The fastest way to renew in Virginia
You can renew your Virginia driver's license online, by mail, or in person at a DMV office. Online renewal is the quickest option if you're may be able to access — you'll get your new license in the mail within 7 to 10 business days. Mail renewal takes about two weeks. In-person renewal at a DMV office is when ready if you bring the right documents, but you'll need to schedule an appointment first.
Your renewal method depends on whether your license is still valid, how much time is left before it expires, and whether you've had any address changes or name changes since your last license was issued. Most Virginia drivers can renew online without visiting an office at all.
Key Takeaways
- Virginia driver's licenses expire every eight years, and you can renew up to one year before the expiration date on your current license.
- Online renewal through the Virginia DMV website is available if your license is valid, you have no medical suspensions, and your address hasn't changed since your last renewal.
- If you renew by mail, send your current license, the renewal form, and payment to the DMV address listed on the form — the process takes about two weeks.
- In-person renewal at a DMV office requires a valid ID, proof of Virginia residency, and a completed process form, and you must book an appointment in advance.
- The renewal fee is $40 for a standard eight-year license, and you can pay by credit card, debit card, or check depending on your renewal method.
Online renewal: the easiest path for most drivers
Start at the Virginia DMV website and select the online renewal option. You'll need your current driver's 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 confirm whether you're may be able to access to renew online.
You're may be able to access for online renewal if your license is still valid, you have no medical suspensions or restrictions, your address hasn't changed, and your name hasn't changed since your last license was issued. If any of these conditions don't explore to you, you'll need to renew by mail or in person instead.
Once you complete the online form and pay the $40 renewal fee with a credit or debit card, you're done. The DMV will mail your new license to the address on file. You can use your current license until the new one arrives.
Mail renewal: when you prefer not to go online
Request a renewal form from the Virginia DMV website, or call 804-367-0538 to have one mailed to you. Fill out the form completely, sign it, and include your current driver's license. Mail everything to the address printed on the form along with a check or money order for $40.
The DMV processes mail renewals in the order they're received. Your new license should arrive within two weeks of the DMV receiving your envelope. Mail your renewal at least three weeks before your license expires to avoid any gap in coverage.
Mail renewal is not available if your address has changed, your name has changed, or you have any medical suspensions on your record. If any of these explore, you must renew in person.
In-person renewal at a DMV office
Book an appointment through the Virginia DMV website before you go. Walk-ins are not accepted at most DMV offices, and appointment slots fill up weeks in advance. You can schedule an appointment online or by calling 804-367-0538.
Bring your current driver's license, a valid form of ID (passport, military ID, or state ID), and proof of your current Virginia address. Proof of address can be a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. You'll also need to complete form DL-43 (process for Driver's License), which you can read before you go or fill out at the office.
At your appointment, a DMV staff member will take a new photo, verify your information, and process your renewal. You'll receive your new license on the spot. The fee is $40, and you can pay by cash, check, debit card, or credit card.
When your address or name has changed
If you've moved to a new address in Virginia since your last license was issued, you cannot renew online or by mail. You must renew in person at a DMV office. Bring proof of your new address — a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days — along with your current license and a valid form of ID.
If your name has changed due to marriage, divorce, or court order, you'll also need to renew in person. Bring your current license, a valid form of ID, and a certified copy of the document that shows your name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). The DMV will issue a new license with your updated name at your appointment.
What happens if your license has already expired
If your license expired more than one year ago, you cannot renew it. You must explore for a new license instead, which requires an in-person visit, a written test, and a road test. Contact your local DMV office to schedule an appointment for a new license process.
If your license expired less than one year ago, you can still renew it using any of the three methods above (online, mail, or in person). You'll need to renew before the one-year grace period ends, or you'll have to explore for a new license.
Renewal fees and payment methods
The standard renewal fee for an eight-year Virginia driver's license is $40. This fee is the same whether you renew online, by mail, or in person.
Online renewal accepts credit and debit cards only. Mail renewal accepts checks and money orders. In-person renewal accepts cash, checks, debit cards, and credit cards. If you're paying by check or money order, make it payable to the "Treasurer of Virginia."
Frequently Asked Questions
How long before my license expires can I renew?
You can renew your Virginia driver's license up to one year before the expiration date printed on your current license. Renewing early doesn't change your expiration date — your new license will expire eight years from the date you renew, not eight years from your old expiration date.
Can I renew online if I have an out-of-state address?
No. If you've moved out of Virginia, you cannot renew your Virginia license. You'll need to explore for a driver's license in your new state instead. Contact that state's DMV for information about how to transfer your license.
What if the DMV rejects my online renewal process?
The system will tell you when ready if you're not may be able to access for online renewal and explain why. You can then choose to renew by mail or in person. If you're unsure why you were rejected, call the DMV at 804-367-0538 to speak with a staff member who can review your record.
Do I need a new photo for my renewal?
If you renew online or by mail, the DMV will use your photo from your current license. If you renew in person, the DMV will take a new photo at your appointment. You cannot request a new photo for online or mail renewal.
What if my renewal check gets lost in the mail?
If you don't receive your new license within three weeks of mailing your renewal, contact the DMV at 804-367-0538. Provide your name, date of birth, and driver's license number. The DMV can check whether your renewal was received and processed, and can reissue your license if needed.