Virginia driver's licenses expire every eight years, and you can renew in person at a DMV office or by mail if you meet certain conditions

Virginia's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) lets you renew your license before it expires, and the method you choose depends on your age, whether your address has changed, and how much time you have. Most people can renew by mail without visiting an office. If you're under 21, have a medical condition noted on your license, or need to update your address, you'll need to go in person. The process is straightforward once you know which route applies to you.

Your Virginia license is valid for eight years from the date it was issued. You'll see the expiration date printed on the front. The DMV recommends renewing within six months before expiration, though you can renew up to one year early. If your license has already expired, you can still renew it, but the process may take longer.

Key Takeaways

  • Virginia driver's licenses are valid for eight years, and you can renew by mail or in person depending on your age and whether your information has changed.
  • Mail renewal requires a completed process, your current license, and a check or money order; it takes about two weeks and costs $24 for a standard eight-year renewal.
  • In-person renewal at a DMV office is required if you're under 21, have medical restrictions, or need to change your address or name.
  • You can schedule an appointment online at dmvnow.com to skip the walk-in line at most Virginia DMV locations.
  • If your license was lost, stolen, or damaged, you must renew in person and pay an additional replacement fee.

Renewing by mail: documents and timeline

Mail renewal is the fastest option if you're may be able to access. You'll need to complete Form DL-43 (process for Virginia Driver's License), which you can read from the Virginia DMV website or request by phone. You'll also need your current Virginia driver's license and a check or money order for the renewal fee.

The standard renewal fee is $24 for an eight-year license. Mail your completed process, license, and payment to the address listed on the form. The DMV typically processes mail renewals within two weeks, though it can take longer during busy periods. Your new license will arrive by mail at the address on file with the DMV.

You are not may be able to access for mail renewal if you're under 21, if your license has medical restrictions or endorsements that need updating, if you've changed your name or address, or if your license was lost or stolen. In any of those cases, you must renew in person.

In-person renewal at a DMV office

If you need to renew in person, you have two options: schedule an appointment online or walk in during office hours. Scheduling an appointment through dmvnow.com is strongly recommended because it eliminates wait times. You can choose your preferred location and time slot up to 30 days in advance. Walk-in service is available but often involves a wait, especially during lunch hours and late afternoon.

Bring your current Virginia driver's license, 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). If you've changed your name since your last license, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change—a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The in-person renewal fee is also $24 for an eight-year license.

At the DMV office, you'll have your photo taken and your signature captured. The process usually takes 15 to 30 minutes if you have an appointment. Your new license will be mailed to you within two weeks. If you need it sooner, you can request a temporary paper license to use while you wait.

Special situations: medical conditions, address changes, and replacements

If your current license has medical restrictions—such as corrective lenses required or hearing aid required—you must renew in person so the DMV can verify that the restriction still applies. The same rule applies if you have a commercial driver's license (CDL) or any endorsements. The DMV will not renew these licenses by mail.

If you've moved to a new address in Virginia, you can update it during mail renewal by writing your new address on the process form. However, if you've moved out of state and are now a Virginia resident again, or if you need to change your name, you must renew in person. The DMV will issue a new license with your updated information.

If your license was lost, stolen, or damaged, you cannot renew by mail. You must go to a DMV office and report the loss or damage. The replacement fee is $20 in addition to the $24 renewal fee, for a total of $44. Bring your proof of Social Security number and proof of address, just as you would for a standard in-person renewal.

What happens if your license has already expired

You can still renew an expired Virginia license, but the process depends on how long it has been expired. If it expired fewer than five years ago, you can renew by mail or in person using the standard process. If it expired more than five years ago, you must renew in person and may need to retake the written test and road test, depending on the DMV's assessment of your driving knowledge.

The DMV recommends renewing before expiration to avoid complications. If you've been driving on an expired license, you should renew as soon as possible. Driving on an expired license is a traffic violation in Virginia and can result in a fine.

Fees and payment methods

The standard renewal fee for an eight-year Virginia driver's license is $24. If you're renewing by mail, you must pay by check or money order. If you're renewing in person at a DMV office, you can pay by cash, check, debit card, or credit card. Some DMV locations may have different payment options, so check the website for your specific office.

If you're replacing a lost, stolen, or damaged license, add $20 to the renewal fee. If you need a temporary paper license while you wait for your new one to arrive, there is no additional charge. The DMV will issue it at the time of your in-person renewal.

Tracking your renewal and receiving your new license

Once you've submitted your renewal process—whether by mail or in person—the DMV will process it and mail your new license to the address on file. Standard processing takes about two weeks. You can check the status of your renewal on dmvnow.com by entering your driver's license number and date of birth.

Your new license will arrive in a plain envelope with no return address. If you don't receive it within three weeks of submitting your process, contact the Virginia DMV at 1-866-DMV-LINE (1-866-368-5463) to check on the status. Keep your old license until the new one arrives; it remains valid until the expiration date printed on it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Virginia license online?

No, Virginia does not offer online renewal. You can renew by mail or in person at a DMV office. You can schedule an in-person appointment online at dmvnow.com, but the actual renewal must happen at an office or through the mail.

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

By mail or in person, the DMV typically mails your new license within two weeks. Processing times can be longer during peak periods. You can request a temporary paper license at an in-person renewal if you need to drive before your new license arrives.

What if I moved out of Virginia and then moved back?

If you now live in Virginia again and your out-of-state license is still valid, you can renew your Virginia license in person at a DMV office. Bring your out-of-state license, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your Virginia address. You'll receive a new Virginia license with your current address.

Do I need an appointment to renew at the DMV?

Appointments are not required, but they are strongly recommended. You can schedule one free of charge at dmvnow.com up to 30 days in advance. Walk-in service is available but usually involves a wait.

What if my name has changed since my last license?

You must renew in person. Bring your current Virginia driver's license, proof of your Social Security number, proof of your address, and a certified copy of the document showing your name change—such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The DMV will issue a new license with your updated name.