How to Renew Your Virginia Driver's License

Virginia renewal works by mail, online, or in person depending on your situation

Virginia lets you renew your driver's license without visiting a DMV office if you meet certain conditions. The fastest route is online through the Virginia DMV website — it takes about 10 minutes and your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days. If you cannot renew online, you can mail in your renewal form, or you can go to a DMV office in person. Which path you take depends on how much time is left on your current license and whether you need to update your photo or address.

Your Virginia license is valid for eight years from the date it was issued. You can start the renewal process up to one year before it expires. If your license has already expired, you can still renew it by mail or in person, but you cannot use the online option — you will have to visit a DMV office or use the mail-in form.

Key Takeaways

Online renewal through the Virginia DMV website is the fastest option if your license has not yet expired and you do not need a new photo.
Mail-in renewal takes about two to three weeks total and works even if your license has expired, as long as you have not been without a valid license for more than five years.
You will need your current Virginia driver's license number, Social Security number, and a valid payment method to renew online or by mail.
If you need a new photo, have changed your name, or want to update your address, you must renew in person at a DMV office.
Virginia charges a renewal fee that varies depending on whether you choose a standard eight-year license or a REAL ID-compliant license.

Renewing online through the Virginia DMV website

Online renewal is available if your license has not expired and you do not need a new photo. Go to the Virginia DMV website and select the renewal option. You will enter your driver's license number, Social Security number, and date of birth to verify your identity. The system will pull up your current information and ask you to confirm or update your address and emergency contact details.

At the end of the process, you will pay the renewal fee using a credit or debit card. Virginia charges $40 for a standard eight-year renewal or $56 for a REAL ID-compliant license. Once you submit your payment, you will receive a confirmation number. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file and should arrive within 7 to 10 business days. You can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives.

Renewing by mail with the DMV-14 form

Mail-in renewal works even if your license has expired, as long as you have not been without a valid Virginia license for more than five years. You will need to complete the DMV-14 form, which you can read from the Virginia DMV website or request by phone. Fill out the form with your current information, sign it, and mail it along with your current license and a check or money order for the renewal fee to the address listed on the form.

The Virginia DMV processes mail-in renewals in the order they are received. The entire process typically takes two to three weeks from the time they receive your envelope. You will not receive a confirmation that your form arrived, so keep a copy of everything you send. If your license expires before your new one arrives, you should not drive — mail-in renewal is best used when you have at least a few weeks left on your current license.

Renewing in person at a DMV office

You must renew in person if your license has expired more than five years ago, if you need a new photo, if you have changed your name, or if you want to update your address and prefer not to do it by mail or online. Bring your current Virginia 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). If you have changed your name, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.

Visit any Virginia DMV office during business hours. You will take a new photo, confirm your information, and pay the renewal fee. The DMV will issue you a temporary paper license on the spot that is valid for 45 days while your permanent license is printed and mailed. Your new license should arrive within 7 to 10 business days. You can find DMV office locations and hours on the Virginia DMV website.

Understanding Virginia's REAL ID option

When you renew, you can choose a standard Virginia driver's license or a REAL ID-compliant license. A REAL ID license has a gold star in the upper right corner and meets federal requirements for boarding domestic flights and entering federal buildings. If you do not have a REAL ID license and plan to fly domestically or visit a federal facility, you will need a passport or other federal ID instead.

The REAL ID renewal costs $16 more than a standard renewal ($56 instead of $40). If you renew online or by mail and choose REAL ID, you will need to provide proof of your Social Security number and proof of your current address. If you renew in person, the DMV will verify these documents at the office. You do not have to choose REAL ID when you renew — a standard license remains valid for driving in Virginia and all other states.

What happens if your license expires before your new one arrives

If you renewed online or by mail and your license expires before the new one arrives, you should not drive. Driving on an expired license is illegal in Virginia, even if you have proof that you submitted a renewal. If you are pulled over, you can show the officer your confirmation number from the online renewal or a copy of your mailed form, but this does not prevent a citation.

To avoid this situation, renew at least three weeks before your license expires. If your license has already expired and you need to drive before your new license arrives, visit a DMV office in person — they can issue a temporary paper license that is valid for 45 days while your permanent license is printed and mailed.

Updating your information during renewal

If you have changed your address, you can update it during online or mail-in renewal without visiting an office. If you have changed your name, you must renew in person and bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change. The same applies if you want to change your gender marker or correct any other information on your license.

If you are renewing online or by mail and notice an error in your information that you cannot fix through the renewal process, complete the renewal as usual and then visit a DMV office afterward to request a correction. The DMV will issue a new license with the corrected information, though you may be charged an additional fee for the replacement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Virginia license online if it has already expired?

No. Online renewal is only available if your license has not yet expired. If your license has expired, you can renew by mail or in person at a DMV office. Mail-in renewal works as long as you have not been without a valid Virginia license for more than five years.

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

Your new license should arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days after you submit your online renewal. You can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives. If you need to drive after your current license expires, visit a DMV office to get a temporary paper license.

Do I need to take a new photo when I renew my Virginia license?

If you renew online or by mail, your current photo will be used on your new license. If you want a new photo, you must renew in person at a DMV office. You are also required to get a new photo if your license has been expired for more than five years.

What is the difference between a standard Virginia license and a REAL ID license?

A REAL ID license has a gold star and meets federal requirements for boarding domestic flights and entering federal buildings. A standard license does not have the star and cannot be used for these purposes — you would need a passport instead. The REAL ID renewal costs $16 more.

What should I do if I do not receive my new license within two weeks?

Contact the Virginia DMV using the phone number on their website and provide your confirmation number or the date you mailed your renewal form. The DMV can check the status of your license and tell you whether it has been printed and mailed. If there is a problem, they can reissue your license or issue a temporary paper license.

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.