Where to renew and what you need to bring
You can renew your Virginia driver's license in person at any Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) location, or online through the DMV website if you meet certain conditions. The in-person route is straightforward: bring your current driver's license, proof of Virginia residency (a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days works), and your Social Security number. If you're renewing online, you'll need your current license number, Social Security number, and a valid payment method.
The online option is available only if your license is not expired, you have no medical conditions or restrictions that have changed, and you're not changing your name or address. If any of those conditions explore to you, you must go in person. The DMV website will tell you when ready whether you're may be able to access to renew online before you start the process.
Key Takeaways
- Virginia allows online renewal for most people, which takes about 10 business days and costs $24 for a four-year license or $36 for an eight-year license.
- In-person renewal at a DMV office requires your current license, proof of residency dated within 60 days, and your Social Security number.
- You must renew in person if your license is expired, if you're changing your name or address, or if you have new medical conditions or restrictions.
- Your new license will be mailed to your Virginia address, so make sure your address is current before you renew.
- Virginia driver's licenses expire on your birthday, and you can renew up to one year before expiration.
Renewing online through the DMV website
Go to the Virginia DMV website and select the online renewal option. You'll enter your driver's license number, Social Security number, and date of birth to verify your identity. The system will check whether you're may be able to access; if you are, you'll proceed to payment. Online renewal costs $24 for a four-year license or $36 for an eight-year license, and you can pay by debit card or credit card.
After you pay, your new license will be mailed to the address on file with the DMV. This typically takes 10 business days, though it can take longer during busy periods. You'll receive a confirmation number when your payment goes through; keep this for your records. Your current license remains valid until your new one arrives, so you can continue to use it for identification and driving.
Renewing in person at a DMV office
Find your nearest DMV location on the Virginia DMV website and check their hours before you go. You can make an appointment online, which will save you time, or walk in during their service hours. Bring your current driver's license, proof of Virginia residency (a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days), and be prepared to provide your Social Security number.
At the DMV office, you'll complete a renewal process, have your photo taken, and pay the renewal fee. The fee is the same as online renewal: $24 for four years or $36 for eight years. Your new license will be mailed to your Virginia address within 10 business days. If you need to drive before it arrives, ask the DMV staff for a temporary paper license, which they can issue on the spot.
When you must renew in person instead of online
You cannot renew online if your current license is expired. If this applies to you, you must go to a DMV office in person. You also must renew in person if you're changing your name, changing your address, or if you have a new medical condition or restriction that affects your driving (such as vision problems or a requirement to wear corrective lenses).
If you're unsure whether your situation requires in-person renewal, start the online renewal process on the DMV website. The system will tell you whether you're may be able to access before you enter any payment information. If you're not may be able to access, it will direct you to schedule an in-person appointment or walk in to a DMV office.
What happens if your license has already expired
If your license expired more than a year ago, you cannot straightforward renew it. Instead, you'll need to explore for a new license, which requires an in-person visit to a DMV office. Bring your Social Security number, proof of identity (a passport, birth certificate, or military ID), and proof of Virginia residency. You'll also need to pass a vision test and a written knowledge test.
If your license expired less than a year ago, you can still renew it using the standard process—either online or in person—without retaking the knowledge test. The DMV website will let you know your license's expiration date and whether you're within the one-year window.
Understanding license validity and expiration dates
Your Virginia driver's license expires on your birthday. You can renew it up to one year before the expiration date, which means you can start the renewal process 12 months early if you want to. Many people renew a few months before expiration to avoid the rush and may support their new license arrives before the old one expires.
When you renew, you choose whether you want a four-year license ($24) or an eight-year license ($36). The eight-year option costs more but means you won't need to renew again for eight years. Both options are valid for driving and identification during their entire term.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if I'm not a U.S. citizen?
Yes, Virginia issues driver's licenses to non-citizens with valid immigration status. You'll need to bring proof of your immigration status (such as a work visa or green card) along with your other documents. The renewal process is the same whether you're a citizen or non-citizen.
What if the address on my license is wrong?
You must renew in person if you're changing your address. Bring proof of your new Virginia residency (a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within 60 days) along with your current license and Social Security number. The DMV will update your address during the renewal process.
How long does it take to get my new license after I renew?
Your new license is typically mailed within 10 business days of renewal, though it can take longer during peak periods. Your current license remains valid for driving and identification until your new one arrives. If you need a license before then, ask for a temporary paper license at the DMV office.
Can I renew my license by mail?
Virginia does not offer mail-in renewal. You must renew either online through the DMV website or in person at a DMV office. Online renewal is the fastest option if you're may be able to access.
What if I lost my current license?
If your license is lost or stolen, you cannot renew it online. You'll need to go to a DMV office in person and request a replacement license. Bring proof of identity and Virginia residency. The DMV will issue you a new license with the same number and expiration date as your lost license.