What happens when your Virginia license expires
An expired Virginia driver's license is no longer valid for driving. You cannot legally operate a vehicle on Virginia roads with an expired license, and you risk a traffic citation if stopped. The Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) does not issue a grace period — the moment your license expires, it is expired.
However, Virginia does allow you to renew your license for a period after expiration without retaking the written or road test. The window depends on how long your license has been expired and what type of license you hold. If your license expired fewer than five years ago, you can renew by mail, online, or in person without retesting. If it expired more than five years ago, you must visit a DMV office and may need to retake the written test.
Driving with an expired license can result in a Class 3 misdemeanor charge, which carries a fine and a court appearance. Your insurance may also deny a claim if you were driving on an expired license at the time of an accident.
Key Takeaways
- Virginia allows online renewal for licenses expired fewer than five years ago, and the process takes about 10 business days by mail.
- If your license expired more than five years ago, you must renew in person at a DMV office and may need to retake the written test.
- The renewal fee is $70 for a standard five-year license or $120 for an eight-year license, payable by credit card, debit card, or check.
- You cannot legally drive on an expired license in Virginia, even if your renewal is in progress.
Renewing online if your license expired within five years
The Virginia DMV website allows online renewal at dmvnow.com if your license expired within the past five years. You will need your Social Security number, date of birth, and the license number from your expired card. The process takes about 10 minutes and costs $70 for a five-year renewal or $120 for an eight-year renewal.
After you complete the online renewal and pay the fee, the DMV mails your new license to the address on file. Standard processing takes 10 to 15 business days. You can pay an additional $15 for expedited processing, which reduces the timeframe to 5 to 7 business days. During this waiting period, you cannot legally drive — the DMV does not issue a temporary permit for online renewals.
If your address has changed since your license was issued, you must update it during the renewal process. The DMV will mail your new license to the updated address. If you need to change your address but are not renewing your license, you can update it separately through dmvnow.com for $10.
Renewing in person at a DMV office
If your license expired more than five years ago, or if you prefer to renew in person, you must visit a Virginia DMV office. Bring your expired license, proof of Social Security number (such as a Social Security card or W-2 form), and proof of Virginia residency (such as a utility bill or lease dated within the past 60 days). If your name has changed since your license was issued, bring a certified copy of the document that reflects the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.
The DMV office will take a new photo and may require you to retake the written test if your license has been expired for more than five years. The written test covers Virginia traffic laws and road signs. You can study using the Virginia DMV's free online manual at dmvnow.com. The test is 35 questions, and you must answer at least 28 correctly to pass.
Processing at the office usually takes 30 to 45 minutes, depending on how busy the location is. You can check wait times at specific DMV offices on dmvnow.com before you go. The renewal fee is the same as online: $70 for five years or $120 for eight years. The DMV accepts cash, check, credit card, and debit card.
Getting a temporary permit while you wait
If you renew in person at a DMV office, you can request a temporary paper permit that is valid for 45 days. This permit allows you to drive legally while your new license is being mailed. The temporary permit is issued on the spot at no additional cost. Write down the permit number and keep it with you while driving — it is not a card, and you must be able to show it to a police officer if stopped.
The temporary permit is valid only in Virginia. If you plan to drive out of state before your new license arrives, you will need to carry your expired license along with the temporary permit. Some states may not recognize the temporary permit, so contact the DMV office in any state you plan to visit if you have questions.
Renewing by mail if you cannot visit an office
If you live outside Virginia or cannot visit a DMV office, you can renew by mail if your license expired fewer than five years ago. read the process for Renewal of Driver's License (Form DL-44) from dmvnow.com. Complete the form, sign it, and mail it along with your expired license and the renewal fee ($70 or $120, payable by check or money order) to the address listed on the form.
Mail renewal takes 4 to 6 weeks from the date the DMV receives your process. There is no expedited option for mail renewal. You cannot legally drive during this period. If you need to drive before your new license arrives, you must visit a DMV office in person to receive a temporary permit.
What to do if your license was suspended or revoked
If your license was suspended or revoked, you cannot straightforward renew it. You must first resolve the reason for the suspension or revocation. Common reasons include unpaid traffic fines, failure to pay child support, or a DUI conviction. Contact the Virginia DMV at 804-367-0538 or visit dmvnow.com to find out why your license was suspended or revoked and what steps you need to take to restore it.
If your license was suspended for unpaid fines, you must pay the fines before the DMV will allow you to renew. If it was suspended for failure to pay child support, you must contact the Virginia Department of Social Services. If it was revoked due to a DUI, you may need to complete a substance abuse program and pay a restoration fee before you can renew. The DMV can direct you to the correct agency depending on your situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive to the DMV office if my license is expired?
No. Driving with an expired license is illegal in Virginia, even if you are driving to renew it. Arrange a ride with someone who has a valid license, use a rideshare service, or take public transportation to the DMV office.
How long does the DMV keep records of expired licenses?
Virginia keeps driver's license records for at least 10 years. If your license expired more than five years ago, the DMV can still access your record, but you will need to retake the written test and provide updated documents when you renew in person.
What if I lost my expired license and cannot find it?
You can still renew without your expired license. Bring your Social Security number, date of birth, and proof of residency to a DMV office. The staff can look up your license record using your name and date of birth. If you are renewing online, you will need your license number, which you can find on old insurance documents or vehicle registration paperwork.
Do I have to renew my license in Virginia if I moved to another state?
No. Once you move to another state, you should obtain a license from that state. You do not need to renew your Virginia license. However, if you still own property in Virginia or plan to return, you may want to keep your Virginia license valid for identification purposes.
What if my renewal is rejected online?
Common reasons for rejection include an incorrect Social Security number, a mismatch between the name on file and the name you entered, or a suspension or revocation on your record. The DMV website will show an error message explaining why. If you cannot resolve it online, visit a DMV office or call 804-367-0538 for help.