How to Renew Your Virginia Driver's License

Virginia renewal options: online, by mail, or in person

Virginia lets you renew your driver's license online, by mail, or at a DMV office, depending on how much time you have and whether your license is expired. If your license is still valid, you can renew online or by mail without visiting an office. If it has been expired for more than one year, you must renew in person at a DMV location.

The online option is the fastest: you can complete it in about 15 minutes, and your renewed license ships to you within 7 to 10 business days. The mail option takes longer overall but requires no office visit. In-person renewal at a DMV office takes about 30 minutes once you arrive, though wait times vary by location.

Key Takeaways

Virginia allows online renewal if your license is valid and you have not renewed online in the past 8 years.
By-mail renewal takes 2 to 3 weeks total and costs the same as online, but you must mail documents to the DMV.
In-person renewal is required if your license expired more than one year ago or if you cannot renew online.
Your renewed license will be mailed to you; you cannot pick it up at the DMV office on the same day.
Virginia charges $36 for a 5-year renewal or $66 for an 8-year renewal, payable by credit card, debit card, or check.

Renewing online through the Virginia DMV website

To renew online, go to dmvnow.com and select "Renew a Driver's License." You will need your current Virginia driver's license number, Social Security number, and a valid credit or debit card to pay the fee. The system will ask you to confirm your address and vision information. You cannot change your address online; if you have moved, you must renew by mail or in person.

Online renewal is available only if your license is currently valid and you have not renewed online in the past 8 years. If you renewed online within the last 8 years, the system will tell you that you must use mail or in-person renewal instead. Once you complete the online form and pay, you will receive a confirmation number. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days.

Renewing by mail with the Virginia DMV

To renew by mail, read the process for Driver's License or Identification Card (Form DL 43) from dmvnow.com. Fill out the form, sign it, and mail it with a check or money order for $36 (5-year) or $66 (8-year) to the address listed on the form. Include a copy of your current Virginia driver's license or a photo ID if your license is expired.

Mail your packet to the DMV address shown on the form. Processing takes 2 to 3 weeks from the date the DMV receives your mail. You can track your process status on dmvnow.com using your driver's license number. If you need to change your address, include a separate note with your new address in the envelope. Your renewed license will be mailed to the address you provide.

Renewing in person at a Virginia DMV office

Visit any Virginia DMV office with your current driver's license or a photo ID, proof of your Social Security number (such as a Social Security card or W-2), and proof of your current address (such as a utility bill or lease dated within 60 days). Bring a check, debit card, or credit card to pay the renewal fee. You will also be asked to confirm your vision information and may be asked to take a new photo.

In-person renewal is required if your license has been expired for more than one year, if you cannot renew online, or if you need to change your address or other information on your license. Wait times vary by office and time of day; the DMV website shows current wait times for each location. Your renewed license will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days; you cannot take it with you the same day.

What happens if your Virginia license has expired

If your license expired fewer than 12 months ago, you can still renew online or by mail using the same process as a valid license. If your license expired more than 12 months ago, you must renew in person at a DMV office. You will need to bring the same documents as an in-person renewal, and the DMV may require you to retake the vision test or written test depending on how long it has been expired.

Driving on an expired license is illegal in Virginia, even if you have submitted a renewal process. If you are stopped by police, you can show your confirmation number from an online or mail renewal as proof that you have applied, but this does not give you legal permission to drive. If your license has been expired for a long time, renew in person to avoid delays.

Renewal fees and payment methods

Virginia charges $36 for a 5-year driver's license renewal or $66 for an 8-year renewal. You choose the length when you renew. The fee is the same whether you renew online, by mail, or in person. Online and in-person renewal accept credit cards and debit cards. Mail renewal requires a check or money order; do not send cash.

If you are a Virginia resident over 65, you may be charged a lower fee; check dmvnow.com or ask at your local DMV office. If you are renewing a commercial driver's license (CDL), the fee is different and depends on the type of CDL you hold.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Virginia license if I have moved out of state?

No. Virginia renewal is only for residents. If you have moved to another state, you must obtain a driver's license from that state. If you still live in Virginia but have moved within the state, you can renew online or by mail if your license is valid; if it is expired, you must renew in person and bring proof of your new address.

How long does it take to get my renewed license in the mail?

Online and in-person renewals take 7 to 10 business days from the date the DMV processes your process. Mail renewal takes 2 to 3 weeks from the date the DMV receives your envelope. You can check the status of your renewal on dmvnow.com using your driver's license number.

What if I need my license before it arrives in the mail?

Virginia does not issue temporary licenses or allow you to pick up your renewed license at the DMV office. If you need to drive before your license arrives, you can show a printed confirmation from your online renewal or a copy of your mail renewal confirmation. However, this is not a legal substitute for your actual license. If you need your license urgently, renew in person and ask the DMV office staff whether they can expedite mailing.

Can I change my address when I renew online?

No. Online renewal only confirms your current address. If you have moved, you must renew by mail or in person. For mail renewal, include a note with your new address. For in-person renewal, bring proof of your new address such as a utility bill or lease.

What if I lost my current Virginia driver's license?

If your license is lost, you cannot renew it online or by mail. You must visit a DMV office to report it lost and obtain a replacement. Bring a photo ID and proof of your Social Security number. The replacement fee is $20. Once you have the replacement, you can renew it online or by mail at any time before it expires.

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.