How to Renew Your Virginia Driver's License

Virginia driver's licenses renew by mail, online, or in person depending on your age and record

Virginia offers three paths to renew: mail renewal for most drivers, online renewal for those 21 and older with a clean record, and in-person renewal at a DMV office. Which route you take depends on your age, how long your license has been expired, and whether you have certain violations on your record. The fastest option is online renewal, which takes minutes and costs $40. Mail renewal takes two to three weeks and costs the same. In-person renewal at a DMV office is necessary only if you cannot use the other two methods or if your license has been expired for more than four years.

All three methods renew your license for eight years. You do not need a new photo or vision test for mail or online renewal unless your license was issued before 2009. The choice between them comes down to may be able to access, how quickly you need the new license, and whether you can visit an office.

Key Takeaways

Virginia allows online renewal for drivers 21 and older whose licenses are not expired more than one year and who have no disqualifying violations or medical suspensions.
Mail renewal is available to most drivers and takes two to three weeks; you request a form from the DMV website or call 804-367-0538.
In-person renewal at a DMV office is required if your license expired more than four years ago or if you have certain violations, medical suspensions, or are under 21.
All renewals cost $40 for an eight-year license; you will need your current license number and a valid payment method.
Virginia does not require a new photo or vision test for mail or online renewal unless your license was issued before 2009.

Online renewal: fastest option for most drivers

Online renewal through the Virginia DMV website takes about five minutes and is open to drivers 21 and older whose licenses expire within the next 12 months. You do not need a new photo or vision test. You will need your current Virginia driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a valid credit or debit card to pay the $40 fee.

You cannot renew online if your license has been expired for more than one year, if you have an active medical suspension, if you have certain traffic violations on your record, or if you are under 21. The DMV website will tell you when ready whether you are may be able to access when you enter your information. If you are not, the site will direct you to mail or in-person renewal instead. After you complete online renewal, the DMV mails your new license to the address on file. Delivery typically takes five to seven business days. You can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives.

Mail renewal: standard route when online is not an option

Mail renewal is open to most Virginia drivers and requires no office visit. You request the renewal form by visiting the DMV website, calling 804-367-0538, or visiting a DMV office in person. The form is called the process for Driver's License (DL 43). You fill it out, include a check or money order for $40, and mail it to the address printed on the form.

Processing takes two to three weeks from the date the DMV receives your process. You can continue to drive on your current license while you wait. If your license expires before your new one arrives, you should carry a copy of your mailed process as proof of renewal in progress, though Virginia law allows you to drive on an expired license for 30 days after expiration if you have a pending renewal. Mail renewal does not require a new photo or vision test unless your license was issued before 2009. If your license was issued that long ago, the DMV will contact you and direct you to an in-person appointment instead.

In-person renewal at a DMV office

In-person renewal is necessary if your license expired more than four years ago, if you are under 21, if you have an active medical suspension, or if you have certain violations that prevent online or mail renewal. You will also need to renew in person if your license was issued before 2009, because Virginia requires an updated photo and vision test in that case.

To renew in person, visit any Virginia DMV office with your current license, proof of Virginia residency (such as a utility bill or lease), and payment of $40. You will take a new photo and pass a vision screening. The new license is issued on the spot or mailed to you within five to seven business days, depending on the office and how busy it is. You can schedule an appointment online through the DMV website to avoid waiting. Walk-ins are accepted, but appointment holders are served first. Bring all required documents to avoid a second trip.

What documents and information you need

For all renewal methods, you will need your current Virginia driver's license number. For online renewal, you also need the last four digits of your Social Security number and a valid credit or debit card. For mail renewal, you need a check or money order for $40. For in-person renewal, you need your current license, proof of Virginia residency, and $40 in cash, check, or card.

If your address has changed, you can update it during online or mail renewal. For in-person renewal, bring a document showing your new address, such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. If you are renewing in person and your license was issued before 2009, you will also take a vision test at the DMV office. Proof of residency can be a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement in your name.

Expired license: how long you can drive and what happens next

Virginia law allows you to drive on an expired license for 30 days after the expiration date if you have a pending renewal process. After 30 days, driving on an expired license is a traffic violation. If you are pulled over, you can be cited and fined.

If your license expired more than four years ago, you cannot renew by mail or online and must visit a DMV office in person. The office will treat your renewal as a new process in some respects, meaning you may need to provide additional documentation or retake the vision test. Call 804-367-0538 before you visit to confirm what you need to bring. Do not wait until your license is years expired; the longer you wait, the more documents you may need to gather.

Cost and payment methods

Virginia driver's license renewal costs $40 for an eight-year license. This fee is the same whether you renew online, by mail, or in person. Online renewal accepts credit and debit cards. Mail renewal requires a check or money order. In-person renewal accepts cash, check, and card.

If you renew online or by mail, the $40 fee is non-refundable even if your process is denied. If you renew in person and are denied for any reason, you will be told at the office and can ask about a refund or appeal process. No additional fees explore for standard renewal; expedited or special services cost more.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Virginia license if I moved out of state?

No. Virginia renewal requires a current Virginia address. If you have moved, you must obtain a driver's license from your new state. You can surrender your Virginia license to any DMV office or by mail if you wish.

What if my name has changed since my license was issued?

If you changed your name due to marriage, divorce, or court order, you cannot renew by mail or online. You must visit a DMV office in person and bring a certified copy of the document showing the name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). The office will issue a new license with your updated name.

Do I need a new photo for mail or online renewal?

No, unless your license was issued before 2009. If it was, the DMV will contact you and require an in-person visit to take a new photo and pass a vision test. For all other licenses, your current photo remains on your renewed license.

How long does it take to get my renewed license?

Online renewal takes five to seven business days for delivery by mail. Mail renewal takes two to three weeks from the date the DMV receives your process. In-person renewal issues your license on the spot or mails it within five to seven business days depending on the office.

What if I need to drive before my renewed license arrives?

You can drive on your current license until it expires. If it expires before your new license arrives, Virginia allows 30 days of driving on an expired license if you have a pending renewal. Carry a copy of your process or renewal confirmation as proof.

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.