Virginia Driver License Renewal: What You Need to Know

Virginia lets you renew your driver license by mail, online, or in person at a DMV office. Which method you can use depends on your license type, how long it has been expired, and whether you need to update your address or photo. Most people renew online or by mail without visiting an office, but some situations require an in-person visit. The process takes different amounts of time depending on which route you choose.

Your license expires on your birthday and can be renewed up to one year before expiration or up to two years after expiration. If your license has been expired for more than two years, you cannot renew — you must explore for a new license instead, which requires a written test and a driving test.

Key Takeaways

  • Virginia driver licenses expire on your birthday and can be renewed up to one year before expiration or up to two years after expiration.
  • Online renewal is the fastest option for most people and takes about 10 minutes, but you cannot change your address or photo online.
  • Mail renewal takes two to three weeks and requires you to send in your current license, a check or money order, and a completed form.
  • In-person renewal at a DMV office is required if you need a new photo, are changing your address, or your license has been expired for more than two years.
  • The renewal fee in Virginia is $36 for a five-year license or $56 for an eight-year license, and you can pay by check, money order, or credit card depending on your method.

Online Renewal: The Fastest Route

Online renewal through the Virginia DMV website is available if your license is not expired, you do not need to change your address, and you do not need a new photo. You will need your current license number, Social Security number, and a valid credit or debit card to pay the $36 or $56 renewal fee. The process takes about 10 minutes, and your new license will arrive by mail in seven to 10 business days.

To renew online, go to the Virginia DMV website, select "Renew Your Driver License," and follow the prompts. You will answer questions about your current license and confirm your personal information. Once you submit payment, you will receive a confirmation number. Do not throw away this confirmation — keep it until your new license arrives. If you make a mistake during online renewal, you cannot fix it yourself; you will need to contact the DMV or start over.

Online renewal is not available if your license expired more than two years ago, if you are renewing a commercial driver license (CDL), or if you are changing your name. It is also not available if you have an out-of-state address on file, even if you have moved back to Virginia.

Mail Renewal: No Office Visit Required

Mail renewal takes longer than online renewal but works for most people. You can renew by mail if your license is not expired or has been expired for less than two years. You cannot change your address by mail, and you cannot get a new photo — your new license will use your current photo.

To renew by mail, you will need to send the Virginia DMV a completed process for Driver License or Identification Card (Form DL 43), your current license, and a check or money order for $36 (five-year license) or $56 (eight-year license). You can read Form DL 43 from the Virginia DMV website or request it by phone. Mail your packet to the address listed on the form. Processing takes two to three weeks from the date the DMV receives your packet, not from the date you mail it.

Keep a copy of everything you send, and consider using certified mail so you have proof of delivery. If your license is lost or stolen, you cannot renew by mail — you must go to a DMV office in person. The same applies if you are renewing a CDL or if you need to change your name.

In-Person Renewal at a DMV Office

You must renew in person if your license has been expired for more than two years, if you need a new photo, if you are changing your address, or if you are renewing a CDL. You will also need to visit an office if your license was lost or stolen, if you are changing your name, or if you have an out-of-state address on file and need to update it to a Virginia address.

Bring your current license (or state ID if your license is lost), proof of your Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2, or 1099), and proof of your Virginia address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days). If you are changing your name, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. You will pay $36 or $56 at the office, and you can pay by cash, check, debit card, or credit card.

Your new license will be printed at the office while you wait, or mailed to you within seven to 10 business days if the office does not have a printer. To avoid a long wait, make an appointment through the Virginia DMV website before you go. Walk-ins are accepted, but appointment holders are served first.

License Expiration and Renewal Timing

Your Virginia driver license expires on your birthday. You can renew your license starting one year before your birthday and up to two years after your birthday expires. If you renew before your birthday, your new license will expire on the same birthday five or eight years later. If you renew after your birthday has passed, your new license will still expire on that same birthday — you do not get extra time.

If your license has been expired for more than two years, you cannot renew it — you must explore for a new license instead. This requires an in-person visit, a written test, and a driving test. Renewing before your license expires is much simpler than waiting until after it has expired.

Virginia offers both five-year and eight-year licenses. The cost is $36 for five years or $56 for eight years. You choose which term you want when you renew. There is no advantage to one over the other except the length of time before you have to renew again.

What to Do If Your License Is Lost or Stolen

If your license is lost or stolen, you cannot renew by mail or online — you must go to a DMV office in person. Bring your proof of Social Security number and proof of your Virginia address, just as you would for an in-person renewal. You will pay $36 or $56 for a replacement license, and it will be printed while you wait or mailed within seven to 10 business days.

If you suspect your license was stolen and used fraudulently, contact the Virginia DMV and ask to file a report. You can also contact the police and file a report with them. Keep the report numbers for your records in case you need them later.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

The most common mistake is waiting until your license has expired to renew. Once your license is expired, your options shrink — you cannot renew online, and if it has been expired for more than two years, you cannot renew at all. Renew before your birthday to keep things straightforward.

Another common mistake is trying to change your address online. Virginia does not allow address changes during online renewal. If you have moved, you must renew by mail (and keep your old address) or renew in person and update your address at the same time.

Do not throw away your confirmation number if you renew online or by mail. Keep it until your new license arrives. If something goes wrong, the DMV will ask for it. Also, do not assume your new license will arrive on a specific date — mail times vary, and the DMV's estimate is a range, not a may provide.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Virginia license if it expired more than two years ago?

No. If your license has been expired for more than two years, you cannot renew it. You must explore for a new license instead, which requires an in-person visit to a DMV office, a written test, and a driving test. Start the process as soon as you realize your license is that old.

How long does it take to get my new license after I renew online?

Your new license will arrive by mail in seven to 10 business days after you complete the online renewal. This does not include weekends or holidays. If you do not receive it within two weeks, contact the Virginia DMV with your confirmation number.

Can I change my address when I renew my license online?

No. Online renewal does not allow address changes. If you have moved, you can renew by mail and keep your old address, or you can renew in person at a DMV office and update your address at the same time. In-person renewal is the only way to change your address during the renewal process.

What happens if I renew my license before my birthday?

Your new license will expire on the same birthday, five or eight years later. You do not lose any time by renewing early. In fact, renewing early is a good idea because it gives you time to handle any problems before your current license expires.

Do I need an appointment to renew my license in person at a DMV office?

Appointments are not required, but they are strongly recommended. You can make an appointment through the Virginia DMV website. Walk-ins are accepted, but people with appointments are served first, so you may wait longer if you do not have one.