Virginia's Online Renewal Process
Virginia allows you to renew your driver's license online through the DMV website if you meet specific requirements. The process takes about 10 minutes, costs $24 for a five-year license or $36 for an eight-year license, and you receive your renewed license by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
Not every driver can use the online route. You must have a valid Virginia driver's license that is not expired by more than one year, be a U.S. citizen, have a Social Security number on file with Virginia DMV, and have a valid email address. If your license has been suspended, revoked, or cancelled, you cannot renew online.
The online system does not issue a temporary license or digital proof of renewal. You will need to carry your current license until the new one arrives in the mail. If you need to drive when ready after renewal, you should use the in-person or mail renewal options instead.
Key Takeaways
- You can renew online only if your Virginia license is not expired by more than one year and you are a U.S. citizen with a Social Security number on file.
- The online renewal fee is $24 for five years or $36 for eight years, paid by credit or debit card at the time of submission.
- Your renewed license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days; you cannot get a temporary license through the online process.
- You will need your current Virginia driver's license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number to start the renewal.
- If your address has changed, you must update it during the online renewal; the new license will be mailed to the address you provide.
What You Need Before You Start
Gather these items before you go to the Virginia DMV website to begin your renewal:
- Your current Virginia driver's license (you will need the license number)
- Your date of birth
- The last four digits of your Social Security number
- A valid email address where you can receive confirmation
- A credit or debit card for the renewal fee
If your address has changed since your license was issued, have your new address ready. Virginia will mail your renewed license to the address you enter during the online process, so verify it carefully before you submit.
You do not need to upload documents or provide a new photo. Virginia uses the photo and signature from your current license for the renewed license, unless you choose to update your signature during the process.
Step-by-Step Renewal Instructions
Go to the Virginia DMV website and select the online renewal option. You will be directed to a find portal where you enter your information.
- Enter your Virginia driver's license number and date of birth.
- Enter the last four digits of your Social Security number.
- Review your current license information on file (name, address, date of birth, license class).
- Update your address if it has changed, or confirm your current address.
- Choose your license term: five years ($24) or eight years ($36).
- Review the vision and medical questions on the form and answer honestly.
- Enter your email address for confirmation.
- Review all information one final time before submitting.
- Enter your credit or debit card information to pay the renewal fee.
- Submit your renewal request.
You will receive an email confirmation when ready after submission. Keep this email for your records. Your renewed license will be mailed to the address you provided within 7 to 10 business days.
When Online Renewal Is Not an Option
You must renew in person at a DMV office if your license has been suspended, revoked, or cancelled. You also cannot use the online process if your license has been expired for more than one year.
If you are not a U.S. citizen, you will need to renew in person. Virginia requires proof of lawful presence in the United States for all driver's licenses, and the online system cannot process non-citizen renewals.
If you want to change your name, add or remove a license class (such as a motorcycle endorsement), or update your signature beyond what the online form allows, you must visit a DMV office in person. The online renewal is limited to address changes and license term selection.
What Happens After You Submit Online
Once your renewal is submitted and paid, you cannot cancel or modify it through the online system. If you need to make changes, contact the Virginia DMV directly at 1-866-DMV-LINE (1-866-368-5463) before your license is printed and mailed.
Your renewed license will be mailed to the address you provided during renewal. If you do not receive it within 10 business days, check your email for any messages from Virginia DMV about a delivery issue. If there is a problem, call the DMV to confirm your mailing address and request a replacement.
You can continue to drive with your current license while you wait for the renewed one to arrive. There is no gap in your driving privileges during the renewal process.
Fees and Payment
Virginia charges $24 for a five-year renewal or $36 for an eight-year renewal. These are the only fees for online renewal; there are no additional processing or shipping charges.
You must pay by credit card or debit card at the time you submit your renewal. Virginia DMV does not accept cash, check, or money order for online renewals. Your card will be charged when ready after you submit the form.
If your payment is declined, the renewal will not be processed. Check that your card information is correct and that you have sufficient funds, then try again. If the problem continues, contact your bank or use a different card.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew online if my license expired more than a year ago?
No. Virginia's online renewal is only for licenses that expired within the past year. If your license has been expired for more than one year, you must renew in person at a DMV office and may need to retake the written and vision tests.
Will I get a temporary license while I wait for my new one?
No. The online renewal process does not issue a temporary license or digital proof of renewal. You will continue to use your current license until the new one arrives by mail. If you need a temporary license, you must renew in person at a DMV office.
What if my address changed and I need my new license mailed somewhere different?
You can enter your new address during the online renewal process, and your renewed license will be mailed there. Make sure you enter the address correctly, as you cannot change it after you submit the renewal.
Can I renew online if I have a commercial driver's license?
No. Commercial driver's licenses (CDL) cannot be renewed online in Virginia. You must renew a CDL in person at a DMV office, and you may need to pass a medical examination and written test depending on your license class.
How do I know if my renewal was successful?
You will receive an email confirmation when ready after you submit your renewal and payment. Keep this email. If you do not receive a confirmation email within a few minutes, check your spam folder or contact Virginia DMV to confirm your renewal was processed.