Virginia 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 a new photo. Most Virginia drivers renew online through the DMV website without visiting an office, but you must meet specific requirements: your license cannot be expired by more than one year, you cannot have any medical or vision restrictions added since your last renewal, and you must have a valid email address.
If you do not meet the online requirements, or if you want a new photo, you must renew in person at a Virginia DMV customer service center. Mail renewal is also available but takes longer and is rarely the fastest option. The fee for a five-year renewal is $40; a ten-year renewal costs $75. Virginia does not charge extra for online renewal.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal through the Virginia DMV website takes 10 to 15 minutes and costs $40 for five years or $75 for ten years, with no office visit required.
- You can only renew online if your license expired within the last year, you have no medical or vision restrictions, and you have a valid email address.
- In-person renewal at a DMV customer service center requires a valid photo ID, proof of Social Security number, and proof of Virginia residency, and takes about 30 minutes.
- Mail renewal takes four to six weeks and requires the same documents as in-person renewal, plus a completed process form.
- Your Virginia license is valid for five or ten years depending on your age and the renewal term you choose.
Online Renewal: The Fastest Route
Online renewal is available through the Virginia DMV website at dmvnow.com. You will need your current license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your email address. The system will ask you to verify your identity by answering security questions based on your DMV records. Payment is by credit card, debit card, or electronic check.
Once you complete the online transaction, your new license will be mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days. You do not need to visit an office, and you can renew at any time of day. However, you cannot use online renewal if your license has been expired for more than one year, if you have added medical or vision restrictions since your last renewal, or if your address has changed and you have not updated it with the DMV yet.
If your address changed recently, you must update it before you renew online. You can do this through the DMV website or by calling the DMV customer service line at 1-888-337-1030.
In-Person Renewal at a DMV Customer Service Center
Visit a Virginia DMV customer service center if you need a new photo, if you have medical or vision restrictions, or if you do not meet the online renewal requirements. You will need to bring a valid photo ID (such as a passport or military ID), proof of your Social Security number (such as a Social Security card or W-2 form), and proof of Virginia residency (such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days).
You do not need an appointment at most DMV offices, but wait times vary. You can check current wait times and find the nearest office on the DMV website. Bring all required documents with you; missing documents will delay your renewal. The in-person process takes about 30 minutes, and you will receive a temporary license to use while your permanent license is mailed to you.
Your new license will arrive within 7 to 10 business days. If you need your license sooner, you can request expedited mail service for an additional fee of $15, which reduces delivery time to 3 to 5 business days.
Mail Renewal: Documents and Timeline
Mail renewal is slower than online or in-person renewal but may be your only option if you cannot visit an office. You will need to complete form DL-44 (process for Virginia Driver's License), which you can read from the DMV website or request by mail. Include the same documents required for in-person renewal: a valid photo ID, proof of Social Security number, and proof of Virginia residency.
Mail your completed process and documents to the Virginia DMV at the address listed on form DL-44. Include a check or money order for the renewal fee ($40 for five years or $75 for ten years). Do not send cash. The DMV will process your process and mail your new license within four to six weeks of receiving your packet. This timeline does not include mail delivery time in either direction.
Keep a copy of everything you mail for your records. If your documents do not arrive or your process is rejected, the DMV will contact you by mail, which adds more time to the process. For this reason, mail renewal is best used only when you have several months before your license expires.
License Validity: Five Years or Ten Years
Virginia offers two renewal terms. A five-year license costs $40 and is valid for five years from the date of issue. A ten-year license costs $75 and is valid for ten years. You choose the term when you renew, whether online, by mail, or in person.
The ten-year option is available to all Virginia drivers and is often the better value if you plan to stay in Virginia for the next decade. However, if you expect your address, name, or medical status to change, the five-year option gives you more flexibility to update your information sooner.
What Happens If Your License Expires
If your Virginia license expires, you cannot legally drive. You must renew before you get behind the wheel. If you are stopped by law enforcement with an expired license, you may receive a citation. Expired licenses cannot be renewed online; you must renew in person or by mail.
If your license has been expired for more than one year, you may need to retake the written test and vision test, depending on how long it has been expired. Contact the DMV at 1-888-337-1030 to find out what is required for your situation. It is much easier to renew before your license expires.
Address Changes and Other Updates
If your address has changed since your last renewal, update it with the DMV before you renew online. You can update your address through the DMV website, by phone at 1-888-337-1030, or in person at a customer service center. Your new license will show your updated address.
If you need to change your name, you must renew in person and bring a certified copy of the document that shows your name change (such as a marriage certificate or court order). Name changes cannot be made online or by mail.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Virginia license if I moved out of state?
No. Virginia driver's licenses are only for Virginia residents. If you have moved out of state, you must obtain a license from your new state. You should surrender your Virginia license to the DMV or destroy it.
What if I lost my license before it expired?
You can replace a lost license by visiting a DMV customer service center with a valid photo ID and proof of residency. The replacement fee is $20. You do not need to wait for your license to expire to replace it.
Do I need a new photo when I renew?
Online and mail renewal use your existing photo from your current license. If you want a new photo, you must renew in person at a DMV customer service center. A new photo is required if your current license photo is damaged or if you have not renewed in more than 15 years.
How long does it take to get my renewed license in the mail?
Standard delivery takes 7 to 10 business days after the DMV processes your renewal. This does not include mail delivery time to the DMV. If you choose expedited mail service (available for in-person renewal only), delivery takes 3 to 5 business days for an additional $15 fee.
Can I drive with an expired license while I wait for my new one?
No. You cannot legally drive with an expired license. If you renew in person, you will receive a temporary license that is valid while you wait for your permanent license to arrive by mail. Online and mail renewal do not provide a temporary license, so renew before your license expires.