How to Renew Your Driver's License in Virginia

Virginia driver's license renewal basics

You can renew your Virginia driver's license online, by mail, or in person at a DMV office. The method you choose depends on whether your license is still valid, how much time you have, and whether you need a new photo. Most people renew online or by mail without visiting an office, but you must go in person if your license has been expired for more than one year, if you need to change information, or if you want a Real ID-compliant license for the first time.

Virginia licenses are valid for eight years. The DMV will send you a renewal notice about 60 days before your license expires, which includes a renewal code you'll need if you renew online. If you don't receive a notice, you can still renew — you just won't have the code, and you may need to visit an office instead.

Key Takeaways

Online renewal takes about 10 minutes and costs $24 if your license is still valid and you don't need a new photo.
Mail renewal requires the renewal notice the DMV sends you, takes two to three weeks, and costs the same as online renewal.
In-person renewal at a DMV office is necessary if your license expired more than a year ago, if you're renewing for the first time as a Real ID license, or if you need to update your address or name.
Real ID licenses cost $34 instead of $24 and require proof of citizenship, Social Security number, and proof of Virginia residency — documents you must bring to an office.
You can check your renewal status and schedule a DMV appointment on the Virginia DMV website before you visit.

Renewing online or by mail

Online renewal is the fastest option if your license is still valid and you don't need a new photo. Go to the Virginia DMV website, select "Renew Driver's License," and enter your driver's license number and the renewal code from your renewal notice. You'll answer questions about whether your address, name, and other information are still correct. The fee is $24, paid by debit or credit card. Your new license will arrive by mail in about 7 to 10 business days.

If you don't have your renewal code or prefer not to renew online, you can mail in your renewal notice with a check or money order for $24. Include the notice itself — don't send your current license. Mail it to the address printed on the notice. Processing takes two to three weeks, and your new license will arrive by mail. This method works only if your license is still valid.

Both online and mail renewal keep your current license number and expiration date structure. You won't get a new photo unless you pay extra to add one, which costs an additional $10.

In-person renewal at a DMV office

You must visit a DMV office if your license expired more than one year ago, if you're renewing a license for the first time and want it to be Real ID-compliant, if you need to change your name or address, or if you want a new photo. Bring your current license, proof of Virginia residency (a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days), and your Social Security card or a document showing your number.

Schedule an appointment on the Virginia DMV website before you go. Walk-ins are accepted, but appointments move faster and you won't wait as long. The office will take a new photo, verify your information, and issue your new license on the spot or mail it to you depending on the office location. The fee is $24 for a standard license.

If you're renewing in person and want a Real ID license for the first time, bring your Social Security card, proof of citizenship (a birth certificate, passport, or naturalization papers), and two documents proving Virginia residency. Real ID licenses cost $34 and are marked with a gold star in the upper right corner. They're required for federal building access and domestic air travel starting May 7, 2025, though Virginia has received extensions before.

Real ID licenses and when you need one

A Real ID license is a standard driver's license with additional security features and proof that you are a U.S. citizen. It's marked with a gold star. You don't have to get one — a standard Virginia license is still valid for driving — but you will need a Real ID license or a passport to board a domestic airplane or enter a federal building after May 7, 2025.

If your current license is not Real ID-compliant and you want to upgrade during renewal, you must renew in person. You cannot upgrade online or by mail. Bring your Social Security card, proof of citizenship (birth certificate, U.S. passport, or naturalization certificate), and two documents showing Virginia residency. The fee is $34 instead of $24.

If you're not sure whether your current license is Real ID-compliant, look for the gold star in the upper right corner. If it's not there, your license is standard. You can continue to use a standard license for driving and most everyday purposes — the Real ID requirement applies only to federal facilities and domestic air travel.

What to do if your license is expired or lost

If your license expired fewer than 12 months ago, you can renew online or by mail using the methods described above. If it expired more than 12 months ago, you must renew in person at a DMV office. Bring your current license (even though it's expired), proof of residency, and your Social Security card.

If your license is lost or stolen, you cannot renew it — you must replace it. Replacement is different from renewal and requires a visit to a DMV office. Bring proof of identity (an expired license, passport, or birth certificate), proof of residency, and your Social Security card. The replacement fee is $24 for a standard license or $34 for Real ID. The DMV will issue you a new license number.

Finding a DMV office and scheduling an appointment

Virginia has DMV offices in most cities and counties. Find the office nearest you on the Virginia DMV website by entering your zip code. The website shows office hours, which vary — some offices are open Monday through Friday, while others have Saturday hours. Call ahead or check online before you go, because some offices have reduced hours on certain days.

Schedule an appointment on the DMV website to skip the walk-in line. Appointments are free and usually available within a few days. If you can't find an appointment time that works, you can still walk in, but wait times vary. The website shows current wait times for each office, updated throughout the day.

Bring all required documents with you. If you're missing a document, the office staff can tell you what you need before you leave, but they won't process your renewal without it. Having everything ready the first time saves a return trip.

Fees and payment methods

Standard Virginia driver's license renewal costs $24. Real ID renewal costs $34. Adding a new photo to an online or mail renewal costs an additional $10. If you're replacing a lost or stolen license instead of renewing, the cost is the same — $24 for standard or $34 for Real ID.

Online renewal accepts debit and credit cards. Mail renewal requires a check or money order — do not send cash. In-person renewal accepts cash, debit, credit cards, and checks. Some offices may have additional payment options, so ask when you arrive.

If you renew online or by mail and your new license doesn't arrive within the expected timeframe, contact the DMV to check the status. If you renew in person, ask whether your license will be mailed or issued on the spot before you leave the office.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if I just moved to Virginia?

If you're a new Virginia resident, you cannot renew your out-of-state license in Virginia. You must get a Virginia license instead, which requires an in-person visit to a DMV office. Bring your out-of-state license, proof of Virginia residency, your Social Security card, and proof of citizenship if you want Real ID. The fee is $24 for a standard license or $34 for Real ID.

What happens if I renew online but my information has changed?

Online renewal asks you to confirm that your address, name, and other information are still correct. If any information has changed, you cannot complete the online renewal — you must renew in person at a DMV office so staff can update your record and issue a new license with the correct information.

How long does my new license take to arrive if I renew by mail?

Mail renewal takes two to three weeks from the date the DMV receives your renewal notice and payment. The DMV does not track mail renewals individually, so if your license doesn't arrive within four weeks, contact the DMV to check the status. Bring your tracking information if you mailed it with delivery confirmation.

Do I need a Real ID license if I only drive in Virginia?

You don't need Real ID for driving anywhere, including Virginia. Real ID is required only for boarding domestic airplanes and entering federal buildings. If you don't travel by air or visit federal facilities, a standard Virginia license is sufficient. You can continue to renew a standard license online or by mail.

Can I renew my license early?

Yes. You can renew your Virginia license up to one year before it expires. Early renewal extends your expiration date by eight years from the date you renew, not from your current expiration date. Online and mail renewal work for early renewal if your license is still valid. There is no discount for early renewal — the fee is still $24 for standard or $34 for Real ID.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.