How to Renew Your Virginia Driver's License

Renewing Your Virginia Driver's License: The Basic Path

Virginia allows you to renew your driver's license online, by mail, or in person at a DMV office. Most people renew online through the Virginia DMV website, which takes about 10 minutes and costs $36 for a four-year license. You can renew online if your license is not expired, you have not had it suspended or revoked, and you have not changed your name or address since your last renewal. If any of those conditions do not explore to you, you must renew in person.

Your renewal notice arrives in the mail about 60 days before your license expires. The notice includes your renewal code, which you will need to start an online renewal. If you do not have the notice, you can still renew online by entering your driver's license number and date of birth. Virginia sends your new license by mail within 7 to 10 business days of approval.

Key Takeaways

Online renewal through the Virginia DMV website costs $36 for a four-year license and takes about 10 minutes, with your new card arriving in 7 to 10 business days.
You can only renew online if your license is not expired, has not been suspended or revoked, and your name and address have not changed since your last renewal.
If you need to renew before your license expires, you must do so in person at a DMV office with your current license and proof of Virginia residency.
Mail renewal is available but slower than online; you must send your current license, a completed process, and payment to the DMV address listed on your renewal notice.
In-person renewal at a DMV office requires your current license, proof of residency, and payment, and takes about 30 minutes.

Online Renewal: The Fastest Option

To renew online, go to dmvnow.com, the official Virginia DMV website. Click "Renew a Driver's License" and enter your driver's license number, date of birth, and the renewal code from your notice (if you have it). If you do not have your renewal notice, you can still proceed by answering security questions to verify your identity.

Review your personal information on the screen. If your name, address, or date of birth is incorrect, you cannot complete the renewal online — you must go to a DMV office instead. If everything is correct, pay the $36 fee with a credit or debit card. You will receive a confirmation number by email. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days.

Online renewal is only available if your license has not expired. If your license expired more than one year ago, you must renew in person and may need to retake the written test and vision test.

In-Person Renewal at a DMV Office

Visit a DMV office if your license has expired, you cannot renew online, or you prefer to walk out with a temporary license the same day. Bring your current driver's license, one document proving your Virginia residency (such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days), and payment of $36. You do not need an appointment, but wait times vary by location and time of day.

At the office, you will have your photo taken and your vision checked. The DMV will issue you a temporary paper license valid for 45 days while your permanent card is mailed. Your new license arrives within 7 to 10 business days. If your current license is expired by more than one year, you may be required to retake the written knowledge test and vision test before renewal is approved.

To find the DMV office nearest you, use the office locator on dmvnow.com. Some offices have longer waits than others, and some offer express renewal for certain transactions. Call ahead to confirm hours and current wait times.

Mail Renewal: When You Cannot Go In Person

You can renew by mail if your license is not expired and you meet the online renewal requirements. Your renewal notice includes a postage-paid envelope and instructions. Fill out the process form (DL 43) that came with your notice, sign it, and mail it with your current license and a check or money order for $36 to the address on the envelope.

Mail renewal takes longer than online or in-person renewal. The DMV typically processes mail renewals within 2 to 3 weeks of receipt, and your new license arrives another 7 to 10 business days after that. During this time, your current license remains valid. If you need your license sooner, use online or in-person renewal instead.

Do not send cash by mail. Pay only by check or money order made out to the Virginia DMV. Keep a copy of your process and the tracking number from the envelope in case your renewal is delayed or lost.

What to Do If Your License Has Expired

If your license expired less than one year ago, you can renew online or by mail using the same process as a standard renewal. If your license expired more than one year ago, you must renew in person at a DMV office. You will need to retake the written knowledge test and the vision test before your renewal is approved.

Bring your expired license, one document proving Virginia residency, and $36 to a DMV office. You will also need to bring your Social Security card or a document showing your Social Security number. The DMV will administer the written test (which covers Virginia traffic laws) and the vision test. If you pass both, your renewal is approved and you receive a temporary paper license on the spot.

If you have not renewed in more than five years, the DMV may require you to update your address, phone number, or emergency contact information before processing your renewal.

Fees and Payment Methods

A four-year driver's license renewal in Virginia costs $36. This is the standard fee for all renewal methods — online, mail, and in person. Payment methods vary by renewal method:

Online: Credit card or debit card only.
In person: Cash, check, debit card, or credit card.
Mail: Check or money order only (no cash).

If you renew in person and receive a temporary paper license, there is no additional fee. The $36 covers both the temporary license and the permanent card mailed to you later.

Common Mistakes and What to Avoid

Do not attempt to renew online if your name or address has changed since your last renewal. The DMV will reject your process, and you will have to start over in person. Update your address or name at a DMV office before renewing, or do both at the same time during an in-person visit.

Do not wait until your license expires to renew. You can renew up to one year before expiration, and doing so early avoids the risk of driving on an expired license. If you are caught driving with an expired license, you can be cited and fined.

Do not send your original documents by mail unless you are mailing your current license as part of a mail renewal. If you are renewing in person, bring originals; do not send copies ahead of time. Do not send cash by mail under any circumstances — use a check or money order instead.

Do not assume your renewal notice contains your renewal code if it is damaged or illegible. You can still renew online by answering security questions, or you can renew in person or by mail without the code.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Virginia license before it expires?

Yes. You can renew online or by mail up to one year before your license expires. In-person renewal is also available before expiration. Renewing early gives you time to receive your new license by mail before your current one expires, so you never have a gap in valid identification.

What if I moved to a different address since my last renewal?

You cannot renew online if your address has changed. You must renew in person at a DMV office and bring proof of your new Virginia address (such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days). The DMV will update your address and issue your new license with the correct information.

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

If you renew online or by mail, your new license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days of approval. If you renew in person, you receive a temporary paper license when ready, valid for 45 days, and your permanent card arrives within 7 to 10 business days.

What if my renewal notice got lost or damaged?

You do not need your renewal notice to renew online. Go to dmvnow.com, enter your driver's license number and date of birth, and answer security questions to verify your identity. You can also renew in person or by mail without the notice.

Can I renew if my license was suspended or revoked?

No. You cannot renew online, by mail, or in person if your license is under suspension or revocation. You must first resolve the suspension or revocation with the Virginia DMV. Contact the DMV directly to find out why your license was suspended and what steps you need to take to restore it before you can renew.

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.