Where to renew an expired Virginia license
You can renew an expired Virginia driver's license in person at any Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) location, or online through the DMV website if your license expired fewer than five years ago. The online option is faster — you can complete it from home in about 15 minutes — but it only works if your license has not been suspended or revoked and you have not had any address changes since it expired.
If your license expired more than five years ago, you must go in person. The same applies if you need to update your address, change your name, or correct any information on your current license. In-person visits typically take 30 to 45 minutes depending on how busy your local DMV office is.
Key Takeaways
- Expired licenses can be renewed online if they expired within the last five years and you have no address changes or license suspensions.
- You will need your Social Security number, current address, and a valid payment method (credit card, debit card, or electronic check) for online renewal.
- In-person renewal requires your expired license, proof of Virginia residency, and payment, and takes about 30 to 45 minutes at a DMV office.
- Virginia charges $24 for a four-year renewal or $48 for an eight-year renewal, with no difference in cost between online and in-person.
- Your new license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days if you renew online, or you can leave the DMV with a temporary paper license if you renew in person.
What documents you need for online renewal
For online renewal, you need your Social Security number, your current Virginia address, and a valid payment method. You do not need to upload documents or provide proof of residency — the DMV verifies your information against existing state records. Have your expired license handy so you can reference your license number and date of birth as you fill out the form.
Before you start, check that your address on file with the DMV matches where you currently live. If you have moved since your license expired, you cannot use the online option and must renew in person instead.
What documents you need for in-person renewal
Bring your expired Virginia driver's license, proof of your current address, and a valid payment method. Proof of address can be a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement showing your name and current Virginia address. The document must be dated within the last 60 days.
You will also need to provide your Social Security number verbally or on the process form. If you are renewing under a different name than what appears on your expired license, bring a document proving the name change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.
How to renew online step by step
Go to the Virginia DMV website and select "Renew Your Driver's License" from the main menu. You will be taken to a form asking for your license number, date of birth, Social Security number, and current address. Answer the questions about any traffic violations, medical conditions, or license suspensions since your last renewal. These questions determine whether you can renew online or must visit an office.
Review the information you entered, then choose your renewal length: four years for $24 or eight years for $48. Enter your payment information — the DMV accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, or electronic check. You will receive a confirmation number by email. Your new license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
How to renew in person step by step
Find your nearest DMV office on the Virginia DMV website and check its hours. Some offices accept walk-ins, while others require you to book an appointment online. If appointments are available, booking one will save you time — you can often skip the general waiting area and go straight to a service window.
Bring your expired license, proof of address, and payment. When you arrive, take a number or check in at the kiosk, then wait to be called. Tell the DMV staff member that you are renewing an expired license. They will take a new photo, verify your information, process your payment, and give you a temporary paper license valid for 45 days. Your permanent license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
Cost and payment methods
Virginia charges $24 to renew your license for four years or $48 to renew for eight years. The cost is the same whether you renew online or in person. For online renewal, you can pay with a credit card, debit card, or electronic check. For in-person renewal, the DMV accepts cash, check, credit card, or debit card.
If you are a Virginia resident over 65, you may be able to renew for a lower cost — check the DMV website or call your local office for current pricing for seniors.
What happens after you renew
If you renewed online, your new license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. Your expired license remains valid until the new one arrives. If you renewed in person, you leave the DMV with a temporary paper license that is valid for 45 days while you wait for your permanent license to arrive by mail.
Once your new license arrives, destroy your old expired license or keep it for your records — Virginia does not require you to return it. If your new license does not arrive within 10 business days, contact the DMV to report it missing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive with an expired license while I wait for my new one?
If you renewed in person, yes — your temporary paper license is valid for 45 days. If you renewed online, your expired license remains valid until your new one arrives, which typically takes 7 to 10 business days. Do not drive on an expired license if you did not renew it.
What if I need my license before the mail arrives?
If you renewed in person, you have a temporary paper license valid for 45 days. If you renewed online and need your license sooner, you can visit a DMV office and request an expedited replacement for an additional fee, though this is not the same as expedited mail delivery.
Can I renew online if my license was suspended?
No. If your license was suspended or revoked, you must renew in person at a DMV office. The online form will ask about suspensions and will not allow you to proceed if you answer yes.
What if my address changed since my license expired?
You must renew in person. Bring your expired license and proof of your new Virginia address. The DMV will update your address and issue a new license with the correct information.
Do I need an appointment to renew in person?
It depends on your local DMV office. Some accept walk-ins, while others require appointments. Check the Virginia DMV website for your nearest office and its current policy. Booking an appointment usually means shorter wait times.