How to Replace a Lost Virginia Driver's License

What to do when ready after losing your Virginia driver's license

If your Virginia driver's license is lost, you need to report it to the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and request a replacement. You can do this in person at a DMV office, by mail, or online through the Virginia DMV website. The fastest route is online or in person, which takes a few minutes; by mail takes one to two weeks.

Before you go anywhere, decide whether you need a Real ID-compliant license. If your license was issued before 2017, it may not meet federal Real ID standards required for domestic air travel and entry to federal buildings after May 7, 2025. A replacement is a good time to upgrade to Real ID if you haven't already, though it requires extra documents and costs more.

You do not need to report the loss to police unless you suspect fraud or identity theft. If someone uses your lost license to get credit or commit a crime, you will want a police report on file, but the DMV replacement itself does not require one.

Key Takeaways

Report your lost license to the Virginia DMV online, by mail, or in person; online and in-person replacements are fastest.
A standard replacement costs around $20 and takes a few minutes in person or one to two weeks by mail.
Upgrading to a Real ID-compliant license at the same time requires a birth certificate, proof of address, and Social Security verification, and costs more.
You will need to show your Social Security number and answer security questions to confirm your identity before the DMV issues a replacement.
If you suspect fraud or identity theft, file a police report and consider placing a fraud alert with the credit bureaus.

Replacing your license online through the Virginia DMV website

The Virginia DMV allows you to request a replacement license online if your license was not suspended or revoked and you have not had more than one replacement in the past five years. Go to the Virginia DMV website, select "Replace a Lost or Stolen License," and follow the prompts. You will need your Social Security number, date of birth, and the driver's license number if you remember it.

The DMV will mail your replacement to the address on file. Standard processing takes one to two weeks. You can pay by credit card or debit card online. Once approved, you will receive a confirmation email with a reference number. Keep this number in case you need to check the status of your replacement.

Online replacement does not work if your license was suspended, revoked, or if you need a Real ID upgrade. In those cases, you must go in person or mail in your request with the required documents.

Replacing your license in person at a Virginia DMV office

Walking into a DMV office is the fastest way to get a replacement if you are in a hurry. Bring your Social Security number (or card), proof of your current address, and a form of ID if you have one—a passport, military ID, or even a credit card with your name on it will work. The DMV will take a new photo, verify your identity by asking security questions, and print your replacement on the spot or within a few minutes.

You do not need an appointment at most Virginia DMV offices, but wait times vary widely by location and time of day. Weekday mornings before 10 a.m. are usually faster than afternoons or weekends. Check the Virginia DMV website for your nearest office and current wait times before you go.

In-person replacement costs around $20 for a standard license. If you want to upgrade to Real ID at the same time, bring your birth certificate and proof of address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement), and the cost rises to around $35 to $40.

Replacing your license by mail

You can mail a replacement request to the Virginia DMV if you prefer not to go in person. read the "process for Virginia Driver's License or Identification Card" form from the Virginia DMV website, fill it out, and mail it with a check or money order for the replacement fee (around $20) to the address listed on the form.

Include a copy of your proof of address—a utility bill, lease, bank statement, or government mail with your name and current address. Do not send your original Social Security card or birth certificate; the DMV will not return them. Processing by mail takes one to two weeks from the date the DMV receives your envelope.

Mail replacement is slower than in-person or online, but it works if you cannot visit an office or do not want to use the online system. Track your request by calling the Virginia DMV or checking your email for a confirmation once they process it.

Real ID upgrade at the same time as replacement

If your current license does not have a gold star in the upper right corner, it is not Real ID-compliant. You can upgrade when you replace your lost license, but it requires additional documents and costs more. Bring your birth certificate (original or certified copy), proof of Social Security number (card or tax return), and two forms of proof of your current address.

Real ID replacement costs around $35 to $40 depending on how long you want the license to be valid. The process takes the same amount of time as a standard replacement—a few minutes in person, one to two weeks by mail. After May 7, 2025, a non-Real ID license will not be accepted for domestic air travel or entry to federal buildings, so upgrading now avoids a second trip to the DMV later.

If you are not sure whether your old license was Real ID-compliant, ask the DMV staff when you explore. They can tell you by looking at your old license number or your DMV record.

What to do if you suspect fraud or identity theft

If you believe someone may use your lost license to commit fraud or identity theft, file a police report with your local police department. You do not need the report to replace your license, but it creates an official record if fraudulent charges or accounts appear later in your name.

Contact the three major credit bureaus—Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion—and place a fraud alert on your credit file. This tells lenders to verify your identity before opening new accounts in your name. You can place a fraud alert for free by calling one bureau; they will notify the other two automatically. If you see fraudulent accounts or charges, you can also place a credit freeze, which blocks new accounts entirely until you lift it.

Monitor your credit report for the next year. You can view your credit report for free once per year at AnnualCreditReport.com. If you see accounts you did not open, dispute them with the credit bureau and the creditor in writing.

Temporary driving while you wait for your replacement

Virginia does not issue a temporary paper license or permit while you wait for your replacement to arrive. If you need to drive before your replacement comes, you have limited options. If you replaced your license in person at a DMV office, you can drive home that day with your receipt, but you cannot use it for air travel or federal building entry.

If you replaced by mail or online and need to drive before the replacement arrives, you can request an expedited replacement in person at a DMV office for an additional fee. Expedited processing takes a few days instead of one to two weeks. Otherwise, you will need to wait for the mail or arrange a ride until your replacement arrives.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive while waiting for my replacement license to arrive?

If you replaced your license in person, you can drive home with your receipt that day. If you replaced by mail or online, you cannot legally drive until your replacement arrives. If you need to drive before then, go to a DMV office in person and request expedited processing for an additional fee.

What if I lost my license out of state?

You can still replace it through the Virginia DMV online, by mail, or by visiting a Virginia DMV office if you are back in the state. If you are out of state and need to drive, contact the DMV in the state where you are located to see if they can issue a temporary permit. Once you return to Virginia, complete your replacement through the Virginia DMV.

Do I need to take a new photo and written test for a replacement?

You will get a new photo taken, but you do not need to retake the written or driving test. A replacement is a straightforward reissuance of your current license with a new photo and card number.

How much does a replacement license cost?

A standard replacement costs around $20. Real ID upgrade costs around $35 to $40. Expedited in-person processing may add a small fee. Prices vary slightly, so check the Virginia DMV website or call your local office for exact amounts.

What if my address has changed since my last license?

Update your address when you replace your license. Bring proof of your new address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement) and the DMV will print your new license with the updated address at no extra cost.

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.