How to Renew Your Virginia Driver's License

Virginia License Renewal: In-Person, By Mail, or Online

Virginia offers three ways to renew your driver's license: online through the DMV website, by mail, or in person at a DMV office. Which route you can use depends on your license type, how long it has been expired, and whether you need a new photo. Most Virginia drivers renew online or by mail without visiting an office.

Online renewal is the fastest option if your license is not expired and you have not had a name change, address change, or medical condition update since your last renewal. By-mail renewal takes about two weeks and works for the same situations. In-person renewal is required if your license is expired by more than one year, if you need a new photo, or if you are changing your address or name.

Virginia licenses expire on your birthday, four years after issue for most drivers. The DMV sends renewal notices about 60 days before expiration, but you do not have to wait for the notice to renew.

Key Takeaways

Online renewal through the Virginia DMV website takes about 10 minutes and costs $40 for a four-year license if your address and name have not changed.
By-mail renewal requires the renewal notice from the DMV, a check or money order, and takes 10 to 14 business days to receive your new license.
In-person renewal at a DMV office is required if your license has been expired for more than one year, if you need a new photo, or if you have changed your name or address.
You will need your Social Security number, current Virginia license number, and a valid payment method (credit card, debit card, or electronic check) for online renewal.
Virginia does not charge a separate fee for address or name changes during renewal; the standard renewal fee covers the updated license.

Online Renewal: Requirements and Steps

Online renewal is available at dmvnow.com, the official Virginia DMV portal. You can renew online if your license is not expired, your address has not changed, your name has not changed, and you do not have any medical conditions or restrictions that need updating. You must also have a valid email address on file with the DMV.

To renew online, you will need your current Virginia driver's license number, your Social Security number, and a credit card or debit card to pay the $40 renewal fee. The process takes about 10 minutes. After you submit your process, the DMV prints and mails your new license to the address on file. Standard mailing takes 7 to 10 business days; expedited mailing (available for an additional fee) takes 3 to 5 business days.

If you choose expedited mailing, the fee is $15 in addition to the $40 renewal fee. Your new license will have the same photo as your previous license, so you do not need to visit an office for a new photo.

By-Mail Renewal: What You Need to Send

By-mail renewal requires your renewal notice from the DMV, which arrives about 60 days before your license expires. You cannot renew by mail without this notice. Fill out the renewal notice, sign it, and mail it with a check or money order for $40 to the address printed on the notice.

Do not send cash. Include only the renewal notice and payment; do not send your old license or any other documents unless the notice specifically asks for them. The DMV processes by-mail renewals in the order they are received, and mailing takes time both ways, so plan to mail your renewal at least three weeks before your license expires.

After the DMV receives your renewal, processing takes 5 to 7 business days, and mailing your new license takes another 5 to 7 business days. Total time is usually 10 to 14 business days from the date the DMV receives your process. If your license expires before your new one arrives, you can still drive legally while your renewal is being processed, as long as you can show proof that you mailed it on time.

In-Person Renewal at a DMV Office

You must renew in person if your license has been expired for more than one year, if you need a new photo, if you have changed your name, or if you have changed your address. You will also need to renew in person if you are adding or removing a medical condition or restriction, or if you are changing your license class.

To renew in person, visit any Virginia DMV office with your current license (or expired license if it has been less than one year expired), proof of your Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2, or tax return), and proof of your current address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days). If you are changing your name, bring a certified copy of the document that changed your name (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order).

The DMV will take a new photo and process your renewal on the spot. The fee is $40 for a four-year license. You can pay with cash, check, debit card, or credit card. You will receive a temporary paper license when ready and your permanent license by mail in 7 to 10 business days.

Fees and Payment Methods

The standard renewal fee for a four-year Virginia driver's license is $40. This fee covers the license itself and any address or name changes. If you choose expedited mailing during online renewal, add $15 to the total cost.

Online renewal accepts credit cards and debit cards. By-mail renewal requires a check or money order. In-person renewal accepts cash, check, debit card, and credit card. Do not send cash by mail. If you are renewing by mail and do not have a check or money order, you can renew online or in person instead.

What to Do If Your License Is Expired

If your license has been expired for one year or less, you can still renew online or by mail using the same process as a non-expired license, as long as your address and name have not changed. You do not need to visit an office.

If your license has been expired for more than one year, you must renew in person at a DMV office. Bring your expired license, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your current address. The DMV will take a new photo and issue a new license. The fee remains $40.

If your license has been expired for more than three years, the DMV may require you to pass the written knowledge test and vision test again, in addition to the in-person renewal process. Contact your local DMV office before you visit to confirm what documents and tests you will need.

Finding a DMV Office and Scheduling an Appointment

Virginia DMV offices are located throughout the state. You can find the office nearest you and check hours at dmvnow.com. Some offices are open Monday through Friday, while others have Saturday hours. Hours vary by location.

You can schedule an appointment online through dmvnow.com or by calling 1-866-DMV-VIRGINIA (1-866-368-8742). Scheduling an appointment is not required, but it can reduce your wait time. Walk-ins are accepted at all offices, but you may wait longer during peak hours (typically mid-morning and early afternoon on weekdays).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Virginia license before it expires?

Yes. You can renew online or by mail up to one year before your license expires. In-person renewal can be done up to one year before expiration as well. Renewing early does not change your expiration date; your new license will expire four years from the date you renew, not four years from your old expiration date.

What if my address changed since my last renewal?

If you changed your address, you must renew in person at a DMV office. Bring proof of your new address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days). The DMV will update your address and issue a new license with no additional fee. You cannot renew online or by mail if your address has changed.

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

Online and by-mail renewal take 7 to 10 business days for standard mailing, or 3 to 5 business days for expedited mailing (online only, $15 extra). In-person renewal gives you a temporary paper license when ready, and your permanent license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days.

Do I need a new photo when I renew?

If you renew online or by mail, your new license will use your old photo. If you want a new photo, you must renew in person at a DMV office. The DMV will take a new photo at no extra cost.

What if I lost my renewal notice?

If you lost the renewal notice the DMV sent you, you can still renew online at dmvnow.com or in person at a DMV office. You cannot renew by mail without the original notice. You can request a duplicate renewal notice by calling 1-866-DMV-VIRGINIA or visiting dmvnow.com.

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.