How to Renew Your Virginia Driver's License

Virginia driver's license renewal steps and timelines

You can renew your Virginia driver's license online, by mail, or in person at a DMV office. The method you choose depends on whether your license is still valid, whether you need a new photo, and how quickly you need the renewed license in hand.

If your license expires soon and you want to avoid a trip to the DMV, the online renewal portal is the fastest route — you can complete it in about 10 minutes from home. If you need a new photo or your license has been expired for more than one year, you must renew in person.

Virginia issues driver's licenses valid for eight years. You can renew up to one year before your expiration date, so you do not have to wait until the last moment.

Key Takeaways

Online renewal takes about 10 minutes and works only if your current license is valid and you do not need a new photo.
Mail renewal takes two to three weeks and requires you to send your current license and a completed process to the DMV.
In-person renewal at a DMV office is required if your license has been expired for more than one year or if you want a new photo.
You will need your Social Security number, current address, and either your current license or a state ID card to renew online or by mail.
Virginia charges $40 for a standard eight-year renewal, with no additional fee if you renew before your license expires.

Online renewal: fastest option if your license is still valid

The Virginia DMV online renewal portal is open 24 hours a day and lets you renew without leaving home. You will need your current driver's license number, Social Security number, and a valid email address. The system will ask you to verify your identity by answering questions based on your credit history or other records on file.

Online renewal works only if your license is not expired and you do not need a new photo. If you want to change your photo, you must renew in person. Once you complete the online form and pay the $40 fee by credit or debit card, the DMV will mail your new license to the address on file. Delivery typically takes five to seven business days.

You can start an online renewal up to one year before your license expires. If you begin the process but do not finish it, you can log back in and complete it later — the DMV saves your progress for 30 days.

Mail renewal: two to three weeks without a trip to the DMV

To renew by mail, read the process for Driver's License or Identification Card (Form DL 43) from the Virginia DMV website or request it by phone at 804-367-0538. Fill out the form completely, sign it, and mail it along with your current driver's license to the address listed on the form.

Include a check or money order for $40 made payable to the Virginia DMV. Do not send cash. The DMV will process your process, verify your information, and mail your new license back to you. The entire process takes two to three weeks from the date the DMV receives your envelope.

Mail renewal works only if your license is still valid and you do not need a new photo. If your license has expired or you want a new photo, you must renew in person at a DMV office.

In-person renewal at a DMV office

Visit any Virginia DMV customer service center to renew in person. You will need to bring your current driver's license or state ID card, proof of your Social Security number (such as a Social Security card or W-2 form), and proof of your current address (such as a utility bill or lease). If you do not have a current license, bring a valid passport or military ID instead.

The DMV will take a new photo during your visit. Processing time varies by location — some offices complete renewals on the spot, while others may take a few days. You can check wait times at your local office on the Virginia DMV website before you go.

In-person renewal is required if your license has been expired for more than one year, if you want to change your photo, or if you need to update your name, address, or other information beyond a straightforward renewal. The fee remains $40.

What to bring and how to prepare

For any renewal method, have your Social Security number and current address ready. If you are renewing online or by mail, you will need your current driver's license number. If you are renewing in person, bring the documents listed above plus your license itself.

If you have changed your name since your last license was issued, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. If you have moved recently, update your address with the DMV before you renew, or bring proof of your new address to your in-person appointment.

If you wear corrective lenses, make sure your vision is current. The DMV may ask you to take a vision test during in-person renewal.

Renewing a license that has been expired for more than one year

If your license expired more than one year ago, you cannot renew online or by mail — you must renew in person at a DMV office. Bring all the documents listed above, including proof of your Social Security number and current address.

The DMV will take a new photo and may require you to pass a vision test and written knowledge test, depending on how long your license has been expired. If your license expired more than three years ago, you will likely need to take the full written test and road test as if you were a new driver. Contact your local DMV office before your visit to confirm what tests you will need.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Virginia license if I live out of state?

Yes. You can renew online or by mail as long as your license is still valid and you do not need a new photo. If you need a new photo or your license has expired, you will need to visit a Virginia DMV office in person, or you may be able to renew through a reciprocal agreement if you live in a state that has one with Virginia — contact the DMV to ask.

What if I lost my license and need to renew it?

You cannot renew a lost license online or by mail. You must visit a DMV office in person and request a replacement. Bring proof of your identity, Social Security number, and current address. The fee is $40, the same as a standard renewal.

How long is my renewed license valid?

A renewed Virginia driver's license is valid for eight years from the date of issue. Your expiration date will be printed on the front of your license. You can renew up to one year before it expires.

Can I change my address when I renew?

Yes. If you renew online or by mail, update your address before you start the renewal process on the DMV website. If you renew in person, bring proof of your new address and the DMV will update it during your visit.

What if my name has changed since my last license?

Bring a certified copy of the document showing your name change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order — to your in-person renewal appointment. If you are renewing by mail, include a copy with your process. Online renewal may not allow name changes; contact the DMV if you need to update your name.

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.