What you need to do to replace your Virginia license
To replace a lost, stolen, or damaged Virginia driver's license, you'll visit your local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office in person, bring proof of identity and residency, pay a replacement fee, and have a new photo taken. The process takes about 30 minutes at the counter, and you'll receive a temporary paper license on the spot while your plastic card is mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days.
You cannot replace your license online or by mail — Virginia requires you to appear in person. However, you can check wait times and make an appointment before you go, which will save you time on the day you visit.
Key Takeaways
- You must visit a Virginia DMV office in person with a valid ID and proof of your current address to replace your license.
- The replacement fee is $24 for a standard license, and you'll receive a temporary paper license when ready and a plastic card by mail within 7 to 10 days.
- Making an appointment online at dmvnow.com reduces wait time and is strongly recommended, though walk-ins are accepted.
- If your license was stolen, you may want to report it to local police and monitor your credit, though this is separate from the DMV replacement process.
Documents you need to bring
Bring one form of valid photo ID and one proof of your current Virginia address. Your photo ID can be a passport, military ID, or out-of-state driver's license. If you don't have a photo ID, you can use two non-photo documents like a Social Security card and birth certificate together.
For proof of address, 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. A piece of mail from a government agency also works.
If you've changed your name since your last license was issued, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. Without it, your new license will still show your old name.
How to make an appointment and find your local DMV
Go to dmvnow.com and select "Schedule an Appointment" to book a time slot at the DMV office nearest you. You'll choose your location, the service you need (license replacement), and a date and time that works for you. Appointments are usually available within a few days.
If you prefer to walk in without an appointment, DMV offices accept walk-ins, but you may wait 1 to 2 hours depending on the office and time of day. Early morning visits and weekday mornings typically have shorter waits than afternoons and weekends.
You can find your nearest office and current wait times on dmvnow.com as well. Some larger cities have multiple locations, so you can choose the one most convenient to you.
What happens during your visit
When you arrive, check in at the front desk and give the staff member your documents. They'll verify your identity and address, then direct you to a photo station where a new photo will be taken for your license. You'll then go to the payment window, pay the $24 replacement fee (cash, debit, or credit card accepted), and receive a temporary paper license printed on the spot.
The temporary license is valid for 45 days and can be used for driving and identification while you wait for your plastic card. Keep it with you at all times — it serves the same legal purpose as your permanent license until the new card arrives.
Your permanent plastic license will be mailed to the address you provided. Standard mail delivery takes 7 to 10 business days, though it can occasionally take longer. You do not need to do anything else — just wait for it to arrive.
The replacement fee and payment options
The fee to replace a lost, stolen, or damaged Virginia driver's license is $24. This is a flat rate regardless of whether your license was lost, stolen, or damaged. If you're replacing a license that expired while it was lost or stolen, you do not pay an additional renewal fee — the $24 covers the replacement only.
Virginia DMV offices accept cash, debit cards, and credit cards. Some offices may also accept checks, but calling ahead to confirm is wise if you plan to pay by check. You'll pay at the counter after your photo is taken.
If your license was stolen
Reporting a stolen license to local police is optional but recommended, especially if you're concerned about identity theft. A police report creates a record and may help if someone uses your license number fraudulently. Contact your local police non-emergency line to file a report — you do not need to visit a station in person for a lost or stolen ID.
After you report it stolen, consider placing a fraud alert with the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) or freezing your credit. These steps are separate from the DMV replacement process but protect you if someone tries to open accounts in your name. You can place a fraud alert for free by calling any of the three bureaus.
The DMV replacement itself does not require a police report, so you can replace your license even if you haven't filed one. However, having a report on file is useful documentation if fraud does occur later.
What to do if your license is damaged
If your license is damaged but still readable and you can produce it, bring it with you to your DMV appointment. The staff will take it and issue a replacement. You do not need to explain how it was damaged — the DMV treats all damage the same way.
If your license is so damaged that you cannot produce it (for example, it was destroyed in a fire or flood), you can still replace it. straightforward tell the DMV staff that your license is damaged and unavailable. You'll still need your other forms of ID and proof of address, and the process is identical to replacing a lost license.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get my new license in the mail?
Your plastic license card is mailed within 7 to 10 business days of your visit. Mail delivery times can vary, so it may arrive a few days sooner or take up to two weeks in rare cases. You can use your temporary paper license for driving and identification during this time.
Can I replace my license if it's expired?
Yes. If your license expired while it was lost or stolen, you can still replace it for $24. You do not pay a separate renewal fee. However, if you want to renew it at the same time, you can do that for an additional fee, though most people wait until the replacement arrives and then renew later.
What if I don't have proof of my current address?
You need one document dated within the last 60 days showing your name and Virginia address. If you've recently moved and don't have a utility bill or lease yet, ask your landlord for a signed letter on their letterhead confirming your residency, or bring a bank statement. The DMV staff can tell you what documents they'll accept if you call ahead.
Can I replace my license online or by mail?
No. Virginia requires you to appear in person at a DMV office to replace your license. You must have a new photo taken, and staff must verify your identity documents in person. However, you can make an appointment online at dmvnow.com to reduce your wait time.
What if I move before my new license arrives?
Contact the DMV as soon as possible with your new address. You can call your local DMV office or update your address online at dmvnow.com. Your license will be held at the office or reissued to your new address, depending on how quickly you notify them. Do not ignore this — your license needs to reach you.