Virginia driver's license costs $40 to renew. If you're 70 years old or older, you can renew for five years instead at a cost of $25. Payment methods vary by renewal type: online renewal accepts credit cards, debit cards, and electronic checks. Mail-in renewal requires a check or money order. In-person renewal accepts cash, check, debit card, and credit card. Some DMV offices also accept electronic payment if you renew in person.

There are no additional fees for address changes, name changes, or new photos during renewal. If you renew before your current license expires, you don't pay extra—the new license straightforward extends your expiration date by eight years (or five years if you're 70 or older) from the date you renew.

What happens if your license expires before you renew

If your license expires before your renewal is processed, you cannot legally drive. However, if you've already submitted your renewal process (online, by mail, or in person) before expiration, you can continue driving on your expired license while you wait for the new one to arrive, as long as you have proof of your process. Keep your confirmation number or receipt with you.

If your license has already expired and you haven't submitted a renewal, you'll need to renew when ready. You can still renew online, by mail, or in person using the same process, but you cannot drive until your new license arrives. If you need to drive before then, you can visit a DMV office and request a temporary license, which is valid for 45 days and allows you to drive while your permanent license is being processed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Virginia driver's license before it expires?

Yes. Virginia allows you to renew up to one year before your license expires. Renewing early doesn't cost extra—your new license will straightforward be valid for eight years (or five years if you're 70 or older) from the date you renew, not from the date your old license expired.

How long does it take to get my new license after I renew?

Online and mail-in renewals take 7 to 10 business days for delivery by mail. In-person renewals also take 7 to 10 business days for mail delivery, though some offices can issue a temporary license when ready if you need to drive right away. Mail-in renewals may take longer if the DMV needs to contact you about errors on your form.

What if my address changed but I don't want to visit a DMV office?

You'll need to renew by mail or in person if your address has changed, because online renewal is not available for address changes. Mail-in renewal requires proof of your new address (a utility bill or lease dated within 60 days) and takes two to three weeks. This is the slowest option, so plan ahead if you've recently moved.

Do I need a new photo when I renew?

A new photo is taken automatically when you renew in person at a DMV office. If you renew online or by mail, your photo from your previous license is used unless your license is more than 16 years old, in which case a new photo is required and you must renew in person.

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

No. You cannot renew a suspended or revoked license. You must first resolve the suspension or revocation with the Virginia DMV, which may involve paying fines, completing a course, or meeting other requirements. Contact the DMV at 804-367-0538 to find out what you need to do before you can renew.

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.