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

You can renew your Virginia driver's license online, by mail, or in person at a DMV office. The online option is fastest — you can complete it in minutes if your license is not expired and you have not had a name change. Mail renewal takes about two weeks. In-person renewal at a DMV office is necessary only if your license has been expired for more than one year, if you need to update your photo, or if you have a commercial license.

Virginia sends renewal notices about 60 days before your license expires. The notice includes a barcode and instructions for online renewal. You do not have to wait for the notice to renew — you can start the process up to one year before your expiration date.

Key Takeaways

  • Online renewal takes minutes and is available up to one year before your license expires, as long as your license is not already expired and you have not changed your name.
  • Mail renewal requires you to send in your renewal notice, a check or money order, and a new photo; processing takes about two weeks.
  • In-person renewal is required if your license expired more than one year ago, if you need a new photo, or if you hold a commercial driver's license.
  • Virginia charges $36 for a four-year renewal or $56 for an eight-year renewal; the fee is the same whether you renew online, by mail, or in person.
  • Your new license will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days after approval, whether you renew online or by mail.

Online renewal: fastest option for most drivers

Go to the Virginia DMV website and select "Renew Your License Online." You will need your current license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth. The system will pull up your record and ask you to confirm your address and emergency contact information.

Online renewal costs $36 for a four-year license or $56 for an eight-year license. You pay by debit or credit card. Once you submit your payment, you are done — your new license will arrive by mail in 7 to 10 business days. You do not need to upload a photo; Virginia will use the photo from your current license.

You cannot renew online if your license has already expired, if you have changed your name since your last license was issued, or if you hold a commercial driver's license (CDL). If any of these explore to you, use mail renewal or visit a DMV office in person.

Mail renewal: what to send and how long it takes

Use mail renewal if you prefer not to renew online or if you want to submit a new photo. Your renewal notice will arrive about 60 days before your license expires. Sign the back of the notice, include a new photo (4 by 6 inches, color or black and white, taken within the last 12 months), and send both with a check or money order to the address printed on the notice.

The fee is $36 for four years or $56 for eight years. Mail your packet at least two weeks before your license expires to avoid a gap in coverage. Processing takes about two weeks from the time the DMV receives your packet. Your new license will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days after approval.

If you do not have your renewal notice, you can request one by calling the Virginia DMV at 804-367-0538 or by visiting a DMV office. You can also renew by mail without the notice if you include a copy of your current license and a completed process for Driver's License (Form DL 43), available on the Virginia DMV website.

In-person renewal at a Virginia DMV office

Visit a DMV office if your license expired more than one year ago, if you need a new photo, or if you hold a commercial driver's license. You will need to bring your current license, proof of Virginia residency (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days), and your Social Security card or a document showing your Social Security number.

Bring a new photo if you want to update the one on your license. If you do not bring a photo, the DMV will take one for you at no extra charge. The renewal fee is $36 for four years or $56 for eight years, payable by cash, check, debit card, or credit card.

Wait times at DMV offices vary by location and time of day. You can check current wait times on the Virginia DMV website before you go. Some offices offer appointment scheduling; check your local office's page to see if you can book a time slot.

What happens if your license has expired

If your license expired fewer than 12 months ago, you can still renew online or by mail using the same process as above. If your license expired more than one year ago, you must renew in person at a DMV office. You cannot drive legally with an expired license, even if you have submitted a renewal process.

If your license has been expired for more than three years, the DMV may require you to retake the written test and vision test. Call the Virginia DMV at 804-367-0538 to confirm what you will need to bring before you visit an office.

Commercial driver's license (CDL) renewal

If you hold a commercial driver's license, you must renew in person at a DMV office. You cannot renew online or by mail. Bring your current CDL, proof of Virginia residency, your Social Security card or document showing your number, and a medical certificate if your CDL requires one (most do).

The medical certificate must be issued by a certified medical examiner and must be valid on the day you renew. You can find a list of certified examiners on the Virginia DMV website. The renewal fee for a CDL is $56 for four years or $80 for eight years.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license before I get the renewal notice?

Yes. You can renew online or by mail up to one year before your license expires. You do not need to wait for the renewal notice to arrive. If you renew by mail without the notice, include a copy of your current license and a completed Form DL 43.

What if I have changed my name since my last license?

You cannot renew online if your name has changed. Renew by mail or in person. Include a document proving your name change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. Mail renewal requires the document plus your renewal notice, a new photo, and payment.

How long does it take to get my new license after I renew?

Your new license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days after the DMV approves your renewal. Online and mail renewals are approved within a few days; in-person renewals are usually approved the same day.

What if I move to a different address before my license expires?

Update your address on the Virginia DMV website or at a DMV office before you renew. When you renew, your new license will be mailed to your updated address. You can also update your address without renewing.

Do I need to renew my license in person if I want a Real ID?

No. You can add Real ID to your license during online or mail renewal. Online, select the Real ID option during checkout. By mail, note on your renewal notice that you want Real ID. You will need to provide proof of citizenship and proof of residency; the DMV will tell you what documents are accepted.