Virginia Renewal: Online, by Mail, or In Person
Virginia lets you renew your driver's license through three routes: online at dmvnow.com, by mail if you meet certain conditions, or in person at a DMV office. Which route you can use depends on your license type, how long it has been expired, and whether you need a new photo. Most people renew online or by mail without visiting an office.
Your current Virginia license must not be expired by more than one year to renew by mail or online. If your license expired more than a year ago, you must renew in person. If you are renewing a commercial driver's license (CDL), you must renew in person at a DMV office — online and mail renewal are not available for CDL holders.
The renewal process takes different amounts of time depending on your method. Online renewal is fastest: you can complete it in minutes and receive a temporary digital license when ready. Mail renewal typically takes 7 to 10 business days after DMV receives your materials. In-person renewal is usually completed the same day, though wait times at offices vary by location and time of day.
Key Takeaways
- Virginia offers three renewal methods — online at dmvnow.com, by mail, or in person — and your license type and expiration date determine which you can use.
- You cannot renew online or by mail if your license has been expired for more than one year; expired CDL holders must always renew in person.
- Online renewal is the fastest option and gives you a temporary digital license to use when ready while your physical card is mailed to you.
- Mail renewal requires a completed process form, your current license, and a check or money order; processing takes 7 to 10 business days after DMV receives your packet.
- In-person renewal at a DMV office requires proof of Virginia residency and a valid Social Security number, and you will receive your new license the same day.
Renewing Online Through DMVNow
Online renewal through dmvnow.com is available if your standard (non-commercial) license is not expired by more than one year and you do not need a new photo. You will need your current Virginia driver's license number, your Social Security number, and a valid payment method (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, or Discover). The fee is $24 for a four-year renewal or $36 for an eight-year renewal.
Log into dmvnow.com, select "Renew Driver's License," and follow the prompts to verify your identity and confirm your current address. You can update your address during this process if you have moved. Review all information carefully before submitting payment. Once your transaction is complete, you will receive a temporary digital license that you can display on your phone or print. This temporary license is valid when ready and remains valid until your physical license arrives by mail.
Your new physical license will be mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days. If you do not receive it within that timeframe, contact DMV at 804-367-0538 or through dmvnow.com. Keep your temporary digital license with you until the physical card arrives, as it serves as proof of your valid license.
Renewing by Mail
Mail renewal is an option if your standard license is not expired by more than one year and you do not need a new photo. You will need to complete Form DL-44 (process for Virginia Driver's License), which you can read from dmvnow.com or request by calling 804-367-0538. You must also include your current Virginia driver's license and a check or money order for the renewal fee ($24 for four years or $36 for eight years). Do not send cash.
Mail your completed process, license, and payment to the address listed on the form. Keep a copy of everything you send for your records. Processing takes 7 to 10 business days after DMV receives your packet. Your new license will be mailed to the address shown on your process. If you are moving, update your address on the process form before mailing it, or renew online instead, where you can change your address during the transaction.
If your mail renewal is delayed or you do not receive your license within 10 business days, contact DMV to confirm receipt of your materials. Provide your name, date of birth, and driver's license number when you call 804-367-0538.
Renewing In Person at a DMV Office
In-person renewal is required if your license has been expired for more than one year, if you hold a commercial driver's license, or if you need a new photo. You must bring your current Virginia driver's license (or expired license if it has been less than one year since expiration), proof of your Social Security number, and proof of Virginia residency. Acceptable residency documents include a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days and showing your name and current address.
Bring your payment method (cash, check, debit card, or credit card) to cover the renewal fee. The fee is $24 for a four-year renewal or $36 for an eight-year renewal. You will also need to pass a vision screening at the office. If you wear corrective lenses, bring your glasses or contacts.
Visit dmvnow.com to find your nearest DMV office and check current wait times. Many offices allow you to schedule an appointment online, which can reduce your wait. You will receive your new license the same day if you renew in person. If you need a new photo, the DMV will take one during your visit at no additional charge.
What Happens If Your License Is Expired
If your Virginia driver's license has been expired for more than one year, you cannot renew online or by mail. You must renew in person at a DMV office. Bring your expired license, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of Virginia residency. The renewal fee remains the same ($24 for four years or $36 for eight years), but you will be required to pass a vision screening and have a new photo taken.
Driving with an expired license is illegal in Virginia, even if you have applied for renewal. If you are stopped by law enforcement, you can show your temporary digital license (if you renewed online) or your renewal receipt (if you renewed by mail or in person) as proof that your renewal is in progress, but this does not may provide you will not be cited. Renew as soon as possible to avoid legal issues.
Fees and Payment Methods
Virginia driver's license renewal fees are $24 for a four-year license or $36 for an eight-year license. These are the only fees charged by DMV for a standard renewal. If you renew online, you can pay with Visa, Mastercard, American Express, or Discover. If you renew by mail, send a check or money order — do not send cash. If you renew in person, you can pay with cash, check, debit card, or credit card.
Some DMV offices may charge an additional fee if you request a duplicate license or need to replace a lost or damaged card during your renewal visit. Ask the DMV staff about any extra charges before completing your transaction. If you are renewing a commercial driver's license, the fee may be higher; contact DMV directly for CDL renewal pricing.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Do not send cash in the mail when renewing by mail — use a check or money order only. Do not forget to include your current license with your mail renewal process; DMV will reject incomplete packets. Do not attempt to renew online if your license has been expired for more than one year; the system will not allow it, and you will need to start over with an in-person visit.
Do not update your address only on the DMV website without completing your renewal at the same time. Address changes and license renewals are separate transactions. If you need to change your address and renew your license, do both during the same transaction — online or in person — to avoid delays. Do not wait until your license is expired to renew; renewing 30 to 60 days before expiration gives you time to handle any issues that arise.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Virginia license if I no longer live in Virginia?
No. Virginia requires you to hold a Virginia address to renew a Virginia driver's license. If you have moved out of state, you must obtain a driver's license from your new state. If you have moved within Virginia, update your address during your renewal transaction, either online or in person.
What if I lost my current license and need to renew?
You cannot renew online or by mail without your current license. You must visit a DMV office in person. Bring your proof of Social Security number and proof of Virginia residency. The DMV will issue a replacement license with your renewal. The fee is the same as a standard renewal ($24 or $36 depending on the term you choose).
How long is my temporary digital license valid?
Your temporary digital license from online renewal is valid until your physical license arrives in the mail, which typically takes 7 to 10 business days. After your physical license arrives, the temporary license is no longer valid. You should carry both until the physical card arrives, then discard the temporary version.
Can I renew my license before it expires?
Yes. Virginia allows you to renew your license up to one year before it expires. Renewing early does not change your expiration date; your new license will expire one year (or four or eight years, depending on the term you choose) from the date you renew, not from your old expiration date. Renewing early can be useful if you are planning a trip or want to avoid a rush closer to your expiration date.
What if I need to change my name during renewal?
You cannot change your name during an online or mail renewal. If you have legally changed your name, you must renew in person at a DMV office and bring a certified copy of your name change document (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). The DMV will issue a new license with your updated name. The renewal fee is the same.