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 $24 for an eight-year license or $16 for a five-year license. If you are under 21, the cost is the same but the license expires on your 21st birthday instead. Real ID-compliant licenses — the kind required for federal buildings and domestic flights — cost the same amount; the Real ID feature is included at no extra charge.

These are the base fees charged by the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). If you renew by mail or online, you pay only the license fee. If you renew in person at a DMV office, some offices charge an additional service fee of $2 to $5, depending on the location. You will also pay a separate fee if you need a duplicate license or want to change your address or name.

Fees can change, so confirm the current cost on the Virginia DMV website or by calling your local DMV office before you go in person or submit payment online.

Key Takeaways

  • A standard eight-year Virginia driver's license costs $24; a five-year license costs $16.
  • Real ID-compliant licenses cost the same as standard licenses — there is no extra charge for the Real ID feature.
  • In-person renewal at a DMV office may include a $2 to $5 service fee on top of the license fee.
  • Duplicate licenses, address changes, and name changes each have their own separate fees.

What you pay for a new license versus a renewal

A new license (issued when you get your first Virginia license or move to Virginia from another state) costs the same as a renewal — $24 for eight years or $16 for five years. The fee does not change based on whether you are new to the state or renewing an existing license.

If you need a duplicate license because yours was lost or stolen, you pay a separate fee. The duplicate fee is typically $7 to $10, but confirm this with your local DMV office because fees can vary slightly by location.

How to pay and where to send your money

You have three ways to renew a Virginia driver's license: online through the Virginia DMV website, by mail, or in person at a DMV office.

Online renewal is the fastest route. You pay by credit card, debit card, or electronic check. The DMV charges the license fee only — no service fee. You can renew online if your license is not expired and you have not had any address or name changes since your last license was issued.

Mail renewal requires you to send a check or money order for the license fee to the address listed on the renewal form. The DMV will mail you the form if you request it, or you can read it from the Virginia DMV website. Mail renewal takes longer than online — typically two to three weeks after the DMV receives your payment.

In-person renewal at a DMV office lets you pay by cash, check, debit card, or credit card. You pay the license fee plus any applicable service fee. Bring your current license, proof of residency (a utility bill or lease works), and proof of Social Security number (a Social Security card or tax return). Walk-in appointments are available, but you can also schedule an appointment online to reduce wait time.

Fees for address changes, name changes, and duplicates

If you change your address or legal name, you must update your license. An address change alone typically costs $5 to $10 and can often be done online or by mail. A name change requires you to provide a court order or marriage certificate and usually costs $7 to $15.

A duplicate license (for a lost, stolen, or damaged license) costs $7 to $10. You can request a duplicate online, by mail, or in person. Online is the fastest option if your license is not expired.

These fees are separate from the renewal fee. If your license is also expiring soon, you may want to renew and update your information at the same time to avoid paying multiple fees.

Real ID compliance and whether it costs extra

Virginia driver's licenses are Real ID-compliant by default. Real ID is a federal standard that allows you to use your driver's license to enter federal buildings, military bases, and board domestic flights. You do not pay extra for Real ID compliance — it is included in the standard $24 or $16 license fee.

When you renew or get a new license, the DMV will issue a Real ID-compliant license automatically as long as you provide the required documents: proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, and proof of Virginia residency. If you do not want a Real ID-compliant license, you can request a standard license instead, but it costs the same and will not be accepted for federal purposes.

What happens if you renew late or let your license expire

If your Virginia license has expired, you cannot legally drive. You must renew it before you get behind the wheel. The renewal fee is still $24 or $16, but you may have to renew in person at a DMV office instead of online or by mail — the DMV's rules for expired licenses change periodically, so check the Virginia DMV website for current policy.

Renewing late does not add a penalty fee to your license cost. However, if you are caught driving with an expired license, you can be cited and fined by law enforcement. The fine is separate from the license fee and is determined by the court.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Virginia driver's license online?

Yes, if your license is not expired, you have not changed your address or name, and you have no medical conditions that require a vision test. Online renewal costs $24 for eight years or $16 for five years and takes about one week. You pay by credit card, debit card, or electronic check.

Do I have to pay extra for a Real ID license?

No. Real ID compliance is included in the standard license fee of $24 or $16. All Virginia driver's licenses are Real ID-compliant unless you specifically request a standard license, which costs the same.

What if I move out of Virginia — do I get a refund?

No. License fees are not refundable. If you move to another state, you will need to get a license from that state and pay their fee. You can keep your Virginia license as a form of identification, but you cannot legally drive with it in another state.

How much does it cost to replace a lost or stolen license?

A duplicate license costs $7 to $10, depending on your local DMV office. You can request a duplicate online, by mail, or in person. Online is the fastest option if your license is not expired.

Is there a fee to change my address on my Virginia license?

Yes, an address change costs $5 to $10 and can be done online, by mail, or in person. If your license is also expiring soon, you may want to renew at the same time to avoid paying two separate fees.