What you need to do to replace a Virginia driver's 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 residence. Virginia does not allow online or mail-in replacements for lost or stolen licenses. The process takes about 15 minutes at the counter, and you will receive a temporary paper license on the spot while your plastic card is mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days.

The fee for a replacement license is $24 if your current license is still valid, or $34 if it has expired. You cannot renew and replace at the same time — if your license is expired, you must renew it instead, which costs $34 and requires a vision test. If your license was damaged but still valid, you pay only the $24 replacement fee.

Key Takeaways

  • You must go to a DMV customer service center in person with a valid photo ID and proof of your current Virginia address.
  • The replacement fee is $24 for a valid license or $34 for an expired one; you cannot replace and renew at the same time.
  • You will receive a temporary paper license when ready and your plastic replacement card by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
  • If your license was stolen, you may want to report it to local police first, though Virginia DMV does not require a police report to process the replacement.

Documents you must bring to the DMV

Bring one valid photo ID and one document proving your current Virginia address. Your photo ID can be a passport, military ID, or an out-of-state driver's license. Do not bring an expired Virginia license as your photo ID — it will not work.

For proof of address, bring one of these: a recent utility bill, lease or mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail with your name and current address. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. A cell phone bill or credit card statement does not count as proof of address in Virginia.

If you have changed your name since your license was issued, bring a certified copy of the document that proves the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. A photocopy is not acceptable; it must be a certified original or a certified copy from the issuing authority.

Finding a DMV customer service center and scheduling

Virginia DMV operates customer service centers across the state. You can find the location nearest you and check hours on the Virginia DMV website at dmvnow.com. Not all centers offer the same services, so confirm that your location handles license replacements before you go.

You do not need an appointment for a replacement license — you can walk in during business hours. However, wait times vary by location and time of day. Visiting early in the morning on a weekday typically means shorter waits than afternoons or Saturdays. If you want to check the current wait time before you leave home, some centers display it on the DMV website.

What happens at the counter

Tell the DMV staff member that you need to replace a lost, stolen, or damaged license. Hand over your photo ID and proof of address. The staff member will verify your information in the system, confirm that your current license is still valid (or note that it is expired), and take a new photo if required.

You will then pay the fee — $24 for a valid license or $34 for an expired one — by cash, debit card, or credit card. The staff member will print a temporary paper license on the spot. This temporary license is valid for 45 days and works as a legal ID while you wait for your plastic card to arrive by mail.

Keep the temporary license in a safe place. When your plastic replacement arrives, the temporary one is no longer valid. Do not throw it away until you have the plastic card in hand and have verified that all information is correct.

When your replacement card arrives

Your new plastic license will be mailed to the address you provided at the DMV within 7 to 10 business days. Mail delivery times vary, so if you do not receive it within two weeks, contact the DMV to confirm it was mailed. Do not assume it is lost if it takes the full 10 days.

When the card arrives, check that your name, date of birth, address, and license number are all correct. If anything is wrong, return to a DMV customer service center with the incorrect card and your temporary license. Corrections are usually made on the spot at no extra cost if the error was made by DMV.

If your license was stolen and you are concerned about identity theft, you may want to place a fraud alert with the credit bureaus or monitor your credit report. Virginia DMV does not issue a new license number when you replace a stolen license — your number stays the same.

Special situations: Damaged licenses and name changes

If your license is damaged but you still have it, bring the damaged card with you to the DMV. You do not need to explain how it was damaged. The staff member will take the old card and issue a replacement. The fee is $24 if your license is still valid.

If you have changed your name since your license was issued — through marriage, divorce, or court order — you must bring a certified copy of the document proving the change. The DMV will issue a new license with your new name. This counts as a replacement, not a renewal, so you pay the $24 replacement fee if your license is still valid. If your license is expired, you must renew instead, which costs $34 and requires a vision test.

If your license was stolen: Police report and fraud concerns

Virginia DMV does not require a police report to replace a stolen license. However, if you are concerned about identity theft or fraud, you may want to file a report with your local police department. A police report creates an official record and may help if someone uses your license number fraudulently.

If you believe your stolen license has been used to commit fraud or identity theft, contact the Virginia Attorney General's Consumer Protection Section or file a report with the Federal Trade Commission at identitytheft.gov. These agencies can guide you through steps to protect your identity and monitor for misuse.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I replace my license by mail or online?

No. Virginia requires you to replace a lost, stolen, or damaged license in person at a DMV customer service center. You cannot do it by mail or through the DMV website. The only exception is if you are a Virginia resident living overseas — contact the DMV for that process.

What if my license is expired and I need to replace it?

If your license is expired, you cannot replace it — you must renew it instead. A renewal costs $34 and requires a vision test. You will need to visit a DMV customer service center in person. Bring your expired license, proof of address, and be prepared for the vision screening.

How long is the temporary paper license valid?

The temporary paper license is valid for 45 days. It works as a legal ID for driving and identification purposes during that time. Once your plastic card arrives, the temporary license is no longer valid. If your plastic card does not arrive within 45 days, return to the DMV and they can issue a new temporary license.

What if I move before my replacement card arrives?

Contact the Virginia DMV before you move and provide your new address. Your replacement card will be mailed to your new address instead. If you move after the card has already been mailed, you can file a change of address with the U.S. Postal Service, or return to the DMV to request a reissue to your new address (you may be charged a fee).

Do I need a police report to replace a stolen license?

No. Virginia DMV does not require a police report to replace a stolen license. However, filing a report with local police creates an official record and may help if your license is used fraudulently. It is your choice whether to report the theft to police.