How to Get and Renew Your Virginia Driver License

What you need to know about Virginia driver licenses

Virginia issues two types of driver licenses: a standard license valid for eight years, and a REAL ID-compliant license also valid for eight years but accepted for federal purposes like boarding domestic flights or entering military bases. You must visit a Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) location in person to get your first license or renew an expired one — you cannot complete this entirely by mail or online. The DMV office will test your knowledge and driving ability, take your photograph, and issue your license on the spot if you pass.

If your license is still valid, you can renew it by mail or through the DMV website without taking another test. The process and documents required differ depending on whether you are getting your first license, renewing an active one, or restoring an expired license.

Key Takeaways

First-time Virginia driver licenses require an in-person visit to a DMV office, a written knowledge test, and a driving test.
Standard Virginia licenses are valid for eight years; REAL ID licenses are also eight years but cost more and require additional identity documents.
You can renew an active license by mail or online without retesting, but an expired license may require an in-person visit depending on how long it has been expired.
Bring your Social Security number, proof of Virginia residency, and proof of identity to any DMV visit; REAL ID applicants must also bring a birth certificate or passport.

Getting your first Virginia driver license

To obtain your first Virginia driver license, you must visit a DMV office in person. Bring your Social Security number, a document proving Virginia residency (such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days), and a document proving your identity (such as a passport, birth certificate, or state ID). You will also need to provide your Virginia address and phone number.

At the DMV office, you will take a written knowledge test covering Virginia traffic laws and road signs. The test has 35 questions, and you must answer at least 28 correctly to pass. After passing the written test, you will schedule a driving test, which may be the same day or a later appointment depending on office availability. During the driving test, a DMV examiner will ride with you in your own vehicle or a DMV vehicle to assess your ability to operate a car safely.

Once you pass both tests, the DMV will photograph you and issue your license when ready. A standard eight-year license costs $45. A REAL ID license, which meets federal requirements for domestic air travel and military base entry, costs $65 and requires additional documents: an original or certified birth certificate, a valid passport, or a passport card.

Renewing an active Virginia driver license

If your license is still valid, you can renew it without visiting a DMV office. You have three options: renew online through the Virginia DMV website, renew by mail, or renew in person at a DMV office.

Online renewal is available if you meet these conditions: your license is not expired, you are between 18 and 75 years old, your address has not changed, and you have not had any license suspensions or restrictions added. You will need your driver license number and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The renewal takes effect when ready, and you will receive your new license by mail within 7 to 10 business days. The cost is $45 for a standard license or $65 for REAL ID.

Mail renewal is available under the same conditions as online renewal. You will receive a renewal notice in the mail before your license expires. Complete the form, include a check or money order, and mail it to the address on the notice. Processing takes 10 to 15 business days after the DMV receives it. You can continue driving on your current license until the new one arrives.

In-person renewal at a DMV office is required if you want to upgrade to a REAL ID license, if your address has changed, if you want a new photograph, or if you do not meet the conditions for online or mail renewal. Bring your current license, proof of your new address if applicable, and payment. The DMV will photograph you and issue your new license when ready.

Renewing an expired Virginia driver license

If your license has been expired for less than one year, you may be able to renew it by mail or online using the same process as renewing an active license, depending on your age and circumstances. Check the Virginia DMV website or call your local DMV office to confirm whether you are may be able to access for mail or online renewal.

If your license has been expired for one year or longer, you must renew it in person at a DMV office. You will need to bring your expired license, proof of Virginia residency, and proof of identity. Depending on how long your license has been expired, you may be required to retake the written knowledge test and driving test. The DMV will advise you of this requirement when you arrive.

REAL ID versus standard Virginia licenses

A standard Virginia driver license is valid for identification and driving within the state. A REAL ID license meets federal standards and is required for boarding domestic flights, entering federal buildings, and accessing military bases. Both are valid for eight years.

The main differences are cost and required documents. A standard license costs $45; a REAL ID costs $65. To get a REAL ID, you must provide an original or certified birth certificate, a valid U.S. passport, or a passport card in addition to your proof of identity and residency. If you already have a REAL ID-compliant document such as a passport, you do not need to carry your driver license for federal purposes, but many people choose to get a REAL ID license for convenience.

Documents you need for a DMV visit

Bring these documents to any in-person DMV visit: your Social Security number (or a document showing it, such as a Social Security card), a document proving your Virginia address (utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within 60 days), and a document proving your identity (passport, birth certificate, state ID, or military ID). If you are renewing, bring your current or expired license.

For a REAL ID license, also bring an original or certified birth certificate, a valid U.S. passport, or a passport card. If your name has changed since your birth certificate was issued, bring a document proving the change, such as a marriage certificate or court order. If you are explore for the first time and are under 18, a parent or guardian must be present.

Finding a Virginia DMV office and scheduling an appointment

Virginia has DMV offices in most cities and counties. You can find the nearest office and its hours on the Virginia DMV website. Many offices now require appointments, which you can schedule online through the DMV website or by calling the office directly. Walk-ins are accepted at some locations, but wait times vary. Scheduling an appointment in advance is faster and more reliable.

If you are taking a driving test, you may need to schedule that separately. Some DMV offices can fit a driving test into the same visit if you pass the written test, but others require you to schedule it for a different day. Ask when you schedule your initial appointment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive with an expired Virginia license?

No. Driving with an expired license is illegal in Virginia. If you are stopped by police, you can be cited. If your license has expired, renew it before driving. If it expired recently and you are waiting for your renewal to arrive by mail, contact your local DMV office to ask about temporary driving privileges.

How long does it take to get a Virginia driver license after I pass the test?

If you pass both the written and driving tests in person at a DMV office, you will receive your license when ready. The DMV photographs you and issues the physical card on the spot. If you renew by mail, allow 10 to 15 business days after the DMV receives your process.

What happens if I fail the driving test?

You can retake the driving test. There is no waiting period between attempts, but you will need to schedule another appointment. Each attempt costs the same as the original test. Most DMV offices allow you to schedule your next test when ready after you fail.

Do I need a REAL ID license if I have a passport?

No. A valid passport is accepted for domestic air travel and federal building entry. You do not need a REAL ID driver license if you carry your passport. However, many people get a REAL ID license for convenience so they do not have to carry their passport for everyday identification.

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

No. Virginia driver licenses are only issued to Virginia residents. If you have moved out of state, you must obtain a driver license from your new state. You can surrender your Virginia license to the DMV or keep it as identification, but you cannot renew it.

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.