Get a replacement license at your local DMV office with proof of identity and residency
A lost Virginia driver's license requires an in-person visit to a DMV office. You cannot replace it by mail or online. You will need to bring proof of your identity, proof of your current Virginia address, and pay a replacement fee. The process takes about 30 minutes at most offices, though wait times vary by location and time of day.
Virginia's DMV charges a flat fee for a replacement license. The cost does not depend on how long your license has been lost or whether it was stolen. You can bring a temporary paper license if you have one from a previous visit, but it is not required — the DMV will issue you a temporary paper license on the spot if you need to drive before your plastic card arrives by mail.
Key Takeaways
- You must visit a DMV office in person with proof of identity and proof of your Virginia address; replacements cannot be done by mail or online.
- Bring one government-issued photo ID (passport, military ID, or out-of-state license) and one document showing your current address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days).
- The DMV will issue a temporary paper license you can use to drive when ready while your plastic replacement card is mailed to you, which typically arrives within 7 to 10 business days.
- If your license was stolen, you may report it to local police first, though this is not required to obtain a replacement.
Documents you need to bring to the DMV
Virginia requires one form of government-issued photo identification and one proof of your current address. A valid passport, military ID card, or out-of-state driver's license all work as photo ID. If you do not have any of these, a birth certificate plus a Social Security card can substitute, though this combination takes longer to process.
For proof of address, bring a document dated within the last 60 days that shows your name and current Virginia street address. A utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement all work. A credit card statement or insurance policy will not work. If you have recently moved and your address has not updated on other documents yet, contact your utility company or bank to request a letter on their letterhead confirming your new address.
Bring your Social Security number or have it memorized. You will need it to complete the replacement process. If you do not know your number, bring your Social Security card or a document that shows it.
What happens at the DMV office
Walk in with your documents or use Virginia's online appointment system to schedule a time slot. The appointment system is available at dmvnow.com and lets you pick a specific office and time, which reduces wait time. Without an appointment, you will take a number and wait your turn.
When called, hand your documents to the clerk. They will verify your identity and address, take a new photo, and ask you to sign the process. The entire transaction takes 10 to 15 minutes. You will pay the replacement fee at this point. The DMV will print a temporary paper license on the spot that is valid for 45 days and allows you to drive when ready.
Your permanent plastic license will be mailed to the address you provided. Standard mail delivery takes 7 to 10 business days. If you need it faster, some DMV offices offer expedited mail for an additional fee, though this is not available at all locations — ask the clerk whether your office offers it.
Replacement fees and payment methods
Virginia charges a single replacement fee regardless of how long your license has been lost. As of 2024, this fee is set by state law and does not vary. The DMV accepts cash, debit cards, and credit cards. Some offices also accept checks, but calling ahead to confirm is safer than assuming.
If you cannot afford the fee, Virginia does not have a fee waiver program for lost licenses. However, if your license was lost due to a disaster (flood, fire, or similar event) and you have documentation, contact your local DMV office to ask whether they can defer the fee or work out a payment plan — this is handled case-by-case and is not may provide.
If your license was stolen
Reporting a stolen license to local police is optional but recommended if you believe someone else has it. A police report creates a record in case the license is used fraudulently. You do not need a police report to get a replacement from the DMV, but having one can help if someone uses your license number for identity theft later.
To file a report, contact your local police department's non-emergency line. Provide them with your license number if you remember it, your date of birth, and the approximate date you discovered it missing. They will give you a report number. Keep this number for your records.
If you suspect your license has been used fraudulently — for example, you received a traffic ticket you did not receive or a citation for a violation you did not commit — contact the court listed on the ticket and explain that your license was stolen. Provide your police report number. The court can investigate and dismiss the ticket if it was issued to someone else using your license.
DMV office locations and hours
Virginia has 74 DMV customer service centers statewide. The main office in Richmond is open Monday through Friday, 8:15 a.m. to 4:45 p.m., and Saturday 8:15 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. Regional offices have different hours — some close for lunch, and some do not open on Saturdays.
Find your nearest office and its hours at dmvnow.com. The website also shows current wait times at each location, updated every 30 minutes. If your local office has a long wait, you can drive to a less busy office nearby. Scheduling an appointment online cuts wait time significantly and is free.
Temporary paper license and driving while you wait
The temporary paper license the DMV prints for you is valid for 45 days and works everywhere a plastic license works — traffic stops, rental car counters, and age verification. It is not waterproof and will tear if folded repeatedly, so keep it in a safe pocket or bag.
If your plastic replacement arrives before the 45 days are up, the temporary license becomes invalid. Destroy it or keep it for your records — you do not need to return it to the DMV. If your replacement has not arrived after 10 business days, call the DMV at 804-367-0538 to check the status. Delays are rare but can happen during high-volume periods.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I replace my license at a different DMV office than the one in my county?
Yes. You can visit any Virginia DMV office statewide. Bring the same documents regardless of which office you choose. If one office has a shorter wait time, you can go there instead of your local branch.
What if I do not have proof of my current address?
Contact your utility company, bank, or landlord and request a letter on their letterhead showing your name and address. This letter counts as proof of address if it is dated within 60 days. Alternatively, some DMV offices will accept a notarized statement from a friend or family member confirming your address, though policies vary — call ahead to confirm.
How long does it take to get my replacement license in the mail?
Standard delivery takes 7 to 10 business days from the date you visit the DMV. Expedited mail is available at some offices for an additional fee and takes 3 to 5 business days. Ask the clerk whether your office offers expedited service when you explore.
Can I get a replacement license if my Virginia license has expired?
Yes. A lost license can be replaced regardless of its expiration date. However, if your license is also expired, you may want to renew it at the same time. Ask the DMV clerk whether you can do both transactions together, as this may save you a trip.
What if I lost my license out of state?
You still must visit a Virginia DMV office to replace it. You cannot replace a Virginia license at a DMV in another state. If you are traveling and need to drive, the temporary paper license you receive by mail can be sent to any address, including a hotel or temporary location — provide that address when you explore.