Virginia driver licenses renew every eight years, and you can do it online, by mail, or in person at a DMV office

Virginia's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) lets you renew your license without visiting an office if you meet certain conditions. If you're under 75, your license hasn't been suspended, and you don't need to change your address or photo, you can renew online or by mail. If any of those don't explore to you, or if your license has been expired for more than a year, you'll need to go to a DMV office in person.

The online renewal process takes about 10 minutes and costs $24. Mail renewal takes longer but works the same way. In-person renewal at a DMV office typically takes 30 to 45 minutes during off-peak hours, though wait times vary by location and time of day.

Key Takeaways

  • Virginia driver licenses are valid for eight years, and the DMV sends renewal notices about 60 days before expiration.
  • Online renewal costs $24, requires no office visit, and works only if you're under 75 and don't need a new photo or address change.
  • Mail renewal uses the same $24 fee and takes about two weeks; you'll receive your new license by mail.
  • In-person renewal at a DMV office is required if you're 75 or older, have a suspended license, or need a new photo or address change.
  • You'll need your current Virginia license number and a valid payment method (credit card, debit card, or electronic check) for online or mail renewal.

Online renewal: fastest option if you're may be able to access

Visit the Virginia DMV website and select "Renew Your Driver License" from the main menu. You'll enter your driver license number, date of birth, and Social Security number to verify your identity. The system will confirm whether you're may be able to access to renew online; if you're not, it will tell you why and direct you to the correct process.

If you're may be able to access, you'll review your current information, confirm or update your mailing address (though you cannot change your street address online), and pay the $24 fee with a credit card or debit card. The DMV will mail your new license to the address on file, which typically arrives within 7 to 10 business days. Your old license remains valid until the new one arrives.

Online renewal is not available if you're 75 or older, if your license has been suspended or revoked, if you've been convicted of certain traffic offenses in the past five years, or if you need a new photo. You also cannot renew online if your license has been expired for more than one year.

Mail renewal: no office visit, longer wait

Request a renewal process by mail through the Virginia DMV website, or call the DMV at 804-367-0538 to have one sent to you. The DMV will mail you a renewal form along with instructions and a prepaid envelope. You'll fill out the form, include a check or money order for $24 made payable to "Treasurer of Virginia," and mail it back in the prepaid envelope.

Processing takes about two weeks from the time the DMV receives your process. Your new license will be mailed to the address you provide on the form. Like online renewal, mail renewal is not available if you're 75 or older, if your license is suspended, or if you need a new photo.

In-person renewal at a DMV office

You must renew in person if you're 75 or older, if your license has been suspended or revoked, if you need a new photo, or if you want to change your street address. You'll also need to go in person if your license has been expired for more than one year.

Bring your current Virginia driver license, proof of your Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2, or 1099 form), and proof of your current address if you're changing it (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days). You'll pay $24 in cash, by check, or by card. The DMV will take a new photo and issue your license on the spot; you can drive with a temporary paper license when ready, and your plastic card will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

Find your nearest DMV office on the Virginia DMV website and check its hours before you go. Many offices accept walk-ins, but some require you to book an appointment online. During peak hours (lunch time and late afternoon on weekdays), wait times can exceed an hour. Early morning or mid-week visits are usually faster.

What happens if your license expires

Driving with an expired license is illegal in Virginia, even if you've already started the renewal process. If you're pulled over, you can be cited and fined. If your license has been expired for more than one year, you cannot renew online or by mail; you must go to a DMV office in person and may be required to retake the written test and vision test.

The DMV sends renewal notices about 60 days before your license expires. If you don't receive one, you can check your expiration date on the Virginia DMV website by entering your license number and date of birth. Plan to renew at least two weeks before expiration if you're using mail renewal, or a few days before if you're renewing online or in person.

Real ID compliance and Virginia licenses

Virginia driver licenses issued after January 1, 2010, are Real ID compliant, meaning they meet federal standards for boarding domestic flights and entering federal buildings. Your license will show a gold star in the upper right corner if it's Real ID compliant. If your license does not have this star and you need to fly domestically or enter a federal building, you'll need to bring a passport or other federal ID in addition to your license.

When you renew your Virginia license, the new one will automatically be Real ID compliant as long as you provide proof of your Social Security number and current address. You don't need to do anything extra or pay an additional fee.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Virginia license if I've moved out of state?

No. If you no longer live in Virginia, you must obtain a driver license from your new state. You cannot renew a Virginia license by mail or online if your mailing address is outside Virginia. If you're temporarily out of state but still a Virginia resident, you can renew online or by mail as long as you have a Virginia mailing address.

What if I lost my license or it was stolen?

You cannot renew a lost or stolen license online or by mail. Go to a DMV office in person with proof of identity (passport, Real ID, or other government-issued ID) and proof of your Social Security number. You'll pay $24 for a replacement license and receive a temporary paper license when ready.

Do I need a new photo every time I renew?

No. You only need a new photo if you're 75 or older, if your current photo is more than 15 years old, or if you request one. If you don't need a new photo, you can renew online or by mail. If you want a new photo but don't need to renew yet, you can visit a DMV office and pay $10 for a photo update.

How much does Virginia driver license renewal cost?

Renewal costs $24 whether you renew online, by mail, or in person. There are no additional fees. If you're renewing in person and need a new photo, the cost is still $24 total.

Can I renew my license early?

Yes. You can renew your Virginia license up to one year before it expires. Early renewal extends your expiration date by eight years from the date you renew, not from your current expiration date. This can be useful if you're about to travel or if you want to avoid the rush near your expiration date.