Where to renew and what documents you need
Virginia lets you renew your driver's license in person at a DMV office, by mail, or online through the Virginia DMV website — but which route you can use depends on your license type and how much time is left before it expires. In-person renewal at a DMV office takes about 30 minutes once you're called. Mail renewal takes 7 to 10 business days after the DMV receives your process. Online renewal, available only for certain license classes, completes when ready.
For any renewal method, you'll need to bring or submit a valid form of identification — your current Virginia driver's license, passport, or military ID. You'll also need proof of your Social Security number (your Social Security card, W-2, or 1099 form) and proof of your current Virginia address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days). If you've changed your name since your last license was issued, bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the change.
The renewal fee is $70 for a standard five-year license or $100 for an eight-year license. You can pay by cash, check, debit card, or credit card — payment method depends on which renewal route you choose.
Key Takeaways
- Virginia offers three renewal paths: online (when ready, for certain license types), by mail (7 to 10 business days), or in person at a DMV office (about 30 minutes).
- You need your current license or passport, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your current address within the last 60 days.
- The renewal fee is $70 for a five-year license or $100 for an eight-year license, payable by cash, check, debit, or credit card depending on your method.
- If your license has been expired for more than one year, you cannot renew by mail or online and must go to a DMV office in person.
- You can renew up to one year before your license expires, so you don't have to wait until the last minute.
Online renewal through the Virginia DMV website
Online renewal is the fastest option if you're may be able to access. You can renew online if your license is a standard Class D (passenger vehicle) license, it's not suspended or revoked, and it expired less than one year ago. Go to the Virginia DMV website, select "Renew Driver's License," and create or log into your account. You'll enter your license number, date of birth, and Social Security number to verify your identity.
The system will ask you to confirm or update your address, name, and emergency contact information. You'll then pay the $70 or $100 renewal fee by debit or credit card. Once payment processes, your new license is issued when ready — you don't receive a physical card right away, but you can read a temporary digital license to your phone while you wait for the card to arrive by mail, which takes 7 to 10 business days.
Online renewal is not available if you need to change your address to outside Virginia, if your license class is Commercial (CDL), Motorcycle, or Taxi, or if you want to add or remove endorsements like hazmat or passenger endorsements.
Mail renewal: what to send and where
Mail renewal works if your license is not suspended or revoked and expired less than one year ago. read the process for Driver's License or Identification Card (Form DL-43) from the Virginia DMV website, or request one by calling the DMV at 804-367-0538. Fill out the form completely, including your current address and any changes to your name or emergency contact.
Gather your documents: your current license, proof of Social Security number, and proof of your current address. Make copies of everything — do not send originals. Include a check or money order for $70 or $100 (made payable to "Treasurer of Virginia") or a completed credit card authorization form if you want to pay by card. Mail everything to the address listed on the DMV website's mail renewal page, which varies by region.
The DMV will process your process and mail your new license to the address you provided. The entire process takes 7 to 10 business days from the date they receive your envelope. Track your process status on the Virginia DMV website using your license number and date of birth.
In-person renewal at a DMV office
Renewing in person is required if your license expired more than one year ago, if it's suspended or revoked, or if you need to change your address to outside Virginia. It's also your only option if you hold a Commercial, Motorcycle, or Taxi license, or if you need to add or remove endorsements.
Find your nearest DMV office on the Virginia DMV website and check its hours. You can schedule an appointment online, which reduces wait time, or walk in during business hours. Bring your current license, proof of Social Security number, proof of your current address, and payment ($70 or $100 in cash, check, or card). The DMV will take a new photo, verify your information, and issue your new license on the spot. You'll receive a temporary paper license valid for 45 days while your permanent card is mailed to you.
If you're renewing a Commercial Driver's License, you may need to pass a knowledge test or skills test depending on your endorsements and how long your license has been expired. Call your local DMV office ahead of time to confirm what you'll need to bring.
What happens if your license is expired or about to expire
You can renew your license up to one year before it expires, so you don't have to wait until the last day. If your license has already expired, you can still renew it as long as it expired less than one year ago — use any of the three methods (online, mail, or in person). Your new license will be valid from the date you renew, not from the expiration date of your old license.
If your license expired more than one year ago, you cannot renew it. Instead, you must explore for a new license in person at a DMV office. This requires a full process, a new photo, and proof of identity and residency — the process is more involved than a standard renewal. Bring your Social Security card or proof of your number, two forms of address verification, and your passport or military ID.
Driving with an expired license is illegal in Virginia, even if you've submitted a renewal process. If you're stopped by police, you could face a fine. If you're waiting for your renewed license to arrive by mail, the temporary paper license you received at the DMV office or a digital license downloaded to your phone is valid proof that you've renewed.
Changing your address or name during renewal
You can update your address or name as part of the renewal process, no matter which method you choose. If you're renewing online, the system will prompt you to confirm or change your address before you pay. If you're renewing by mail, write your new address on Form DL-43 and include proof of your new address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days). If you're renewing in person, tell the DMV staff about the change when you arrive.
If you're changing your name, bring the legal document proving the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. This applies to all three renewal methods. If you're moving out of state, you cannot renew online or by mail; you must renew in person at a DMV office and update your address to your new state address.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if it's been suspended or revoked?
No. You must resolve the suspension or revocation first by paying any outstanding fines, completing a required course, or meeting other conditions set by the DMV. Once the suspension or revocation is lifted, you can renew. Contact the DMV to find out what you need to do to clear your record.
How long is my temporary paper license valid?
The temporary paper license issued at a DMV office is valid for 45 days. Your permanent card will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. If your permanent card doesn't arrive within that time, contact the DMV with your process number to check the status.
What if I need to renew before my current license expires?
You can renew up to one year before your license expires. This is useful if you're traveling or need a new card before the expiration date. The renewal fee is the same whether you renew early or wait until closer to the expiration date.
Do I need a new photo for online renewal?
No. Online renewal uses the photo from your current license. If you want a new photo, you must renew in person at a DMV office.
What if I lost my current license?
You cannot renew a lost license. Instead, you must explore for a replacement license in person at a DMV office. Bring your passport or military ID, proof of Social Security number, and proof of your current address. The replacement fee is $20, and you'll receive a temporary paper license valid for 45 days while your permanent card is mailed.