How to Renew Your Virginia Driver's License

Where to renew and what you'll need

You can renew your Virginia driver's license in person at a DMV customer service center, 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 two to four weeks. Online renewal, available only if your license is not expired and you meet other conditions, takes a few days once submitted.

Before you go or submit anything, gather these documents: your current Virginia driver's license, proof of Virginia residency (a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within 60 days), and your Social Security number. If your name has changed since your last license, bring a court order, marriage certificate, or divorce decree. You'll also need to pass a vision screening at an in-person visit — bring glasses or contacts if you use them.

Your renewal fee depends on how long your new license will be valid. A five-year license costs $40. A ten-year license costs $75. If you're 65 or older, a five-year license costs $20. These fees are current as of 2024 but can change, so check the Virginia DMV website before you go.

Key Takeaways

Virginia offers three renewal methods — in person, by mail, or online — and which one you can use depends on whether your current license is expired and how long ago you last renewed.
You need your current license, proof of Virginia residency dated within 60 days, and your Social Security number for any renewal method.
In-person renewal at a DMV customer service center takes about 30 minutes and includes a vision screening; mail renewal takes two to four weeks.
Online renewal is the fastest option if you're may be able to access, but you cannot use it if your license is already expired or if you need to update your address or other information.
Renewal fees range from $20 to $75 depending on your age and how long you want the license to be valid.

Renewing online through the Virginia DMV website

Online renewal is the quickest option if you meet the requirements. You can renew online only if your current license is not expired, you have not renewed online in the past two years, and you do not need to change your address, name, or other personal information. You also cannot renew online if you're explore for a REAL ID-compliant license for the first time.

Go to the Virginia DMV website and select the online renewal option. You'll enter your driver's license number, date of birth, and Social Security number to verify your identity. You'll then choose your renewal term (five or ten years), pay the fee with a credit or debit card, and submit. The DMV will mail your new license to the address on file within five to seven business days.

If your renewal is denied during the online process, the website will tell you why and direct you to renew in person instead. Common reasons include a failed identity check or a flag in the system that requires a DMV staff member to review your record.

Renewing by mail

Mail renewal works if your license is not expired and you do not need to change your address or personal information. read the renewal form from the Virginia DMV website — it's form DL-44 — or call the DMV to request one be mailed to you. Fill out the form completely, including your driver's license number, date of birth, and current address.

Mail the completed form along with your renewal fee (check or money order only; credit cards are not accepted by mail) to the address listed on the form. Include a copy of your proof of residency. The DMV will process your renewal and mail your new license to you within two to four weeks. Do not mail your current license unless the form specifically instructs you to.

Keep a copy of everything you send for your records. If your renewal does not arrive within four weeks, contact the DMV to check the status of your process.

Renewing in person at a DMV customer service center

In-person renewal is required if your license is expired, if you need to change your address or name, or if you want to upgrade to a REAL ID-compliant license. It's also the option to choose if online or mail renewal was denied. Visit the Virginia DMV website to find the customer service center nearest you and check its hours — many locations require you to book an appointment online, though some accept walk-ins.

Bring your current license, proof of residency, and your Social Security number. You'll complete a renewal process (the DMV provides it), pass a vision screening, and have your photo taken. The entire process usually takes 30 minutes or less. You'll pay your renewal fee at the counter with cash, check, or card. The DMV will issue your new license on the spot or mail it to you within five to seven business days, depending on the location.

If you're upgrading to REAL ID, you'll need additional documents: an original or certified copy of your birth certificate, a Social Security card or tax return, and a second form of ID such as a passport or military ID. Bring these along with your residency proof.

REAL ID compliance and what it means for your renewal

A REAL ID-compliant license has a gold star in the upper right corner and is required to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building as of May 2025. Virginia offers both REAL ID and standard licenses. When you renew, you can choose which type you want.

If you want to upgrade to REAL ID during renewal, you must renew in person. You'll need your birth certificate (original or certified copy), Social Security card or tax return, and a second form of ID. The fee is the same as a standard license renewal — $40 for five years or $75 for ten years.

If you keep your standard license, you can still use it for state ID purposes and to drive. You just won't be able to use it to board a domestic flight or enter federal buildings after May 2025.

What to do if your license is already expired

If your license expired more than one year ago, you cannot renew it — you must explore for a new license instead. This requires an in-person visit to a DMV customer service center with your birth certificate, Social Security card, proof of residency, and a second form of ID. The process is longer than renewal and costs more.

If your license expired less than one year ago, you can still renew it. Use the in-person method at a DMV customer service center. Bring the same documents as you would for a standard renewal. The fee is the same, and the process is the same — you're not penalized for the expired status.

If your license expired between one and three years ago, contact the DMV before you visit to confirm whether you can renew or must explore for a new license. Rules can vary based on your specific situation.

Booking an appointment and what to expect on the day

Most Virginia DMV customer service centers require you to book an appointment online through the Virginia DMV website. A few locations still accept walk-ins, but appointment availability is limited and wait times can be long. Book your appointment at least one week in advance if possible.

When you book, you'll select your location, the type of transaction (renewal), and your preferred date and time. You'll receive a confirmation number via email. Bring this confirmation number with you, along with all required documents. Arrive 10 minutes early.

If you need to cancel or reschedule, do so through the website or by calling the DMV. Canceling at least 24 hours in advance helps free up the appointment for someone else.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if I have an outstanding traffic ticket or unpaid fine?

No. The DMV will not renew your license if you have an unpaid traffic fine or court-ordered payment. You must pay the fine or resolve the court case first. Contact the court listed on your ticket or call the DMV to find out which court has your case.

What happens if I renew online but then need to change my address before the new license arrives?

Contact the DMV when ready with your confirmation number and new address. If the new license has not yet been mailed, the DMV may be able to update the address on file. If it has already been mailed to your old address, you can file a change of address form with the DMV to have it forwarded, or visit a customer service center to request a replacement with the correct address.

Do I need a REAL ID to renew my license?

No. You can renew your standard Virginia driver's license without upgrading to REAL ID. However, you will not be able to use a standard license to board a domestic flight or enter federal buildings after May 2025. If you want to upgrade during renewal, you must do so in person and bring additional documents.

How long is my renewed license valid?

You choose the term when you renew: five years or ten years. A five-year license costs $40 (or $20 if you're 65 or older). A ten-year license costs $75. The expiration date will be printed on your new license.

What if my name has changed since my last license?

Bring a court order, marriage certificate, or divorce decree showing the name change. If you're renewing by mail, include a copy with your process. If you're renewing in person, bring the original or certified copy. If you're renewing online, you cannot change your name — you must renew in person instead.

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.