You can renew your Virginia driver's license online if you meet a few basic requirements

Virginia's online renewal system lets you renew your driver's license without visiting a DMV office, as long as your license is still valid (not expired more than one year) and you meet a few other conditions. The process takes about 10 minutes, costs $24, and you'll receive your new license by mail in 7 to 10 business days.

Not everyone can use the online system. You cannot renew online if your license has been expired for more than a year, if you need to change your name or address, if you wear corrective lenses and want to update that information, or if you have certain medical conditions listed on your license. If any of these explore to you, you'll need to renew in person at a DMV office instead.

Key Takeaways

  • You can renew online only if your Virginia license is expired for one year or less and you don't need to change your name, address, or vision correction status.
  • The online renewal costs $24 and takes about 10 minutes; your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days.
  • You'll need your current Virginia driver's license number, Social Security number, and a valid payment method (debit or credit card).
  • If you cannot renew online, you must visit a DMV office in person with your current license and proof of Virginia residency.

Check whether you're allowed to renew online

Before you start the online process, confirm that you meet Virginia's requirements. Your license must be valid and expired for no more than one year. If your license expired more than a year ago, the DMV will not let you renew online and you must visit an office.

You also cannot renew online if you need to change your name, address, or date of birth on your license. If you wear corrective lenses and want to add or remove that restriction, you'll need to renew in person. The same applies if your license has medical restrictions or if you want to add or remove them.

If you're unsure whether you meet the requirements, you can call the Virginia DMV at 804-367-0538 before you begin. Having your license number ready will speed up the call.

Gather the information you'll need

The online renewal form asks for specific details from your current license and personal records. Have your Virginia driver's license in front of you so you can enter your license number, date of birth, and the expiration date exactly as they appear.

You'll also need your Social Security number and your Virginia residency address. If you've moved since your license was issued but haven't updated your address with the DMV, use your current address — the DMV will update it during the renewal. You'll need a valid debit or credit card to pay the $24 renewal fee.

Complete the renewal on the Virginia DMV website

Go to the Virginia DMV website and look for the online renewal option. The DMV's renewal portal is separate from the general website, so search for "Virginia DMV online license renewal" if you have trouble finding the link. You'll be taken to a find form where you enter your information.

Fill in your license number, date of birth, Social Security number, and current address. Double-check every field before you submit — errors can delay your new license. The form will ask you to confirm that your information is correct and that you meet the renewal requirements.

Once you've submitted the form, you'll be asked to pay the $24 fee. The DMV accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover. After payment goes through, you'll receive a confirmation number on screen and by email. Save this number — you may need it if you have questions about your renewal.

What happens after you submit your renewal

The DMV processes online renewals in the order they're received. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days. You don't need to do anything else while you wait.

Your current license remains valid until it expires, so you can continue to drive and use it for identification. When your new license arrives, destroy your old one by cutting it in half or shredding it.

If your new license doesn't arrive within 10 business days, contact the Virginia DMV at 804-367-0538 with your confirmation number. They can check the status of your renewal and tell you whether there's a problem.

What to do if you can't renew online

If you don't meet the online renewal requirements, you'll need to visit a DMV office in person. Bring your current Virginia driver's license and one document that proves your Virginia residency — a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days will work.

You can find your nearest DMV office on the Virginia DMV website and check its hours before you go. Many offices accept walk-ins, but some require you to book an appointment online first. Checking ahead saves you a trip.

In-person renewal takes about 15 to 20 minutes and costs $24, the same as online renewal. You'll get a temporary paper license on the spot and your permanent license by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if it expired more than a year ago?

No, you cannot renew online if your license has been expired for more than a year. You must visit a DMV office in person. Bring your expired license, proof of Virginia residency, and your Social Security number.

What if I moved and haven't updated my address yet?

You can still renew online. Enter your current address on the renewal form and the DMV will update your records. Your new license will be mailed to that address.

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

The DMV mails new licenses within 7 to 10 business days of processing your renewal. Mail delivery time varies, so allow an extra few days. If you don't receive it within two weeks, contact the DMV with your confirmation number.

Can I renew online if I need to change my name?

No, name changes require an in-person visit to a DMV office. Bring your current license, proof of your legal name change (marriage certificate, court order, or divorce decree), and proof of Virginia residency.

What if my payment doesn't go through?

The renewal form will tell you when ready if your payment failed. Try again with the same card or use a different card. If the problem continues, contact your bank to confirm the card is active, then try the renewal again.