Renewing Your Virginia License in Person or by Mail
Virginia lets you renew your driver's license by mail if you meet certain conditions, or in person at a DMV office if you prefer. The mail route is faster and requires no appointment — you fill out the form, pay the fee, and mail everything to the state. The in-person route takes longer because DMV offices have wait times, but it's your only option if your license has been expired for more than a year, if you need to update your photo, or if you've had a name change.
Your license is valid for eight years in Virginia. You can start the renewal process up to one year before it expires. The state will mail your new license to the address on file, which usually arrives within 7 to 10 business days after the DMV processes your request.
Key Takeaways
- Mail renewal costs $24 and works only if your license expired less than a year ago and you don't need a new photo or name change.
- In-person renewal at a DMV office costs $24 and is required if your license has been expired for more than one year.
- You'll need your current license, proof of Virginia residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement), and a completed process form.
- Virginia offers REAL ID-compliant licenses, which are required for domestic air travel after May 7, 2025, and cost $34 instead of $24.
Mail Renewal: What You Need and How to Send It
To renew by mail, read or request Form DL-44 from the Virginia DMV website. Fill it out completely, sign it, and include your current driver's license. You'll also need proof that you live in Virginia — a utility bill, lease agreement, bank statement, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days works. Mail everything to the address listed on the form, along with a check or money order for $24 (made payable to the Treasurer of Virginia).
The DMV processes mail renewals in the order they arrive. Once they receive your packet, expect your new license to arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. Do not include cash — it will not be refunded if lost. If you want to pay by credit or debit card, you must renew in person instead.
Mail renewal is not an option if your license expired more than one year ago, if you want to change your photo, if you've had a legal name change, or if you need to update your address to something outside Virginia. In any of those cases, you must go to a DMV office.
In-Person Renewal at a Virginia DMV Office
Walk into any Virginia DMV office with your current license, proof of residency, and a completed Form DL-44. You can also bring your Social Security card and birth certificate if you have them — they speed up the process. The fee is $24 for a standard license or $34 for a REAL ID-compliant license.
You do not need an appointment for a standard renewal, but wait times vary by location and time of day. The DMV website shows estimated wait times for each office. If you want to avoid crowds, go early in the morning on a weekday. You'll get a temporary paper license on the spot, and your permanent license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
If your license has been expired for more than one year, you must renew in person. The DMV will take a new photo, and you may need to pass a vision test. Bring the same documents as above.
REAL ID Compliance and What It Costs
Virginia offers REAL ID-compliant licenses, which meet federal standards for domestic air travel and entry to federal buildings. Starting May 7, 2025, you'll need a REAL ID license or another approved form of ID to board a domestic flight. A REAL ID license costs $34 instead of $24.
To get a REAL ID license, you must renew in person at a DMV office. Bring your current license, proof of residency, and one document that proves your identity and date of birth — your birth certificate, passport, or naturalization papers all work. If you were born outside the United States, bring your passport or travel document as well.
If you renew by mail, you'll receive a standard license, not a REAL ID license. You can upgrade to REAL ID at any time by visiting a DMV office and paying the difference ($10 more), or you can wait until your next renewal and choose REAL ID then.
What Happens If Your License Expired Long Ago
If your Virginia license has been expired for more than one year, you cannot renew by mail. You must go to a DMV office in person. The DMV will treat this as a new license process rather than a straightforward renewal — you'll need to pass a vision test, provide proof of residency, and have a new photo taken.
Bring your expired license, proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement from the last 60 days), and proof of your Social Security number and date of birth (birth certificate, passport, or Social Security card). The fee is still $24 for a standard license or $34 for REAL ID. Processing takes the same 7 to 10 business days by mail after you leave the office.
Changing Your Address or Name During Renewal
If you've moved within Virginia, you can update your address during renewal — by mail or in person. Include your new address on Form DL-44 when you mail it, or tell the DMV employee when you renew in person. If you're moving out of Virginia, you'll need to get a license from your new state instead of renewing your Virginia license.
If you've had a legal name change (through marriage, divorce, or court order), you must renew in person at a DMV office. Bring your current license, proof of your new name (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order), and proof of residency. The DMV will issue a new license with your updated name at no extra charge beyond the standard $24 renewal fee.
Documents You'll Need for Any Renewal
| Renewal Method | Required Documents | Fee |
|---|---|---|
| By Mail | Current license, Form DL-44, proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement from last 60 days) | $24 |
| In Person (Standard) | Current license, Form DL-44, proof of residency | $24 |
| In Person (REAL ID) | Current license, Form DL-44, proof of residency, proof of identity and birth date (birth certificate or passport) | $34 |
| In Person (Expired Over 1 Year) | Expired license, proof of residency, proof of Social Security number and birth date | $24 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Virginia license online?
No. Virginia does not offer online renewal. You can renew by mail or in person at a DMV office. Mail renewal is the closest option to online — you fill out a form, mail it with your documents, and the DMV processes it without you visiting an office.
What if I lost my current license?
You cannot renew by mail if you don't have your current license. Go to a DMV office and report it lost. You'll pay $24 for a replacement license (or $34 for REAL ID). Bring proof of residency and proof of your identity and birth date. The DMV will issue a temporary paper license on the spot.
How long does it take to get my new license after I mail in my renewal?
The DMV typically processes mail renewals within 7 to 10 business days after they receive your packet. Your new license will arrive by mail a few days after that. Total time from mailing to receiving is usually 2 to 3 weeks, depending on postal delivery.
Do I need a new photo when I renew?
If you renew by mail, the DMV uses your photo from your current license. If you renew in person, the DMV takes a new photo automatically. You cannot keep your old photo if you renew in person.
What if my address changed but I'm still in Virginia?
Update your address on Form DL-44 when you renew by mail, or tell the DMV employee when you renew in person. There's no extra fee. Your new license will be mailed to your updated address.