How to Renew Your Virginia Driver's License

What you need to renew in Virginia

Virginia lets you renew your driver's license in person at a DMV office, by mail, or online — but which option you can use depends on your license type and how long it has been expired. If your license is still valid or expired less than one year ago, you can renew by mail or online. If it has been expired for one to five years, you must renew in person. If it has been expired for more than five years, you will need to explore for a new license, which requires an in-person visit and the same documents as a first-time applicant.

The Virginia DMV calls this the Standard Renewal Process, and the path you take depends on when your license expires and whether you want to change your address, add a Real ID designation, or update other information on the card itself.

Key Takeaways

Virginia allows online and mail renewal only if your license is current or expired less than one year; anything older requires an in-person visit.
Online renewal through the Virginia DMV website costs $24 for a four-year license and takes about two weeks for the card to arrive by mail.
Mail renewal requires you to send your current license, a completed process form, and a check or money order to the DMV address in Richmond.
In-person renewal at a DMV office takes about 30 minutes and allows you to add Real ID status, change your address, or update your photo on the same day.
You will need proof of identity, proof of Virginia residency, and your Social Security number for any renewal method.

Renewing online through the Virginia DMV website

Online renewal is the fastest option if your license is not expired or expired less than one year. You go to the Virginia DMV website, create or log into your account, and complete the renewal form. You will need your current license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a valid payment method (debit or credit card). The fee is $24 for a four-year license.

After you submit the form and payment, the DMV mails your new license to the address on file. Delivery typically takes 10 to 14 business days. You can continue to drive on your current license while you wait. The online system will not let you change your address or add Real ID status — if you need either of those, you must renew in person or by mail.

Renewing by mail

Mail renewal works if your license is current or expired less than one year. You read the process for Driver's License or Permit (Form DL 43) from the Virginia DMV website, fill it out by hand, and mail it along with your current license and a check or money order for $24 to the DMV office in Richmond. The address is on the form itself.

Mail renewal takes longer than online — typically three to four weeks from the time the DMV receives your envelope. You cannot change your address or photo by mail. If you need to update your address, you can do that separately at a DMV office or online through your account (though address changes do not appear on your physical license until you renew). Like online renewal, you can drive on your current license while the new one is in the mail.

Renewing in person at a DMV office

In-person renewal is required if your license has been expired for more than one year but less than five years. It is also your only option if your license expired more than five years ago (in which case you are explore for a new license, not renewing). In-person renewal is also the best choice if you want to add Real ID status, change your photo, or update your address on the card itself.

Bring your current license, proof of your Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2, or tax return), and proof of Virginia residency (utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days). The DMV office will take a new photo, process your process, and issue your new license on the spot. The fee is $24 for a four-year license. The visit usually takes 20 to 40 minutes, though wait times vary by location and time of day.

You can find your nearest DMV office and check current wait times on the Virginia DMV website. Many offices allow you to make an appointment online, which can shorten your wait. If you do not have an appointment, offices typically serve customers on a first-come, first-served basis.

Real ID and what it means for your renewal

Virginia offers a Real ID-compliant driver's license, which is required to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building as of May 2025. A Real ID license has a gold star in the upper right corner. If your current license does not have this star and you want one, you must renew in person.

When you renew in person, the DMV will ask whether you want Real ID status. If you say yes, you will need to bring one document proving your identity (passport, birth certificate, or naturalization papers) and one document proving your Social Security number (as listed above). The fee is the same — $24 for a four-year license. If you renew online or by mail, you will keep your current license type (Real ID or standard); you cannot add Real ID status through those methods.

What happens if your license is expired

If your license expired less than one year ago, you can renew by mail or online using the methods above. If it expired between one and five years ago, you must renew in person at a DMV office. If it expired more than five years ago, the DMV treats your renewal as a new license process, which means you will need to provide the same documents as a first-time applicant — including proof of identity, proof of residency, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of Virginia residency. You will also take a new written test and vision test.

You cannot legally drive with an expired license, even if you have submitted a renewal process. If you are stopped by police, you could be cited. If your license has been expired for a long time, contact your local DMV office before you renew to confirm what documents you will need and whether you must take the written test.

Fees and what they cover

A standard four-year driver's license renewal in Virginia costs $24, whether you renew online, by mail, or in person. This fee covers the license card itself and processing. If you want to add Real ID status during an in-person renewal, the fee remains $24 — there is no extra charge for the Real ID designation.

If you renew in person and need a duplicate license (a second card with the same information), you can request one for an additional $5. If you need to change your name on your license due to marriage or court order, you will need to visit a DMV office in person and bring a certified copy of the marriage certificate or court order; the fee for a name change is $24.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Virginia license if I live out of state now?

No. Virginia requires you to be a resident to hold a Virginia driver's license. If you have moved out of state, you should obtain a license from your new state. If you are temporarily out of state but still a Virginia resident, you can renew by mail or online if your license is not expired or expired less than one year.

What if I lost my license and need to renew at the same time?

You will need to report the loss to the DMV and request a duplicate license. You can do this in person at a DMV office or by calling the DMV. A duplicate costs $5. If your license has also expired, you can renew and get a duplicate in one visit for $24 plus $5.

How long is a renewed Virginia driver's license valid?

A standard renewal is valid for four years from the date of issue. Your new expiration date will be printed on the card. You can renew up to one year before your license expires, so you can plan ahead if you know you will be busy.

Do I need an appointment to renew in person?

Appointments are not required, but they are recommended. You can book an appointment online through the Virginia DMV website, which usually reduces your wait time. If you do not have an appointment, most offices serve customers first-come, first-served, but wait times can be long during peak hours.

What if my address changed since my last license?

If you renew online or by mail, your address will not change on your physical license. You can update your address separately through your DMV account online, but the change will not appear on your card until your next renewal. If you want your new address on your license when ready, you must renew in person at a DMV office.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.