Virginia driver licenses renew every eight years, and you can renew in person at a DMV office or online if you meet certain conditions

Virginia's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) handles all license renewals. Your license expires on your birthday in the year listed on the card itself. You have a grace period of up to one year after expiration to renew without penalty, but driving on an expired license is not legal — you should renew before the expiration date.

The easiest route for most people is the online renewal system at dmvnow.com, which takes about 10 minutes and costs $36. If you cannot renew online, you will need to visit a DMV office in person. The in-person process takes longer but handles situations the online system cannot, such as name changes or address corrections that require document verification.

Key Takeaways

  • Virginia licenses expire every eight years on your birthday, and you can renew up to one year after expiration without additional fees.
  • Online renewal through dmvnow.com is available if your license is not suspended, you have not had a major address change, and your current address matches DMV records.
  • In-person renewal at a DMV office is required if you need to update your name, address, or other personal information, or if you have had a suspension or restriction.
  • You will need your current Virginia driver license and a valid payment method (credit or debit card for online; cash, check, or card for in-person).
  • Processing times vary: online renewals are when ready, while in-person renewals typically take 10 to 15 minutes at the office, though wait times depend on location and time of day.

Renewing online through dmvnow.com

Online renewal is the fastest option if you are may be able to access. You can renew online if your Virginia license is currently valid or expired no more than one year ago, you have no active suspensions or restrictions, your address has not changed significantly, and your address in the DMV system matches your current residence. You will need your current license number and a valid credit or debit card.

Go to dmvnow.com, select "Renew Your Driver License," and follow the prompts. You will confirm your personal information, review the vision and medical requirements, and pay the $36 renewal fee. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days. You can continue driving on your current license until the new one arrives.

If the system tells you that you are not may be able to access for online renewal, it will explain why — usually because of a suspension, a recent address change, or a mismatch between your address on file and your actual residence. In those cases, you must visit a DMV office.

Renewing in person at a DMV office

In-person renewal is required if you have a suspension or restriction on your record, if you need to change your name or address, if your vision or medical status has changed, or if the online system flagged you as ineligible. Bring your current Virginia driver license, proof of your current address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days), and a valid payment method.

Visit any Virginia DMV office during business hours. Most offices are open Monday through Friday, 8:15 a.m. to 5 p.m., and some offer Saturday hours. You can find your nearest office and check current wait times at dmvnow.com. Walk-ins are accepted, but you can also schedule an appointment online to reduce wait time. The renewal itself takes 10 to 15 minutes once you reach the counter.

Pay the $36 renewal fee with cash, check, or card. You will receive a temporary paper license valid for 45 days while your new license is mailed. The permanent license arrives within 7 to 10 business days.

What happens if your license has expired more than one year ago

If your license expired more than one year ago, you cannot use the online renewal system. You must renew in person at a DMV office. Bring your expired license, proof of current address, and payment. The process is the same as a standard in-person renewal, and the fee remains $36.

Driving on a license expired more than one year is a traffic violation. If you are stopped, you may face a fine. Renew as soon as you can to avoid legal complications and to may support your driving record is current.

Renewing if you have had a name change

If you have changed your name since your last license was issued — through marriage, divorce, court order, or other legal means — you must renew in person and bring proof of the name change. Acceptable documents include a marriage certificate, divorce decree, court order, or updated birth certificate. You cannot handle a name change through online renewal.

Visit a DMV office with your current license, proof of your name change, proof of your current address, and payment. The staff will update your record and issue a new license with your current name. The fee is still $36, and you will receive a temporary paper license and a permanent one by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

Documents and fees you will need

For online renewal, you need only your current license number and a credit or debit card. The fee is $36.

For in-person renewal, bring your current Virginia driver license, proof of your current address (utility bill, lease, bank statement, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days), and a valid payment method (cash, check, or card). If you are changing your name, also bring proof of the name change. The fee is $36 regardless of whether you renew online or in person.

If you have lost your license or it has been damaged, you will need to replace it rather than renew it. Replacement costs $20 and requires an in-person visit to a DMV office.

What to expect after you renew

If you renewed online, your new license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. You can continue driving on your current license until it arrives. Once the new license arrives, destroy your old one or keep it for your records — Virginia does not require you to return it.

If you renewed in person, you will receive a temporary paper license valid for 45 days. This temporary license has the same legal standing as a plastic license and can be used for driving, identification, and travel. Your permanent plastic license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. Once it arrives, the temporary license is no longer valid.

Your new license will be valid for eight years from the date of renewal. Mark your calendar for eight years ahead so you remember to renew before the expiration date.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Virginia license if I live out of state?

If you still hold a Virginia license and live out of state, you can renew online through dmvnow.com as long as you meet the other may be able to access requirements (no suspensions, current address on file matches your residence). If you have moved permanently and changed your address in the DMV system, you may no longer be may be able to access for online renewal and should contact the Virginia DMV to discuss your options.

What if I renew online but then realize I made a mistake on my process?

Contact the Virginia DMV before your new license is mailed. Call the customer service line or visit a DMV office to report the error. If the license has already been mailed, you can request a replacement for $20 once you receive it, or visit an office to correct the record when ready.

Do I need a new photo when I renew?

For online renewal, your photo from your current license is used. For in-person renewal, the DMV will take a new photo. If you prefer a new photo during online renewal, you must renew in person instead.

Can I renew my license if I have an outstanding traffic ticket or fine?

An unpaid traffic fine may result in a suspension on your license. If your license is suspended, you cannot renew online and must visit a DMV office. Resolve the suspension first by paying the fine or contacting the court, then renew your license.

How do I know if my address in the DMV system is correct before I try to renew online?

Log into your DMV account at dmvnow.com and check your driver record. Your address will be displayed there. If it does not match your current residence, update it before attempting online renewal, or renew in person with proof of your current address.