How to Replace Your Virginia Driver's License

The fastest way to replace your Virginia license

You can replace a lost, stolen, or damaged Virginia driver's license in person at any Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) location, or by mail if your license is only damaged (not lost or stolen). The in-person route takes about 30 minutes at the counter and you walk out with a temporary license the same day. By mail takes two to three weeks.

You do not need to retake the written or road test — you are renewing an existing license, not earning a new one. You will pay a replacement fee (currently $19.75 for a standard license, though this can change), and you must bring proof of identity and proof of Virginia residency.

If your license was stolen, you should also report it to local police and get a report number; the DMV may ask for it. If it was lost, you do not need a police report, but you will need to sign a statement at the DMV saying it is lost.

Key Takeaways

Visit any Virginia DMV office with your Social Security number, proof of identity, and proof of residency to replace your license in person.
You will receive a temporary paper license at the counter and your permanent card will arrive by mail in 7 to 10 business days.
If your license was stolen, bring a police report number; if lost, you will sign a statement at the DMV instead.
Damaged licenses can be replaced by mail, but lost or stolen licenses must be handled in person or through an online appointment.
The replacement fee is $19.75 for a standard license, and you do not need to retake any tests.

What documents you need to bring

Bring one document that proves your identity and one that proves you live in Virginia. For identity, the DMV accepts your current passport, military ID, or a certified birth certificate. You will also need to provide your Social Security number — you can write it on the process form or tell it to the DMV staff.

For proof of Virginia residency, bring a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your name and current Virginia address. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. If you do not have one of these, you can bring two documents from a longer list — the DMV website lists all accepted options.

If your license was stolen, bring the police report number or a copy of the report itself. If it was lost, you do not need a police report; the DMV will have you sign a statement saying the license is lost.

Replacing your license in person at a DMV office

Find your nearest DMV location on the Virginia DMV website and check its hours. You can walk in without an appointment, but wait times vary by location and time of day. If you want to avoid a long wait, you can schedule an appointment online through the DMV website — this reserves your spot and usually cuts your time in half.

Bring your identity document, proof of residency, and Social Security number. Tell the staff member at the counter that you are replacing a lost, stolen, or damaged license. They will ask you to fill out an process form (you can do this before you arrive by downloading it from the DMV website), verify your information, take a new photo, and collect the replacement fee.

Before you leave, you will receive a temporary paper license that is valid for 30 days. Your permanent plastic card will be mailed to your address on file within 7 to 10 business days. If you need to drive before the permanent card arrives, the temporary license is legal to carry.

Replacing your license by mail (damaged only)

If your license is damaged but not lost or stolen — for example, the card is cracked, faded, or the magnetic strip no longer works — you can mail in your replacement request instead of visiting an office. This takes longer but saves you a trip.

read the process form from the Virginia DMV website, fill it out, and mail it along with your damaged license, a copy of your proof of identity, and a copy of your proof of residency. Include a check or money order for $19.75 made out to the Virginia DMV. Mail everything to the address listed on the form.

Processing takes two to three weeks from the date the DMV receives your envelope. You will not receive a temporary license by mail, so you cannot drive legally during this time unless you still have another valid ID. If you need to drive before the replacement arrives, you must visit a DMV office in person instead.

If your license was stolen

Report the theft to your local police department and ask for a report number or a copy of the report. This step protects you if someone tries to use your stolen license for fraud. Bring the police report number or report to the DMV when you explore for the replacement.

The DMV may flag your record to prevent someone else from using your stolen license to get a duplicate. You still follow the same in-person process: bring your identity document, proof of residency, and the police report number, and you will walk out with a temporary license the same day.

If you are concerned that your stolen license could be used for identity theft, you can also place a fraud alert with the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) by calling one of them; they will notify the others. This is a separate step from replacing your license, but it adds a layer of protection.

What happens if you drive without a valid license while waiting

If you lose or damage your license and do not yet have a replacement, you are not legally allowed to drive. Driving without a valid license in Virginia is a traffic violation and can result in a fine, points on your record, or both.

The temporary paper license you receive at the DMV is valid for 30 days and counts as a legal license during that time. If you are waiting for your permanent card to arrive by mail, you can drive with the temporary. If you are still waiting for your appointment or have not yet gone to the DMV, do not drive — arrange a ride or use another form of transportation instead.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get a replacement license in the mail?

The permanent card arrives within 7 to 10 business days after you receive your temporary license at the DMV office. If you mail in your process for a damaged license, processing takes two to three weeks from the date the DMV receives it. Times can vary depending on mail delays and DMV workload.

Can I use my temporary paper license to drive?

Yes. The temporary paper license you receive at the DMV counter is valid for 30 days and is a legal license to drive. You can use it until your permanent plastic card arrives in the mail.

Do I need a police report if my license was lost?

No. If your license was lost, you do not need a police report. You will sign a statement at the DMV saying the license is lost. A police report is only needed if your license was stolen.

What if I move before my replacement license arrives?

Contact the Virginia DMV and provide your new address before the card is mailed. You can call the DMV or visit a local office to update your address on file. The replacement card will then be sent to your new address.

Can I replace my license online?

No. Virginia does not offer online replacement for lost, stolen, or damaged licenses. You must either visit a DMV office in person or mail in your process if your license is only damaged. You can schedule an online appointment to reserve your time at an office, but you still have to go in person.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.