Virginia driver's licenses renew every eight years, and you can renew online, by mail, or in person depending on your situation
Virginia's renewal process depends on whether your license is standard or REAL ID compliant. A standard Virginia license lasts eight years and can be renewed online or by mail without visiting a DMV office. A REAL ID license also lasts eight years but requires an in-person visit at least once — either when you first get it or when you renew it. You'll know which type you have by looking at the small star in the upper right corner of your card; if it's there, you have REAL ID.
The state sends renewal notices about 60 days before your license expires. You don't have to wait for the notice to renew, but it contains your renewal code, which speeds up the online process. If you've lost the notice or it arrived late, you can still renew online using your Social Security number and date of birth instead.
Key Takeaways
- Standard Virginia licenses renew every eight years and can be renewed online at dmvnow.com or by mail without visiting an office.
- REAL ID licenses also renew every eight years, but you must renew in person at a DMV office at least once during that cycle.
- Online renewal takes about 10 minutes and costs $40 for a standard license or $56 for REAL ID; mail renewal takes two to three weeks.
- You'll need your renewal notice (which includes your renewal code) or your Social Security number and date of birth to renew online.
- If your license is suspended, revoked, or you've had a name change, you cannot renew online and must visit a DMV office in person.
Renewing online through DMVnow
The fastest way to renew a standard Virginia license is through DMVnow, the state's online portal. Go to dmvnow.com, select "Renew Driver's License," and enter either your renewal code (from your notice) or your Social Security number and date of birth. You'll answer questions about any address or medical changes, review your information, and pay the $40 renewal fee with a debit or credit card. The entire process takes about 10 minutes.
Your new license will arrive by mail in seven to 10 business days. You can continue driving on your current license until the new one arrives. Online renewal is only available if your license is not suspended or revoked, you haven't changed your name, and you're renewing a standard (non-REAL ID) license or renewing a REAL ID license for the second time in a row.
If you're renewing REAL ID for the first time, you must go in person. The same applies if you've had any traffic convictions, medical suspensions, or other restrictions since your last renewal — the system will tell you during the online process if you're ineligible and direct you to schedule an in-person appointment instead.
Renewing by mail
Mail renewal is an option for standard licenses only. Fill out Form DL-44 (process for Virginia Driver's License), include your current license, a check or money order for $40, and mail everything to the address on the form. Virginia DMV processes mail renewals in two to three weeks, though it can take longer during busy periods.
Mail renewal works best if you're out of state, have limited access to a DMV office, or prefer not to use the online system. However, you cannot renew by mail if your license is suspended, you've had a name change, or you're renewing REAL ID for the first time. You also cannot renew by mail if you're over 75 years old — Virginia requires in-person renewal for seniors in that age group.
Renewing in person at a DMV office
In-person renewal is required if you have a REAL ID license and it's your first renewal, if you're over 75, if your license is suspended or revoked, or if you've had a name change. You'll need to bring your current license, proof of Virginia residency (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days), and payment of $40 for standard or $56 for REAL ID.
If you're renewing REAL ID, you'll also need to bring proof of citizenship (a passport, birth certificate, or naturalization certificate) and proof of Social Security number (a Social Security card, W-2, or 1099). These documents are required only for REAL ID renewal; standard license renewal in person does not require them.
Book an appointment online at dmvnow.com or call 1-866-DMV-LINE (1-866-368-5463). Walk-ins are accepted but wait times vary by location and time of day. Most offices are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., with limited Saturday hours at some locations. The renewal process takes about 15 to 20 minutes once you're called.
What to do if your license is suspended or revoked
You cannot renew online or by mail if your license is suspended or revoked. You must visit a DMV office in person and resolve the suspension or revocation before you can renew. Common reasons for suspension include unpaid traffic fines, failure to pay child support, medical conditions reported to DMV, or accumulation of too many points from traffic violations.
Before you go to the DMV, contact them at 1-866-DMV-LINE to find out why your license is suspended and what steps you need to take to clear it. Some suspensions require payment, others require a letter from a court or agency, and some require a medical evaluation. Once the suspension is lifted, you can renew in person at any DMV office.
Renewing after a name change
If you've changed your name since your last license was issued — through marriage, divorce, court order, or any other reason — you cannot renew online or by mail. You must visit a DMV office in person and bring proof of your name change. Acceptable documents include a marriage certificate, divorce decree, court order, or updated birth certificate.
Bring your current license, proof of your new name, proof of Virginia residency, and payment of $40 for standard or $56 for REAL ID. If you're also renewing REAL ID, bring proof of citizenship and Social Security number as described above. The DMV will issue a new license with your updated name during your visit.
Costs and payment methods
A standard Virginia driver's license renewal costs $40. A REAL ID renewal costs $56. These fees are the same whether you renew online, by mail, or in person. Online renewal accepts debit and credit cards. Mail renewal requires a check or money order. In-person renewal accepts cash, check, debit card, or credit card.
If you renew online or by mail and your new license arrives damaged or unreadable, contact DMV and request a replacement at no additional cost. If you lose your license after renewal and need a duplicate, the replacement fee is $15.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Virginia license before it expires?
Yes. You can renew up to one year before your license expires. Online and mail renewal will process when ready, and your new license will arrive by mail. In-person renewal at a DMV office is also available anytime before expiration.
What happens if my license expires before I renew it?
Driving with an expired license is illegal in Virginia. If you're stopped by police, you can face a traffic citation. However, you can still renew your license after it expires using the same methods — online, by mail, or in person. There is no late fee or penalty for renewing after expiration.
Do I need to take a new photo when I renew?
No. Online and mail renewal use your existing photo from your current license. Only in-person renewal at a DMV office includes a new photo. If you want a new photo on an online or mail renewal, you must renew in person instead.
How long is my license valid while I'm waiting for the new one to arrive?
Your current license remains valid until it expires, even after you've submitted an online or mail renewal. You can continue driving legally while waiting for your new license to arrive by mail.
Can I renew my Virginia license if I live out of state?
Yes, if you have a standard license. Renew online at dmvnow.com or by mail. If you have a REAL ID license and it's your first renewal, you must visit a Virginia DMV office in person — you cannot renew by mail or online from out of state. Plan ahead if you need to travel back to Virginia for your renewal appointment.