How to Renew Your Virginia Driver's License

Virginia License Renewal: What You Need to Know

Virginia lets you renew your driver's license online, by mail, or in person at a DMV office — and which method you use depends on how much time you have and whether your license has expired. If your license is still valid, you can renew online or by mail without visiting an office. If it has already expired, you must renew in person. Virginia licenses last five years, so you will receive a renewal notice in the mail about 60 days before your expiration date.

The easiest path for most people is online renewal through the Virginia DMV website, which takes about 10 minutes and costs $40. You will need your current license number, Social Security number, and a valid payment method. If you prefer not to go online, mail renewal takes about two weeks and costs the same amount. In-person renewal at a DMV office is fastest if you need your new license the same day, but you will need to schedule an appointment and bring original documents.

Key Takeaways

Virginia driver's licenses are valid for five years, and you can renew online, by mail, or in person depending on whether your license is still valid.
Online renewal through the Virginia DMV website is the fastest option and costs $40; you need your license number, Social Security number, and a payment method.
Mail renewal takes about two weeks and costs $40, but you must send your current license to the DMV and wait for your new one to arrive.
In-person renewal at a DMV office requires an appointment, original documents, and a $40 fee, but you can walk out with your new license the same day if you pass the vision test.
If your license has already expired, you cannot renew online or by mail — you must renew in person at a DMV office.

Online Renewal Through the Virginia DMV Website

Online renewal is available if your license has not expired and you meet Virginia's requirements. You will go to the Virginia DMV website, select "Renew Your License," and enter your license number and Social Security number. The system will pull up your record and ask you to confirm your address and other information. You can update your address during this step if you have moved.

After you confirm your information, you will pay the $40 renewal fee with a credit or debit card. Virginia will mail your new license to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days. You can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives. If you need to change your name, add a Real ID endorsement, or correct other details beyond your address, you cannot do it online — you will need to renew in person instead.

Mail Renewal: Sending Your License by Post

Mail renewal works the same way as online renewal in terms of what Virginia accepts, but the process takes longer. You will print the renewal form from the Virginia DMV website (Form DL-43), fill it out by hand, and mail it along with your current driver's license and a check or money order for $40 to the address listed on the form. Do not use a credit card for mail renewal — Virginia only accepts checks or money orders by post.

The entire process typically takes two to three weeks from the time Virginia receives your envelope. Your new license will be mailed back to you, and you can drive on your current license until it arrives. Keep a copy of the form you sent and the envelope receipt in case your mail gets lost. If you do not receive your new license within four weeks, contact the Virginia DMV to check the status of your renewal.

In-Person Renewal at a DMV Office

In-person renewal is required if your license has expired, and it is also the fastest option if you need your new license right away. You must schedule an appointment through the Virginia DMV website before you go to an office — walk-ins are not accepted. When you arrive, bring your current driver's license, proof of your Social Security number (such as a Social Security card or W-2), and proof of your current address (such as a utility bill or lease).

At the office, a DMV employee will take a new photo, check your vision, and process your renewal. The vision test is the same one you took when you first got your license — you must be able to read the chart from a certain distance. If you fail the vision test, you will not be able to renew that day and will need to see an eye doctor first. If you pass, you will pay the $40 fee and receive your new license before you leave.

What Happens If Your License Has Already Expired

Once your Virginia license expires, you cannot renew it online or by mail. You must go to a DMV office in person. The renewal process is the same as described above — you will need an appointment, your expired license, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your address. You will still pay the $40 renewal fee.

Driving on an expired license is illegal in Virginia, even if you have already scheduled a renewal appointment. If you are stopped by police, you can show them your appointment confirmation, but you may still receive a ticket. The safest approach is to renew before your license expires, using online or mail renewal if your license is still valid.

Real ID and Other License Changes During Renewal

Virginia offers a Real ID-compliant driver's license, which you will need to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building after May 7, 2025. If you want to add the Real ID star to your license during renewal, you cannot do it online or by mail — you must renew in person at a DMV office. Bring your current license, proof of your Social Security number, proof of your address, and one additional document that proves your identity (such as a passport or birth certificate).

If you want to change your name, correct your date of birth, or update other information beyond your address, you also must renew in person. Bring the same documents as above, plus any court documents or vital records that support the change (such as a marriage certificate for a name change). These changes take longer than a standard renewal, so plan for extra time at the office.

Fees and Payment Methods

Virginia charges $40 to renew a standard driver's license for five years. This fee is the same whether you renew online, by mail, or in person. Online renewal accepts credit and debit cards. Mail renewal accepts checks and money orders only — do not send cash. In-person renewal accepts cash, checks, debit cards, and credit cards.

If you are renewing a commercial driver's license (CDL), the fee is higher and varies depending on the type of CDL. Check the Virginia DMV website for current CDL renewal fees. If you are a military member or veteran, you may be able to renew at a military installation instead of a civilian DMV office — contact your base or post for details.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Virginia license if I just moved to another state?

No. You must renew your Virginia license while it is still valid, and you must be a Virginia resident to hold a Virginia license. If you have moved out of state, you should get a license from your new state instead. If you still live in Virginia but have moved to a new address, you can update your address during online or mail renewal.

What if I lost my driver's license and need to renew it?

If your license is lost but not expired, you can renew online or by mail using your license number and Social Security number — you do not need the physical card. If your license is expired and lost, you must go to a DMV office in person and bring proof of your identity and address instead of your license.

How long does my new license take to arrive if I renew by mail?

Mail renewal typically takes two to three weeks from the time the Virginia DMV receives your envelope. Online renewal is faster — your new license arrives within 7 to 10 business days. In-person renewal is the fastest option; you receive your new license the same day if you pass the vision test.

Do I need an appointment to renew my license in person?

Yes. Virginia requires all in-person visits to DMV offices to be scheduled in advance through the Virginia DMV website. Walk-ins are not accepted. You can schedule an appointment up to 30 days in advance, and appointments are usually available within a few days.

What if I fail the vision test at the DMV?

If you fail the vision test, you cannot renew your license that day. You will need to see an eye doctor, get a corrective lens prescription if needed, and then schedule a new appointment to return to the DMV. Bring your eye doctor's statement or prescription when you come back.

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.