Where to go for a Richmond driver license
Richmond has one main driver license office run by the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). It is located at 2300 West Broad Street, Richmond, VA 23220. This is where you go to get a new license, renew an existing one, or handle most other license-related transactions in person.
The office is open Monday through Friday, 8:15 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturday 8:15 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. It closes on Sundays and state holidays. You can call ahead at (804) 367-0538 if you have questions about what documents to bring or how long the wait might be on a particular day.
Many people do not realize that Virginia also lets you handle some transactions online or by mail without visiting the office. If you are renewing a license that is not yet expired and you have not had any address changes, you can renew through the Virginia DMV website. This saves a trip and usually takes less time.
Key Takeaways
- The Richmond DMV office is at 2300 West Broad Street and is open weekdays 8:15 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturdays 8:15 a.m. to 12:45 p.m.
- You will need a valid form of identification, proof of Social Security number, and proof of Virginia residency to get or renew a license.
- If your license is not yet expired and your address has not changed, you can renew by mail or online instead of visiting the office.
- Vision tests are required at the office, so you cannot complete a new license process online.
- Bring your current license or another government-issued ID to speed up the process.
What documents you need to bring
The documents required depend on whether you are getting a license for the first time, renewing an expired one, or replacing a lost or stolen license. For any transaction, bring a valid form of government-issued identification—your passport, military ID, or current Virginia license all work. You will also need to prove your Social Security number, usually with a Social Security card, W-2 form, or 1099 form.
Proof of Virginia residency is required. The DMV accepts utility bills, lease agreements, mortgage statements, or bank statements dated within the last 60 days. A driver license process form (DL-44) is also needed; you can fill it out at home before you go or at the office itself.
If you are renewing a license that expired more than one year ago, you will need to take the written test and vision test again, so plan for a longer visit. If your license expired less than one year ago, the process is faster.
What happens during your visit
When you arrive, you will check in and receive a number. Wait times vary by day and time of day; Saturday mornings and weekday afternoons tend to be busier. When your number is called, a staff member will review your documents, ask you to sign the process, and take your photograph.
You will then take a vision test at a machine in the office. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them. If you are getting a license for the first time or your previous license expired more than one year ago, you will also take a written test on Virginia traffic laws. The test has 35 questions and you must answer at least 28 correctly to pass.
Once you pass the vision test and any required written test, you pay the fee and receive a temporary paper license on the spot. Your permanent plastic license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. The fee for a standard five-year license is $70 for a first-time applicant and $65 for a renewal.
Renewing by mail or online instead
If your current Virginia license is still valid and your address has not changed, you can renew without visiting the office. Online renewal through the Virginia DMV website takes about 10 minutes and costs $65. Your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days.
Mail renewal is also an option. You can request a renewal form by calling (804) 367-0538 or read it from the Virginia DMV website. Fill it out, include a check or money order for $65, and mail it to the address on the form. Processing takes about two weeks from the date the DMV receives your envelope.
Online and mail renewal are not available if your license has been expired for more than one year, if you have changed your address, if you have changed your name, or if you need to update your photograph. In those cases, you must visit the office in person.
If you need a duplicate or replacement license
If your license was lost, stolen, or damaged, you can get a replacement at the Richmond office. Bring your identification and proof of residency just as you would for a renewal. You will need to fill out form DL-44 and pay a $10 replacement fee. The process is usually faster than a full renewal because you do not need to retake the vision or written test.
If your license was stolen, you may also want to report it to local police and monitor your credit. A stolen license can be used for identity fraud, though this is uncommon. The police report is not required by the DMV, but it creates a record in case problems arise later.
Preparing for the written test
If you need to take the written test, the Virginia DMV publishes a study guide online at no cost. The guide covers right-of-way rules, speed limits, parking, seat belt laws, and what different road signs mean. You can read it on the DMV website or request a printed copy at the Richmond office.
The test is 35 questions, all multiple choice, and you have 30 minutes to complete it. You must answer at least 28 questions correctly to pass. If you fail, you can retake the test the same day at no additional cost. Most people pass on their first try if they have studied the guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make an appointment at the Richmond DMV office?
Virginia DMV offices do not offer appointment scheduling. You arrive during business hours and wait your turn. Arriving early on a weekday morning usually means a shorter wait than Saturday or afternoon visits. You can call (804) 367-0538 to ask about current wait times before you go.
What if I do not have proof of my Social Security number?
You must provide proof of your Social Security number to get a license. Acceptable documents include your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, or a tax return. If you do not have any of these, contact the Social Security Administration to request a replacement card before visiting the DMV.
How long does it take to get a license on the day I visit?
The process usually takes 30 minutes to an hour from check-in to receiving your temporary license, though wait times vary. If you need to take the written test, add 15 to 20 minutes. You receive a temporary paper license the same day; the permanent plastic license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
Can I renew my license if it expired more than a year ago?
Yes, but you will need to visit the office in person and retake both the vision test and the written test. You cannot renew by mail or online if your license has been expired for more than one year. Plan for a longer visit because of the additional testing.
What if I moved to Richmond from another state?
You will need to get a Virginia license. Bring your out-of-state license, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of Virginia residency. You will take the vision test and the written test on Virginia traffic laws. The fee is $70 for a five-year license.