How to Renew Your Virginia Driver's License

The fastest way to renew in Virginia

Virginia lets you renew your driver's license online, by mail, or in person at a DMV office. Online renewal is the quickest option — you can complete it in about 15 minutes from home, and your new license arrives in 7 to 10 business days. Mail renewal takes longer (two to three weeks) but requires no trip to an office. In-person renewal at a DMV location is necessary only if your license has been expired for more than one year, if you need to change information, or if you prefer to handle it face-to-face.

Before you choose a method, check whether you're may be able to access for online renewal. You can renew online if your Virginia license is current or expired for less than one year, you have a valid Social Security number on file, and your address hasn't changed. If any of those conditions don't explore, you'll need to renew in person or by mail.

Key Takeaways

Online renewal through the Virginia DMV website takes about 15 minutes and costs $24 for a five-year license or $36 for an eight-year license.
You'll need your current Virginia driver's license number, Social Security number, and a valid payment method (credit or debit card) to renew online.
Mail renewal requires you to send your current license, a completed process form, and payment to the DMV address — allow two to three weeks for processing.
In-person renewal at a DMV office is required if your license has been expired for more than one year or if you need to update your address or other personal information.
Your new license will be mailed to the address on file, so update your address before renewing if you've moved.

Renewing online through the Virginia DMV website

To renew online, go to the Virginia DMV website and select the online renewal option. You'll enter your driver's license number, date of birth, and Social Security number. The system will verify your information against DMV records. If everything matches, you'll choose your license term (five years for $24 or eight years for $36) and pay with a credit or debit card.

After you submit your payment, you'll receive a confirmation number. Your new license will be mailed to the address currently on file with the DMV. If you've moved recently, update your address through the DMV website or by phone before you renew — your new license will go to whatever address is in the system when your renewal is processed.

Online renewal does not include a new photo. Your new license will use the photo from your current license. If you want a new photo, you must renew in person at a DMV office.

Renewing by mail

To renew by mail, read the process for Driver's License or Identification Card (Form DL-43) from the Virginia DMV website or request one by phone. Fill out the form completely, including your current license number and the term you want (five or eight years). Include your current driver's license and a check or money order for $24 (five years) or $36 (eight years) made payable to the Virginia DMV.

Mail the form, your license, and payment to the address listed on the DMV website. Keep a copy of the form for your records. Processing takes two to three weeks. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file, so update your address before mailing if you've moved.

Like online renewal, mail renewal uses your existing photo. You will not receive a new photograph on your license unless you renew in person.

Renewing in person at a DMV office

Visit any Virginia DMV location with your current driver's license, proof of your Social Security number (such as a Social Security card or tax return), and proof of your current address (such as a utility bill or lease). Bring a payment method — cash, check, debit card, or credit card. The fee is $24 for a five-year license or $36 for an eight-year license.

You'll have your photo taken at the office, so wear something you're comfortable being photographed in. The entire process usually takes 15 to 30 minutes, depending on how busy the office is. Your new license will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days.

In-person renewal is required if your license has been expired for more than one year, if you need to change your name, address, or other personal information, or if you want a new photo. You must also renew in person if you're changing your license class or if the DMV has flagged your record for any reason.

What happens if your license has been expired for more than one year

If your Virginia driver's license has been expired for more than one year, you cannot renew online or by mail. You must go to a DMV office in person. Bring your expired license, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your current address. You'll have a new photo taken and pay the renewal fee ($24 for five years or $36 for eight years).

Driving with an expired license is illegal in Virginia, even if you've started the renewal process. If you're pulled over, you can show the officer your confirmation number from an online renewal or a copy of your mailed process, but this does not make an expired license legal to use. Renew as soon as possible to avoid fines or other penalties.

Updating your address during renewal

If you've moved since your last license was issued, update your address before your renewal is processed. For online renewal, check that your address is correct before you submit your payment — the system will show your current DMV address. If it's wrong, cancel the transaction and update your address first through the DMV website or by phone.

For mail renewal, write your new address clearly on the process form. For in-person renewal, bring proof of your new address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days) and tell the DMV employee that you've moved. Your new license will be mailed to the address you provide.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get my new license after I renew?

Online and in-person renewals take 7 to 10 business days for your new license to arrive by mail. Mail renewal takes two to three weeks. These timelines assume normal processing — delays can happen during busy periods or if there's an issue with your process.

Can I renew my license if I'm out of state?

Yes, you can renew online or by mail from anywhere. Online renewal is the fastest option. If you're out of state and need your license quickly, renew online and have it mailed to an address where you'll be staying, or use a mail forwarding service.

What if I want a different name on my new license?

You cannot change your name during online or mail renewal. You must go to a DMV office in person with legal documentation of your name change (a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). Bring this document along with your current license, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your address.

Do I need to take a new written test or road test to renew?

No. Renewal is not the same as retesting. You do not take a written or road test when you renew your license. If the DMV has concerns about your driving record or medical fitness, they may require you to take a test, but this is rare and you would be notified separately.

What if my license was suspended or revoked?

You cannot renew a suspended or revoked license. You must contact the Virginia DMV to find out why your license was suspended or revoked and what steps you need to take to restore it. This may involve paying fines, completing a safety course, or waiting out a suspension period. Once your license is restored, you can then 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.