How to Renew Your Virginia Driver's License

Virginia DMV Renewal: Online, by Mail, or In Person

You can renew your Virginia driver's license online, by mail, or at a DMV office — and which method you use depends on whether your license is still valid and what type of license you hold. If your license hasn't expired yet, you can renew online or by mail without visiting an office. If it has expired, you'll need to go to a DMV location in person.

Virginia issues licenses that are valid for eight years. The DMV will send you a renewal notice about 60 days before your expiration date, but you don't have to wait for that notice to start the process. You can renew up to one year before your license expires.

The fastest route for most people is online renewal through the Virginia DMV website, which takes about 10 minutes and costs $40. Mail renewal takes two to three weeks but requires no office visit. In-person renewal at a DMV office is necessary only if your license has already expired, if you need to update your address or name, or if you're renewing a commercial driver's license.

Key Takeaways

Online renewal through the Virginia DMV website is available if your license hasn't expired and you don't need to change your address or name.
Mail renewal takes two to three weeks and requires sending your current license, a completed form, and payment to the DMV.
In-person renewal at a DMV office is required if your license has expired, if you need to update your address or legal name, or if you hold a commercial driver's license.
Virginia driver's licenses are valid for eight years, and you can renew up to one year before expiration.
Online renewal costs $40, and you'll receive your new license by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

Online Renewal Through the Virginia DMV Website

Online renewal is the quickest option if your license is still valid and your personal information hasn't changed. Go to the Virginia DMV website, select "Renew Your Driver's License," and create or log into your account. You'll need your current license number, Social Security number, and date of birth to start.

The system will ask you to verify your identity, confirm your address, and review your license information. You'll pay the $40 renewal fee with a credit or debit card. Once you submit, you're done — the DMV will mail your new license to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days.

Online renewal is not available if your license has expired, if you need to change your address or legal name, if you're renewing a commercial license, or if you're over 75 years old. In those cases, you'll need to use mail or in-person renewal.

Mail Renewal: What to Send and Where

Mail renewal works if your license hasn't expired and you don't need to change your address or name. You'll need to send three things: your current driver's license, a completed process for Driver's License or Permit (Form DL 43), and a check or money order for $40 payable to the Virginia DMV.

read Form DL 43 from the Virginia DMV website or request it by phone at 804-367-0538. Fill out the form completely, including your signature. Mail the envelope to the address listed on the form — the DMV has a dedicated mail renewal address separate from the main office.

Processing takes two to three weeks from the date the DMV receives your envelope. Your new license will be mailed to the address on your current license. If you need to change your address before renewal, you must do that in person or online before mailing your renewal.

In-Person Renewal at a Virginia DMV Office

You must visit a DMV office in person if your license has expired, if you need to change your address or legal name, if you're renewing a commercial driver's license, or if you're over 75 years old. Bring your current license, proof of your Social Security number (such as a Social Security card or W-2), and proof of your current address (such as a utility bill or lease dated within the last 60 days).

If you're changing your legal name, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. If you're changing your address, bring an official document showing your new address.

Find your nearest DMV office on the Virginia DMV website and check its hours before you go. Many offices accept walk-ins, but some require you to schedule an appointment online. The renewal fee is $40, and you'll receive your new license on the spot or by mail within 7 to 10 business days, depending on the office.

What Happens If Your License Has Expired

If your Virginia license has expired, you cannot renew it online or by mail — you must go to a DMV office in person. Bring the same documents you would for a standard in-person renewal: your expired license, proof of Social Security number, and proof of your current address.

An expired license is still valid as identification at the DMV office, so you can use it to renew. The process is the same as a regular renewal, and the fee remains $40. Your new license will be valid for eight years from the date of renewal, not from the date your old license expired.

Renewing a Commercial Driver's License in Virginia

Commercial driver's licenses (CDLs) cannot be renewed online or by mail — you must renew in person at a DMV office. Bring your current CDL, proof of your Social Security number, proof of your current address, and a current medical certificate from a certified medical examiner (Form MCSA-5875).

The medical certificate must be dated within the last 12 months. If your certificate has expired or will expire within 30 days, you'll need to get a new one before renewing your CDL. The renewal fee for a CDL is $40, the same as a regular license.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Virginia license if I've moved out of state?

Yes, but you cannot use online or mail renewal if you've changed your address. You'll need to visit a Virginia DMV office in person to update your out-of-state address and renew your license. If you no longer live in Virginia and don't plan to return, you may want to get a license from your new state instead.

What if I lost my current license before renewal?

You'll need to report it lost and get a replacement before you can renew. Go to a DMV office with proof of your Social Security number and current address. The replacement fee is $15, and you'll receive a new license on the spot. Once you have it, you can renew online, by mail, or in person.

How long does it take to get my renewed license if I renew online?

Your new license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days after you complete the online renewal. During that time, your current license remains valid. If you need to drive before your new license arrives, your current license is still good.

Do I need to take a new photo for online or mail renewal?

No. 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 office. The DMV will take a new photo at that time.

What if my name has changed since I got my current license?

You cannot renew online or by mail if your legal name has changed. You must go to a DMV office in person with a certified copy of the document showing the change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). The DMV will update your name and issue a new license with the correct name.

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.