How to Renew Your Virginia Driver's License

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

Virginia's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) lets you renew your license without visiting an office if you meet certain conditions. If your license is not suspended, you have not had a name change, and your vision is still good, you can renew online or by mail. If you cannot use those routes, you will need to go to a DMV office in person. The process takes different amounts of time depending on which method you choose.

Your renewal notice arrives in the mail about 60 days before your license expires. That notice contains your renewal code, which you will need for online or mail renewal. If you do not receive a notice, you can still renew, but you will need to provide your Social Security number and other identifying information instead.

Key Takeaways

Online renewal takes about 10 minutes and your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days.
Mail renewal requires you to send in your renewal notice, a check or money order, and your current license, and takes 2 to 3 weeks.
In-person renewal at a DMV office is required if your license is suspended, you changed your name, or you cannot renew online or by mail for other reasons.
Virginia licenses expire on your birthday eight years after issue, and you can renew up to one year before that date.

Renewing online through the DMV website

Online renewal is the fastest option if you are may be able to access. Go to the Virginia DMV website, select "Renew Your Driver's License," and enter your renewal code from your notice. If you do not have the notice, you can enter your driver's license number, Social Security number, and date of birth instead. The system will ask you to confirm your address and vision information.

The fee for renewal is $70 for an eight-year license. You pay by debit card or credit card during the online transaction. Once you complete the process, you will receive a confirmation number. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days. You can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives.

Renewing by mail

Mail renewal works if you have your renewal notice. Fill out the form that came with the notice, sign it, and mail it along with your current driver's license and a check or money order for $70 to the address listed on the notice. Do not send cash. Include a copy of a document that shows your current address if it has changed since your last renewal.

Mail renewal takes 2 to 3 weeks from the time the DMV receives your envelope. There is no tracking, so you will not know exactly when it arrives. To be safe, mail your renewal at least three weeks before your license expires. If your license expires before the new one arrives, you can still drive legally as long as you have proof that you mailed your renewal on time — keep a copy of the envelope's tracking number or receipt if you use certified mail.

Renewing in person at a DMV office

You must renew in person if your license is suspended, you have a name change to record, your vision no longer meets Virginia's standards, or you cannot renew online or by mail for other reasons. Bring your current driver's license, proof of your Social Security number (such as a Social Security card or W-2), and proof of your current address (such as a utility bill or lease). If you changed your name, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.

Visit the Virginia DMV website to find the office nearest you and check its hours. Many offices are open Monday through Friday, but some have Saturday hours. You do not need an appointment at most offices, but you can schedule one online to skip the wait. The renewal takes about 15 minutes once you are called. You will pay $70 and receive your new license on the spot, though you can request to have it mailed instead if you prefer.

What happens if you miss your expiration date

If your license expires before you renew it, you cannot legally drive. However, Virginia allows a grace period of up to one year after expiration for renewal purposes — you can still renew by mail or in person during that time without penalty. Online renewal is not available once your license has expired.

If you are pulled over while driving with an expired license, you can face a traffic violation. The best approach is to renew before your birthday arrives. If you realize your license has expired, stop driving and renew when ready by mail or in person.

Renewing a license that was suspended or revoked

If your license was suspended or revoked, you cannot use online or mail renewal. You must visit a DMV office in person. The office will check the status of your suspension or revocation and tell you what steps you need to take before you can renew. This might include paying fines, completing a driver improvement course, or waiting out a suspension period. Bring the same documents you would for a standard in-person renewal.

Contact the Virginia DMV before you visit to understand what your specific situation requires. You can call the DMV customer service line or visit the website to look up your driving record and see why your license was suspended or revoked.

Renewing with a name change

If you changed your name since your last license was issued, you must renew in person. Bring your current driver's license and a certified copy of the document that proves your name change — this could be a marriage certificate, divorce decree, adoption papers, or a court order for a legal name change. The DMV will issue a new license with your updated name.

If you changed your name but your current license still shows your old name, you can also update your name without renewing your license by visiting a DMV office and providing the certified name-change document. However, if your license is expiring soon anyway, it makes sense to do both at the same time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Virginia license if I live out of state?

Yes. You can renew online or by mail as long as you meet the other requirements (no suspension, no name change, and acceptable vision). If you need to renew in person, you will need to visit a Virginia DMV office, which may not be practical if you have moved. Contact the DMV to discuss your options.

What if my address changed since my last renewal?

You can update your address during online renewal or include a copy of a document showing your new address with your mail renewal. If you renew in person, bring proof of your current address such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement. The DMV will print your new address on your license.

How long does a Virginia driver's license last?

Virginia driver's licenses are valid for eight years from the date of issue. Your expiration date is your birthday in the year that is eight years after you received the license. You can renew up to one year before that date.

What if I lost my renewal notice?

You can still renew online or by mail without the notice. For online renewal, enter your driver's license number, Social Security number, and date of birth instead of the renewal code. For mail renewal, contact the DMV to request a new notice or follow the instructions on the DMV website for renewing without the original notice.

Do I need a new photo for license renewal?

No. Online and mail renewals use your existing photo. If you renew in person, the DMV will take a new photo unless you request to keep your current one. You can ask to keep your old photo at the time of renewal.

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.