What You Need to Do to Replace Your Virginia License
To replace a lost, stolen, or damaged Virginia driver's license, you will visit a Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) location in person, bring proof of identity and residency, pay a replacement fee, and have a new photo taken. The process takes about 30 minutes at the counter. Your replacement license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days; you cannot get it the same day.
Virginia does not issue temporary paper licenses while you wait, so plan ahead if you need to drive before your new card arrives. If your license was stolen, you should also file a report with local police — not because the DMV requires it, but because a stolen license can be used for identity fraud.
Key Takeaways
- You must go to a DMV office in person; there is no online or mail-in replacement option for a lost, stolen, or damaged license.
- Bring a valid passport, military ID, or birth certificate plus a utility bill or lease showing your current Virginia address.
- The replacement fee is $20 for a standard license and $30 for a REAL ID-compliant license, paid at the time of your visit.
- Your new license will be mailed to your address on file and typically arrives within 7 to 10 business days.
- If your license was stolen, file a police report to protect yourself from identity theft, even though the DMV does not require it.
Documents You Must Bring to the DMV
Virginia requires two things: proof of your identity and proof of your current address. For identity, bring one of these: a valid U.S. passport, a military ID, a birth certificate, or a Social Security card. If you bring a birth certificate or Social Security card alone, you will also need a second form of ID — a school ID, employee badge, or credit card with your name on it.
For proof of address, bring a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement showing your name and current Virginia address. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. A driver's license renewal notice from the DMV also counts. If you have moved since your license was issued and have not updated your address with the DMV, bring the document that shows your new address.
Do not rely on a cell phone bill or credit card statement alone — the DMV is strict about what counts as proof of residency. Call your local DMV office ahead of time if you are unsure whether your documents will work.
Where to Go and How to Schedule Your Visit
Virginia has 74 DMV customer service centers across the state. You can find the one nearest you and check its hours on the Virginia DMV website. Most offices are open Monday through Friday, with limited Saturday hours at some locations. A few offices are open on certain evenings.
You do not need an appointment to replace a license, but you can schedule one online to skip the walk-in line. Scheduling ahead is worth doing, especially if you live near a busy urban DMV office. If you walk in without an appointment, arrive early in the day — wait times are longest in the afternoon.
Some DMV offices are busier than others. If you live near multiple offices, calling ahead to ask about current wait times can save you an hour or more.
The Replacement Fee and License Type
A standard Virginia driver's license replacement costs $20. If you want a REAL ID-compliant license — which is required to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building after May 7, 2025 — the fee is $30. You pay at the time of your visit, and the DMV accepts cash, debit, and credit cards.
If your license was damaged but not lost or stolen, you still pay the full replacement fee. There is no discount for damage caused by the DMV or for licenses that expired while you were waiting for a replacement.
Your current license type (Class D for regular driving, Class A or B for commercial driving) does not change during replacement. You will receive the same class of license you held before, with the same restrictions or endorsements.
What Happens During Your Visit
When you arrive at the DMV, you will check in at the front desk and give your documents to a staff member. They will verify your identity and address, ask you to confirm your current address and any other information on file, and then direct you to have your photo taken. The photo process takes a few minutes — you will stand in front of a camera, and the DMV will take a new headshot for your replacement license.
After your photo is taken, you will pay the replacement fee and receive a receipt. The receipt shows your transaction number and the expected delivery date of your new license. Keep it in case you need to track your license or contact the DMV about a delay.
The entire process from check-in to payment usually takes 20 to 30 minutes, depending on how busy the office is.
When Your New License Arrives and What to Do If It Does Not
Your replacement license will be mailed to the address you provided at the DMV. Standard delivery takes 7 to 10 business days from the date of your visit. If you moved or the address on file is incorrect, your license will go to the old address — so update your address with the DMV before you request a replacement if you have recently moved.
If your license does not arrive within 10 business days, contact the DMV using the transaction number on your receipt. You can call the DMV customer service line or visit the website to check the status of your replacement. If your license was lost in the mail, the DMV can issue a new one, though you may have to pay another replacement fee.
While you wait for your replacement, you cannot legally drive using an expired or missing license. If you are stopped by police, you will be cited. If you need to drive before your new license arrives, ask a family member or friend to drive, or use a rideshare service.
If Your License Was Stolen: Filing a Police Report
If your license was stolen rather than lost or damaged, file a report with your local police department. You can do this in person or, in many Virginia jurisdictions, online through the police department's website. The police report creates an official record that your license was stolen, which protects you if someone tries to use it for fraud or identity theft.
You do not need the police report to get a replacement from the DMV, but it is important for your own protection. Keep a copy of the report for your records. If you notice fraudulent activity on your credit report or receive bills for things you did not buy, the police report will help you dispute those charges.
Some police departments allow you to file a report online without visiting an office. Check your local police department's website to see what options are available in your area.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a temporary license while I wait for my replacement?
No. Virginia does not issue temporary paper licenses or digital licenses. You will have to wait for your replacement to arrive by mail. If you need to drive before it arrives, someone else must drive you, or you can use a rideshare service.
What if I moved since my license was issued?
Bring proof of your new address to the DMV. Your replacement license will be mailed to the address you provide during your visit. If you do not update your address, your new license will go to your old address and you will not receive it.
Do I have to get a REAL ID license, or can I keep a standard license?
You can choose. A standard license costs $20 and works for driving. A REAL ID license costs $30 and is required to board domestic flights or enter federal buildings after May 7, 2025. If you fly or visit federal buildings, REAL ID is worth the extra $10.
What if my replacement license arrives damaged or with the wrong information?
Contact the DMV with your transaction number and explain the problem. The DMV will issue a corrected replacement at no additional charge if the error was made by the DMV. If the damage happened after you received it, you will pay another replacement fee.
Can someone else pick up my replacement license for me?
No. Your replacement license is mailed directly to your address on file. You cannot have it sent to someone else's address or pick it up at a DMV office. Make sure the address you provide is one where you will receive mail.