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 without visiting an office if you meet certain conditions. The online renewal process takes about 10 minutes and costs $24. If you cannot renew online, you can renew by mail for the same fee, or go to a DMV office in person. Your current license must not be suspended or revoked, and you must have a valid Social Security number on file with Virginia DMV.
The method you choose depends on whether your license is still valid, whether you need a new photo, and how quickly you need the renewed license in hand. Online and mail renewals are faster than office visits because you avoid waiting in line, but they have stricter may be able to access rules.
Key Takeaways
- Virginia driver's licenses are valid for eight years, and DMV sends renewal notices about 60 days before expiration.
- Online renewal is the fastest option if your license is valid, you have not changed your address, and you do not need a new photo.
- Mail renewal takes two to three weeks and works for most people, but you must include a check or money order because online payment is not available for mail renewals.
- In-person renewal at a DMV office is required if your license is expired, suspended, or revoked, or if you want to change your photo or address.
- You can renew up to one year before your license expires, so you do not have to wait until the last minute.
Online renewal through Virginia DMV's website
Go to dmvnow.com and select "Renew Your Driver's License" to start the online process. You will need your current Virginia driver's license number, your Social Security number, and a valid payment method (debit or credit card). The system will ask you to confirm your address and other information on file. If everything is correct, you pay the $24 renewal fee and receive a confirmation number when ready.
Online renewal is only available if your license is currently valid and not suspended or revoked. You also cannot change your address, name, or photo through the online system. If any of those things explore to you, you must renew by mail or in person instead. Your renewed license will arrive by mail in about 7 to 10 business days.
Mail renewal with a paper form
Request a renewal form by calling Virginia DMV at 804-367-0538, or read the form from dmvnow.com. The form is called the process for Driver's License or Permit (DL 43). Fill it out completely, sign it, and mail it along with a check or money order for $24 to the address listed on the form. Do not send cash.
Mail renewal takes two to three weeks from the time DMV receives your form. You cannot pay online for a mail renewal, so the check or money order is required. Like online renewal, mail renewal does not allow you to change your photo, address, or name. If your license is expired, suspended, or revoked, you must renew in person at a DMV office instead.
In-person renewal at a DMV office
Visit any Virginia DMV office with your current driver's license, proof of Social Security number (such as a Social Security card or W-2 form), and proof of your current address (such as a utility bill or lease). If you want to change your address or name, bring a document that shows the new information. Bring a check, debit card, or credit card to pay the $24 renewal fee; some offices accept cash, but calling ahead to confirm is safer.
In-person renewal is required if your license is expired, suspended, or revoked. It is also the only way to get a new photo on your license. Most DMV offices allow you to make an appointment online through dmvnow.com, which can cut your wait time significantly. Walk-ins are accepted, but you may wait 30 minutes to an hour depending on the office and time of day. Your renewed license is usually ready the same day or within a few days.
What happens if your license is expired
If your Virginia driver's license has been expired for more than one year, you cannot renew it online or by mail. You must go to a DMV office in person. Bring the same documents you would for a regular in-person renewal: your expired license, proof of Social Security number, and proof of your current address. You will also need to pass a vision test at the office.
If your license expired less than one year ago, you can still renew by mail or in person, but not online. The fee remains $24. Once your license is more than one year expired, you may be required to retake the written driving test and the road test, depending on how long it has been expired. Call 804-367-0538 to ask about your specific situation before you go to an office.
Address changes and name changes during renewal
If you have moved since your license was issued, you must update your address when you renew. Online and mail renewal do not allow address changes, so you must renew in person. Bring proof of your new address, such as a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your name and current address on it. The document must be dated within the last 60 days.
The same rule applies to name changes. If you changed your name through marriage, divorce, or court order, you must renew in person and bring a document that shows the name change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. You will also need a new photo taken at the office. The renewal fee is still $24.
Timeline and when to renew
Virginia DMV sends renewal notices about 60 days before your license expires. The notice includes your expiration date and instructions for each renewal method. You can renew up to one year before your license expires, so you do not have to wait until the last minute. Renewing early is useful if you are planning to travel or if you want to avoid a rush at the DMV office.
If you renew online or by mail, allow at least two weeks before your license expires to make sure the renewed license arrives in time. If you are renewing in person, you can usually get your new license the same day or within a few days. If your license expires while your renewal is in progress, you should not drive until you receive the renewed license, even if you have a confirmation number.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Virginia driver's license if I have an out-of-state address now?
No. You must renew in person at a Virginia DMV office and bring proof of a Virginia address to renew your Virginia license. If you have moved out of state permanently, you should get a driver's license from your new state instead. Contact that state's DMV for their requirements.
What if I lost my current driver's license?
You cannot renew online or by mail without your current license number. Go to a DMV office in person and bring proof of your Social Security number and proof of your address. You will need to pay a replacement fee (usually $24) and may need to retake the vision test. Ask about the exact fee when you call ahead.
How much does a Virginia driver's license renewal cost?
The renewal fee is $24 for a standard eight-year license. This fee is the same whether you renew online, by mail, or in person. If you are renewing in person and need a new photo or are replacing a lost license, there may be additional fees; call 804-367-0538 to confirm.
Can I renew my license if it is suspended or revoked?
No. You must contact Virginia DMV to resolve the suspension or revocation before you can renew. Call 804-367-0538 to find out why your license is suspended or revoked and what steps you need to take. Once the suspension or revocation is lifted, you can renew through any method.
What if my name or address changed since I got my current license?
You must renew in person at a DMV office and bring documents that show the change, such as a marriage certificate for a name change or a utility bill for an address change. Online and mail renewal do not allow you to make these updates, so an office visit is required.