Yes, you can renew online if you meet Virginia's requirements
Virginia lets you renew your driver's license online through the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) website at dmvnow.com if you meet certain conditions. The process takes about 10 minutes, costs $36, and you receive your new license by mail within 7 to 10 business days. Not everyone can use the online route — your age, how long it's been since your last renewal, and whether you've had address changes all affect whether you're allowed to renew this way.
The online system is designed for straightforward renewals where nothing about your record or personal information has changed. If your circumstances are more complex, the DMV requires an in-person visit instead. Understanding which category you fall into saves you time and prevents you from starting an process you won't be able to complete.
Key Takeaways
- You can renew online at dmvnow.com only if your license is not expired and you have not changed your address since your last renewal.
- The online renewal costs $36 and takes about 10 minutes; your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days.
- If your license is expired, you've moved, or you're over 80 years old, you must renew in person at a DMV office instead.
- You'll need your current Virginia driver's license number, Social Security number, and a valid payment method to complete the online process.
Who can renew online and who cannot
Virginia's online renewal system has specific rules about who can use it. You can renew online if your license is still valid (not expired), you have not moved since your last renewal, and you are under 80 years old. If any of those conditions don't explore to you, the DMV requires you to renew in person at a local office.
Drivers over 80 must renew in person every year because Virginia law requires an in-person vision test for that age group. If your address has changed since your last renewal, you also cannot use the online system — you'll need to go to a DMV office and provide proof of your new address, such as a utility bill or lease. If your license has already expired, you cannot renew online either. An expired license means you'll need to explore for a new one rather than renew, and that process requires an in-person visit, a new photo, and a vision test.
What information and documents you'll need
Before you start the online renewal on dmvnow.com, gather your current Virginia driver's license and have your Social Security number ready. You'll also need a valid payment method — the DMV accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover.
That's all the DMV requires to process your online renewal. You won't need to upload documents or take a new photo; the system uses the photo and information from your existing license. Keep your receipt number from the transaction in case you need to check on your order later or contact the DMV about your renewal status.
The step-by-step online renewal process
Go to dmvnow.com and select "Renew Driver's License" from the menu. The system will ask you to enter your driver's license number and date of birth to pull up your record. Once your information appears on screen, review it carefully — this is your chance to catch any errors before your new license is printed.
Next, you'll confirm your mailing address (which must be the same as on your current license) and answer a few questions about your health and driving record. The DMV asks whether you've been convicted of certain offenses or have medical conditions that affect your ability to drive. Answer honestly; false answers can result in license suspension. After you review your answers, you'll pay the $36 renewal fee using your credit or debit card. The system generates a confirmation number when ready — write this down or take a screenshot, as you'll need it if you want to track your license or contact the DMV about your renewal.
When your new license arrives and what to do if it doesn't
The DMV mails renewed licenses within 7 to 10 business days of approval. Mail delivery times vary depending on where you live in Virginia, so your license may take up to two weeks to reach you from the time you submit your renewal. During this time, your current license remains valid, so you can continue to drive and use it for identification.
If more than two weeks have passed and you haven't received your license, go back to dmvnow.com and use your confirmation number to check the status of your order. The system will tell you whether your license has been mailed, is still being processed, or has encountered a problem. If the status shows an issue, contact the DMV at 804-367-0538 or visit a local office with your confirmation number.
What happens if you don't meet the online renewal requirements
If you're ineligible for online renewal, you'll need to visit a DMV office in person. Bring your current license (or expired license if yours has lapsed), proof of your new address if you've moved, and your Social Security number. You'll also need to pass a vision test and have a new photo taken.
In-person renewals take longer than online ones. You may wait 30 minutes to an hour at a busy office, though some locations offer appointment scheduling through dmvnow.com to reduce wait times. The fee for in-person renewal is the same as online: $36. Your new license will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days, just as it would be with an online renewal.
How long your renewed license is valid
A renewed Virginia driver's license is valid for eight years from the date of issue. The expiration date will be printed on your new license. If you renew online now, you won't need to renew again until eight years from the date your new license is mailed to you.
Virginia sends renewal reminders by mail about 60 days before your license expires. If you don't receive a reminder, you can check your expiration date on your current license or log into dmvnow.com anytime to see when you're may be able to access to renew next.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew online if my license expired more than a year ago?
No. Once your license expires, you cannot renew online — you must explore for a new license in person at a DMV office. You'll need to take a vision test and have a new photo taken. Bring your expired license, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your current address.
What if I've changed my name since my last renewal?
You cannot renew online if your name has changed. You'll need to visit a DMV office in person and bring a document that shows your name change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The DMV will issue a new license with your updated name.
Do I need to take a new photo for an online renewal?
No. The DMV uses your existing photo from your current license for an online renewal. You only need a new photo if you renew in person or if your current photo is more than 10 years old.
What if my payment fails during the online renewal?
If your payment is declined, the system will tell you when ready and won't process your renewal. Check that your card number, expiration date, and billing address are correct, then try again. If the problem continues, contact your bank or use a different card. You can also renew in person and pay with cash, check, or card.
Can I renew online if I have a commercial driver's license?
No. Commercial driver's licenses (CDLs) must be renewed in person at a DMV office. You'll need to pass a vision test and medical examination. Contact your local DMV office to schedule an appointment.