How to Renew Your Virginia Driver's License

Virginia driver's license renewal happens online, by mail, or in person depending on your age and how long it has been since your last renewal

Virginia offers three paths to renew: the DMV website for most drivers, the mail for those who may have access to, or an in-person visit at a DMV office. Which one you can use depends on your age, whether your license is expired, and how many renewals you have done online already. The fastest route is usually online through the Virginia DMV website, which takes about 10 minutes and costs $36 for a five-year license or $56 for an eight-year license.

Your current license must not be expired by more than one year to renew by mail or online. If it expired longer ago than that, you will need to visit a DMV office in person and may need to retake the written test. Licenses expire on your birthday, and Virginia sends renewal notices about 60 days before that date, though you do not have to wait for the notice to start the process.

Key Takeaways

Online renewal through the Virginia DMV website works for most drivers and takes about 10 minutes, but you must be at least 18 and your license cannot be expired by more than one year.
Mail renewal is available only if you are 65 or older, your license is not expired, and you have not renewed by mail more than twice in a row.
In-person renewal at a DMV office is required if your license expired more than one year ago, and you may need to retake the vision and written tests.
You will need your current Virginia driver's license, a valid Social Security number, and a current address to renew online or by mail.
Renewal fees are $36 for a five-year license or $56 for an eight-year license, and you can pay by credit card, debit card, or electronic check online.

Online renewal through the Virginia DMV website

The Virginia DMV website at dmvnow.com allows you to renew online if you are at least 18 years old, your license is not expired by more than one year, and you have not renewed online more than four times in a row. You will need your current Virginia driver's license number, your Social Security number, and a valid email address. The system will ask you to confirm your address and vision correction needs, then process payment by credit card, debit card, or electronic check.

After you complete the online renewal, the DMV mails your new license to the address on file. Standard delivery takes about 7 to 10 business days from the time your payment is processed. Your current license remains valid until your birthday, so you can continue driving while you wait for the new one to arrive. If you need the license sooner, you can pay an additional fee for expedited mail delivery, though this is not available for all renewal types.

The online system will not let you proceed if you have unpaid traffic violations, child support obligations, or other holds on your driving record. If the system rejects your renewal, you will see a message explaining why, and you will need to resolve the issue before trying again or visit a DMV office in person.

Mail renewal for drivers 65 and older

Virginia allows drivers who are 65 or older to renew by mail if their license is not expired and they have not renewed by mail more than twice in a row. To start a mail renewal, call the Virginia DMV at 804-367-0538 or visit a DMV office to request a renewal form. You will receive the form by mail, fill it out, and return it with your payment and current license to the address shown on the form.

Mail renewal takes longer than online renewal — typically 3 to 4 weeks from the time the DMV receives your completed form. Your current license remains valid during this time. You do not need to retake the vision or written test for mail renewal, but the DMV may request an updated vision report if your license has been expired for a long time or if there are concerns about your driving record.

In-person renewal at a DMV office

You must visit a DMV office in person if your license expired more than one year ago, if you are under 18, or if you need to update your photograph or signature. Bring your current Virginia driver's license (or an expired one if you no longer have the current one), proof of your Social Security number such as a Social Security card or tax return, and proof of your current address such as a utility bill or lease. If your name has changed since your last license, bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the change.

At the DMV office, you will take a new photograph and may be asked to retake the vision test. If your license has been expired for more than three years, you will need to retake the written test as well. The DMV office will process your renewal on the spot and issue a temporary paper license valid for 45 days while your permanent license is mailed to you. The permanent license arrives in about 7 to 10 business days.

DMV offices are open Monday through Friday, 8:15 a.m. to 4:45 p.m., and some locations have extended hours or Saturday appointments. You can find your nearest office and check wait times on the Virginia DMV website. Walk-ins are accepted, but you can also schedule an appointment online to reduce your wait time.

What happens if your license is expired by more than one year

If your license expired more than one year ago, you cannot renew online or by mail. You must visit a DMV office in person. The DMV treats this as a new license process rather than a renewal, which means you will need to retake the written test and the vision test. You will also need to bring proof of your Social Security number and proof of your current address, just as you would for a new driver.

The written test covers Virginia traffic laws and safe driving practices. You can study using the Virginia DMV's free online manual or the printed manual available at DMV offices. The vision test checks whether you can see well enough to drive safely. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them with you to the DMV office.

Fees and payment methods

Virginia charges $36 for a five-year driver's license or $56 for an eight-year license. These are the standard renewal fees and do not change based on whether you renew online, by mail, or in person. If you choose expedited mail delivery for an online renewal, there is an additional fee, which varies depending on how quickly you need the license.

Online renewal accepts credit cards, debit cards, and electronic checks. Mail renewal requires a check or money order made payable to the Virginia DMV. In-person renewal at a DMV office accepts cash, check, credit card, and debit card. If you are renewing by mail and paying by check, do not send cash through the mail.

Updating your address, photograph, or other information

If you have moved since your last license was issued, you can update your address online at dmvnow.com without renewing your license. This address change is free and takes effect when ready. However, if you want to update your photograph or signature, you must renew your license, which requires either an online renewal or an in-person visit.

If your name has changed due to marriage, divorce, or a court order, you must visit a DMV office in person and bring proof of the name change. You cannot update your name online or by mail. The DMV will issue a new license with your updated name and photograph.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Virginia driver's license before my birthday?

Yes. You can renew your license at any time, not just near your birthday. However, your new license will expire on your current birthday, so renewing early does not extend the expiration date. Many drivers renew a few months before their birthday to avoid the rush.

What if I lost my current license and cannot find it?

If you have lost your license, you can still renew online or by mail if your license is not expired by more than one year. You will need your license number, which you can find on old documents, insurance cards, or by calling the Virginia DMV. If you cannot locate your license number, visit a DMV office in person and bring your Social Security card and proof of address.

How long does it take to get my renewed license after I explore online?

Standard mail delivery takes about 7 to 10 business days from the time your payment is processed. Expedited delivery options are available for an additional fee and can reduce this to 3 to 5 business days, depending on the service level you choose. Your current license remains valid until your birthday, so you can continue driving while you wait.

Do I need to retake the vision test when I renew?

No, you do not need to retake the vision test for online or mail renewal. For in-person renewal, the DMV may ask you to retake the vision test, especially if your license has been expired for a long time or if there are concerns about your driving record. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them with you to the DMV office.

What if the DMV rejects my online renewal?

The online system will reject your renewal if you have unpaid traffic violations, child support obligations, or other holds on your driving record. The system will show you a message explaining the reason. You will need to resolve the issue — such as paying a fine or clearing a hold — before you can renew online. You can also visit a DMV office in person to discuss the issue and explore other options.

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.