Yes, you can renew your Virginia driver's license online if you meet certain conditions
Virginia allows online renewal through the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) website, but not everyone is may be able to access. You can renew online if your license is not expired by more than one year, you have no medical suspensions or restrictions, and you have not had certain violations in the past five years. If you do not meet these conditions, you will need to renew in person at a DMV office instead.
The online process takes about 10 to 15 minutes and costs $36 for a five-year license or $56 for an eight-year license. You will need a valid email address, your Social Security number, and your current Virginia driver's license number. Payment is by credit card or debit card only — cash and checks are not accepted online.
Key Takeaways
- You can renew online only if your license expired within the past year and you have no medical holds or serious traffic violations on your record.
- The online renewal process costs $36 for five years or $56 for eight years and takes 10 to 15 minutes from start to finish.
- Your new license will be mailed to the address on file with the DMV within 7 to 10 business days after you complete the transaction.
- If you need to change your address, add a Real ID designation, or update your photo, you must renew in person at a DMV office instead.
Who can renew online and who cannot
Virginia's online renewal system has specific rules about who is allowed to use it. You are may be able to access if your license has been expired for less than one year, you have no active medical suspensions, and you have not been convicted of certain traffic offenses in the past five years. Those offenses include reckless driving, driving under the influence, and driving with a suspended or revoked license.
You cannot renew online if your license is expired by more than one year, if you have a medical hold from your doctor or the DMV, or if you need to change your address or photo. You also cannot renew online if you are explore for a Real ID-compliant license for the first time, or if you have had your license suspended or revoked at any point. In any of these cases, you must visit a DMV office in person.
What you need before you start
Gather these items before you begin the online renewal process. You will need your current Virginia driver's license number, your Social Security number, a valid email address where you can receive confirmation, and a credit card or debit card for payment. You should also have the address where you want your new license mailed — this is usually the address already on file with the DMV, but you can verify it before you submit.
Do not start the process on a public or shared computer. Use a device that is yours alone, and make sure you have a stable internet connection. The DMV website is dmv.virginia.gov, and you will find the renewal option under the "Driver Licenses" section. The system will ask you to log in or create an account if you do not already have one.
Step-by-step: how to renew online
Go to dmv.virginia.gov and select "Renew Driver License" from the main menu. You will be asked to log in with your email address and password, or to create a new account if this is your first time. The system will then ask you to enter your driver's license number and Social Security number to verify your identity.
Review the information the DMV has on file for you — your name, date of birth, address, and current license details. If any of this information is wrong, you will need to stop and renew in person instead, because you cannot change it online. If everything is correct, you will confirm that you meet the may be able to access requirements and proceed to payment. Enter your credit card or debit card information, and the system will process the $36 or $56 charge when ready. You will receive an email confirmation with a transaction number.
When your new license will arrive
After you complete your online renewal, the DMV will mail your new license to the address on file. Standard delivery takes 7 to 10 business days from the date you submit your renewal. This means you should receive it within two weeks in most cases, though mail delays can happen during holidays or bad weather.
Your old license remains valid until your new one arrives, so you can continue to use it for identification and driving during this time. If you do not receive your new license within three weeks, contact the DMV at 804-367-0538 to check the status. Have your transaction number from your confirmation email ready when you call.
What to do if you are not may be able to access for online renewal
If you do not meet the may be able to access requirements, you will need to renew in person at a Virginia DMV office. You can find the office nearest you on dmv.virginia.gov by entering your zip code. Most offices accept walk-ins, but you can also schedule an appointment online to reduce wait time. Bring your current driver's license, proof of residency (such as a utility bill or lease), and payment in cash, check, or card.
In-person renewal takes about 30 minutes and includes a new photo and vision test. The cost is the same as online renewal — $36 for five years or $56 for eight years. If you need to change your address, add a Real ID designation, or update any other information on your license, the in-person visit is where those changes happen.
Real ID and other reasons to renew in person
If you do not yet have a Real ID-compliant license and you want one, you cannot get it through online renewal. Real ID is required for federal identification purposes, such as boarding a domestic flight or entering a federal building. To get a Real ID license, you must visit a DMV office in person and bring specific documents: your passport or birth certificate, proof of Social Security number, and two forms of proof of Virginia residency.
You should also renew in person if you want to change your address, update your photo before your license expires, add or remove organ donor designation, or correct any errors in your name or date of birth. The DMV office staff can handle all of these changes during your visit, whereas the online system cannot.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew online if my license expired more than a year ago?
No. Virginia's online renewal system only works if your license expired within the past year. If it has been expired longer than that, you must renew in person at a DMV office. Bring your expired license, proof of residency, and payment.
What if I get an error message when I try to log in?
Try resetting your password on the DMV website. If you have never created an account before, you will need to do that first. If you continue to have trouble, call the DMV at 804-367-0538 during business hours, or visit a DMV office in person to renew instead.
Can I change my address during online renewal?
No. Online renewal only works if all your information on file is correct and stays the same. If you need to change your address, you must renew in person at a DMV office. Bring proof of your new address, such as a utility bill or lease.
Will my new license work for flying before it arrives in the mail?
Your old license remains valid for all purposes until your new one arrives. You can use it to fly, drive, and show as identification. Once your new license arrives, use that instead.
What payment methods does the online system accept?
The DMV online renewal system accepts credit cards and debit cards only. Cash, checks, and money orders cannot be used for online renewal. If you do not have a card, you can renew in person at a DMV office, which accepts all payment methods.