Virginia driver's license replacement costs $24 for a standard five-year license

If your Virginia driver's license is lost, stolen, damaged, or worn out, you can get a replacement at the Department of Motor Vehicles. The fee is $24 for a standard five-year license. You do not need to retake any tests — the DMV will issue a new card with the same license number and class you already hold.

The replacement process is straightforward: you visit a DMV office in person, bring proof of identity and residency, pay the fee, and have your photo taken. Most people complete the transaction in under an hour, though wait times vary by location and time of day.

Key Takeaways

  • A standard five-year Virginia driver's license replacement costs $24 and requires no written or road test.
  • You must visit a DMV office in person with a valid form of identification and proof of Virginia residency.
  • A REAL ID-compliant replacement license costs $34 instead of $24 and requires additional documentation.
  • Your replacement license will have the same number and class as your original, and you can request it be mailed or pick it up at the office.

What documents you need to bring

Bring one valid form of identification — a passport, military ID, or another state's driver's license all work. You also need proof that you live in Virginia, such as a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. Your name on both documents should match, or you should bring a marriage certificate or court order if your name has changed.

If your license was lost or stolen, you do not need a police report to get a replacement, though having one can be useful if you need to dispute fraudulent activity later. If your license is damaged, bring the old card with you so the DMV can see the damage and destroy it.

Standard license versus REAL ID replacement

Virginia offers two types of replacement licenses: a standard license and a REAL ID-compliant license. The standard five-year license costs $24. A REAL ID license costs $34 and requires additional proof of identity and residency — typically a birth certificate or passport, plus two forms of proof of address instead of one.

REAL ID licenses are required for federal purposes like boarding a domestic flight or entering a military base. If you do not need to fly or access federal facilities, the standard license is sufficient and costs less. You can upgrade to REAL ID later if your plans change.

How to request your replacement at the DMV

Visit any DMV office in Virginia during business hours with your documents and payment. Tell the staff member you need a replacement license. They will verify your identity and residency, take a new photo, and process your request on the spot.

You can choose to pick up your replacement license at the office the same day, or you can have it mailed to your Virginia address. If you pick it up in person, you will have it when ready. If you request mail delivery, it typically arrives within 7 to 10 business days. There is no additional fee for either option.

What happens if your license is suspended or revoked

If your Virginia license is suspended or revoked, you cannot get a straightforward replacement. You must first resolve the suspension or revocation — this might mean paying a reinstatement fee, completing a defensive driving course, or waiting out a suspension period. Once the suspension or revocation is lifted, you can then request a replacement license for the standard $24 fee.

Check your license status on the Virginia DMV website before you visit an office. If there is a hold on your record, the DMV staff can tell you what steps you need to take to clear it.

Replacing your license by mail or online

Virginia does not offer mail-in or online replacement for lost, stolen, or damaged licenses. You must visit a DMV office in person. However, if your license is expiring soon and you straightforward need a renewal (not a replacement), you may be able to renew by mail under certain conditions — check the DMV website or call your local office to see if you may have access to.

Some DMV offices offer appointment scheduling through the Virginia DMV website, which can reduce your wait time. You can also find office hours and locations on the website to plan your visit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a replacement license the same day I explore?

Yes. If you visit a DMV office in person with all required documents and payment, you can pick up your replacement license when ready. The photo is taken and processed on site, and you walk out with your new card. If you choose mail delivery instead, it takes 7 to 10 business days.

What if I lost my license out of state?

You still need to visit a Virginia DMV office to request a replacement. If you are out of state and cannot travel to Virginia when ready, you can request that your replacement be mailed to an out-of-state address. Contact your local Virginia DMV office to arrange this.

Do I have to retake the written or road test to get a replacement?

No. A replacement license is issued with the same class and restrictions as your original. You only retake tests if your license is suspended or revoked and you need to restore it, or if you want to upgrade to a different class.

Is the $24 fee the same for all types of replacement?

The $24 fee applies to standard five-year licenses. REAL ID-compliant licenses cost $34. Commercial driver's licenses and other specialized licenses may have different fees — check with the DMV if you hold a commercial or special class.

What if my name has changed since I got my original license?

Bring your original license, a valid form of ID with your current name, proof of your name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order), and proof of Virginia residency. The DMV will update your name on the replacement license at no extra cost.