Virginia replaces lost or damaged licenses through the Department of Motor Vehicles, either in person at a local office or by mail

If your Virginia driver's license is lost, stolen, or damaged, the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) handles replacements. You can request a replacement in person at any DMV office or by mail, depending on your situation and how quickly you need the new license. The process is straightforward, but the timeline and required documents differ slightly between the two methods.

A replacement license costs $20 and is valid for the same expiration date as your original license — you do not get extra years. If your license is damaged but still readable, some DMV offices will replace it at the same cost. The new license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days if you request it in person, or within 2 to 3 weeks if you mail in your request.

Key Takeaways

  • Replacement licenses cost $20 and keep your original expiration date, so you are not paying for a full renewal.
  • You can replace a lost or damaged license in person at any Virginia DMV office or by mail using Form DL-44.
  • In-person replacement takes 7 to 10 business days by mail; mail-in replacement takes 2 to 3 weeks.
  • You will need proof of identity and proof of Virginia residency, such as a utility bill or lease agreement.
  • If your license was stolen, you may want to report it to local police and monitor your credit, though the DMV does not require a police report to issue a replacement.

Replacing your license in person at a DMV office

Walk into any Virginia DMV office with your documents and request a replacement. Bring a valid form of identification (passport, military ID, or another state's driver's license) and proof of Virginia residency, such as a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. If you have your old license, bring it; if it is lost, you do not need it.

The DMV will take a new photo and issue you a receipt. Your replacement license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. You can drive legally using the receipt until the new license arrives. No appointment is required at most offices, but wait times vary by location and time of day — early morning or mid-week visits are typically shorter.

Find your nearest DMV office and current hours on the Virginia DMV website. Some offices are busier than others, so calling ahead to ask about wait times can save you a trip.

Replacing your license by mail

Complete Form DL-44 (process for Virginia Driver's License or Identification Card) and mail it to the DMV with copies of your proof of identity and proof of residency. You can read the form from the Virginia DMV website or request it by phone. Include a check or money order for $20 made out to the Virginia DMV.

Mail your packet to the address listed on the form — typically the DMV's central processing office in Richmond. Your replacement license will arrive within 2 to 3 weeks. This method works well if you cannot reach a DMV office during business hours or prefer not to wait in person, but it takes longer than the in-person route.

Keep a copy of everything you mail for your records. If your packet does not arrive or you do not receive your license within the stated timeframe, you can contact the DMV to track your request.

What to do if your license was stolen

Reporting a stolen license to local police is optional but recommended, especially if you are concerned about identity theft. A police report creates a record and may help if someone uses your license number fraudulently. However, the Virginia DMV does not require a police report to issue a replacement — your statement that the license is lost or stolen is sufficient.

If you are worried about identity theft, monitor your credit reports through the three major bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) or use a free service like AnnualCreditReport.com. You can also place a fraud alert with the bureaus, which makes it harder for someone to open accounts in your name. These steps are separate from the license replacement process but worth considering if theft is involved.

Replacing a damaged license

A damaged license — one that is torn, faded, or has a broken magnetic strip — can be replaced using the same process as a lost license. Bring the damaged license to a DMV office if possible, or mail it with your Form DL-44. The DMV will issue a replacement for $20 with the same expiration date.

If your license is barely readable or the photo is no longer visible, the DMV may require you to retake your photo during the replacement process. This does not change the cost or timeline — it is a standard part of ensuring the new license is usable.

Timeline and what to expect while waiting

If you replaced your license in person, you receive a receipt that serves as a temporary license. You can drive, board domestic flights, and use it for identification purposes until your replacement arrives. Keep the receipt in your wallet or car.

If you mailed in your request, you do not receive a temporary license. Plan ahead if you need to drive before your replacement arrives. In urgent situations, you can visit a DMV office in person instead of waiting for mail processing.

The 7 to 10 business day and 2 to 3 week timelines assume normal processing. During peak periods (such as the weeks before holidays or after major weather events), processing may take slightly longer. The DMV website sometimes posts notices about delays, so check there if you are concerned about timing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive without my license while waiting for a replacement?

Yes, if you replaced it in person — the DMV receipt is a valid temporary license. If you mailed in your request, you do not have a temporary license, so you should not drive until your replacement arrives. If you need to drive before the replacement comes, visit a DMV office in person instead.

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

No. The Virginia DMV does not require a police report. You can tell the DMV your license was stolen, and they will issue a replacement. A police report is optional but recommended if you are concerned about identity theft or fraud.

What if my address changed since my original license was issued?

You can update your address at the same time you request a replacement. Bring proof of your new Virginia address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement) to a DMV office, or include it with your mail-in form. There is no extra fee for an address change during a replacement.

How much does a replacement license cost?

A replacement costs $20. This is a flat fee regardless of how much time remains on your original license. Your new license will have the same expiration date as the one you are replacing.

Can someone else pick up my replacement license for me?

No. Replacement licenses are mailed directly to your address on file with the DMV. You cannot pick one up at an office or have someone else collect it. If you are moving, update your address with the DMV before requesting a replacement so the license goes to the correct location.