How to Renew Your Virginia Driver's License

Renewing Your Virginia License Online, by Mail, or In Person

Virginia lets you renew your driver's license online if you meet certain conditions, by mail if you prefer not to go in person, or at a DMV office if you need to renew in person. The fastest route is online through the Virginia DMV website — you can complete it in minutes if your license is not suspended, you have not had a name change, and your address is current. If you cannot renew online, the mail option takes about two weeks. In-person renewal at a DMV office is necessary only if you need a new photo, have had a legal name change, or are renewing a commercial license.

Your Virginia license is valid for eight years if you are under 70, and five years if you are 70 or older. You can renew up to one year before your expiration date, so you do not have to wait until the last moment. The state will send you a renewal notice in the mail about 60 days before your license expires, but you do not have to wait for it to start the process.

Key Takeaways

Online renewal through the Virginia DMV website is available if your license is valid, your address is current, and you have not changed your name.
Mail renewal takes about two weeks and requires you to send in your current license, a completed form, and the renewal fee.
In-person renewal at a DMV office is required if you need a new photo, have changed your name legally, or hold a commercial license.
Virginia licenses are valid for eight years (five years if you are 70 or older), and you can renew up to one year before expiration.
The renewal fee is $40 for a regular license and varies for commercial licenses; you can pay by credit card online or by check if renewing by mail.

Online Renewal Through the Virginia DMV Website

To renew online, go to the Virginia DMV website and select the renewal option. You will need your current Virginia driver's license number, your Social Security number, and a valid payment method (credit or debit card). The system will verify your identity and pull up your current information. You review your address, name, and other details, make any corrections that are needed, and pay the $40 renewal fee. The entire process takes about five minutes.

Online renewal is not available if your license is suspended or revoked, if you have had a name change since your license was issued, if your address on file is incorrect or outdated, or if you are renewing a commercial license. If any of these explore to you, you must renew by mail or in person. You also cannot renew online if your license has been expired for more than one year.

Once you complete online renewal, Virginia will mail your new license to the address on file. It typically arrives within 7 to 10 business days. You can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives.

Mail Renewal and What to Send

To renew by mail, you will need to send in a completed process for Driver's License or Permit (Form DL 43). You can read this form from the Virginia DMV website or request it by phone. Include your current driver's license, a check or money order for $40 made payable to the Virginia DMV, and the completed form. Do not send cash.

Mail your packet to the address listed on the form — this is typically the Virginia DMV's Richmond office, but confirm the current mailing address on the website before you send anything. Include a return address so the DMV can send your new license back to you. Mail renewal usually takes two to three weeks from the time the DMV receives your packet, though processing times can vary during busy periods.

If you are renewing by mail and your address has changed, write your new address clearly on the form and on the envelope. If your name has changed, you cannot renew by mail — you must go in person with proof of the name change, such as a marriage certificate or court order.

In-Person Renewal at a DMV Office

You must renew in person if you need a new photo, if you have changed your name legally, if you hold a commercial driver's license, or if you are renewing a motorcycle endorsement. Bring your current Virginia driver's license, proof of your Social Security number (such as a Social Security card or tax return), and proof of your current address (such as a utility bill or lease). If you have changed your name, bring the legal document that proves the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.

Visit a Virginia DMV office during business hours. Most offices are open Monday through Friday, 8:15 a.m. to 4:45 p.m., and some locations have limited Saturday hours. You can find your nearest office and check wait times on the Virginia DMV website. Bring the $40 renewal fee in cash, check, or card — most offices accept all three. The DMV will take a new photo, verify your information, and issue your new license on the spot or mail it to you depending on the office location.

What Happens If Your License Is Suspended or Revoked

You cannot renew your Virginia driver's license if it is currently suspended or revoked. You must first resolve the reason for the suspension or revocation. Common reasons include unpaid traffic fines, failure to pay child support, driving with a suspended license, or accumulating too many points on your driving record.

Contact the Virginia DMV or the court that issued the suspension to find out what you need to do to clear it. This might mean paying outstanding fines, completing a defensive driving course, or waiting out a suspension period. Once the suspension is lifted, you can renew your license through any of the three methods — online, by mail, or in person.

Renewing a Commercial Driver's License in Virginia

Commercial driver's licenses (CDLs) cannot be renewed online or by mail. You must renew in person at a Virginia DMV office. Bring your current CDL, proof of your Social Security number, proof of your current address, and the renewal fee. The fee for a commercial license renewal varies depending on the endorsements you hold (such as hazmat or passenger), so check the Virginia DMV website for the exact amount before you go.

You will need to pass a vision test and may need to pass a written test depending on your endorsements and how long it has been since your last renewal. The DMV will take a new photo and issue your renewed CDL. Processing times for in-person CDL renewal are usually faster than mail renewal, and you may be able to drive on your current license while waiting for the new one if the office issues a temporary permit.

Address Changes and Name Changes During Renewal

If your address has changed, you can update it during online or mail renewal. For online renewal, the system will ask you to confirm or correct your address before you pay. For mail renewal, write your new address on the form. If you are renewing in person, bring proof of your new address such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days.

If your name has changed since your license was issued, you cannot renew online or by mail. You must go to a DMV office in person and bring the legal document that proves the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The DMV will take a new photo and issue a license with your updated name. This counts as a renewal, so you will not pay an additional fee beyond the standard $40 renewal cost.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Virginia license if it has already expired?

Yes, but only if it expired within the last year. If your license expired more than one year ago, you cannot renew it — you must reapply for a new license, which requires an in-person visit, a written test, and a vision test. Check your license expiration date to see which applies to you.

How long does it take to get my renewed license in the mail?

Online and in-person renewals typically take 7 to 10 business days for the new license to arrive by mail. Mail renewal takes about two to three weeks from the time the DMV receives your packet. During busy periods, processing may take longer.

What if I move out of Virginia after I renew?

Your Virginia license remains valid in other states until it expires. If you move permanently to another state, you will eventually need to get a license from that state, but you can continue to use your Virginia license until it expires or that state requires you to get a local license.

Do I need to take a new photo if I renew online or by mail?

No. Online and mail renewals use your existing photo from your current license. Only in-person renewal includes a new photo. If you want a new photo on your license, you must renew in person at a DMV office.

What if I lost my current license before I could renew it?

You cannot renew a lost license by mail or online. You must go to a DMV office in person and report the loss. Bring proof of identity and address. The DMV will issue a replacement license, which counts as a renewal if your original license had not yet expired.

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.