How to Renew Your Virginia Driver's License

Virginia driver's license renewal basics

Virginia lets you renew your driver's license in person at a DMV office, by mail if you meet certain conditions, or online through the Virginia DMV website. The method you choose depends on whether your license is expired, whether you need to update your photo, and how soon you need the new one. Most people can renew without taking a new written test or vision test, though Virginia will ask you to do both if your license has been expired for more than three years.

Your Virginia driver's license is valid for eight years from the date it was issued. The DMV will send you a renewal notice in the mail about 60 days before your license expires, but you do not have to wait for that notice to start the process. You can renew up to one year before your current license expires.

Key Takeaways

Virginia offers three renewal methods: online through the DMV website, by mail if your license is not expired and you have not changed your address, or in person at any DMV office.
Online renewal takes about one week for your new license to arrive by mail and costs $36 for an eight-year license.
If your license expired more than three years ago, you must renew in person and will need to pass a vision test and written knowledge test.
You can renew up to one year before your current license expires, so you do not have to wait until the last minute.
Bring your current license, proof of Virginia residency (such as a utility bill or lease), and your Social Security number to any in-person renewal.

Renewing online through the Virginia DMV website

Online renewal is the fastest option if your license is not expired and you have not moved since your last renewal. Go to the Virginia DMV website, select "Renew Your Driver's License," and log in with your driver's license number and date of birth. You will answer questions about whether your address, name, and other information are still correct. You will also confirm that you have not had any medical conditions develop that would affect your ability to drive safely.

The fee for an eight-year renewal is $36, which you pay by debit card or credit card during the online process. Your new license will be mailed to your Virginia address within about one week. You can continue to drive on your current license while you wait for the new one to arrive.

Online renewal is not available if your license is already expired, if you have moved to a new address in Virginia since your last renewal, or if you want to change your name or address on the license. In those cases, you will need to renew by mail or in person.

Renewing by mail

Mail renewal works only if your license is not expired and your address has not changed. You do not need to fill out a form or send in documents — the DMV will send you a renewal notice in the mail about 60 days before your license expires. That notice includes a prepaid envelope and instructions. You sign the back of your current license, put it in the envelope along with the renewal notice, and mail it back to the address shown.

The fee is $36 for an eight-year license, and it is already included in the prepaid envelope. Your new license will arrive by mail within about two weeks of the DMV receiving your materials. During that time, you can still drive on your current license.

If you did not receive a renewal notice or you lost it, you can request one by calling the Virginia DMV at 804-367-0538 or by visiting a DMV office in person. You cannot start a mail renewal without the official notice from the DMV.

Renewing in person at a DMV office

In-person renewal is required if your license is expired, if you have moved to a new Virginia address, if you want to change your name, or if your license has been expired for more than three years. Bring your current driver's license, proof of your current Virginia address (such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days), and your Social Security number. If you have changed your name, bring a document that shows the change, such as a marriage certificate or court order.

You do not need to make an appointment at most Virginia DMV offices, but you can reserve a time slot online through the Virginia DMV website to avoid waiting. Walk-in service is available, but wait times vary by location and time of day. The fee is $36 for an eight-year license, payable by cash, debit card, or credit card.

If your license has been expired for more than three years, you will take a vision test and a written knowledge test at the DMV office. If it has been expired for three years or less, you will only take the vision test. Your new license will be printed on the spot, and you can drive home with it when ready.

What happens if your license is expired

Driving on an expired Virginia license is against the law, even if you are in the process of renewing. If you are stopped by police, you can be cited. However, if you have already started the renewal process — whether online, by mail, or in person — you have a grace period. If you can show proof that you submitted your renewal request before your license expired, you are generally not subject to a citation for driving on an expired license while waiting for your new one to arrive.

If your license has been expired for more than three years, you cannot renew online or by mail. You must go to a DMV office in person. At that visit, you will take both a vision test and a written knowledge test covering Virginia traffic laws and road signs. The written test is the same one new drivers take, and you must pass it to receive your renewed license.

Updating your photo during renewal

If you renew online or by mail, your photo from your previous license will be used on your new license. You cannot request a new photo through online or mail renewal. If you want a new photo, you must renew in person at a DMV office. The DMV will take a new photo of you at the time of your visit, and it will appear on your new license.

A new photo is useful if your appearance has changed significantly since your last license was issued, or if you are unhappy with your current photo. The DMV takes the photo during your in-person visit, so there is no separate photo appointment or fee — the $36 renewal fee covers everything.

Finding a Virginia DMV office and checking wait times

Virginia has DMV offices in most cities and counties. You can find the office nearest you by visiting the Virginia DMV website and using the office locator tool. The site shows the address, phone number, hours of operation, and available services at each location. Some offices offer limited services, so if you need a specific service, check the website before you go.

Many Virginia DMV offices allow you to reserve a time slot online, which can significantly reduce your wait time. You can check current wait times for walk-in customers on the Virginia DMV website as well. If wait times are long at your nearest office, you can often visit a different office in your region with a shorter wait.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Virginia driver's license if I moved out of state?

No. Virginia driver's licenses are only for Virginia residents. If you have moved to another state, you need to get a driver's license from that state. You should contact your new state's DMV to find out what documents you need and whether your Virginia license can be surrendered as proof of prior licensing.

What if I lost my driver's license before it expired?

You will need to get a replacement license rather than a renewal. A replacement costs $20 and requires an in-person visit to a DMV office. Bring your proof of Virginia residency and your Social Security number. The DMV will issue you a new license with the same expiration date as your original license.

How long does it take to get my renewed license if I renew in person?

Your new license is printed at the DMV office during your visit, and you can drive home with it the same day. You do not have to wait for it to arrive by mail. This is one reason many people choose in-person renewal when they need their new license quickly.

Do I have to pass a vision test when I renew my Virginia driver's license?

Yes, you will take a vision test at any in-person renewal. If your license has been expired for three years or less, the vision test is the only test you take. If it has been expired for more than three years, you will also take a written knowledge test. Online and mail renewals do not include a vision test.

What if my name changed since my last license was issued?

You must renew in person and bring a document showing your name change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The DMV will update your name on your new license. You cannot change your name through online or mail renewal.

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.