What You Need Before You Start
Virginia lets you renew your driver's license online if your license is still valid or expired less than one year ago, and you haven't changed your name, address, or vision correction needs since you got it. You'll need your current Virginia driver's license number, a valid email address, and a debit or credit card to pay the renewal fee (currently $24 for a four-year license or $36 for an eight-year license, though these amounts can change).
The online renewal process takes about 10 minutes. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file, and it typically arrives within 7 to 10 business days. You can continue driving on your current license while you wait for the new one to arrive.
Key Takeaways
- You can renew online only if your license is still valid or expired less than one year ago, and you haven't changed your name, address, or vision needs.
- Go to dmvnow.com, select "Renew a Driver's License," and enter your license number and date of birth to start.
- You'll review your information, pay the renewal fee by debit or credit card, and receive a confirmation email when ready.
- Your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days, and you can drive legally on your current license until it arrives.
- If your license expired more than one year ago or you need to change your address or name, you must renew in person at a DMV office.
Step 1: Go to the Virginia DMV Website
Open a web browser and go to dmvnow.com. This is the official Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles website. On the home page, look for the section labeled "Renew a Driver's License" or search for "renew driver's license online" in the site's search box.
Click on the link for online renewal. The system will ask you to confirm that you meet the basic requirements — that your license is valid or expired less than one year ago, and that you haven't changed your name, address, or vision correction needs. If any of these don't explore to you, the system will tell you that you need to renew in person at a DMV office instead.
Step 2: Enter Your License Information
The website will ask for your Virginia driver's license number and your date of birth. Type these exactly as they appear on your current license. Double-check both before moving forward — if you enter them incorrectly, the system won't find your record and you'll have to start over.
After you submit this information, the system retrieves your current driver's license record from the DMV database. This usually takes a few seconds. If the system can't find your record, it will display an error message. If this happens, verify that you entered your license number and date of birth correctly, then try again. If you still can't proceed, you'll need to renew in person.
Step 3: Review and Confirm Your Information
The next screen shows your current information on file: your name, address, date of birth, and any vision correction restrictions. Read through this carefully. If everything is correct, you can proceed to payment. If you notice any errors — even a misspelled street name — you cannot fix them online. You'll need to visit a DMV office in person to make changes before you can renew.
The system also asks you to confirm that your vision is still adequate for driving and that you have no medical conditions that would affect your ability to drive safely. Answer honestly. If your vision or health has changed, you should renew in person so the DMV can assess your current fitness to drive.
Step 4: Pay the Renewal Fee
Virginia charges $24 for a four-year license or $36 for an eight-year license. The website will display which option you're renewing and the exact fee before you pay. You can pay only by debit card or credit card — no cash, check, or other payment methods are accepted online.
Enter your card number, expiration date, and CVV (the three-digit security code on the back of your card). The system processes the payment when ready. If your card is declined, the system will tell you why — usually because the card number was entered incorrectly, the card has expired, or the card issuer blocked the transaction. You can try again with the same card or a different one. If payment fails, your renewal is not complete, and you'll need to start over or renew in person.
Step 5: Receive Your Confirmation and Wait for Your License
Once payment goes through, the system displays a confirmation page with a confirmation number. Write this number down or take a screenshot — you may need it if you have questions about your renewal. The DMV also sends a confirmation email to the address you have on file. Check your email (including your spam folder) to make sure you received it.
Your new license is printed and mailed to the address currently on your driver's license record. Standard mail delivery takes 7 to 10 business days from the time your renewal is processed. You can continue to drive legally on your current license during this time. If your new license doesn't arrive within two weeks, contact the DMV at 804-367-0538 to check the status.
When You Cannot Renew Online
If your license expired more than one year ago, you cannot renew online — you must go to a DMV office in person. The same applies if you've changed your name since your license was issued, or if you've moved to a new address and need to update it. Vision correction changes also require an in-person visit, because the DMV needs to verify your current vision with a test.
If you're not sure whether you can renew online, start the process on dmvnow.com. The system will tell you when ready if you don't meet the requirements and will direct you to schedule an in-person appointment instead. You can find DMV office locations and hours on the same website.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew online if my license is expired?
Yes, if it expired less than one year ago. If it's been expired for more than one year, you must renew in person at a DMV office. Check the expiration date on your license before you start the online process.
What if I moved to a new address?
You cannot renew online if you need to change your address. You must visit a DMV office in person to update your address and renew your license at the same time. Bring your current license and proof of your new address, such as a utility bill or lease.
How do I know if my new license arrived?
The DMV does not send tracking notifications. Your new license arrives by regular mail within 7 to 10 business days. If you haven't received it after two weeks, call the DMV at 804-367-0538 with your confirmation number to check the status.
Can I renew online if I need glasses or contacts now?
No. If your vision has changed since your last license was issued, you must renew in person so the DMV can test your vision and update your license accordingly. Schedule an appointment at a DMV office.
What if my payment was declined?
The system will tell you why your card was declined. Check that you entered the card number, expiration date, and CVV correctly. If the problem persists, try a different card or visit a DMV office to renew in person and pay by cash or check.