Where Russell County handles driver licenses and what to bring
Russell County's driver license office is located in the Russell County Courthouse, 202 Main Street, Lebanon, Virginia 24266. This is the only full-service driver license location in Russell County, so it handles all new licenses, renewals, replacements, and address changes for county residents.
Before you go, gather your documents. You will need proof of identity (a valid passport, military ID, or birth certificate), proof of Social Security number (your Social Security card, W-2, or tax return), and proof of residency (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days). If you are renewing, bring your current license. If you are replacing a lost or stolen license, you may need to file a report with local police first — call ahead to confirm what Russell County requires.
The office does not accept all documents by mail. You must appear in person for your first license, a commercial license, or a license with a Real ID designation. Renewals sometimes can be handled by mail or online through Virginia's Department of Motor Vehicles website, depending on your license type and how long it has been expired.
Key Takeaways
- Russell County's driver license office is in the courthouse at 202 Main Street, Lebanon, Virginia 24266, and is the only location serving the county.
- You must bring proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, and proof of residency dated within 60 days; requirements vary slightly by transaction type.
- First-time licenses and Real ID licenses require an in-person visit; some renewals can be completed online through the Virginia DMV website.
- Office hours and wait times change seasonally, so calling 276-889-8000 before you visit saves time and confirms what documents the office needs for your specific situation.
Hours, phone number, and how to check wait times
The Russell County driver license office is open Monday through Friday. Exact hours vary by season and staffing, so call 276-889-8000 to confirm before you drive there. The office typically closes for lunch and may have reduced hours on Fridays.
Wait times are longest on Tuesdays and Thursdays and shortest on Monday mornings. If you can visit early in the week, you will likely spend less time waiting. The office does not take appointments, so you arrive and take a number. During peak times (late morning through early afternoon), waits can exceed an hour.
If you cannot reach the office by phone, you can also visit the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles website to find general information about driver license requirements, though that site does not show real-time wait times for Russell County specifically.
What happens during your visit
When you arrive, check in at the front desk and take a number. A staff member will call your number and review your documents. If everything is in order, you will answer questions about your address, medical conditions, and driving history. You will then take a vision test and a written knowledge test (unless you are renewing and do not need to retake it).
If you pass, you will have your photo taken for your license. The office prints some licenses on-site, so you may receive it before you leave. Others are printed at the state level and mailed to your address within 7 to 10 business days. Ask the staff member which applies to your license type.
If you fail the knowledge test, you can retake it the same day or return another day. There is no fee to retake the test, but you will need to wait in line again.
Fees and payment methods
Driver license fees in Virginia depend on the type of license and how long it is valid. A standard five-year license costs less than a Real ID license, which costs less than a commercial license. Renewal fees are lower than fees for a new license. The Russell County office accepts cash, check, and debit or credit card.
If you are replacing a lost or stolen license, you pay a replacement fee in addition to the renewal fee. If you are changing your address only, there is no fee — you can do this by mail or online through the Virginia DMV website.
Real ID licenses and federal requirements
A Real ID license has a gold star in the upper right corner and meets federal requirements for domestic air travel and entry to federal buildings. If you fly within the United States or visit a federal courthouse or military base, you will need either a Real ID license or a passport.
To get a Real ID license at Russell County's office, you must provide additional proof of identity and residency compared to a standard license. The process takes longer because the office verifies your documents more carefully. Real ID licenses cost more than standard licenses and are valid for eight years instead of five.
If you already have a Real ID license, you do not need to upgrade when you renew — you can renew as a standard license and save money. However, if you plan to fly or visit federal buildings, keep your passport or Real ID license current.
If you cannot visit in person
Virginia allows some driver license transactions by mail or online, but only if you meet specific conditions. You can renew a standard license online through the Virginia DMV website if your license is not expired and you have not had any address changes. You can also renew by mail by downloading the process from the Virginia DMV website, completing it, and mailing it with your current license and payment.
You cannot renew online or by mail if you are getting a Real ID license, if your license has been expired for more than one year, or if you need to change your address or medical information. In those cases, you must visit the Russell County office in person.
If you live outside Russell County but work or study there, you may be able to use the Russell County office if you can show proof of your connection to the county. Call 276-889-8000 to ask whether the office will serve you.
What to do if you lose your license or it is damaged
If your license is lost, stolen, or damaged, you need a replacement. Visit the Russell County office with proof of identity and residency. You will pay a replacement fee and go through the same process as a renewal — vision test, photo, and payment. The replacement license will have the same expiration date as your original license, so you are not paying for extra years.
If your license was stolen, some people file a police report first. Call the Russell County Sheriff's Office at 276-889-8000 to ask whether a report is required before you visit the driver license office. Having a report number can speed up the process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license online if I live in Russell County?
You can renew online through the Virginia DMV website only if your license is not expired, you have not moved, and you do not need a Real ID license. If any of those conditions do not explore, you must visit the Russell County office in person or mail in a renewal process.
How long does it take to get a license after my visit?
If the office prints your license on-site, you receive it before you leave. If it is printed at the state level, it arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. Ask the staff member which applies to your license type before you leave the office.
What if I fail the written test?
You can retake the test the same day at no additional cost, or you can return another day. You will need to wait in line again, but you do not pay a second fee.
Do I need a Real ID license to fly?
Yes, for domestic flights within the United States. You can also use a valid passport instead. Real ID licenses cost more and take longer to process, so decide based on whether you fly regularly and whether you already have a passport.
What if the office is closed when I need to renew?
If your license is about to expire and the office is closed, you can renew online or by mail through the Virginia DMV website if you meet the conditions listed above. If you do not meet those conditions, contact the office at 276-889-8000 to ask about extended hours or whether you can visit a nearby county office temporarily.