Getting a replacement Virginia driver's license

A replacement Virginia driver's license means visiting a DMV office in person with the right documents, paying a $24 fee, and having your photo taken. The process takes about 30 minutes at the DMV office, though wait times vary by location. You cannot renew by mail or online if your license is lost, stolen, or damaged — Virginia requires you to appear in person for a replacement.

You will receive a temporary paper license on the spot that is valid for 45 days while your permanent card arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days. The temporary license has the same legal weight as your permanent card, so you can drive when ready after leaving the DMV office.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit a Virginia DMV office in person with a valid form of identification and proof of your Social Security number to get a replacement license.
  • The replacement fee is $24, and you will receive a temporary paper license on the spot while the permanent card arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days.
  • If your license was stolen, you should report it to local police first and bring the police report number to the DMV, though it is not required to process the replacement.
  • Bring your original documents — do not send copies by mail, as the DMV will not process a replacement without seeing them in person.
  • Find your nearest DMV office on the Virginia DMV website and check wait times before you go, as some locations have significantly shorter lines than others.

What documents you need to bring

Bring one valid form of identification that shows your photo and signature. A U.S. passport, passport card, military ID, or out-of-state driver's license all work. If you do not have any of these, you can bring two documents from the DMV's secondary list, which includes a birth certificate, Social Security card, or bank statement with your name and address.

You also need proof of your Social Security number. A Social Security card itself is the simplest option, but you can also bring a W-2 form, tax return, or 1099 form if you do not have the card. If you were born outside the United States, bring your birth certificate or passport showing your legal name.

Bring proof of your current Virginia address — a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. A piece of mail from a government agency also works. The name on the address document must match the name on your identification.

The step-by-step process at the DMV

Walk into your local Virginia DMV office during business hours with your documents. Check the DMV website for your nearest location and current hours, as some offices close on certain days or have limited evening hours. Many offices now use an online check-in system on their website — you can reserve a time slot before you arrive, which can cut your wait time significantly.

When it is your turn, tell the DMV employee that you need a replacement license. Hand over your identification, proof of Social Security number, and proof of address. The employee will verify your information against the DMV database and ask you to confirm your current address and any other details on file.

You will then have your photo taken at the DMV office. Wear something you are comfortable being photographed in — the same rules explore as for a new license photo. You cannot wear a hat, sunglasses, or anything that obscures your face, and the background will be plain.

Pay the $24 replacement fee using cash, debit card, or credit card. The DMV will give you a temporary paper license on the spot that is valid for 45 days. Your permanent replacement license will arrive by mail in 7 to 10 business days. The temporary license has the same legal weight as your permanent card while you wait.

If your license was lost or stolen

You do not have to file a police report to get a replacement, but if your license was stolen, reporting it to local police is a good idea. Bring the police report number to the DMV if you have one — it helps document that the license was not in your possession. The DMV will note the theft in your record, which protects you if someone tries to use your license number fraudulently.

If you lost your license and are not sure where it is, you can still get a replacement without a police report. Just tell the DMV employee that your license is lost, and they will process it the same way as a damaged or stolen license. The process and fee remain the same regardless of how your license was lost or damaged.

What happens if your name has changed

If you got married, divorced, or legally changed your name since your current license was issued, bring documentation of the name change along with your other documents. This means a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order for a legal name change. The DMV will update your name in the system and issue a replacement license with your new name.

If your name change is recent and you do not yet have an official document, call your local DMV office before you go. They can tell you what paperwork they will accept in the meantime, such as a certified copy from the courthouse or a temporary document from your county clerk.

Finding your DMV office and checking wait times

Go to the Virginia DMV website and use the office locator tool to find the nearest location. The site shows hours, phone numbers, and services available at each office. Some smaller offices handle only certain transactions, so confirm that your location does replacements before you drive there.

Many Virginia DMV offices now display live wait times on their website. Check the wait time for your preferred office before you leave home — if the wait is over an hour, you may want to try a different location or come back at a different time. Early morning and mid-week visits tend to have shorter waits than afternoons and Fridays.

You can also reserve a time slot online through the DMV website for many offices. This does not eliminate your wait, but it lets you skip the check-in line and go straight to the service counter at your scheduled time. Slots fill up, especially at popular locations, so book as soon as you know you need a replacement.

After you receive your replacement license

Your permanent replacement license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. Use your temporary paper license until the card arrives — it is valid for 45 days and has the same legal standing. If your permanent license does not arrive within two weeks, call the DMV to check the status.

Once your new license arrives, destroy your temporary paper license. If you find your original lost license after you have already received the replacement, do not use it — turn it in to the DMV or destroy it. Using two licenses with the same number can cause problems with law enforcement or insurance companies.

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, you cannot get a replacement until the suspension or revocation is lifted. Contact the Virginia DMV to find out why your license is suspended and what steps you need to take to restore it. Once it is restored, you can then get a replacement if needed.

What if I do not have a Social Security number?

You will need to bring an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) or a document from the Social Security Administration stating that you are not may be able to access for a number. Bring this document to the DMV along with your other identification and address proof. Call your local DMV office before you go to confirm they have what you need.

How much does a replacement license cost?

A replacement driver's license costs $24 in Virginia. This is the same fee whether your license was lost, stolen, or damaged. Payment is due at the time you submit your process at the DMV office.

Can someone else pick up my replacement license for me?

No. You must appear in person at the DMV to explore for a replacement license. Virginia does not allow anyone else to submit the process on your behalf or to pick up the temporary license.

What if my address has changed since my last license?

Bring proof of your new address to the DMV, and the employee will update it during the replacement process. Your new license will show your current address. If you have not updated your address yet, do that before you go to get your replacement.