Where to renew and what you'll need
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 through every method. The fastest route depends on whether your license is still valid, whether you've moved, and how long you want your new license to last.
If you're renewing by mail or online, you'll need your current Virginia driver's license, a completed process form (DL 43), and payment. If you're renewing in person, bring your current license, proof of Virginia residency (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days), and payment. You do not need a new photo or vision test unless your license has been expired for more than one year, or unless you're changing your address and want to update your photo at the same time.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal through the Virginia DMV website is the fastest option if your license is valid and you haven't moved, taking about one week for your new license to arrive by mail.
- Mail renewal requires the same documents as online renewal but takes two to three weeks and involves printing and mailing a form yourself.
- In-person renewal at a DMV office is necessary if your license has been expired for more than one year, if you want a new photo, or if you need to update your address.
- Virginia driver's licenses can be renewed for four or eight years; the length you choose affects the renewal fee and how often you'll need to renew again.
- You can renew up to one year before your license expires, so you don't have to wait until the expiration date to start the process.
Renewing online through the Virginia DMV website
Online renewal is available if your current Virginia license is valid (not expired), you have not changed your address, and you do not need a new photo. Go to the Virginia DMV website, select "Renew Your License," and follow the prompts. You'll enter your driver's license number, date of birth, and Social Security number to verify your identity. The system will confirm your current information and ask you to choose the length of your renewal — four years or eight years.
After you submit your process and payment online, your new license will be mailed to the address on file. Delivery typically takes five to seven business days. You'll receive a confirmation number by email. Your current license remains valid until your new one arrives, so you can continue driving and using it as identification during that time.
Renewing by mail
Mail renewal follows the same rules as online renewal: your license must be valid, you cannot have moved, and you cannot need a new photo. read and print the DL 43 form from the Virginia DMV website. Fill it out completely, including your driver's license number, date of birth, and the renewal length you want (four or eight years). Include a check or money order for the renewal fee — do not send cash.
Mail your completed form and payment to the address listed on the DMV website. Processing takes two to three weeks from the date the DMV receives your envelope, plus mail delivery time on both ends. You'll receive your new license by mail at the address on your current license. Keep your old license until the new one arrives; it remains valid for identification and driving during the renewal period.
Renewing in person at a DMV office
Visit a DMV office if your license has been expired for more than one year, if you've moved and need to update your address, or if you want a new photo. Bring your current license (or an expired license if it's been more than one year), proof of Virginia residency dated within the last 60 days, and payment. If you've moved, bring your new address proof — a utility bill, lease agreement, or bank statement all work.
You'll take a new photo and pass a vision screening at the office. The DMV will issue your new license on the spot or mail it to you within five to seven business days, depending on the office and how busy they are. Check the Virginia DMV website to find the office nearest you and see current wait times before you go. Many offices allow you to schedule an appointment online, which can significantly reduce your wait time.
Renewal fees and license validity periods
Virginia charges different fees depending on how long you want your license to be valid. A four-year renewal costs less than an eight-year renewal. The exact amounts vary slightly, so check the Virginia DMV website for current pricing. When you renew, you choose which length works best for you — there's no requirement to pick one over the other.
Your new license will be valid for the number of years you choose, starting from the date it's issued. You can renew up to one year before your current license expires, so you don't have to wait until the expiration date. If your license expires while your renewal is being processed, you can still drive legally as long as you have proof that you've submitted your renewal process.
What to do if your license has been expired for more than one year
If your Virginia license expired more than one year ago, you cannot renew by mail or online. You must go to a DMV office in person. Bring your expired license, proof of Virginia residency, and payment. You'll take a new photo and pass a vision test, just as if you were getting your first license. The office will issue your new license on the spot or mail it within five to seven business days.
Your expired license is still useful as identification when you visit the DMV office, even though it's no longer valid for driving. If you've lost your expired license, bring another form of ID — a passport, military ID, or state ID card all work. The DMV will still be able to look up your driving record and issue you a new license.
Changing your address during renewal
If you've moved to a new address in Virginia, you can update it during renewal. When you renew in person, the DMV will print your new address on your license. If you're renewing by mail or online, you cannot change your address — your new license will be mailed to the address currently on file. In that case, either renew in person at a DMV office, or renew by mail or online first, then visit a DMV office afterward to update your address on a separate transaction.
Updating your address is free when you do it at the same time as renewal. If you update your address separately from renewal, there may be a small fee. Bring proof of your new address — a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days all count as proof.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Virginia license if I'm out of state?
Yes, you can renew by mail or online as long as your license is still valid and you haven't moved. If your license has expired or you've moved, you'll need to renew in person at a Virginia DMV office, which means you'll need to visit Virginia or contact the DMV about options for your specific situation.
How long does it take to get my new license after I renew?
Online renewal takes five to seven business days for mail delivery. Mail renewal takes two to three weeks for processing plus mail delivery time. In-person renewal at a DMV office issues your license on the spot in some cases, or mails it within five to seven business days depending on the office.
What if I need my license before the new one arrives?
Your current license remains valid for driving and identification until your new one arrives, even if it's technically expired during the renewal period. If you need proof that you've renewed, the DMV can issue a temporary paper license at an office, or you can show your confirmation email from online renewal.
Do I need a new photo when I renew?
Not unless your license has been expired for more than one year, or unless you want to update your photo. If you want a new photo but your license is still valid and you haven't moved, you can renew in person at a DMV office and request a new photo at the same time.
What happens if I renew but my license arrives damaged?
Contact the Virginia DMV with your confirmation number and explain the damage. They can reissue your license. Bring your damaged license to a DMV office, or mail it to the address on the DMV website with a note explaining the issue.