How to Renew Your Virginia Driver's License

Where to renew and what you'll need

Virginia lets you renew your driver's license in person at a DMV office, by mail, or online depending on your situation. The fastest route is usually online through the Virginia DMV website if you're renewing a standard license that hasn't expired more than a year ago. If you're renewing in person or by mail, you'll need your current license, proof of Virginia residency (like a utility bill or lease), and proof of your Social Security number (your Social Security card itself, a W-2, or a tax return).

Not everyone can renew online. You cannot use the online system if your license has been expired for more than one year, if you need to update your address, if you're renewing a commercial driver's license, or if you're changing your name. In those cases, you must go to a DMV office in person or renew by mail.

Key Takeaways

Virginia's online renewal system works only if your license expired within the last year and you don't need to change your address or name.
In-person renewal at a DMV office takes about 30 minutes to an hour and requires your current license, proof of residency, and proof of your Social Security number.
Mail renewal takes four to six weeks and requires the same documents as in-person renewal, plus a completed process form.
Your new license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days of approval if you renew in person, or within the timeframe stated on the DMV website if you renew online.

Renewing online through the Virginia DMV

To renew online, go to the Virginia DMV website and select the online renewal option. You'll need your current license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth. The system will verify your information against state records and tell you when ready whether you're may be able to access to renew online.

If the system approves your renewal, you'll pay the renewal fee by credit or debit card. Virginia's standard driver's license renewal fee is $70 for an eight-year license. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file, and it should arrive within 7 to 10 business days. You can continue driving on your current license until the new one arrives.

Renewing in person at a DMV office

To renew in person, visit your local DMV office with your current license, proof of residency, and proof of your Social Security number. Proof of residency can be a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. Proof of your Social Security number can be your actual Social Security card, a W-2 form, a tax return, or a 1099 form.

Most DMV offices accept walk-ins, but you can also schedule an appointment online through the Virginia DMV website to avoid waiting. Appointments typically have shorter wait times. Bring all documents with you; if any are missing, the office will tell you what you need before you can complete the renewal. The fee is $70 for an eight-year license, paid at the office by cash, check, or card. Your new license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

Renewing by mail

To renew by mail, read the process for Driver's License or Permit (Form DL-43) from the Virginia DMV website. Fill it out completely, including your current license number and the reason for your process (renewal). Include a copy of your current license, proof of residency, and proof of your Social Security number. Mail everything to the address listed on the form along with a check or money order for $70.

Mail renewal takes longer than in-person or online renewal — typically four to six weeks from the time the DMV receives your packet. The DMV will send you a postcard confirming receipt of your process. If anything is missing or incorrect, they will mail you a notice asking you to resubmit. Once approved, your new license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

What happens if your license has been expired for more than a year

If your license expired more than one year ago, you cannot renew it — you must reapply as if you were getting a license for the first time. This means you'll need to take the written knowledge test and the driving skills test at a DMV office. You'll also need to provide proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of your Social Security number, just as you would for a new license.

Schedule an appointment at your local DMV office to take the tests. The knowledge test covers Virginia traffic laws and safe driving practices. The driving test is conducted by a DMV examiner in your own vehicle or a DMV vehicle. Both tests must be passed before a new license is issued. This process takes longer than a straightforward renewal, so plan accordingly.

Updating your address or name during renewal

If you need to change your address, you must renew in person at a DMV office or by mail — you cannot do it online. Bring or mail your current license along with the other required documents. The DMV will update your address in the system and issue a new license with the corrected information.

If you're changing your name, you must provide legal documentation of the name change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. You'll also need to renew in person or by mail. The DMV will issue a new license with your new name. Bring the name-change document along with your current license, proof of residency, and proof of your Social Security number.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive while my renewal is being processed?

Yes. Your current license remains valid until it expires, even if you've already submitted a renewal process. You can continue driving legally until your new license arrives in the mail.

What if I lost my current license and need to renew?

You cannot renew a lost license. Instead, you'll need to report it lost and request a replacement. Visit a DMV office in person with proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of your Social Security number. The replacement fee is $20, and your new license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

Do I need an appointment to renew in person?

Appointments are not required, but scheduling one online through the Virginia DMV website will reduce your wait time. Walk-ins are accepted at all DMV offices, though wait times vary by location and time of day.

What if the DMV rejects my renewal process?

The DMV will mail you a notice explaining why your process was rejected and what documents or information you need to resubmit. Common reasons include missing documents, incorrect information, or an expired proof of residency. Follow the instructions in the notice and resubmit your process.

How much does it cost to renew in Virginia?

A standard eight-year driver's license renewal costs $70. If you're renewing a commercial driver's license or a license with special endorsements, the fee may be higher. The DMV website lists all current fees.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.