Renewing Your Virginia Driver's License Online, by Mail, or In Person

Virginia lets you renew your driver's license online if you meet a few conditions: your license must not be expired by more than one year, you must have a valid email address on file, and you cannot have any medical suspensions or restrictions that need review. If you may have access to, the online renewal through the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) website takes about 10 minutes and costs $24. If you do not meet the online requirements, you can renew by mail or visit a DMV office in person.

Your renewal important date depends on your birth month. Virginia sends you a renewal notice about 60 days before your license expires, but you do not have to wait for it to start the process. You can renew up to one year before expiration. If your license has already expired, you must renew in person at a DMV office — online and mail renewal are not available once you are past the expiration date.

Key Takeaways

  • Online renewal through the Virginia DMV website is the fastest option if your license expired less than one year ago and you have no medical restrictions.
  • Mail renewal takes two to three weeks and requires you to send your current license, a completed process, and payment to the DMV address listed on the renewal notice.
  • In-person renewal at a DMV office is required if your license has been expired for more than one year or if you have medical suspensions or restrictions.
  • Your renewal notice arrives about 60 days before expiration and includes the mailing address, process form, and payment instructions if you choose to renew by mail.
  • Virginia charges $24 for a standard five-year renewal; the fee is the same whether you renew online, by mail, or in person.

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 license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth. The system will verify your information against DMV records and ask you to confirm your address or update it if you have moved.

Once you complete the form, you pay the $24 renewal fee by credit card or debit card. The DMV will email you a receipt, and 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. Online renewal is not available if your license expired more than one year ago, if you need to update your name or gender marker, or if you have any medical holds or restrictions on your record.

Mail Renewal Using Your Renewal Notice

If you received a renewal notice in the mail, you can renew by mail without visiting a DMV office. The notice includes a pre-filled process form, an envelope addressed to the DMV, and instructions for payment. You will need to sign the process, enclose your current license, and include a check or money order for $24 payable to the Virginia DMV.

Mail your packet to the address shown on the renewal notice. Processing takes two to three weeks from the date the DMV receives it. Your new license will arrive by mail at the address you provided. If you move before your new license arrives, contact the DMV to update your mailing address. Mail renewal is available only if your license is not yet expired; if it has expired, you must renew in person.

In-Person Renewal at a DMV Office

You must renew in person if your license has been expired for more than one year, if you have medical restrictions or suspensions, or if you need to change your name or gender marker. Bring your current license (or expired license if yours has lapsed), proof of Virginia residency such as a utility bill or lease, and payment of $24 in cash, check, or card. If you are changing your name, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.

Visit any Virginia DMV office during business hours. Wait times vary by location and time of day; the DMV website shows current wait times for each office. You will fill out an process, have your photo taken, and pay the fee. Your new license will be printed on the spot, and you can drive with it when ready. If you need a replacement while waiting for your permanent card, ask the DMV staff — some offices issue temporary paper licenses.

What to Do If Your License Has Expired

If your Virginia license expired less than one year ago, you can still renew online or by mail using the same process as an active license. The DMV does not penalize you for renewing shortly after expiration. However, if your license has been expired for more than one year, you cannot use online or mail renewal. You must visit a DMV office in person and bring the same documents you would for a first-time renewal: proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number (such as a Social Security card or tax return).

Driving with an expired license is illegal in Virginia, even if you have started the renewal process. If you are stopped by police, you can show them your renewal receipt or confirmation email as evidence that you have applied, but this does not may provide you will avoid a citation. Renew as soon as you notice your license has expired.

Renewing With a Name or Gender Marker Change

If you have changed your name or want to update your gender marker on your license, you cannot use online or mail renewal. You must visit a DMV office in person. Bring your current or expired license, a certified copy of the document that shows your name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order), and proof of residency. For a gender marker change, bring a letter from a licensed healthcare provider stating that you have been diagnosed with gender dysphoria or have undergone gender transition, or bring a court order approving the change.

The DMV will take a new photo, update your record, and issue your new license on the spot. The fee is $24, the same as a standard renewal. If you are unsure what documents the DMV will accept for your specific situation, call the DMV customer service line at 804-367-0538 before you visit.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. Virginia requires you to be a resident to hold a Virginia license. If you have moved to another state, you should obtain a license from your new state of residence. If you still live in Virginia but moved to a new address, you can update your address during online or mail renewal, or bring proof of your new address when you renew in person.

What if I lost my license before it expired?

A lost license is a replacement, not a renewal. You must visit a DMV office in person with proof of identity and residency. The fee is $15 for a replacement. If your license is also expired or expiring soon, the DMV may combine the replacement and renewal into one transaction for a single fee.

How long does my new license take to arrive if I renew by mail?

Mail renewal typically takes two to three weeks from the date the DMV receives your packet. Your renewal notice includes the mailing address. If you do not receive your new license within four weeks, contact the DMV at 804-367-0538 to check the status.

Do I need to take a new photo when I renew?

If you renew online or by mail, the DMV uses your existing photo from your current license. If you renew in person, you will have a new photo taken. If you want a new photo but are renewing online or by mail, you must visit a DMV office instead.

What if my renewal notice never arrived?

You do not need the renewal notice to renew online or in person. You can go to the Virginia DMV website and start an online renewal using your license number and personal information, or visit a DMV office with your current license and payment. If you prefer to renew by mail but did not receive your notice, call the DMV at 804-367-0538 and ask them to mail you an process form.