Where to renew and what you need before you start
You can renew your Virginia driver's license in person at any DMV customer service center, by mail if you meet certain conditions, or online through the Virginia DMV website. The fastest route depends on whether your license is still valid, whether you need a new photo, and how soon you need the renewed license in hand.
Before you go anywhere, gather your current driver's license, proof of Virginia residency (a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days works), and your Social Security number. If you are renewing by mail or online, you will also need a valid payment method — Virginia accepts credit cards, debit cards, and electronic checks.
The renewal fee is $48 for a five-year license or $80 for an eight-year license. You choose the term when you renew. The eight-year option costs more but means you will not need to renew again for eight years.
Key Takeaways
- Virginia allows online renewal for most drivers whose licenses are not expired and who do not need a new photo, and the process takes about 10 minutes.
- Mail renewal is an option if your license is still valid and you do not need a new photo, but processing takes four to six weeks.
- In-person renewal at a DMV office is required if your license is expired, if you need a new photo, or if you are changing your name or address.
- You must bring your current license and proof of Virginia residency (dated within 60 days) to any in-person visit.
- The renewal fee is $48 for five years or $80 for eight years, and you choose which term when you renew.
Renewing online through the Virginia DMV website
Online renewal is the fastest option if your license is not expired and you do not need a new photo. Go to the Virginia DMV website, select "Renew Your Driver's License," and follow the prompts. You will need your current license number, date of birth, Social Security number, and a valid payment method.
The system will ask you to confirm your address and whether any of your information has changed. If you have moved, changed your name, or need to update your gender marker, you cannot complete the renewal online — you must visit a DMV office in person instead. Once you submit the form and payment, your renewed license will be mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days.
Online renewal does not include a new photo, so your current photo will appear on your renewed license. If you want a new photo, you must renew in person at a DMV office.
Renewing by mail
Mail renewal works only if your license is still valid and you do not need a new photo. Request a renewal form from the Virginia DMV by calling 804-367-0538 or by visiting a DMV office in person. You can also read the form from the Virginia DMV website.
Complete the form, include a copy of your proof of residency, and mail both along with your payment to the address listed on the form. Processing takes four to six weeks from the date the DMV receives your envelope. If you need your license sooner, in-person renewal is faster.
Mail renewal does not include a new photo. Your current photo will be used on your renewed license.
Renewing in person at a DMV office
Visit any Virginia DMV customer service center with your current license and proof of residency dated within the last 60 days. Bring your Social Security number as well. If you are renewing because your license is expired, because you need a new photo, or because you have changed your name or address, in-person renewal is your only option.
The DMV will take a new photo, verify your information, process your payment, and issue your renewed license on the spot or mail it to you depending on the type of license. Standard licenses are usually mailed within 7 to 10 business days. Real ID compliant licenses may take longer. Ask the DMV staff which applies to your situation.
Wait times at DMV offices vary by location and time of day. Weekday mornings are typically less crowded than afternoons or weekends. Check the Virginia DMV website for wait times at your nearest office before you go.
What happens if your license is expired
If your Virginia driver's license has been expired for more than one year, you cannot renew it by mail or online. You must visit a DMV office in person and may be required to retake the written driving test and the vision test. Bring your current (expired) license, proof of residency, and your Social Security number.
If your license expired fewer than 12 months ago, you can still renew by mail or online using the standard process, as long as you do not need a new photo or have not changed your name or address.
Changing your name, address, or other information during renewal
If you have moved, changed your name, or need to update your gender marker, you must renew in person at a DMV office. Bring your current license, proof of residency at your new address (dated within 60 days), and any legal documents that support the change — a marriage certificate for a name change, for example, or a court order for a gender marker change.
The DMV will take a new photo and issue your renewed license with the updated information. Processing takes 7 to 10 business days for standard licenses.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if it has been expired for more than a year?
No, you cannot renew by mail or online. You must visit a DMV office in person, and you may be required to retake the written driving test and vision test. Bring your expired license, proof of residency, and your Social Security number.
How long does it take to get my renewed license after I explore?
Online and mail renewals take 7 to 10 business days for standard licenses. In-person renewal at a DMV office may issue your license on the spot for certain types, but most are mailed within 7 to 10 business days. Real ID compliant licenses may take longer — ask the DMV staff when you visit.
Do I need a new photo when I renew?
Online and mail renewals use your current photo. If you want a new photo, you must renew in person at a DMV office. In-person renewal always includes a new photo.
What if I have moved since my license was issued?
You must renew in person at a DMV office and bring proof of your new address dated within 60 days — a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement works. Your renewed license will show your updated address.
Can I choose how long my renewed license is valid for?
Yes. When you renew, you can choose a five-year license for $48 or an eight-year license for $80. You make this choice during the renewal process, whether you renew online, by mail, or in person.