What you need to do to replace your Virginia license
To replace a lost, stolen, or damaged Virginia driver's license, you must visit a DMV customer service center in person with proof of identity and residency. Virginia does not allow online or mail-in replacement for standard licenses. The process takes about 15 minutes at the counter, and you will receive a temporary paper license on the spot; your plastic card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
The fee for a replacement license is $24 if your license is not expired, or $34 if it is expired. If your license was stolen, you may also want to file a report with the police or sheriff's office, though this is not required by the DMV — it protects you against identity theft and creates a record in case the license is used fraudulently.
Key Takeaways
- You must go to a DMV customer service center in person; there is no online or mail replacement option for Virginia driver's licenses.
- Bring a valid government-issued photo ID (passport, military ID, or another state's license) and proof of your current Virginia address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days).
- The replacement fee is $24 for an unexpired license or $34 for an expired one, payable by cash, check, debit card, or credit card.
- You will receive a temporary paper license when ready and your plastic replacement card within 7 to 10 business days by mail.
- If your license was stolen, file a police report to protect yourself against fraud, though the DMV does not require it.
Documents you must bring to the DMV
Bring one form of valid government-issued photo identification. This can be a U.S. passport, military ID, passport card, or a driver's license from another state. If you do not have any of these, you can use a combination of documents — ask the DMV which ones they will accept before you visit, because the rules for non-photo ID combinations are strict.
You also need proof of your current Virginia address. The DMV accepts a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank or credit card statement, or government mail (such as a tax return or voter registration card) dated within the last 60 days. A piece of mail with your name and current address will work; a utility bill in your name is the fastest option. If you have moved recently and your ID does not show your new address, bring both the old address document and the new one.
Bring your Social Security number or a document that shows it — your Social Security card, W-2, or 1099 form. If you do not have your Social Security number, you can still get a replacement license, but you will need to complete an process for a Driver's License or Permit (Form DL 43) at the DMV and provide additional identity documents.
Where to go and how to find your nearest DMV office
Virginia has customer service centers in most cities and counties. You can find the location nearest you, hours of operation, and current wait times on the Virginia DMV website at dmvnow.com. Some offices are busier than others — offices in urban areas like Richmond, Arlington, and Virginia Beach typically have longer waits, while smaller towns often have shorter lines.
You do not need an appointment for a replacement license, but some DMV offices allow you to reserve a time slot online through dmvnow.com. If your local office offers this option, booking ahead can save you 30 minutes to an hour of waiting. Walk-ins are always accepted, but you may wait longer during peak hours (typically mid-morning and early afternoon on weekdays).
A few DMV offices are express locations that handle only certain transactions. Call ahead or check the website to confirm that your chosen office handles replacement licenses — most do, but some smaller satellite offices do not.
What happens at the DMV counter
When you arrive, take a number or check in at the kiosk, depending on the office layout. Tell the staff member that you need a replacement license. They will ask you to confirm your address, verify your identity documents, and confirm that your license was lost, stolen, or damaged. If your license was damaged, you may need to show it or describe the damage.
The staff member will take your photo (unless you have a recent photo on file from a previous renewal) and process your replacement. You will pay the $24 or $34 fee at the counter. Before you leave, you will receive a temporary paper license that is valid for 45 days. This temporary license has the same legal weight as your plastic license — you can drive with it, use it as ID, and show it to police. Keep it until your plastic card arrives.
Your permanent plastic license will be mailed to the address on file. If you have moved since your last license was issued, update your address with the DMV before you leave the counter, or your new card will go to your old address.
Timeline and what to expect after you leave
Your temporary paper license is valid when ready and lasts 45 days. Your plastic replacement card is printed and mailed within 7 to 10 business days. Standard mail delivery in Virginia typically takes 3 to 5 additional days, so you should expect your card to arrive 10 to 15 days after your visit. If you do not receive it within 21 days, contact the DMV to report it.
If you need your license sooner — for example, if you are traveling out of state — you cannot expedite the plastic card through the DMV. However, your temporary paper license is valid in all 50 states and is accepted by TSA for domestic air travel, so you can use it for most purposes while you wait.
If your address changes after you get your replacement license, you can update it online at dmvnow.com without visiting the DMV again. If your replacement card is lost or damaged before it arrives, contact the DMV when ready to report it and request a reprint.
Special situations: Expired licenses and name changes
If your license is expired, the replacement fee is $34 instead of $24. You will still receive a temporary paper license valid for 45 days, but your plastic card will show your current expiration date (typically 8 years from the date of issue for standard licenses). If your license expired more than a year ago, you may be required to pass a vision test at the DMV — ask when you call or visit.
If your name has changed since your license was issued (through marriage, divorce, or legal name change), bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The DMV will issue a replacement license with your new name at no additional charge beyond the standard replacement fee. If you need a new license number as well (which some people request after a name change), that is a separate transaction and may have a different fee.
If your license was stolen: Filing a police report
Filing a police or sheriff's report is not required by the Virginia DMV, but it is a good idea if your license was stolen. A police report creates an official record that your license is no longer in your possession, which protects you if someone uses it fraudulently. You can file the report online through your local police department's website, by phone, or in person at a police station.
When you file the report, provide the license number (if you remember it), the date you discovered it was missing, and where you last had it. Keep a copy of the report for your records. If someone uses your stolen license to get a ticket, open a case of identity theft, or commit fraud, you can show the police report to prove you reported it missing before the crime occurred.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a replacement license if my current one is suspended or revoked?
No. If your license is suspended or revoked, the DMV will not issue a replacement. You must first resolve the suspension or revocation — usually by paying fines, completing a defensive driving course, or meeting other requirements set by the court or DMV. Once the suspension is lifted, you can then request a replacement.
What if I lost my license out of state?
You must visit a Virginia DMV office to get a replacement. If you are traveling and cannot return to Virginia when ready, your temporary paper license is valid in all 50 states, so you can drive legally while you wait for your plastic card to be mailed to your Virginia address.
Do I need to retake the written or driving test to get a replacement?
No. A replacement license is issued based on your existing license record. You do not retake any tests unless your license is expired by more than one year, in which case you may need to pass a vision test.
How long is the temporary paper license valid?
Your temporary paper license is valid for 45 days from the date of issue. It has the same legal status as your plastic license and is accepted for driving, identification, and travel. Once your plastic card arrives, you can discard the temporary license.
What if my replacement card arrives damaged or with errors?
Contact the Virginia DMV when ready. If the card is damaged, they will reprint it at no charge. If there is an error in your name, address, or license number, the DMV will correct it and issue a new card. Bring the damaged card and proof of the error (such as a birth certificate or Social Security card) to a customer service center, or call the DMV to report it.