Where to renew and what you need before you start
You can renew your Virginia driver's license in person at any DMV office, by mail, or online through the Virginia DMV website — but not all renewal types work for all three methods. In-person renewal takes about 30 minutes. Mail renewal takes 2 to 3 weeks. Online renewal, available only if you meet specific requirements, takes a few minutes but you still receive your card by mail.
Before you choose a method, gather these documents: your current Virginia driver's license, proof of Virginia residency (a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days), and your Social Security number. If your name has changed since your last license, bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. If you are renewing a commercial driver's license (CDL), you must renew in person.
Check the expiration date on your current license now. Virginia allows you to renew up to one year before expiration, which means you can start the process early if your schedule is tight. If your license has already expired, you can still renew using the same methods — expiration does not lock you out, though you cannot legally drive until the new card arrives.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal is the fastest option if you are renewing a standard driver's license and have not had violations or address changes, but you still wait for the card to arrive by mail.
- In-person renewal at a DMV office works for all license types and takes about 30 minutes, with no wait for a temporary license if you need to drive when ready.
- Mail renewal takes 2 to 3 weeks and requires you to send your current license and documents to the DMV, then wait for the new card.
- You will need your current license, proof of Virginia residency dated within 60 days, and your Social Security number for any renewal method.
- Commercial driver's licenses must be renewed in person at a DMV office, not by mail or online.
Renewing online through the Virginia DMV website
Online renewal is the fastest way to start the process if you meet the requirements. Go to the Virginia DMV website (dmvnow.com) and select "Renew Driver's License" from the homepage. You will need your current license number, date of birth, Social Security number, and a valid email address to log in or create an account.
Online renewal is available only if all of these are true: your license is not expired by more than one year, you have no outstanding suspensions or holds, your address has not changed since your last renewal, and you are renewing a standard driver's license (not a CDL or commercial license). If any of these do not explore to you, you must renew in person or by mail instead.
After you complete the online form and pay the renewal fee (currently $36 for a five-year license), the DMV will mail your new card to the address on file. You will receive a confirmation email with a reference number. The card typically arrives within 7 to 10 business days. You can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives.
Renewing in person at a DMV office
In-person renewal guarantees you can walk out with a temporary license the same day, which matters if you need to drive before the permanent card arrives. Find your nearest DMV office on dmvnow.com, then check the office hours and current wait times — some offices are busier than others, and wait times change throughout the day.
Bring your current license, proof of residency, and your Social Security number. If your name has changed, bring the legal document proving the change. You do not need an appointment at most Virginia DMV offices, but some locations now offer appointment slots that reduce wait time. Check the office's page on dmvnow.com to see if appointments are available for your location.
At the office, you will complete a renewal form (DL-43), have your photo taken, and pay the renewal fee. The temporary license prints when ready and is valid for 45 days while you wait for the permanent card to arrive by mail. The permanent card usually arrives within 7 to 10 business days. If you have a CDL, you must renew in person — mail and online renewal are not options.
Renewing by mail
Mail renewal works if your license is not expired by more than one year and you have no suspensions or holds. read the renewal form (DL-43) from dmvnow.com or request one by calling the DMV at 804-367-0538. Fill out the form completely, sign it, and gather your current license and proof of residency.
Mail your completed form, current license, proof of residency, and the renewal fee ($36 for a five-year license) to the address listed on the form. Use certified mail or a tracked service so you can confirm delivery — do not send cash. The DMV processes mail renewals in the order they arrive, and the new card typically arrives within 2 to 3 weeks of receipt.
While your renewal is in the mail, you can continue to drive on your current license. If you need to drive before the new card arrives and cannot wait, go to a DMV office in person to get a temporary license instead. Mail renewal does not give you a temporary license, so plan accordingly if your current license is close to expiring.
Renewal fees and what happens if your license is expired
A standard five-year Virginia driver's license renewal costs $36. A commercial driver's license (CDL) renewal costs more — currently $51 for a five-year CDL — and must be done in person. You can pay by credit card, debit card, or check (if renewing by mail). The DMV does not accept cash by mail.
If your license has been expired for more than one year, you cannot renew by mail or online. You must go to a DMV office in person. Bring the same documents you would for a standard renewal: your expired license, proof of residency, and your Social Security number. The renewal fee is the same whether your license is current or expired.
If your license expired while you were out of state or overseas, you may be able to renew by mail even if it has been more than one year. Contact the DMV at 804-367-0538 to explain your situation and ask whether an exception applies to you.
What to do if your name or address has changed
If your name has changed since your last license was issued, bring a legal document proving the change: a marriage certificate, divorce decree, court order, or adoption papers. You can renew in person or by mail with this document, but you cannot renew online if your name has changed.
If your address has changed, you can update it during any renewal method. In-person renewal lets you update your address on the spot. Online renewal requires your address to be unchanged, so if you have moved, you must renew in person or by mail. When renewing by mail, write your new address on the renewal form and include proof of residency at the new address (a utility bill or lease dated within 60 days).
Tracking your renewal and what to do if the card does not arrive
If you renewed online or by mail, you received a confirmation number or reference number. Keep this number — you can use it to check the status of your renewal on dmvnow.com. Go to "Check process Status" and enter your confirmation number and date of birth. The status will tell you whether the card has been mailed, is in transit, or has been delivered.
If your new card does not arrive within 10 business days of the DMV confirming it was mailed, call 804-367-0538 to report it. Have your confirmation number ready. The DMV can check whether the card was delivered and, if necessary, reissue it. Do not assume the card is lost until you have waited the full 10 business days — mail delivery times vary.
If you renewed in person and received a temporary license, that temporary license is valid for 45 days. Your permanent card should arrive before the temporary expires. If it does not, return to the DMV office with your temporary license and ask them to check the status or issue a replacement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Virginia driver's license before it expires?
Yes. Virginia allows you to renew up to one year before your license expires. This is useful if you know you will be busy or traveling when your license is close to expiration. The new license will have a new expiration date five years from the date you renew.
What if I have an outstanding traffic ticket or suspension on my license?
You cannot renew online or by mail if you have an active suspension or hold. You must go to a DMV office in person. The DMV will tell you what needs to be resolved before you can renew. This might mean paying a fine, completing a defensive driving course, or clearing a court hold. Once resolved, you can complete your renewal at the office.
Do I need an appointment to renew at a DMV office?
Appointments are not required at most Virginia DMV offices, but some locations now offer them. Check your local office's page on dmvnow.com to see if appointments are available. Taking an appointment can reduce your wait time significantly, especially at busy locations.
What if I lost my current license and need to renew?
You cannot renew by mail or online without your current license number. Go to a DMV office in person and bring your proof of residency and Social Security number. The DMV will issue a replacement license with a new expiration date. This counts as a renewal, not a replacement, so you pay the renewal fee ($36), not a replacement fee.
How long is my temporary license valid if I renew in person?
A temporary license issued at a DMV office is valid for 45 days. Your permanent card should arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. If the permanent card does not arrive before the temporary expires, return to the DMV office and they can issue a new temporary or check the status of your card.