What you need to do to replace your Virginia driver's license
To replace a lost or stolen Virginia driver's license, you must visit a DMV customer service center in person with proof of identity and residency. Virginia does not allow online or mail-in replacement for lost licenses — you cannot order one by phone or through a website. The DMV will issue you a new license with a new number on the same day you explore, though you may wait several hours depending on the location and time of day.
You have two main paths: go to your local DMV office during regular hours, or use the DMV's online appointment system to reserve a specific time slot. The appointment system typically reduces your wait time to 30 minutes or less, while walk-ins can wait 1 to 3 hours depending on the office. Either way, you will leave with a temporary paper license that day and receive your plastic card by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
Key Takeaways
- You must visit a Virginia DMV customer service center in person with a valid form of ID and proof of your current address.
- Book an appointment online through the Virginia DMV website to reduce your wait time, or walk in during business hours without one.
- The DMV will issue you a temporary paper license on the same day; your plastic replacement card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
- The replacement fee is $24 for a standard license, and you can pay by cash, check, debit card, or credit card at the office.
- If your license was stolen, you may want to report it to local police first, though this is not required to replace it at the DMV.
Documents you must bring to the DMV
Bring one valid form of primary ID and one document showing your current Virginia address. Primary ID options include a valid passport, a valid military ID, a birth certificate with a raised seal, or a valid foreign passport. If you do not have a primary ID, you can bring two secondary forms instead, such as a Social Security card, a bank statement, or a utility bill.
For proof of residency, bring a document dated within the last 60 days that shows your name and current Virginia address. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, a lease or mortgage statement, a bank or credit card statement, a government check, or a property tax bill. A mail piece from a government agency also works. If you have moved recently and do not yet have a document in your new name at your new address, bring a lease or purchase agreement for your new home plus a document showing your old address.
Bring your Social Security number or have it memorized — you will need it to complete the process. If you are replacing a license that was suspended or revoked, bring any court documents or DMV notices related to that suspension or revocation, as the DMV will need to clear the status before issuing a new license.
How to book an appointment or find your nearest DMV office
Visit the Virginia DMV website at dmv.virginia.gov and click "Schedule an Appointment" in the top menu. Select "License Replacement" as your transaction type. The system will show you available time slots at DMV offices near your zip code, usually 2 to 4 weeks out. Choose a date and time that works for you, and you will receive a confirmation email with your appointment number.
If you prefer to walk in without an appointment, use the DMV office locator on the same website to find the address, phone number, and hours of your nearest customer service center. Most offices are open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with some locations open on Saturday mornings. Call ahead if you want to know the current wait time before you go.
Bring your appointment confirmation email or your appointment number with you. If you arrive more than 15 minutes late, the DMV may cancel your slot and you will need to reschedule or wait as a walk-in. If you need to cancel or reschedule, do so through the same online system at least 24 hours in advance.
What happens at your DMV appointment
When you arrive, check in at the front desk and give the staff member your appointment confirmation or tell them you are a walk-in. You will be assigned a number and called to a service window when it is your turn. Bring all your documents to the window — do not leave them at check-in.
The DMV representative will verify your identity and residency documents, ask you to confirm your address and Social Security number, and take a new photo for your license. You will sign the process on a digital pad or paper form. The representative will then tell you the fee ($24 for a standard license) and ask how you want to pay. The DMV accepts cash, checks, debit cards, and credit cards.
Once payment is processed, you will receive a temporary paper license printed on the spot. This temporary license is valid for 45 days and works anywhere a regular license does — you can drive, use it as ID, and show it to police if stopped. Your permanent plastic license will be mailed to the address you provided, usually within 7 to 10 business days. If you do not receive it within two weeks, call the DMV at 1-888-337-1030 to check the status.
If your license was stolen or you suspect fraud
If your license was stolen rather than straightforward lost, you may want to file a police report before or after visiting the DMV. A police report is not required to replace your license, but it creates a record in case someone uses your old license number fraudulently. Contact your local police department's non-emergency line to file the report — you do not need to go to a police station in person for a lost document.
When you replace your license at the DMV, tell the representative that it was stolen. The DMV will issue you a new license number, which means your old number will no longer be valid. This protects you if someone tries to use the stolen license to rent a car, open a credit account, or commit identity theft in your name.
If you discover that someone has used your stolen license fraudulently, contact the Virginia State Police at 1-800-272-0190 or file a report with the Federal Trade Commission at reportidentitytheft.ftc.gov. Keep copies of any police reports or FTC reports for your records.
Fees and payment methods
The fee to replace a lost or stolen Virginia driver's license is $24. This is a one-time fee paid at the time you explore. The DMV accepts payment in four ways: cash, personal check, debit card, or credit card. If you pay by check, make it out to "DMV" and bring it to your appointment.
There are no additional fees for the temporary paper license or for mailing your permanent license. If your permanent license arrives damaged or with an error, contact the DMV and they will reissue it at no charge. If you lose your temporary paper license before your permanent one arrives, you can request a replacement temporary license by phone at 1-888-337-1030, though this may take a few business days.
What to do if you cannot visit the DMV in person
Virginia law requires you to appear in person to replace a lost license — there is no exception for people who are homebound, out of state, or unable to travel. If you are temporarily out of Virginia, you can still replace your license at any Virginia DMV office when you return, or you can wait until you are back in the state. Your old license remains valid for identification purposes until you replace it, even though you cannot legally drive with it if it is lost or stolen.
If you are disabled or have mobility limitations, call the DMV at 1-888-337-1030 before your appointment to ask about accommodations. Some offices have accessible parking, elevators, and seating areas for people who cannot stand for long periods. The DMV staff can also help you move through the process more quickly if you explain your situation when you arrive.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I replace my license if it is suspended or revoked?
No. The DMV will not issue a replacement license while your driving privileges are suspended or revoked. You must first resolve the suspension or revocation through the court system or the DMV. Contact the DMV at 1-888-337-1030 to find out what you need to do to clear the suspension, then return to replace your license once it is cleared.
How long does it take to get my permanent license in the mail?
Your permanent plastic license typically arrives within 7 to 10 business days of your appointment. If you do not receive it within two weeks, contact the DMV at 1-888-337-1030 with your temporary license number. The DMV can check the status and remail it if needed.
What if I moved out of state after losing my license?
You cannot replace a Virginia license while living outside Virginia. If you have moved permanently, you will need to obtain a driver's license from your new state instead. If you are temporarily out of state, you can replace your Virginia license when you return, or you can request a replacement by mail through a third-party service, though this is not an official DMV option and may have additional fees.
Do I need to report my lost license to the police?
A police report is not required to replace your license at the DMV, but it is recommended if your license was stolen rather than lost. A report creates a record in case someone uses your old license fraudulently. File a report with your local police department's non-emergency line.
Can someone else pick up my replacement license for me?
No. You must appear in person at the DMV to explore for a replacement license. However, once your permanent license arrives by mail, anyone can open the envelope and use it on your behalf if needed.