Virginia driver's license renewal: the basic path
You can renew your Virginia driver's license online, by mail, or in person at a DMV office. Most people renew online through the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles website — it takes about 10 minutes, costs $36 for a four-year license, and you receive your new license by mail within 7 to 10 business days. You are may be able to access to renew online if your license is not suspended or revoked, you have not changed your name, address, or vision status, and your current license is not damaged.
If you cannot renew online, you can mail in a renewal process or visit a DMV office in person. The mail route takes longer — typically two to three weeks — but works if you prefer not to go online or visit an office. In-person renewal at a DMV office is fastest if you need your license when ready, though you may wait in line.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal through the Virginia DMV website is the quickest option for most people and takes 7 to 10 business days to receive your new license.
- You can only renew online if your license is valid, you have not changed your name or address, and your vision status has not changed.
- Mail-in renewal requires form DL-44 and takes two to three weeks, but you do not need to visit an office or go online.
- In-person renewal at a DMV office gives you a temporary license on the spot and your permanent license within 7 to 10 days.
- Your Virginia license is valid for four years, and you can renew it up to one year before it expires.
Renewing online through the Virginia DMV website
Go to dmvnow.com, the official Virginia DMV website. Click "Renew a Driver's License" and log in with your Virginia DMV online account. If you do not have an account, you will need to create one using your Social Security number, date of birth, and driver's license number.
Answer the questions about your current address, vision, and whether you have any medical conditions that affect your driving. Review your information for accuracy — errors now can delay your new license. Pay the $36 renewal fee with a credit or debit card. You will receive a confirmation number by email.
Your new license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. Your current license remains valid until it expires, so you can continue driving while you wait. If your license expires before your new one arrives, contact the DMV — this is rare but can happen if mail is delayed.
When you cannot renew online
You must renew in person or by mail if your license is suspended or revoked, if you have changed your name, if you have moved to a new address, or if your vision has changed. You also cannot renew online if your current license is damaged or if you want to change your photo.
If any of these explore to you, use the mail-in or in-person route instead. Do not attempt to renew online if you are ineligible — the system will reject your process, and you will need to start over with a different method.
Renewing by mail
Request form DL-44 (process for Driver's License or Permit) from the Virginia DMV by calling 1-804-367-0538, or read it from dmvnow.com. Fill out the form completely, including your current address and any changes to your vision or medical history.
Mail the completed form, your current driver's license, and a check or money order for $36 to the address listed on the form. Do not send cash. Include a self-addressed, stamped envelope so the DMV can return your old license. Mail processing typically takes two to three weeks, though it can take longer during busy periods.
Your current license remains valid while your process is being processed. If your license expires before your new one arrives, you can drive legally with proof that you mailed your renewal process — keep your confirmation or receipt.
Renewing in person at a DMV office
Visit any Virginia DMV office with your current driver's license, 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). Bring payment of $36 in cash, check, or debit card — not all offices accept credit cards, so call ahead if you plan to use one.
Tell the staff member you are renewing your license. They will take your photo, ask about your vision and medical history, and process your process. You will receive a temporary paper license on the spot that is valid for 30 days. Your permanent license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
In-person renewal is the fastest way to get a valid license when ready if yours has expired or is about to expire. However, DMV offices can have long wait times, especially on weekdays. Check dmvnow.com for current wait times at offices near you before you go.
What to bring and what it costs
| Renewal Method | Documents Needed | Cost | Time to Receive |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online | Current driver's license number, Social Security number, date of birth | $36 | 7–10 business days |
| By Mail | Form DL-44, current driver's license, proof of Social Security number | $36 | 2–3 weeks |
| In Person | Current driver's license, proof of Social Security number, proof of address | $36 | Temporary license same day; permanent license 7–10 business days |
When your license is expired or about to expire
You can renew your Virginia license up to one year before it expires. If your license has already expired, you can still renew it by mail or in person, but you cannot renew online. An expired license is still valid for identification purposes, but you cannot legally drive with it.
If you have been driving with an expired license, renew it as soon as you can. Driving with an expired license can result in a traffic citation. In-person renewal is your fastest option if you need to drive when ready — you will receive a temporary license the same day.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Virginia driver's license if I have moved out of state?
No. You must renew your license in the state where you currently live. If you have moved to another state, you will need to obtain a driver's license from that state instead. Contact the DMV in your new state for their renewal or new license process.
What if I lost my current driver's license?
You cannot renew a lost license online. Visit a DMV office in person with proof of your Social Security number and proof of your address. You will need to pay a replacement fee in addition to the renewal fee. The DMV will issue you a new license with a new number.
How long is my Virginia driver's license valid?
Your Virginia driver's license is valid for four years from the date it is issued. Your expiration date is printed on the front of your license. You can renew it up to one year before it expires.
Do I need to take a vision test to renew my license in Virginia?
If you renew online or by mail, you answer questions about your vision but do not take a formal test. If you renew in person, the DMV staff may perform a quick vision screening. If your vision has changed significantly, you may be asked to visit an eye care professional and provide documentation.
What if my renewal process is rejected?
If you renew online and your process is rejected, the DMV will send you a message explaining why. Common reasons include a change of address, a suspended license, or incomplete information. Contact the DMV at 1-804-367-0538 or visit dmvnow.com to resolve the issue, then renew by mail or in person.