What You Need to Replace Your Virginia Driver's License

To replace a Virginia driver's license at the DMV, you need to visit a DMV office in person with proof of identity, proof of Virginia residency, and your Social Security number. You cannot renew or replace a Virginia license by mail or online — the state requires a new photo and your physical presence. The cost is $24 for a standard license valid for eight years, or $34 for a REAL ID-compliant license valid for ten years.

Virginia offers replacement for three main reasons: your license was lost or stolen, it was damaged and no longer readable, or you want to update your photo or information. The process is the same regardless of reason, though a lost or stolen license requires you to report it to local police first if you want an official report number (this is optional but recommended).

Processing takes about 15 minutes at the DMV office. You will receive a temporary paper license valid for 45 days while your plastic card is mailed to your address on file. The plastic card typically arrives within 7 to 10 business days.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit a Virginia DMV office in person with a valid ID, proof of residency, and your Social Security number to replace your license.
  • A standard replacement license costs $24 and is valid for eight years; a REAL ID replacement costs $34 and is valid for ten years.
  • You will receive a temporary paper license when ready and your plastic card by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
  • If your license was lost or stolen, filing a police report first is optional but creates a record and may help if someone misuses your information.
  • You cannot replace your license online or by mail in Virginia — in-person replacement is the only option.

Documents You Must Bring to the DMV

Virginia requires three categories of documents: proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security number (you can provide it verbally). For proof of identity, bring one document from the primary list: a valid U.S. passport, a valid passport card, a valid military ID, a valid federal employee ID, a valid tribal ID, or a certified birth certificate plus a photo ID issued by a government agency.

For proof of residency, bring one document dated within the last 60 days showing your current Virginia address. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, a lease or mortgage statement, a bank or credit card statement, a property tax bill, an insurance policy, a pay stub, or a government-issued document like a voter registration card or tax return. A piece of mail from a government agency counts. A hotel receipt, a temporary address, or a P.O. box does not.

If you do not have a Social Security number, you can request a replacement license without one, but you will need to bring additional identity documents and complete extra paperwork. Contact your local DMV office before you visit to confirm what you need.

Choosing Between Standard and REAL ID Replacement

Virginia offers two types of replacement licenses: a standard license and a REAL ID-compliant license. The difference matters only if you plan to fly domestically or enter a federal building. Starting May 7, 2025, a standard Virginia driver's license will no longer be accepted as ID for domestic flights or federal facility entry — you will need a REAL ID, a passport, a military ID, or another federal-approved ID.

A standard replacement costs $24 and is valid for eight years. A REAL ID replacement costs $34 and is valid for ten years. Both require the same documents and the same in-person visit. The only additional step for REAL ID is that the DMV will verify your Social Security number with the Social Security Administration, which takes a few extra minutes but happens while you wait.

If you are unsure which to choose, REAL ID is the safer option because it works for both domestic travel and federal buildings and lasts longer. You can also replace with a standard license now and upgrade to REAL ID later, though you would have to visit the DMV again and pay another fee.

What Happens If Your License Was Lost or Stolen

If your Virginia license was lost or stolen, the replacement process is identical to a damaged license — you visit the DMV with your documents and pay the replacement fee. However, filing a police report first is recommended. A police report creates an official record that your license was stolen, which protects you if someone uses it fraudulently and also satisfies some insurance or employer requirements.

To file a report, contact your local police department's non-emergency line or visit their website. You do not need the report number to replace your license at the DMV, but having one is useful to keep for your records. If you discover fraudulent activity on accounts linked to your license number, the police report helps you dispute charges and may speed up identity theft recovery.

Virginia does not charge extra for a replacement due to loss or theft. You pay the standard $24 or $34 fee just as you would for any other replacement.

Where to Go and How to Schedule Your Visit

Virginia has DMV offices in every county and independent city. You can find your nearest office and check its hours on the Virginia DMV website at dmvnow.com. Some offices accept walk-ins, but many now require you to book an appointment online or by phone. Booking an appointment is faster and guarantees you a time slot — walk-in wait times can exceed two hours, especially on Fridays and at the end of the month.

To book online, go to dmvnow.com, select "Schedule an Appointment," choose "Driver License Replacement," and pick your preferred office and time. You can also call the DMV customer service line at 1-866-DMV-LINE (1-866-368-5463). Appointments typically fill up one to two weeks in advance, so plan ahead if you need your replacement quickly.

If you cannot visit during regular business hours, some DMV offices offer evening or Saturday appointments. Check your local office's schedule on the website.

What to Expect During Your DMV Visit

When you arrive at the DMV, bring all your documents and be ready to wait even with an appointment — processing times vary. A staff member will review your documents, verify your information, and ask you to sign a form confirming your address and license details. You will then sit for a new photo. The photo is taken by the DMV camera and cannot be retaken, so dress as you normally would and avoid sunglasses or hats.

After your photo, you will pay the fee ($24 or $34) by cash, check, or card. You will when ready receive a temporary paper license printed on the spot. This temporary license is valid for 45 days and works for driving, flying domestically (if you chose REAL ID), and entering federal buildings. Keep it with you until your plastic card arrives.

Your plastic license card will be mailed to the address on file at the DMV. If you moved recently and updated your address during your visit, the card goes to your new address. If you did not update your address, it goes to your old address. If you are unsure, ask the staff member before you leave.

If Your Address or Name Has Changed

If you moved to a new Virginia address since your last license was issued, update your address during your replacement visit. Tell the staff member your new address before you pay. The DMV will print your new address on your temporary paper license and mail your plastic card to that address.

If you changed your name due to marriage, divorce, or legal name change, you need to bring a certified copy of the document proving the change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). The DMV will update your name on your new license at no extra cost. Without the certified document, the DMV cannot change your name, even if you request it.

If you only need to update your address without replacing your license, you can do so online at dmvnow.com or by mail. A replacement is not required for an address change alone.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I replace my Virginia license if I do not have a Social Security number?

Yes, but you will need to bring additional identity documents and complete extra paperwork. Contact your local DMV office before your visit to find out exactly what you need. The process takes longer, so allow extra time at your appointment.

What if I do not receive my plastic license card within 10 business days?

Contact the Virginia DMV customer service line at 1-866-DMV-LINE (1-866-368-5463) or visit dmvnow.com to report the delay. Your temporary paper license remains valid for 45 days, so you can continue driving and flying during that time. The DMV can investigate whether your card was lost in the mail and reissue it if needed.

Can I replace my license at a DMV office outside my county?

Yes, you can visit any Virginia DMV office regardless of where you live. However, your plastic card will still be mailed to the address on file at the DMV, not to the office you visited. If you need your card mailed to a different address, update it during your visit.

Do I need to take a new written test or driving test to replace my license?

No, a replacement does not require any test. You only need to provide documents, sit for a new photo, and pay the fee. Tests are required only when you first obtain a license or when you renew after your license expires.

What if my temporary paper license gets lost or damaged before my plastic card arrives?

Contact the DMV when ready at 1-866-DMV-LINE (1-866-368-5463). The DMV can issue a replacement temporary license or expedite your plastic card. You may be charged a small fee for a replacement temporary license, but the exact amount varies by office.