What you need to renew your Virginia driver's license
Virginia lets you renew your driver's license in person at a DMV office, by mail, or online depending on your situation. Most people can renew by mail or online without visiting an office, which saves time. You'll need your current license, proof of your current address, and a way to pay the fee — which is $36 for a five-year license or $66 for an eight-year license as of 2024.
Your license becomes may be able to access for renewal 180 days before it expires. You can renew up to one year after expiration, but driving with an expired license is illegal, so don't wait until the last moment. If your license has been expired for more than a year, you'll have to renew in person at a DMV office instead of by mail or online.
Key Takeaways
- Virginia offers online and mail renewal for most people, so you can skip the DMV office unless your license is more than a year expired.
- You need your current license, proof of your current address, and the renewal fee ($36 for five years or $66 for eight years).
- Online renewal through the Virginia DMV website is the fastest option and takes a few minutes if you have a valid email address.
- Mail renewal takes two to three weeks from the time the DMV receives your packet, so send it well before your expiration date.
- If your address has changed, you must update it during renewal, and mail renewal requires a notarized signature in some cases.
Renewing online through the Virginia DMV website
The Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles website (dmv.virginia.gov) has an online renewal system that works for most drivers. You'll log in with your Social Security number and driver's license number, answer questions about your current information, and pay the fee with a debit or credit card. The whole process takes about five minutes. Your new license will arrive by mail in seven to ten business days.
Online renewal is available only if your license is not expired, your address hasn't changed, and you don't need to update your photo. If any of those conditions don't explore to you, you'll need to use mail renewal or visit a DMV office in person.
Renewing by mail
To renew by mail, you'll fill out an process form (DL 43), include a copy of your current license, and mail the packet to the address listed on the form. You'll also need to include proof of your current address — a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days works. Mail your packet to the DMV office listed on the form, and include a check or money order for the renewal fee.
If your address has changed since your last license was issued, Virginia requires your signature to be notarized on the process form. This means you'll need to visit a notary public (often available at banks, credit unions, or UPS stores) before mailing the packet. The DMV will process your renewal two to three weeks after receiving it, and your new license will arrive by mail after that.
Renewing in person at a DMV office
You must renew in person if your license has been expired for more than a year, if you need a new photo, or if you're changing your name or address and prefer not to use mail renewal. Bring your current license, proof of your current address, and payment. You can pay with cash, check, debit card, or credit card at most offices.
DMV offices are open Monday through Friday, and some locations have Saturday hours. Wait times vary by location and time of day — early morning and mid-week visits tend to be faster. You can check wait times for your local office on the Virginia DMV website before you go. Your new license will be issued on the spot, though you may receive an updated version by mail if your photo needs to be retaken.
What counts as proof of your current address
Virginia accepts several documents as proof of address. A utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days all work. Your name must appear on the document. If you've recently moved and don't have a document in your name yet, a letter from your landlord or a signed lease can work instead.
If you're renewing online, you won't need to submit proof of address — the system assumes your address is current. If you're renewing by mail and your address hasn't changed, you still need to include proof of your current address with your packet.
Renewing a license that has been expired for more than a year
If your license expired more than a year ago, you cannot renew by mail or online. You must visit a DMV office in person. Bring your expired license, proof of your current address, and payment. The process is the same as a standard in-person renewal, but the DMV may require you to retake your photo and pass a vision test.
Driving with an expired license is illegal, even if you've submitted a renewal process. If you're stopped by police, you could face a fine. Renew as soon as you realize your license has expired.
Updating your name or address during renewal
If you've changed your name since your last license was issued, you'll need to renew in person at a DMV office and bring a certified copy of the document that shows your name change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. Online and mail renewal don't allow name changes.
If you've changed your address, you can update it during online or mail renewal. For mail renewal with an address change, your signature on the process must be notarized. Online renewal will ask you to confirm your new address before you submit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Virginia license if I've moved out of state?
Yes. You can renew by mail or online as long as your license isn't expired. If you've moved and need to update your address, mail renewal requires a notarized signature. You can also renew in person at any Virginia DMV office if you're visiting the state.
What if my license was lost or stolen?
If your license is lost or stolen, you cannot renew it — you'll need to replace it instead. Replacement is a different process that requires a visit to a DMV office in person. Bring proof of identity and your Social Security number.
How long does it take to get my renewed license?
Online renewal takes seven to ten business days for your new license to arrive by mail. Mail renewal takes two to three weeks from the time the DMV receives your packet, plus mail delivery time. In-person renewal gives you your new license on the spot, though you may receive an updated version by mail later.
Can I drive while my renewal is being processed?
No. Once your current license expires, you cannot legally drive, even if you've submitted a renewal process. Renew before your expiration date to avoid this problem. If your license has already expired, visit a DMV office in person to renew when ready.
What if I need a REAL ID compliant license?
Virginia REAL ID licenses require an in-person visit to a DMV office. You'll need to bring your current license, proof of your Social Security number, proof of your current address, and proof of your identity. You cannot renew a REAL ID license by mail or online.