What You Need to Renew Your Virginia Driver's License

Documents and information you must bring to the DMV

To renew your Virginia driver's license, you need to bring proof of identity, proof of Virginia residency, and your Social Security number. The Virginia DMV accepts a specific list of documents for each category, and you cannot substitute one document type for another.

For proof of identity, bring your current Virginia driver's license, passport, military ID, or state ID card. If your current license is expired by more than one year, you may need to bring a second form of ID. For proof of Virginia residency, bring a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. A government check or tax return also works. Your name must appear on the document.

You will also need your Social Security number — have it memorized or written down. If you have changed your name since your last license, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change: marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. If you have a medical condition that affects your driving, bring documentation from your physician.

Key Takeaways

Bring your current Virginia driver's license or passport, a utility bill or lease dated within 60 days, and your Social Security number to any DMV office.
Virginia allows you to renew by mail if your license is not expired and you have not had any address changes, medical restrictions, or name changes since your last renewal.
In-person renewal takes about 30 minutes at a DMV office; mail renewal takes two to three weeks from the date the DMV receives your process.
The renewal fee is $48 for a four-year license or $72 for an eight-year license; you can pay by cash, check, debit card, or credit card.
If your license expired more than one year ago, you cannot renew by mail and must appear in person at a DMV office.

Renewing by mail versus in person

Virginia allows mail renewal only if your current license is not expired, you have not moved, and you have no medical restrictions or name changes to report. To renew by mail, complete Form DL-43 (process for Driver's License), include a check or money order for the renewal fee, and mail the form along with your current license to the address listed on the form. The DMV will mail your new license to you within two to three weeks.

If your license is expired, you have moved, or you need to update medical information or your name, you must renew in person at a DMV office. Walk-in service is available at all Virginia DMV locations, but you can also schedule an appointment online through the Virginia DMV website. In-person renewal usually takes 30 minutes or less. You will receive your new license on the spot if you pass the vision test and all documents are in order.

Mail renewal is faster only if you count the time you save by not driving to an office. In-person renewal is faster if you need your new license within days rather than weeks. If your license is expired by more than one year, in-person renewal is your only option.

Vision test and photograph requirements

If you renew in person, you will take a vision test at the DMV office. You must be able to read the 20/40 line on the eye chart with or without corrective lenses. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them with you. If you fail the vision test, the DMV will not issue your license until you provide a letter from an eye doctor stating that your vision meets the standard.

The DMV will take a new photograph for your license. Wear clothing that contrasts with your skin tone so the photo is clear. Do not wear a hat, sunglasses, or anything that covers your face, unless you have a religious or medical reason. If you have a medical reason, bring a letter from your doctor. The photograph will be taken against a plain background at the DMV office.

Renewal fees and payment methods

Virginia charges $48 for a four-year license and $72 for an eight-year license. You choose the term when you renew. The eight-year license costs more but means you will not need to renew again for eight years. The DMV accepts cash, personal check, debit card, and credit card. If you pay by check, make it out to the "Treasurer of Virginia." If you renew by mail, you must include a check or money order; the DMV does not accept credit or debit cards by mail.

If you renew in person, you can pay at the DMV office with any accepted method. There is no additional fee for paying by card. If you are a Virginia resident over 65, you may be may have access to to a reduced fee — ask the DMV clerk about senior discounts when you renew.

Timeline for receiving your renewed license

If you renew in person, you will receive your new license when ready after you complete the process and pass the vision test. You can drive with your old license until it expires. If you renew by mail, the DMV will mail your new license to the address on your process. Mail renewal typically takes two to three weeks from the date the DMV receives your process, but processing time can vary during busy periods.

If you need your license before the mail renewal arrives, you can request an interim license at a DMV office. An interim license is a temporary paper license that is valid for 45 days while you wait for your permanent license to arrive in the mail. There is no additional fee for an interim license.

Common mistakes that delay renewal

The most common reason a renewal is rejected is a missing or incorrect proof of residency. The document must show your current Virginia address, be dated within the last 60 days, and have your name on it. A utility bill works, but a cell phone bill does not. If you recently moved and have not received a utility bill at your new address, bring a lease or mortgage statement instead.

Another frequent mistake is bringing an expired form of ID. Your passport or military ID must be current. If your current Virginia license is expired by more than one year, you cannot use it as your proof of identity — bring a passport or military ID instead. If you are renewing by mail and your license is expired, the DMV will reject your process and return it to you.

A third mistake is not bringing your Social Security number. You cannot renew without it. Write it down before you go to the DMV so you do not have to rely on memory. If you do not have a Social Security number, contact the DMV before you visit to learn what documents you can bring instead.

Renewing a license with medical restrictions or name changes

If you have a medical condition that affects your driving — such as a seizure disorder, vision problem, or hearing loss — you must bring a letter from your physician stating that you are safe to drive. The letter must be on the doctor's letterhead and dated within the last 60 days. The DMV may place restrictions on your license, such as requiring you to wear corrective lenses or limiting you to daytime driving only.

If you have changed your name since your last license, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change. This can be a marriage certificate, divorce decree, court order, or adoption decree. The document must be an official certified copy, not a photocopy. You must renew in person if you have a name change; you cannot renew by mail.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Virginia license online?

No. Virginia does not offer online renewal. You can renew by mail if your license is not expired and you have no address or name changes, or you can renew in person at a DMV office. You can schedule an in-person appointment on the Virginia DMV website, but you cannot complete the entire renewal online.

What if my license expired more than a year ago?

You must renew in person at a DMV office. You cannot renew by mail. Bring your passport or military ID as proof of identity, because an expired Virginia license is not accepted as valid ID. You will need to pass a vision test and have a new photograph taken.

Do I need to take a written test to renew my license?

No. You do not take a written test when you renew. You only take a vision test. If the DMV suspects you are not safe to drive, they may ask you to retake the written test, but this is rare and usually happens only if you have had multiple traffic violations or accidents.

What if I moved to a different Virginia address?

You must renew in person at a DMV office. You cannot renew by mail if you have moved. Bring proof of your new address, such as a utility bill or lease dated within the last 60 days. The DMV will update your address on your new license at no extra charge.

How long is my renewed license valid?

Your renewed license is valid for either four or eight years, depending on which term you choose when you renew. The expiration date will be printed on your new license. You can renew again anytime within one year before your license 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.