How to Renew Your Virginia Driver's License

Virginia driver's license renewal: online, by mail, or in person

You can renew your Virginia driver's license online, by mail, or in person at a DMV office. The method you choose depends on your license type, how much time you have, and whether you need to update your photo. Most Virginia drivers renew online or by mail without visiting an office — but some situations require an in-person visit.

Virginia's renewal window opens 180 days before your license expires and closes on the expiration date itself. You cannot renew early outside this window. If your license has already expired, you must renew in person at a DMV office.

Key Takeaways

Online renewal takes 10 to 15 minutes and costs $40 for a five-year license; you must have a valid email address and your current license number.
Mail renewal takes 7 to 10 business days and costs $40; you send your completed form and current license to the DMV address on the renewal notice.
In-person renewal at a DMV office takes 30 to 60 minutes and costs $40; you need your current license, proof of Virginia residency, and a completed process form.
You cannot renew online if your address has changed, your name has changed, you need a new photo, or your license is suspended or revoked.
If your license has expired, you must renew in person; an expired license is not valid for driving or as identification.

Online renewal: fastest option if you meet the requirements

Online renewal through the Virginia DMV website is the fastest method. The process takes 10 to 15 minutes, and you receive your renewed license by mail within 7 to 10 business days. The fee is $40 for a five-year license.

You can renew online only if all of the following are true: your current Virginia license is not expired, your address on file with the DMV has not changed, your name has not changed since your last renewal, you do not need a new photo, your license is not suspended or revoked, and you have a valid email address. If any of these do not explore to you, you must renew by mail or in person.

To renew online, go to the Virginia DMV website, select "Renew Your License," and follow the prompts. You will need your current license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth. You will pay the $40 fee by credit or debit card. After you submit, you will receive a confirmation email. Your new license will arrive at your address on file within 7 to 10 business days.

Mail renewal: no office visit required

Mail renewal takes 7 to 10 business days and costs $40. This method works if your address and name have not changed and you do not need a new photo. You do not need to visit a DMV office.

The DMV mails a renewal notice to your address on file 60 days before your license expires. This notice includes a prepaid return envelope and instructions. Complete the form on the back of the notice, sign it, and mail it back with your current license inside the prepaid envelope. Do not use a different envelope — the prepaid envelope is tracked by the DMV.

If you did not receive a renewal notice, you can request one by calling the Virginia DMV at 804-367-0538 or by visiting a DMV office. The notice will be mailed to you, and you can then proceed with mail renewal. Processing time is 7 to 10 business days from the date the DMV receives your envelope.

In-person renewal at a DMV office

You must renew in person if your address has changed, your name has changed, your license is expired, you need a new photo, or your license is suspended or revoked. In-person renewal takes 30 to 60 minutes and costs $40.

Bring your current Virginia driver's license, proof of Virginia residency (such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days), and a completed process for Driver's License form (DL 43). You can read the DL 43 from the Virginia DMV website or pick one up at any DMV office. If your name has changed, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order).

Visit any Virginia DMV office during business hours. Most offices are open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and some offer Saturday hours. You do not need an appointment for renewal, but wait times vary. Check the DMV website for current wait times at your nearest office before you go.

What happens if your license has expired

If your Virginia driver's license has expired, you cannot renew online or by mail. You must renew in person at a DMV office. An expired license is not valid for driving or as identification.

Bring the same documents as for in-person renewal: your expired license, proof of Virginia residency, and a completed DL 43 form. If your name has changed since the license was issued, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change. The fee is still $40 for a five-year license. Processing is the same as for any in-person renewal — you will receive your new license by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

License types and special renewal rules

Virginia issues different license types, and some have special renewal rules. A standard Class D license is valid for five years and costs $40 to renew. A Class A (motorcycle) or Class M (moped) license also costs $40 for five years. If you hold a commercial driver's license (CDL), you cannot renew online or by mail — you must renew in person at a DMV office, and the process is more involved because it includes a medical examination and skills testing.

If you hold a Real ID-compliant license (marked with a gold star), you can renew it the same way as a standard license. However, if you are renewing a non-Real ID license and want to upgrade to Real ID, you must renew in person and bring additional documents (a passport, birth certificate, and proof of Social Security number).

Fees and payment methods

The renewal fee for a standard Virginia driver's license is $40 for a five-year license. This fee is the same whether you renew online, by mail, or in person. If you renew online, you pay by credit or debit card at the time of submission. If you renew by mail, the fee is included in the prepaid envelope — no separate payment is needed. If you renew in person, you pay at the DMV office by cash, check, or card.

There are no additional fees for standard renewal. However, if you need to replace a lost or stolen license, the fee is $20. If you need to change your photo during renewal, there is no extra charge — the photo is taken at the DMV office during in-person renewal.

Timeline and what to expect after renewal

The timeline depends on your renewal method. Online renewal takes 10 to 15 minutes to complete, and your license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days. Mail renewal takes 7 to 10 business days from the date the DMV receives your envelope. In-person renewal is completed on the same day, but your physical license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days.

After you renew, you will receive your new license by mail at your address on file. Your old license is no longer valid once the new one arrives. If you do not receive your new license within 10 business days, contact the Virginia DMV at 804-367-0538. Keep your old license until the new one arrives — you may need it for identification purposes.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. You must be a Virginia resident to renew a Virginia driver's license. If you have moved out of state, you must obtain a license from your new state. You can surrender your Virginia license by mail or in person at a DMV office.

What if my name has changed since my last renewal?

You must renew in person at a DMV office. Bring your current license, proof of Virginia residency, a completed DL 43 form, and a certified copy of the document that shows your name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). The fee is $40.

Can I renew my license if it is suspended or revoked?

No. You cannot renew a suspended or revoked license. You must contact the Virginia 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 renew normally.

How long does my renewed license take to arrive?

Your renewed license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days after the DMV processes your renewal. Online and mail renewals are processed in the order they are received. In-person renewals are processed on the same day, but the physical license is still mailed to you.

What if I need my license before the new one arrives?

If you renewed in person, you can request a temporary paper license at the DMV office on the day of renewal. This temporary license is valid for 45 days and can be used for driving and identification while you wait for your permanent license to arrive by mail.

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.