Virginia driver's license renewal takes 15 to 30 minutes online or at a DMV office, depending on whether your license is still valid and whether you need a new photo
You can renew your Virginia driver's license online through the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) website if your license is not expired and you do not need a new photo. The online process costs $24 and takes about 15 minutes. If your license has expired, you are over 75, or you want a new photo, you must renew in person at a DMV office, which takes 30 to 45 minutes and costs $24 for a standard renewal or $34 if you need a Real ID-compliant license.
Virginia licenses are valid for eight years if you are under 75, and five years if you are 75 or older. You can renew up to one year before your expiration date, which means you can start the process well before your license runs out. The state does not mail renewal notices, so you are responsible for tracking your expiration date.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal through the Virginia DMV website is available if your current license is not expired and you do not need a new photo, and costs $24.
- In-person renewal at a DMV office is required if your license is expired, you are 75 or older, or you want a new photo.
- Virginia driver's licenses are valid for eight years (five years if you are 75 or older), and you can renew up to one year early.
- A Real ID-compliant license costs $10 more than a standard renewal and requires proof of citizenship and residency at a DMV office.
- You will need your Social Security number, current license number, and a valid payment method for online renewal, or your current license and proof of residency for in-person renewal.
Online renewal: what you need and how long it takes
Online renewal through the Virginia DMV website is the fastest option if you are under 75, your license is not expired, and you do not want a new photo. You will need your current Virginia driver's license number, your Social Security number, and a credit or debit card to pay the $24 fee. The entire process takes about 15 minutes, and your renewed license will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days.
You cannot renew online if your license has already expired, if you are 75 or older, if you have a commercial driver's license (CDL), or if you want to change your name, address, or photo. You also cannot renew online if you have an outstanding traffic violation or unpaid fine in Virginia. If any of these explore to you, you must go to a DMV office instead.
In-person renewal at a Virginia DMV office
In-person renewal is required if your license is expired, if you are 75 or older, if you have a CDL, or if you want a new photo. You will need to bring your current Virginia driver's license and proof of your current address, such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. The renewal takes 30 to 45 minutes depending on how busy the office is, and you will receive a temporary paper license to use while your new card is mailed to you.
Virginia DMV offices are open Monday through Friday, 8:15 a.m. to 4:45 p.m., and some offices have extended hours on certain days. You can check the Virginia DMV website for the location and hours of your nearest office. Many offices allow you to make an appointment online, which can reduce your wait time significantly. Walk-ins are accepted, but wait times can be 30 minutes to over an hour during peak times.
Real ID compliance and what it costs
A Real ID-compliant license is required to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building as of May 7, 2025. Virginia offers Real ID licenses, which cost $34 for a renewal instead of the standard $24. You cannot get a Real ID online; you must renew in person at a DMV office.
To get a Real ID license, you will need to bring your current Virginia driver's license, proof of citizenship (a birth certificate, passport, or naturalization papers), and proof of your current address. If your name has changed since your birth certificate was issued, you will also need to bring a document showing the name change, such as a marriage certificate or court order. The Real ID license looks the same as a standard Virginia license but has a gold star in the upper right corner.
What to bring and what documents you need
| Renewal Type | Documents Needed | Cost | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online renewal | Current license number, Social Security number, payment method | $24 | 15 minutes online; 7–10 days for mailing |
| In-person standard renewal | Current license, proof of address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days) | $24 | 30–45 minutes at office |
| In-person Real ID renewal | Current license, proof of citizenship (birth certificate or passport), proof of address, proof of name change if applicable | $34 | 30–45 minutes at office |
For online renewal, you do not need to bring anything physical; you will enter your information on the Virginia DMV website. For in-person renewal, bring your current license and one document showing your current address. Utility bills, lease agreements, bank statements, and mortgage statements all work as proof of address. The document must be dated within the last 60 days and show your name and address.
Expired licenses and how to renew them
If your Virginia driver's license has expired, you cannot renew online. You must go to a DMV office in person. Bring your expired license, proof of your current address, and your Social Security number. The renewal process is the same as a standard in-person renewal and costs $24, or $34 if you want a Real ID license.
An expired license is still valid as proof of identity at a DMV office, so you can use it to renew. However, you cannot legally drive with an expired license, and you cannot use an expired Virginia license to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building. If you have been driving on an expired license, you may face a traffic violation, so renew as soon as you notice your license has expired.
Renewing your license by mail or through a third party
Virginia does not offer mail-in renewal for driver's licenses. You must renew either online or in person at a DMV office. Some third-party vendors, such as certain AAA offices, may offer limited DMV services, but they do not handle license renewals. Check the Virginia DMV website to confirm which services are available at vendors near you.
If you are unable to visit a DMV office in person, online renewal is your only option, provided your license is not expired and you do not need a new photo. If you cannot meet those requirements, you will need to visit an office or ask someone you trust to help you schedule an appointment or visit on your behalf.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Virginia driver's license if I have an outstanding traffic ticket?
No. If you have an unpaid traffic fine or outstanding violation in Virginia, you cannot renew your license online or in person until the matter is resolved. Contact the court listed on your ticket or the Virginia DMV to find out what you owe and how to pay it. Once the fine is paid or the violation is cleared, you can renew.
How long does it take to receive my renewed license in the mail?
Your renewed license will arrive within 7 to 10 business days after you complete your renewal, whether you renewed online or in person. If you renewed in person, you will receive a temporary paper license to use while you wait for your new card. If you do not receive your license within 10 business days, contact the Virginia DMV.
What if my name has changed since I got my current license?
If your name has changed due to marriage, divorce, or court order, you must renew in person at a DMV office and bring a document showing the name change, such as a marriage certificate or divorce decree. You cannot change your name during an online renewal. Bring your current license, proof of the name change, and proof of your current address.
Can I renew my license if I do not have a current address or proof of residency?
You will need to provide proof of your current address to renew in person. If you are homeless or do not have a document in your name, contact your local DMV office to ask about alternative forms of proof. Some offices may accept a letter from a shelter, social services agency, or other organization on letterhead confirming your address.
Do I need a Real ID license to renew my Virginia driver's license?
No. A standard Virginia driver's license is still valid for driving and most identification purposes. You only need a Real ID license if you plan to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building. If you do not need it, you can renew your standard license for $24 instead of $34.