What you need to do to replace a lost Virginia driver's license
To replace a lost Virginia driver's license, you must visit a DMV customer service center in person with proof of identity and residency, pay the replacement fee, and have a new photo taken. Virginia does not allow you to replace a lost license by mail or online — you must appear at a DMV office. The process takes about 30 minutes on average, and you will receive a temporary paper license on the spot that is valid for 45 days while your permanent card is printed and mailed to you.
You cannot drive legally without a valid license or the temporary paper license the DMV issues. If you have already been stopped or cited for driving without a license, the temporary document does not erase that violation, but it does prevent further citations from the point of issuance forward.
Key Takeaways
- You must visit a DMV customer service center in person with a government-issued ID and proof of your current Virginia address.
- The replacement fee is $24 for a standard license, and you will receive a temporary paper license valid for 45 days while your permanent card is mailed.
- Bring your Social Security number or a document showing it, because the DMV will verify it during the replacement process.
- Your new permanent license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days in most cases, though processing can take longer during peak periods.
- If your license was stolen, you may want to report the theft to local police and request a new license number to prevent identity fraud.
Documents and ID you must bring to the DMV
Bring one government-issued photo ID such as a passport, military ID, or out-of-state driver's license. If you do not have a government-issued photo ID, you can bring two non-photo government documents instead, such as a birth certificate and a Social Security card. The DMV will not accept expired IDs, so check the expiration date before you go.
You also need proof of your current Virginia address. Acceptable documents include a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement showing your name and address. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. A piece of mail from a government agency, such as a tax notice or voter registration card, also works. Post office mail forwarding notices do not count as proof of address.
Bring your Social Security number written down or a document that shows it, such as a Social Security card or tax return. If you do not have your Social Security number, you will need to contact the Social Security Administration before visiting the DMV, because the DMV cannot issue a license without it.
The step-by-step process at the DMV
First, visit the DMV website at dmv.virginia.gov and check the wait times at customer service centers near you. Some locations have shorter waits than others, and you can use this information to choose the best time to visit. You do not need an appointment to replace a lost license, but you can schedule one online if you prefer.
When you arrive at the DMV, take a number at the front desk and wait to be called. Tell the representative that you are replacing a lost license. Hand over your documents — your ID, proof of address, and Social Security information. The representative will verify your information in the DMV system and ask you to confirm your current address and any other details on file.
Next, you will have a new photo taken. Wear something you are comfortable being photographed in, and follow the DMV's photo rules: no sunglasses, no hats (unless for religious reasons), and a plain background behind you. The photo will be taken by a DMV camera, and you cannot bring your own photo.
After your photo is taken, you will pay the $24 replacement fee. The DMV accepts cash, debit, and credit cards at most locations, but call ahead to confirm payment methods at your specific office. You will then receive a temporary paper license printed on the spot. This temporary license is valid for 45 days and allows you to drive legally while your permanent card is being printed.
How long it takes to receive your new permanent license
Your permanent plastic license card will be mailed to the address you provided at the DMV. In most cases, it arrives within 7 to 10 business days. During busy periods — such as summer or after a holiday — processing can take up to two weeks. The DMV does not send tracking information, so you cannot check the status of your card online.
If your permanent license does not arrive within three weeks, contact the DMV at 1-888-337-1030 to report it. Have your temporary paper license number ready when you call. The DMV can reissue your license if it was lost in the mail, though this may take another week or more.
Your temporary paper license remains valid until your permanent card arrives, even if the 45-day period expires while you are waiting. Once your permanent card arrives, the temporary license is no longer valid and should be discarded.
What to do if your license was stolen
If your license was stolen rather than straightforward lost, consider reporting the theft to your local police department. You do not need a police report to replace your license at the DMV, but a report creates a record in case someone tries to use your stolen license for fraud or identity theft. Some police departments allow you to file a report online, while others require you to visit in person.
When you replace your license at the DMV, you can request a new license number instead of keeping your old one. This is optional but recommended if you are concerned about identity theft. Tell the DMV representative that you want a new number, and they will issue one during the replacement process. Your old number will be deactivated once your new license is issued.
If you discover that someone has used your stolen license to get a ticket, open an account, or commit fraud, contact the Virginia State Police at 1-800-552-0962 to report identity theft. They can help you file a report and take steps to protect your identity.
DMV locations and hours in Virginia
Virginia has customer service centers in most cities and towns. To find the one nearest you, visit dmv.virginia.gov and use the location finder tool. You can search by city, zip code, or county. The website shows the address, phone number, hours of operation, and current wait time for each location.
Most DMV customer service centers are open Monday through Friday from 8:15 a.m. to 5 p.m., and some locations have Saturday hours from 8:15 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. Hours vary by location, so check your specific office before you go. Some rural locations have limited hours or are only open certain days of the week.
If you cannot visit during regular hours, some DMV offices offer evening appointments on certain days. Call the location directly to ask whether evening appointments are available and how to schedule one.
What happens if you drive without a valid license
Driving without a valid license in Virginia is a traffic violation. If you are stopped by police and cannot show a valid license or the temporary paper license the DMV issued, you can be cited and fined. The fine ranges from $100 to $500 depending on whether it is your first offense. A second offense within a year carries a higher fine and possible jail time.
If you have a temporary paper license, show it to the officer if you are stopped. It is a valid license for the 45-day period, and you should not be cited if you can produce it. Keep it in your wallet or vehicle at all times while it is valid.
If your permanent license arrives before the 45-day temporary period ends, you can start using it when ready. The temporary license is no longer needed once you have the permanent card.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I replace my lost license online or by mail?
No. Virginia requires you to appear in person at a DMV customer service center to replace a lost license. You must have a new photo taken and provide original documents. There is no online or mail-in option for license replacement.
What if I do not have a government-issued photo ID?
You can bring two non-photo government documents instead, such as a birth certificate and a Social Security card. The DMV will accept this combination in place of a single photo ID. Both documents must be original or certified copies.
Can I use my temporary paper license to drive out of state?
Your temporary paper license is valid only in Virginia. If you need to drive out of state before your permanent license arrives, you will need to carry your temporary license plus your original documents to prove your identity. Some states may not recognize the temporary license, so contact the other state's DMV if you are unsure.
What if my address has changed since I got my last license?
Bring proof of your new address to the DMV when you replace your lost license. The DMV will update your address in the system during the replacement process. Your new permanent license will be mailed to the new address you provide.
How much does it cost to replace a lost Virginia driver's license?
The replacement fee is $24. This fee covers the cost of the new plastic card and the temporary paper license. The DMV accepts cash, debit, and credit cards at most locations.