How to Renew Your Virginia Driver's License

Virginia license renewal is done online, by mail, or in person at a DMV office — and the method you choose depends on how much time you have and whether your license has expired

Virginia offers three ways to renew: online through the DMV website (fastest, if you're may be able to access), by mail (takes 7 to 10 business days), or in person at a DMV customer service center. Most Virginia drivers can renew online without visiting an office, but some cannot — if your license is already expired, if you need to change your name or address, or if you're over 70, you must renew in person or by mail. The online method takes about 15 minutes and costs $36 for a four-year license or $54 for an eight-year license.

Your renewal notice arrives in the mail about 60 days before your license expires. That notice includes your renewal code, which you'll need to renew online. If you don't receive one, you can still renew, but you'll need your Social Security number and date of birth instead. Virginia licenses are valid for four or eight years depending on your age and the type of license you hold.

Key Takeaways

Virginia allows online renewal for most drivers, which takes 15 minutes and costs $36 for four years or $54 for eight years.
You cannot renew online if your license is already expired, if you need to change your name or address, or if you're over 70 years old.
Mail renewal takes 7 to 10 business days and requires you to send in your current license along with the renewal form and payment.
In-person renewal at a DMV office is the fastest option if you need your new license when ready, though wait times vary by location.
Your renewal notice arrives 60 days before expiration and includes a renewal code that makes the online process faster.

Renewing online through the Virginia DMV website

Online renewal is available if your license is not expired, you don't need to change your name or address, and you're under 70. Go to the Virginia DMV website, select "Renew Your License," and choose the online option. You'll enter your driver's license number and either your renewal code (from the notice you received) or your Social Security number and date of birth. The system will verify your information and ask you to review your current address and other details.

Once you've confirmed your information, you'll pay the renewal fee by credit card or debit card. Virginia charges $36 for a four-year license or $54 for an eight-year license. After payment, your renewal is complete. Your new license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. You can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives.

Renewing by mail

Mail renewal works if your license is not expired and you don't need to change your name or address. Your renewal notice includes a mail-in form and a prepaid envelope. Fill out the form, include your current driver's license, and mail it back. Do not send cash — pay by check or money order made out to the Virginia DMV. Include the same fee as online renewal: $36 for four years or $54 for eight years.

Mail processing takes 7 to 10 business days from the time the DMV receives your envelope. Your new license will arrive separately by mail. If you're concerned about timing, consider renewing online instead, since the result is the same but online is faster. If you've already lost your renewal notice, you can request a mail-in form from the DMV website or call 804-367-0538.

Renewing in person at a DMV office

In-person renewal is required if your license is expired, if you need to change your name or address, or if you're over 70. You can also choose in-person renewal if you want your new license when ready. Bring your current driver's license, proof of your Social Security number (a Social Security card, W-2, or 1099 form), and proof of your current address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days). If you're changing your name, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.

Visit a DMV customer service center during business hours. Most offices are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., though some have extended hours. You can check wait times and book an appointment on the Virginia DMV website before you go. Pay the renewal fee in person by cash, check, debit card, or credit card. Your new license is printed on the spot, and you leave with it the same day.

What happens if your license has already expired

If your Virginia license is expired, you cannot renew online or by mail. You must renew in person at a DMV customer service center. Bring the same documents you would for any in-person renewal: your expired license, proof of Social Security number, and proof of your current address. If your license expired more than one year ago, you may need to pass a vision test as well.

Expired licenses can still be renewed at the standard fee ($36 or $54) as long as you haven't let it lapse for more than a few years. If your license has been expired for a very long time, contact the DMV at 804-367-0538 to confirm what documents you'll need before you visit an office.

Changing your name or address during renewal

If you need to change your name or address, you must renew in person or by mail — online renewal does not allow changes. For in-person renewal, bring your current license, proof of your new address (a utility bill or lease dated within 60 days), and if you're changing your name, a certified copy of the document that shows the change. The DMV will update your record and print your new license with the correct information on the spot.

For mail renewal with a name or address change, include a letter explaining the change along with supporting documents. Mail everything to the address on your renewal notice. Processing takes 7 to 10 business days. If you're unsure what documents the DMV will accept for your specific situation, call 804-367-0538 before you mail anything.

License validity periods and renewal timing

Virginia driver's licenses are valid for four or eight years depending on your age. If you're under 70, you can choose either a four-year or eight-year license at renewal. If you're 70 or older, your license is valid for four years and must be renewed in person. The DMV sends renewal notices 60 days before your license expires, so you have a two-month window to renew before your license becomes invalid.

You can renew your license up to one year before it expires. If you're planning a trip or know you'll be busy, you can renew early using any of the three methods. Renewing early does not shorten the validity of your new license — your new license will still be valid for the full four or eight years from the date you renew.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Virginia license online if I've moved to a different state?

No. Online renewal requires you to confirm your current address, and the DMV will not process an online renewal if you've moved out of state. You must renew by mail or in person. If you're out of state, mail renewal is your best option — send your current license, the renewal form, and payment to the address on your renewal notice.

What if I lost my renewal notice and don't have my renewal code?

You can still renew online without the renewal code. Instead of entering the code, you'll enter your Social Security number and date of birth to verify your identity. You can also request a replacement renewal notice from the DMV website or by calling 804-367-0538.

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

Your new license is printed while you wait at the DMV office and you leave with it the same day. You do not need to wait for it to arrive by mail. This is the fastest way to get your new license if you need it when ready.

Do I need a new photo when I renew my Virginia license?

No. When you renew online or by mail, your current photo is used on your new license. If you renew in person, the DMV will take a new photo. If you want a new photo but are renewing online or by mail, you must renew in person instead.

What if my name has changed since my last license?

You must renew in person or by mail and bring a certified copy of the document showing the name change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. Online renewal does not allow name changes. Bring the certified document along with your current license and proof of your address.

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.