Virginia driver's license renewal by mail or online
You can renew your Virginia driver's license online, by mail, or in person at a DMV office. The online and mail routes are faster and don't require a trip — you'll get your new license in the mail within 7 to 10 business days if you renew online, or 2 to 3 weeks if you use mail. In-person renewal at a DMV office takes about 30 minutes but lets you handle everything the same day.
Your renewal method depends on whether your license is still valid and what type of license you hold. Standard licenses can be renewed online or by mail if they haven't expired more than a year ago. If your license expired more than a year ago, or if you hold a commercial driver's license (CDL), you must renew in person.
Virginia lets you renew up to one year before your license expires, so you don't have to wait until the last moment. Renewing early is smart because it gives you time to fix any problems — like a name mismatch or address issue — before your current license runs out.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal takes 7 to 10 business days and costs $36 for a standard five-year license; mail renewal takes 2 to 3 weeks and costs the same.
- You can renew online only if your license is still valid or expired less than one year ago; licenses expired more than a year require in-person renewal.
- Virginia DMV's website is dmvnow.com, where you can start an online renewal, schedule an in-person appointment, or check your renewal status.
- You'll need your Social Security number, current license number, and a valid payment method (debit or credit card) to renew online.
- Commercial driver's licenses and licenses with certain restrictions cannot be renewed by mail or online and must be handled in person.
Online renewal through dmvnow.com
To renew online, go to dmvnow.com and select "Renew Your Driver's License." You'll need your current Virginia driver's license number, your Social Security number, and a debit or credit card to pay the renewal fee. The system will ask you to confirm your address and vision information, and you'll upload a new photo or use your existing one.
Online renewal works only if your license is valid or expired less than one year ago. If you've had any address changes, name changes, or corrections to your vision status since your last renewal, you can update those during the online process. The system will flag any issues that prevent online renewal — for example, if your license was suspended or revoked — and tell you to visit a DMV office instead.
After you submit your online renewal, you'll get a confirmation number. Your new license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. You can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives.
Mail renewal and what to send
To renew by mail, you'll need to request a renewal form from the Virginia DMV or print one from dmvnow.com. Fill out the form completely, including your current license number, address, and any changes since your last renewal. Sign and date the form, then mail it with a check or money order for the renewal fee ($36 for a standard five-year license) to the address listed on the form.
Mail renewal takes 2 to 3 weeks from the time the DMV receives your form. Because mail delivery adds time on both ends, it's wise to send your renewal at least three weeks before your license expires. Include a copy of your current license with your mailed form so the DMV can match it to your records.
Mail renewal is not an option if your license has been expired for more than a year, if you hold a CDL, or if you have certain license restrictions or medical conditions that require in-person review. The DMV will return your form and fee if you're not may be able to access to renew by mail.
In-person renewal at a DMV office
If you need to renew in person, you can schedule an appointment online at dmvnow.com or walk in during office hours. Scheduling an appointment usually gets you through faster, especially at busy locations. Bring your current Virginia driver's license, proof of your Social Security number (your Social Security card, W-2, or tax return), and proof of your current address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days).
You'll also need to pass a vision test at the DMV office. Bring your glasses or contacts if you use them. If you've had any changes to your medical history — new medications, vision problems, or conditions that affect your ability to drive — tell the DMV staff before your test. Some conditions may require a doctor's clearance or a road test before renewal.
In-person renewal takes about 30 minutes from check-in to photo. You'll pay the renewal fee ($36 for a standard five-year license) by cash, check, or card. You'll receive a temporary paper license valid for 45 days while you wait for your permanent license to arrive by mail.
Renewal fees and license validity periods
A standard Virginia driver's license costs $36 to renew and is valid for five years. If you're 70 or older, your license costs $24 and is valid for five years, but you must renew in person. Commercial driver's licenses have different fees depending on the endorsements you hold — typically $51 for a five-year CDL — and must always be renewed in person.
Virginia does not offer licenses valid for longer than five years for standard drivers. If you want a Real ID-compliant license (required for federal building access and domestic air travel), the fee is the same, but you'll need to bring additional documents proving your identity and residency. Real ID licenses are marked with a gold star in the upper right corner.
Payment for online renewal must be by debit or credit card. Mail renewal requires a check or money order. In-person renewal accepts cash, check, or card. No fees are refundable if you change your mind after paying.
What to do if your license is expired or suspended
If your license expired more than one year ago, you cannot renew it — you must explore for a new license. This means you'll need to take a written test and a road test, and you'll need to bring documents proving your identity, residency, and Social Security number. You must do this in person at a DMV office.
If your license was suspended or revoked, you cannot renew it until the suspension or revocation is lifted. Contact the Virginia DMV to find out why your license was suspended and what steps you need to take to restore it. Some suspensions are lifted automatically after a waiting period; others require you to pay a reinstatement fee or complete a driver improvement course.
If you're unsure whether your license is suspended, you can check your status on dmvnow.com by entering your license number and date of birth. The website will tell you whether your license is valid, suspended, or revoked, and what action you need to take.
Real ID compliance and what it means for renewal
Virginia offers Real ID-compliant driver's licenses, which are required to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building. A Real ID license looks the same as a standard license but has a gold star in the upper right corner. The renewal fee is the same ($36), but you'll need to bring additional documents.
To get a Real ID license during renewal, bring your current license, proof of identity (passport, birth certificate, or naturalization papers), proof of Social Security number, and two documents proving your current address (utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement). You can renew for Real ID online, by mail, or in person, as long as your current license is still valid.
If you don't need Real ID compliance, you can continue to renew a standard license. Standard licenses are valid for driving in Virginia and other states but cannot be used for federal purposes. You can upgrade to Real ID at any renewal or visit a DMV office to convert your current license.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Virginia license if I moved out of state?
No. You must have a Virginia address to hold a Virginia driver's license. If you've moved to another state, you should explore for a license in your new state. If you still have a Virginia address (like a parent's home or a business address), you can renew your Virginia license, but you should update your address on file with the DMV.
What happens if I drive with an expired license?
Driving with an expired license is illegal in Virginia and can result in a traffic citation. If your license expired less than one year ago, you can still renew it by mail or online. If it expired more than a year ago, you must explore for a new license in person, which includes taking a written test and road test.
How do I check the status of my mailed renewal?
You can check your renewal status on dmvnow.com by entering your license number and date of birth. The website will tell you whether your renewal has been received, processed, or mailed. If you don't see your renewal listed after three weeks, contact the Virginia DMV office that handles renewals.
Do I need a new photo for online renewal?
You can use your existing photo from your current license if it's still a good likeness and you haven't changed your appearance significantly. If you want a new photo, you can upload one during the online renewal process. The photo must meet Virginia's requirements: clear, recent, and taken against a plain background.
What if my name changed since my last renewal?
If you changed your name due to marriage, divorce, or court order, you can update it during online or mail renewal if your license is still valid. You'll need to provide a certified copy of the document showing your name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). If you're renewing in person, bring the original or certified copy with you.