What you need to do to renew in Virginia
Virginia lets you renew your driver's license by mail, online, or in person at a DMV office. The method you choose depends on how much time you have and whether your license has expired. If your license is still valid, you can renew online or by mail without visiting an office. If it has already expired, you must go in person.
The state sends renewal notices about 60 days before your license expires, so check your mailbox around that time. Your renewal notice contains a barcode and instructions specific to your situation. Keep that notice — you will need it for whichever method you choose.
Key Takeaways
- Virginia sends renewal notices about 60 days before expiration; check your mailbox and keep the notice because you will need the barcode it contains.
- Online renewal takes about 10 minutes, costs $36, and works only if your license is still valid and you have not renewed online in the past eight years.
- Mail renewal uses the notice you received, costs $36, and takes two to three weeks from the time the DMV receives your packet.
- In-person renewal at a DMV office is required if your license has expired, and you will need your notice, a valid ID, and proof of Virginia residency.
- Your new license arrives by mail within two weeks of approval, and you can drive on your old license until the new one arrives.
Renewing online through the Virginia DMV website
Online renewal is the fastest option if your license has not expired and you meet Virginia's requirements. Go to dmvnow.com, select "Renew Driver's License," and enter the information from your renewal notice — your driver's license number, date of birth, and the barcode from the notice. The system will confirm your identity and ask you to review your current information.
You can change your address during online renewal, but you cannot change your name or add a Real ID designation. If you need either of those, you must renew in person. Online renewal costs $36 and is paid by credit or debit card. After you submit, you will receive a confirmation number by email. Your new license will arrive by mail within two weeks.
One restriction: you cannot renew online if you have renewed online within the past eight years. If you have already used online renewal twice, you must choose mail or in-person renewal this time.
Renewing by mail with your renewal notice
Mail renewal works if your license is still valid. Use the renewal notice you received from Virginia — it contains a prepaid envelope and a form. Fill out the form, sign it, and include your renewal notice in the envelope. Mail it to the address printed on the notice.
The DMV processes mail renewals in the order they arrive. Once they receive your packet, processing takes about two weeks. You will not receive a confirmation, but your new license will arrive by mail. The cost is $36, which you pay by including a check or money order in the envelope — do not send cash.
If you did not receive a renewal notice or lost it, you can still renew by mail. Call the DMV at 804-367-0538 and request a renewal form to be mailed to you. This adds extra time to the process, so plan ahead if your license expires soon.
Renewing in person at a DMV office
You must renew in person if your license has expired. Bring your renewal notice, a valid photo ID (passport, military ID, or another state's driver's license), and proof of Virginia residency such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the past 60 days. If you do not have your renewal notice, bring your current driver's license instead.
Visit dmvnow.com and use the office locator to find the DMV office nearest you. Many offices accept walk-ins, but some require an appointment. Check the office's hours and whether it takes appointments before you go. Processing at the office usually takes 15 to 30 minutes. The cost is $36, paid by cash, check, or card.
If you want to add Real ID designation to your license (required for federal buildings and flights), you must renew in person. Bring your renewal notice, photo ID, proof of residency, and proof of your Social Security number such as a Social Security card or W-2 form. Real ID renewal costs $41 instead of $36.
What happens after you renew
Once the DMV approves your renewal, your new license is printed and mailed to the address on file. Standard mail delivery takes about two weeks. You can continue to drive on your old license until the new one arrives — there is no gap in your driving rights.
If your new license does not arrive within three weeks of approval, contact the DMV at 804-367-0538. Have your confirmation number ready if you renewed online, or your driver's license number if you renewed by mail or in person. The DMV can check the status and remail your license if needed.
Changing your address or name during renewal
You can change your address during any renewal method — online, by mail, or in person. If you renew online or by mail, write your new address on the form or enter it in the system. If you renew in person, bring proof of your new address such as a utility bill or lease dated within the past 60 days.
Changing your name requires in-person renewal. Bring your renewal notice, photo ID, proof of residency, and a document showing your legal name change such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The DMV will update your record and issue a new license with your current name.
If your license has been expired for more than one year
Virginia treats licenses expired for more than one year differently. You cannot renew by mail or online — you must go to a DMV office in person. Bring your expired license, a valid photo ID, proof of residency, and your Social Security number proof. The office will process your renewal the same way as a standard in-person renewal, and the cost remains $36.
If your license expired more than five years ago, the DMV may require you to pass a vision test or written test. Call 804-367-0538 before you visit to confirm what you need to bring.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license before the renewal notice arrives?
No. Virginia requires the barcode from your renewal notice for online and mail renewal. If your license expires soon and you have not received the notice, call 804-367-0538 to request one be mailed to you, or visit a DMV office in person to renew early.
What if I moved out of state but still have a Virginia license?
You cannot renew a Virginia license if you no longer live in Virginia. You must get a driver's license from your new state instead. If you are temporarily out of state, you can renew by mail using your renewal notice and have the new license mailed to an address outside Virginia.
Do I need a Real ID to renew my regular driver's license?
No. A standard Virginia driver's license renewal costs $36 and does not require Real ID. Real ID is optional and costs $41. You only need Real ID if you plan to use your license for federal building access or domestic flights after May 2025.
How long does my new license stay valid?
Virginia driver's licenses are valid for eight years from the issue date. Your renewal notice will show your new expiration date. You will receive another renewal notice about 60 days before that date expires.
What if I lost my license and need to renew at the same time?
You can renew and replace a lost license in one visit to a DMV office. Bring your renewal notice, photo ID, and proof of residency. The cost is $36 for renewal plus $20 for a replacement, totaling $56. If you do not have your renewal notice, bring your Social Security number proof instead.