What you need to do to replace a Virginia driver's license
To replace a lost, stolen, or damaged Virginia driver's license, you must visit a DMV customer service center in person with proof of identity and residency. Virginia does not issue replacements by mail or online. The process takes about 15 minutes at the counter, and you'll receive a temporary paper license when ready while your plastic card is mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days.
You cannot use a damaged license as proof of identity to get a replacement — you'll need a different form of ID. If your license was stolen, you do not have to file a police report first, though you may want to for your own records. The replacement fee is $24 for a standard license, paid at the DMV when you submit your process.
Key Takeaways
- You must go to a Virginia DMV customer service center in person with a valid ID and proof of your current address.
- Bring your Social Security number or a document showing it, such as a Social Security card or tax return.
- The replacement fee is $24, and you'll get a temporary paper license on the spot.
- Your new plastic license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days; check the DMV website for your nearest location and current wait times.
Documents you need to bring
Bring one form of valid photo ID — a passport, military ID, or state ID card all work. If you don't have any of those, you can use a combination of non-photo documents such as a birth certificate, Social Security card, or utility bill with your name and address. The DMV staff will tell you on the spot if your combination is acceptable.
You also need proof of your current Virginia address. A utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days works. A piece of mail from a government agency also counts. If you've moved recently and your documents don't match your new address yet, bring a letter from your landlord or a recent utility bill in your name at the new address.
Bring your Social Security number or a document that shows it — your Social Security card, a recent tax return, or a W-2. If you don't have your card and can't find these documents, you can still explore; the DMV will ask you to sign a statement confirming your number, though this may slow the process slightly.
Where to go and how to find wait times
Virginia has 74 DMV customer service centers across the state. You can visit any location, not just the one closest to your address. The DMV website has a full list with addresses and phone numbers at dmvnow.com. Many locations now show real-time wait times online, so you can check before you go.
Walk-ins are accepted at all locations during business hours, which are typically Monday through Friday, 8:15 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturday, 8:15 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. Some locations have extended hours. You can also schedule an appointment online through dmvnow.com, which often reduces your wait time to 15 minutes or less. Appointments fill up quickly during lunch hours and late afternoon, so early morning or mid-week visits tend to move faster.
What happens after you submit your process
The DMV will print a temporary paper license on the spot with your photo and signature. This temporary license is valid for 45 days and works anywhere a regular license does — you can drive, use it as ID at bars or banks, and show it to police. Keep it safe; you'll need it if you're pulled over before your plastic card arrives.
Your new plastic license is mailed to the address you provided on your process within 7 to 10 business days. If you move before it arrives, you can request a replacement at your new address, though you'll pay the $24 fee again. If your card doesn't arrive within two weeks, call the DMV at 1-866-DMV-LINE (1-866-368-5463) to check the status.
If your license was stolen and you're concerned about fraud
A stolen Virginia driver's license can be used to open accounts or make purchases in your name. You don't have to file a police report to get a replacement, but filing one creates an official record that can help if someone uses your license fraudulently. You can file a report online through your local police department's website or in person at a station.
Consider placing a fraud alert with the three major credit bureaus — Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. A fraud alert tells creditors to verify your identity before opening new accounts in your name. You can set one up for free by calling any of the three bureaus; they'll notify the others. A fraud alert lasts one year and can be renewed.
If your license is damaged but still readable
A license with a cracked, faded, or bent card can still be replaced. Bring it with you to the DMV along with your other documents. The staff will take the damaged license and issue a replacement. You do not need to explain how it was damaged.
The process and fee are the same as for a lost or stolen license — $24 at the time of process, a temporary paper license on the spot, and your new plastic card mailed within 7 to 10 business days. If the damage makes your photo unreadable, the DMV may take a new photo during the replacement process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can someone else pick up my replacement license for me?
No. You must pick up your temporary paper license in person at the DMV because you need to sign it. Your plastic card is mailed to you, so no one needs to pick that up. If you cannot go to the DMV yourself, ask the staff about options; some locations may be able to work with you on a case-by-case basis.
What if I don't have a Social Security number?
You can still get a replacement. Bring your passport or other valid ID and proof of address. Tell the DMV staff you don't have a Social Security number. They will issue a license with an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) or another identifier instead. The process is the same, and the fee remains $24.
Do I need to renew my license after I get a replacement?
No. A replacement license has the same expiration date as your original license. You only pay the $24 replacement fee, not a renewal fee. If your license is expiring soon anyway, you can ask the DMV staff whether it makes sense to renew at the same time; they can tell you the combined cost.
What if I lost my license out of state?
You must return to Virginia or visit a Virginia DMV office in another state if one exists. Virginia does not issue replacements by mail or through other states' DMV offices. If you're far from Virginia, you can request an expedited replacement by calling 1-866-DMV-LINE and paying an additional fee, though this still requires you to visit a DMV location eventually to sign and receive your temporary license.
How much does it cost to replace a damaged license?
The replacement fee is $24, the same as for a lost or stolen license. There are no additional charges for damage. If you pay by card, the DMV accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover. Cash and checks are also accepted at most locations.