Virginia driver's license renewal: in-person, by mail, or online
Virginia lets you renew your driver's license three ways: online through the DMV website, by mail, or in person at a DMV office. Which route you take depends on how much time you have, whether your license is still valid, and what type of license you hold. Most people can renew online or by mail without visiting an office, but some situations require you to show up in person.
Your renewal notice arrives in the mail about 60 days before your license expires. That notice tells you which method works for you and includes a barcode you'll need if you renew by mail. If you don't receive a notice, you can still renew — just log into your DMV account online or call the Virginia DMV at 804-367-0538 to check your renewal options.
Key Takeaways
- Virginia sends a renewal notice 60 days before expiration; use the barcode on that notice if you renew by mail.
- Online renewal takes about 10 minutes, costs $36 for a four-year license, and works if your current license is not expired and you have not changed your name or address.
- Mail renewal uses the same $36 fee and takes two to three weeks; you must include the renewal notice and a check or money order.
- In-person renewal at a DMV office is required if your license is already expired, you need a REAL ID, or you have changed your name or address since your last license.
- A REAL ID license costs $51 for four years and requires proof of citizenship, Social Security number, and proof of Virginia residency — documents you bring to the office.
Online renewal: fastest option if your license is current
Online renewal through the Virginia DMV website is the quickest route if your license has not yet expired. You log in with your driver's license number and date of birth, review your information, pay the $36 renewal fee by debit or credit card, and you're done. The whole process takes about 10 minutes. Your new license arrives by mail in seven to ten business days.
Online renewal works only if you meet all of these conditions: your current license is not expired, you have not changed your name or address, you do not need a REAL ID, and you are not a commercial driver. If any of those do not explore to you, you'll need to renew by mail or in person instead.
To start an online renewal, go to the Virginia DMV website, select "Renew Your License," and follow the prompts. You'll need your driver's license number, date of birth, and a valid payment card. If you run into trouble logging in, call 804-367-0538 and a DMV representative can help you reset your account.
Mail renewal: two to three weeks, no office visit
Mail renewal costs the same as online renewal — $36 for a four-year license — and takes longer but requires no trip to a DMV office. You'll use the renewal notice that arrived in your mailbox. That notice includes a barcode, your renewal form, and instructions. Fill out the form, include a check or money order for $36 made payable to "DMV," and mail everything to the address printed on the notice.
Mail renewal works if your license is not expired and you have not changed your name or address. If either of those has changed, you must renew in person. Processing takes two to three weeks from the time the DMV receives your envelope, so plan ahead if your license expires soon.
Do not send cash through the mail. Include only a check or money order. Keep a copy of your renewal notice for your records. If you lose the notice before you mail it, call 804-367-0538 and ask for a replacement or use online renewal instead.
In-person renewal at a DMV office: when you need to go
You must renew in person at a Virginia DMV office if your license has already expired, if you need a REAL ID, if you have changed your name since your last license, or if you have moved to a new address. Walk-ins are accepted at most offices, but you can also schedule an appointment online through the Virginia DMV website to skip the wait.
Bring your current license (even if it is expired), proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your current Virginia address. Proof of address can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. The renewal fee is $36 for a standard four-year license.
Processing at the office usually takes 15 to 30 minutes. You'll receive a temporary paper license on the spot, valid for 45 days while your permanent license is printed and mailed to you. Your new license arrives within seven to ten business days.
REAL ID renewal: federal requirement, extra documents needed
A REAL ID is a driver's license that meets federal security standards and can be used for domestic air travel and entry to federal buildings. Virginia began issuing REAL IDs in 2009, and if your current license says "REAL ID" on it, you can renew it as a REAL ID. If your license does not have that marking, you can add it during renewal, but you must do so in person at a DMV office.
A REAL ID renewal costs $51 for four years instead of $36. You'll need to bring proof of citizenship (a passport, birth certificate, or naturalization papers), your Social Security number, and proof of Virginia residency. The DMV accepts the same address documents as standard renewal — a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or recent bank statement.
If you are not sure whether your current license is a REAL ID, check the top right corner of the card. A REAL ID has a gold or metallic star in that spot. If you do not see a star and you want one, you must renew in person and bring the citizenship documents listed above.
What happens if your license has already expired
If your license expired more than one year ago, you cannot renew it — you must explore for a new license instead. That requires an in-person visit, a written test, and a road test. If your license expired less than one year ago, you can still renew it by visiting a DMV office in person. Bring your expired license, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your current address.
Driving with an expired license is illegal in Virginia, even if you have submitted a renewal process. Do not drive until your new license arrives. If you were pulled over while your license was expired, you may face a traffic citation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Virginia license before the renewal notice arrives?
Yes. You do not have to wait for the notice. Log into your DMV account online or call 804-367-0538 to check whether you are may be able to access to renew early. Most people can renew up to one year before expiration.
What if I moved to Virginia from another state and my out-of-state license is still valid?
You cannot renew an out-of-state license in Virginia. You must explore for a new Virginia license in person at a DMV office. Bring your out-of-state license, proof of your Social Security number, proof of Virginia residency, and proof of citizenship if you want a REAL ID.
How long does it take to get my new license after I renew?
Your new license arrives by mail within seven to ten business days after the DMV processes your renewal. If you renewed in person, you receive a temporary paper license valid for 45 days while your permanent card is printed.
Can I renew online if I changed my address?
No. If you have moved since your last license was issued, you must renew in person at a DMV office. Bring proof of your new Virginia address, such as a utility bill or lease dated within the last 60 days.
What if I lost my renewal notice before I could mail it?
Call the Virginia DMV at 804-367-0538 and request a replacement notice, or use online renewal instead if you are still may be able to access. You do not need the notice to renew online — you just need your driver's license number and date of birth.