You can renew your Virginia license up to one year after expiration, but the process depends on how long it has been expired
Virginia allows you to renew your driver license for up to 12 months after the expiration date printed on your card. The longer your license has been expired, the more documents you may need to bring and the fewer options you have for where to renew. If your license expired less than one year ago, you can renew by mail, online, or in person at a Virginia DMV office. If it has been expired for more than one year, you must renew in person and may need to retake the written test.
The Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) handles all license renewals. You can start the process when ready after your license expires — there is no waiting period, and renewing early does not cost extra.
Key Takeaways
- Virginia lets you renew for up to 12 months after expiration; beyond that, you must retest and start over as a new driver.
- Licenses expired less than one year can be renewed by mail, online, or in person; online renewal is the fastest option if you are may be able to access.
- Licenses expired one year or longer require an in-person visit to a DMV office and a passing score on the written knowledge test.
- You will need your expired license, proof of Virginia residency, and proof of Social Security number for any renewal method.
- Standard renewals take two to three weeks by mail; in-person renewals are usually completed the same day.
Renewing online if your license expired less than one year ago
Online renewal through the Virginia DMV website is the fastest option and requires no office visit. You can renew online if your license has been expired for less than one year and you meet these conditions: your license was not suspended or revoked, you have not had any address changes since it expired, and you do not need to update your photo or signature.
To renew online, visit the Virginia DMV website, select "Renew Your License," and follow the prompts. You will need your expired license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a valid payment method for the renewal fee. The fee for a standard five-year renewal is $40. Once you submit, you should receive your new license by mail within two to three weeks.
Online renewal works best if nothing about your personal information or driving record has changed. If you have moved, changed your name, or need a new photo, you must renew in person instead.
Renewing by mail if your license expired less than one year ago
Mail renewal is an option if your license expired less than one year ago and you do not need a new photo. Request a renewal form from the Virginia DMV by calling 1-804-367-0538 or visiting a DMV office. You can also read the form from the Virginia DMV website.
Complete the form and mail it with your expired license, proof of Virginia residency (such as a utility bill or lease), and proof of your Social Security number (such as a Social Security card or tax return). Include a check or money order for the renewal fee ($40 for a standard five-year license). Mail everything to the address listed on the form.
Processing by mail takes two to three weeks. Your new license will arrive by mail at your current address on file. If you need your license sooner, renew in person at a DMV office instead.
Renewing in person at a Virginia DMV office
In-person renewal is required if your license has been expired for one year or longer, or if you need to update your photo, address, or other personal information. You can also choose in-person renewal for faster service — most renewals are completed the same day.
Bring your expired license, proof of Virginia residency (utility bill, lease, bank statement, or government mail with your current address), and proof of your Social Security number (Social Security card, tax return, or W-2 form). You will also need to pay the renewal fee ($40 for a standard five-year license) by cash, check, or card.
Find your nearest DMV office on the Virginia DMV website and check their hours before you go. Many offices accept walk-ins, but some require you to book an appointment online. If you have been expired for more than one year, bring extra time — you will need to pass the written knowledge test before your license is renewed.
What happens if your license has been expired for more than one year
Once your license has been expired for more than 12 months, Virginia treats it as if it never existed. You cannot renew it; instead, you must explore for a new license and go through the full process for a first-time driver. This means you must visit a DMV office in person, pass the written knowledge test, and pay the full fee for a new license.
You will need to bring proof of identity (such as a passport or birth certificate), proof of Virginia residency, and proof of your Social Security number. You will also take the written test on the same day. If you pass, you will receive your new license when ready or by mail, depending on the office.
The written test covers Virginia traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You can study using the Virginia DMV's free online manual or practice tests on their website. Most people pass on their first attempt if they study the manual.
Fees and payment methods for Virginia license renewal
A standard five-year Virginia driver license renewal costs $40. If you are 70 years old or older, you can renew for eight years instead of five, and the fee is $64. Active military members and veterans may be may be able to access for fee reductions — ask at your DMV office.
Virginia DMV accepts cash, check, money order, and debit or credit card. If you renew online or by mail, you must pay by check, money order, or card. In-person renewals accept all payment methods.
The renewal fee is non-refundable, even if you change your mind after paying. If your license is lost or stolen before it arrives, contact the DMV to report it and request a replacement.
How to check the status of your renewal
If you renewed by mail or online, you can track your new license on the Virginia DMV website. Enter your license number and date of birth to see whether your renewal has been processed and when your new license should arrive.
If you renewed in person, you will usually receive your license the same day or within a few days by mail. If more than three weeks have passed since your in-person renewal and you have not received your license, contact the DMV office where you renewed to confirm it was submitted.
If your license does not arrive within the expected timeframe, the DMV can reissue it or investigate whether it was lost in the mail. Call the DMV or visit an office to report the issue.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive while my renewal is being processed?
No. Once your license expires, you cannot legally drive, even if you have submitted a renewal. If you are pulled over, you must show proof that you have submitted your renewal process. Keep a copy of your online confirmation or mailed receipt with you until your new license arrives.
What if I moved since my license expired?
You must renew in person and bring proof of your new Virginia address. Online and mail renewal are not available if your address has changed. Bring a utility bill, lease, or bank statement showing your current address along with your other documents.
Do I have to retake the written test if my license expired?
Only if your license has been expired for more than one year. If it expired less than one year ago, you can renew without retesting. If it has been expired longer than 12 months, you must pass the written knowledge test before your new license is issued.
Can I renew my license if it was suspended or revoked?
No. You must first resolve the suspension or revocation with the Virginia DMV. Contact the DMV to find out why your license was suspended or revoked and what steps you need to take to restore it. Once it is restored, you can then renew normally.
How long is my new license valid after renewal?
A standard Virginia driver license is valid for five years from the date it is issued. If you are 70 or older, you can renew for eight years. Your new expiration date will be printed on your license card.