How to Renew Your Virginia Driver's License

Virginia lets you renew by mail, online, or in person — which route you take depends on how much time you have and whether your license is still valid

A Virginia driver's license is valid for eight years from the date it was issued. You can renew it up to one year before it expires. The Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) offers three renewal paths: online through its website, by mail using a renewal form, or in person at a DMV office. Online renewal is fastest if you're may be able to access; mail takes two to three weeks; in-person renewal happens the same day but requires a trip to an office.

Your renewal method depends on your current license status and what documents you have. If your license has been expired for more than one year, or if you've had a name change, address change, or medical condition that affects your driving, you cannot use the quick routes — you'll need to renew in person with supporting documents.

Key Takeaways

Virginia driver's licenses are valid for eight years, and you can renew up to one year before expiration.
Online renewal through the DMV website is the fastest option if your license is current and you haven't changed your name or address.
Mail renewal requires the DMV renewal form, a check or money order, and takes two to three weeks to process.
In-person renewal at a DMV office requires a valid ID, proof of residency, and your Social Security number, and is completed the same day.
If your license has been expired for more than one year, you must renew in person and may need to retake the written test.

Online renewal through the DMV website

The Virginia DMV website at dmvnow.com allows you to renew online if your license is still valid and you haven't had a name or address change. You'll need your current driver's license number, Social Security number, and a valid payment method (debit or credit card). The process takes about 10 minutes.

After you complete the online renewal, the DMV mails your new license to the address on file. Delivery typically takes five to seven business days. You can continue driving on your current license until the new one arrives. Online renewal costs the same as other renewal methods — the fee varies depending on whether you're renewing for four or eight years.

Online renewal is not available if your license is expired, if you've changed your name or address since your last renewal, if you have a medical condition that requires DMV review, or if your license was suspended or revoked. In those cases, you must renew by mail or in person.

Mail renewal using the DMV form

To renew by mail, request a renewal form from the DMV website or call the DMV at 1-866-DMV-LINE (1-866-368-5463). You can also pick up a form at any DMV office. Fill out the form completely, including your current license number and Social Security number. Include a check or money order for the renewal fee — do not send cash.

Mail your completed form and payment to the address listed on the form. Processing takes two to three weeks from the date the DMV receives it. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file. You can continue driving on your current license while you wait.

Mail renewal has the same restrictions as online renewal: your license must still be valid, you cannot have changed your name or address, and you cannot have any medical conditions or license suspensions that require in-person review. If any of these explore, you must go to a DMV office.

In-person renewal at a DMV office

Visit any Virginia DMV office with your current driver's license, proof of your Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2, or tax return), and proof of your current address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days). Bring your original documents or certified copies — the DMV does not accept photocopies for proof of residency.

You do not need to take a new written or vision test unless your license has been expired for more than one year, you have a medical condition that affects your driving, or the DMV officer requests one. If you do need to test, you'll take the written exam on a computer at the office. Bring your glasses or contacts if you use them for driving.

In-person renewal is completed the same day. You'll receive a temporary paper license valid for 45 days while your permanent license is mailed to you. Your new license arrives within five to seven business days. In-person renewal is required if your license is expired, if you've changed your name or address, if you have a medical condition, or if your license was suspended or revoked.

What happens if your license has been expired for more than one year

If your Virginia license expired more than one year ago, you cannot use online or mail renewal. You must go to a DMV office in person. Bring the same documents as a standard in-person renewal: your expired license, proof of Social Security number, and proof of current address.

The DMV will require you to retake the written knowledge test. You may also be asked to retake the vision test. If you pass both, you'll receive a temporary paper license and your new license will be mailed within five to seven business days. If you fail the written test, you can retake it the same day or schedule another appointment.

Renewing an expired license takes longer than a standard renewal because of the testing requirement. Plan for 30 to 45 minutes at the DMV office. Bring your glasses or contacts if you use them for driving, and review the Virginia Driver's Manual before you go — it's available free on the DMV website.

Address changes and name changes during renewal

If you've moved since your last license was issued, you cannot use online or mail renewal. You must renew in person at a DMV office. Bring your current license, proof of your new address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days), proof of Social Security number, and a valid ID.

The same rule applies if you've changed your name through marriage, divorce, or legal name change. You'll need to bring your current license, a certified copy of the document that shows your name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order), proof of Social Security number, and proof of your current address.

In-person renewal for address or name changes is processed the same day. You'll receive a temporary paper license and your new license will be mailed within five to seven business days. The fee is the same as a standard renewal.

Renewal fees and payment methods

Virginia driver's license renewal fees depend on how long you want your new license to be valid. A four-year renewal costs less than an eight-year renewal. The exact fee amount is set by Virginia law and can be found on the DMV website at dmvnow.com.

For online renewal, you can pay with a debit or credit card. For mail renewal, send a check or money order — do not send cash. For in-person renewal, the DMV accepts cash, check, debit card, and credit card. Some DMV offices may have additional payment options; call ahead to confirm.

If you're renewing in person and your license is expired, you may be charged an additional late fee. The amount varies. If you're unsure whether a late fee applies to your situation, call the DMV at 1-866-DMV-LINE before you go to the office.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes. If you're out of state, you can renew online or by mail as long as your license is still valid and you haven't changed your name or address. If you need to renew in person, you can do so at any Virginia DMV office when you return to the state, or you can contact the DMV to ask about renewal options for military personnel or people living abroad.

What if I lost my license and need to renew it at the same time?

You cannot renew online or by mail if your license is lost. You must go to a DMV office in person with proof of identity (passport, military ID, or other government-issued ID), proof of Social Security number, and proof of your current address. The DMV will issue a replacement license and you can renew it at the same time.

How long does a temporary paper license last?

A temporary paper license issued at a DMV office is valid for 45 days. Your permanent license should arrive by mail within five to seven business days. If it doesn't arrive within two weeks, contact the DMV to check the status of your renewal.

Can I renew my license if I have a medical condition?

If you have a medical condition that may affect your ability to drive safely, you must renew in person at a DMV office. The DMV officer may ask you questions about your condition or require you to take a vision or written test. Bring any medical documentation the DMV requests.

What if my name doesn't match my Social Security card?

If your name on your driver's license doesn't match your Social Security card, you must renew in person and bring a certified copy of the document that shows your legal name (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). The DMV will update your record and issue a new license with the correct name.

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.