What You Need to Do to Renew in Virginia

You can renew your Virginia driver's license by mail, online, or in person at a DMV office. Mail and online renewals are faster and require no appointment — you submit documents and pay the fee from home. In-person renewal takes longer because you need an appointment, but it's the only option if your license has been expired for more than one year, if you need to change your name or address, or if you want to upgrade to a REAL ID-compliant license.

Virginia sends renewal notices about 60 days before your license expires. The notice includes a barcode you'll need for online or mail renewal. If you don't have the notice, you can still renew online or by mail using your driver's license number and date of birth.

Key Takeaways

  • Online renewal is the fastest option and takes about 10 business days; you'll need your current license number, date of birth, and the barcode from your renewal notice.
  • Mail renewal requires the same documents as online but takes 15 to 20 business days because of processing time.
  • In-person renewal at a DMV office requires an appointment, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number, and is necessary if your license expired more than a year ago.
  • A standard Virginia driver's license renewal costs $48 for an eight-year license; REAL ID upgrades cost $65.
  • You cannot renew by mail or online if you have unpaid traffic violations, child support arrears, or an outstanding warrant in Virginia.

Renewing Online Through the DMV Website

Online renewal is the fastest method. Go to dmvnow.com, select "Renew Your Driver's License," and enter your driver's license number, date of birth, and the barcode from your renewal notice. You'll answer questions about whether your address, name, and physical characteristics have changed. If everything is the same, you'll proceed to payment.

Pay the $48 renewal fee with a credit or debit card. You will not need to upload documents or visit an office. Virginia will mail your new license to the address on file within 10 business days. Your current license remains valid until the new one arrives, so you can continue driving legally during that time.

Online renewal is not available if you've been convicted of certain traffic offenses in the past three years, if you have unpaid child support, or if you have an outstanding warrant. The system will tell you when ready if you're ineligible.

Renewing by Mail

Mail renewal uses the same documents as online renewal but takes longer. Request a renewal process by calling the DMV at 804-367-0538, or read the form from dmvnow.com. Fill out the process, sign it, and mail it with your current driver's license and a check or money order for $48 to the address listed on the form.

Processing takes 15 to 20 business days after the DMV receives your envelope. Mail delivery adds another 3 to 5 days on each end, so plan for a total of three to four weeks. Your current license remains valid during this time. If you need your new license faster, switch to online renewal or visit a DMV office in person.

Do not mail your original documents unless the DMV specifically requests them. Include only copies of anything you're asked to prove.

Renewing in Person at a DMV Office

In-person renewal requires an appointment. Book one at dmvnow.com by selecting "Schedule an Appointment" and choosing "Renew Driver's License." You can also call 804-367-0538. Appointments are typically available within two to four weeks, though this varies by location and season.

Bring your current driver's license, proof of your Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2, or 1099), and proof of your current Virginia address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days). If your address has changed, bring proof of your new address. If your name has changed, bring a court order, marriage certificate, or divorce decree.

At your appointment, a DMV employee will take a new photo, verify your information, and collect payment. You'll receive a temporary paper license valid for 45 days while your permanent license is mailed. The permanent license arrives within 10 business days.

When You Must Renew in Person

You cannot renew by mail or online if your license has been expired for more than one year. You also must visit an office if you want to change your name, address, or physical description; if you need a REAL ID-compliant license; or if you have unpaid traffic fines, child support arrears, or an outstanding warrant in Virginia.

If you're upgrading to a REAL ID license in person, the fee is $65 instead of $48. REAL ID licenses are required for federal building access and domestic air travel starting May 7, 2025. You'll need to bring your current license, proof of Social Security number, proof of address, and proof of citizenship or legal residency (passport, birth certificate, or naturalization papers).

What Happens If Your License Expires

Driving with an expired license is illegal in Virginia, even if you've submitted a renewal process. If you're stopped by police, you can be cited. However, if you can show proof that you submitted a renewal process before your license expired, the officer may issue a warning instead of a ticket.

If your license has been expired for more than one year, you must renew in person. You cannot use online or mail renewal. Additionally, if you've been driving with an expired license, the DMV may require you to retake the written and driving tests before issuing a new license — this depends on how long it's been expired and the reason for the lapse.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if I've moved out of state?

No. Virginia only renews licenses for people who still live in Virginia. If you've moved, you need to get a license from your new state. You can surrender your Virginia license by mail or at a DMV office, but you cannot renew it remotely.

What if I lost my renewal notice?

You don't need it. For online renewal, use your driver's license number and date of birth instead of the barcode. For mail renewal, request a new process form by calling 804-367-0538 or downloading it from dmvnow.com. The barcode is a convenience, not a requirement.

How long does my new license take to arrive?

Online and in-person renewals take about 10 business days after the DMV processes your request. Mail renewal takes 15 to 20 business days after the DMV receives your envelope, plus mail delivery time on both ends. Your current license stays valid until the new one arrives.

Can I renew early?

Yes. Virginia allows renewal up to one year before your license expires. You can renew online, by mail, or in person at any time during that window. Renewing early doesn't change your expiration date — your new license will still expire eight years from the date you renew.

What if I want to change my photo?

You must renew in person at a DMV office to get a new photo. Online and mail renewals use your existing photo. Schedule an appointment at dmvnow.com or call 804-367-0538.