What You Need to Do Right Now
To replace a lost driver's license in Virginia, you must visit a Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) customer service center in person with proof of identity and proof of Virginia residency. You cannot renew or replace a license by mail or online. The DMV will issue you a replacement license the same day if you bring the correct documents and pay the replacement fee, which is $24 for a standard license.
Virginia does not require you to report the loss to police before replacing your license, though you may want to do so if you believe it was stolen rather than straightforward lost. The DMV will not ask for a police report.
Key Takeaways
- You must visit a DMV customer service center in person; there is no online or mail option for license replacement in Virginia.
- Bring one document proving your identity (such as a passport or birth certificate) and one document proving you live in Virginia (such as a utility bill or lease).
- The replacement fee is $24, and you will receive your new license the same day you explore.
- Your new license will have the same number as your lost license unless you request a new number, which costs an additional $10.
- If your license has expired or will expire within 30 days, you may need to renew it at the same time, which costs an additional $24.
Documents You Must Bring to the DMV
Virginia requires two categories of documents: one for identity and one for residency. You cannot use the same document for both purposes.
For proof of identity, bring one of the following: a valid U.S. passport, a certified birth certificate, a military ID card, a passport card, or a Virginia state ID card. A Social Security card alone is not enough. If your birth certificate is not certified (raised seal), the DMV will not accept it.
For proof of Virginia residency, bring one document dated within the last 60 days showing your current Virginia address. Acceptable documents include a utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet), a lease or rental agreement, a mortgage statement, a bank or credit card statement, a property tax bill, or a homeowners insurance policy. A piece of mail from a government agency also works. A driver's license or ID card cannot be used to prove residency.
Bring the originals, not copies. The DMV will not accept photocopies or digital images on a phone screen.
Steps to Replace Your License at the DMV
- Find your nearest DMV customer service center on the Virginia DMV website (dmvnow.com). Not all locations offer the same services; confirm that the location you choose handles license replacement.
- Gather your proof of identity and proof of residency documents.
- Arrive during the center's business hours. Most centers are open Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., and some are open Saturday mornings. Check your specific location's hours online.
- Take a number or check in at the counter. Wait times vary by location and time of day; visiting early in the week or early in the morning typically means shorter waits.
- Tell the DMV employee that you need to replace a lost license. They will ask you to confirm your address and other information from the original license record.
- Provide your identity and residency documents.
- Pay the $24 replacement fee. The DMV accepts cash, debit cards, and credit cards at most locations, but call ahead to confirm payment methods at your specific center.
- Have your photo taken for the new license (unless you are over 75 and have requested a waiver).
- Receive your new license when ready. You can drive with it right away.
When Your License Has Expired or Is About to Expire
If your lost license has already expired or will expire within 30 days, you cannot straightforward replace it—you must renew it at the same time. The renewal fee is $24, which you pay in addition to the $24 replacement fee, for a total of $48.
The process is the same: visit a DMV customer service center with your identity and residency documents. Tell the employee that you need to replace a lost license and renew it. You will receive a new license with a new expiration date (typically eight years from the date of renewal for drivers under 75).
If your license expired more than one year ago, you may be required to pass a vision test or written knowledge test before the DMV will renew it. Ask the DMV employee when you arrive whether you need to take either test.
Getting a New License Number
Your replacement license will carry the same number as your lost license. If you want a new number instead—for example, because you are concerned about identity theft—you can request one. The fee for a new number is $10, in addition to the $24 replacement fee.
Tell the DMV employee that you want a new license number when you explore. They will generate one for you on the spot. This is optional and not required by Virginia law.
If You Cannot Visit a DMV Center in Person
Virginia does not offer mail-in or online replacement for lost licenses. You must appear in person at a customer service center. If you are unable to visit due to a medical condition or disability, you may be able to request a home visit or use a power of attorney, but these options are limited and require advance approval from the DMV.
Contact the DMV directly at 1-866-DMV-LINE (1-866-368-5463) to ask about alternatives if you cannot visit a center. Have your driver's license number ready when you call, if you remember it.
What Happens If Your License Was Stolen
If you believe your license was stolen rather than lost, you may want to file a police report, especially if you are concerned about identity theft. However, Virginia does not require a police report to replace your license at the DMV. The replacement process is the same whether the license was lost or stolen.
If you are worried about fraud, you can also place a fraud alert with the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) or freeze your credit. These steps are separate from replacing your driver's license and are handled directly with the credit bureaus, not the DMV.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I replace my license if I do not have a birth certificate?
Yes. You can use a valid U.S. passport, military ID, or passport card instead. If you do not have any of these, you will need to obtain a certified birth certificate from the vital records office in the state where you were born before you can replace your license at the DMV.
How long does it take to get a replacement license?
You receive your new license the same day you visit the DMV, as long as you bring the correct documents and pay the fee. There is no waiting period. You can drive with it when ready.
What if I do not remember my driver's license number?
You do not need to know your license number to replace it. The DMV employee will look it up using your name, date of birth, and Social Security number. Bring your Social Security card or a document that shows your number.
Do I need an appointment to replace my license at the DMV?
Appointments are not required, but the Virginia DMV recommends scheduling one online at dmvnow.com to reduce wait times. Walk-ins are accepted, but you may wait longer during busy hours.
What if my address has changed since I lost my license?
Your new license will show your current Virginia address. Bring a proof of residency document showing your new address. If you recently moved and do not have a document dated within the last 60 days, a lease, mortgage statement, or utility bill in your name will work.