Virginia driver's license fees depend on the type of license and how long you want it to last

A standard Virginia driver's license costs $70 for an eight-year license or $35 for a four-year license. If you are under 21, a four-year license costs $35 and an eight-year license is not available to you. These are the fees you pay to the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) when you get a new license or renew one.

The fee covers the cost of producing the card itself and processing your process. You pay the same amount whether you explore in person at a DMV office or renew by mail, though some renewal methods may have small additional fees for things like certified mail.

If you need a replacement card because yours was lost, stolen, or damaged, the fee is $20. A duplicate license (a second card with the same information) also costs $20.

Key Takeaways

  • A new or renewed eight-year Virginia driver's license costs $70; a four-year license costs $35.
  • Drivers under 21 can only get a four-year license for $35.
  • Replacing a lost, stolen, or damaged license costs $20.
  • You pay the same DMV fee whether you renew in person or by mail, though mailing methods may add postage costs.
  • Some DMV offices accept cash, check, or card; payment methods vary by location, so check before you go.

What happens if you renew before your current license expires

You can renew your Virginia license up to one year before it expires. If you do, the DMV will issue a new card with a new expiration date eight or four years from the renewal date — not from your old expiration date. You still pay the full renewal fee; there is no discount for renewing early.

Many people renew early to avoid a lapsed license if they forget the expiration date or if they know they will be out of state when it expires. The trade-off is that you are paying for a new license sooner than you have to.

Fees for different types of Virginia licenses

A standard driver's license costs $70 for eight years or $35 for four years. This is what most people get.

A commercial driver's license (CDL) costs $70 for eight years or $35 for four years, the same as a standard license. However, you must pass additional written and driving tests, which are free but take time to schedule.

A learner's permit costs $7 and is valid for one year. You need a permit before you can take the driving test for a full license.

A motorcycle endorsement added to an existing driver's license costs $10 and is valid for the same period as your license. If you want a motorcycle-only license instead, you pay the standard license fee ($70 or $35) plus the $10 endorsement fee.

How to pay and what payment methods are accepted

When you explore in person at a DMV office, you can usually pay with cash, check, or debit card. Some offices accept credit cards, but not all. Call your local DMV office before you go to confirm what they take.

If you renew by mail, you must include a check or money order. Do not send cash through the mail. Make the check payable to the Virginia DMV.

If you renew online through the Virginia DMV website, you can pay with a debit or credit card. Online renewal is available only if your license is not expired and you meet other requirements, such as having a valid Social Security number on file.

Additional costs you might encounter

The DMV fee itself does not change, but other costs can add up depending on how you explore. If you need a certified copy of your driving record to go with your process, that costs $7 for the first copy and $2 for each additional copy. You do not always need this, but some employers or insurance companies ask for it.

If you explore by mail and use certified mail to send your documents, the post office charges you for that service — usually $8 to $15 depending on how you send it. If you use a DMV-approved third-party service to handle your renewal, they may charge a convenience fee on top of the state fee.

If you need to take the written test or driving test, there is no fee for the test itself, but you may need to pay for a driver education course if you are under 18. The cost of these courses varies by provider.

When you do not have to pay a renewal fee

If your license expired more than one year ago, you cannot renew it by mail or online. You must explore in person as if you were getting a new license for the first time, and you pay the full fee. There is no penalty fee for the lapse itself, but you do have to start over with the process process.

If you are a member of the military on active duty, you may be able to renew your license by mail even if it has expired, without paying a late fee. Contact your local DMV office to ask about military renewal options.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a four-year license instead of eight-year to save money?

Yes. A four-year license costs $35 instead of $70. The trade-off is that you will need to renew sooner. Choose based on what works for your budget and how often you want to visit the DMV.

Do I have to pay the full fee if I renew before my license expires?

Yes. The DMV charges the full renewal fee whether you renew one month before expiration or one year before. Renewing early does not reduce the cost.

What if I lose my license and need a replacement quickly?

A replacement costs $20 and you can get it in person at any DMV office. Processing usually takes a few minutes to an hour depending on how busy the office is. There is no expedited fee, but some offices are faster than others.

Can I pay online if I renew by mail?

No. Mail-in renewal requires a check or money order. Online renewal is only available through the Virginia DMV website, and you must meet specific requirements like having a valid Social Security number on file and a license that is not yet expired.

Do I have to pay sales tax on my driver's license?

No. The DMV fee is not subject to sales tax. The $70 or $35 you pay is the total amount due to the state.