Virginia issues replacements through the DMV, either online or in person, and the fastest route depends on whether you need it for a specific important date

Virginia's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) handles all driver's license replacements. You can request a replacement online through the DMV website if your license is lost, stolen, or damaged — and you'll receive it by mail in about 7 to 10 business days. If you need it faster, you can visit a DMV office in person and walk out with a temporary paper license the same day, though the permanent card still arrives by mail.

The online route costs $20 and requires you to have a valid Social Security number, a Virginia address on file, and access to a credit or debit card. The in-person route costs the same but gets you a temporary license when ready. Neither route requires you to retake the written or road test — a replacement is straightforward a new card with your existing information and driving record.

Key Takeaways

  • Virginia's DMV processes replacements online for $20, with the permanent license arriving by mail in 7 to 10 business days.
  • If you visit a DMV office in person, you receive a temporary paper license on the spot and the permanent card by mail later.
  • You do not need to retake any tests — a replacement uses your existing driving record and information.
  • The online process requires a valid Social Security number, current Virginia address, and a credit or debit card.
  • Bring your Social Security card, proof of Virginia residency, and a valid ID if you go in person.

Replacing your license online through the Virginia DMV website

Start at the Virginia DMV website and select "Replace License" from the services menu. You'll be asked to enter your driver's license number, date of birth, and Social Security number. The system will verify your identity and confirm that your current license is valid and in good standing.

Once verified, you'll choose whether you want a standard license or a REAL ID-compliant license. A standard replacement costs $20. A REAL ID license also costs $20 but requires additional proof of citizenship or legal residency — if your current license is already REAL ID-compliant, you can straightforward renew it as REAL ID without extra documents. After you pay by credit or debit card, the DMV will mail your new license to the address on file. Check your confirmation email for a tracking number.

The online process takes about 10 minutes. Your new license will arrive in 7 to 10 business days under normal circumstances, though processing times can extend during high-volume periods. You can continue driving on your old license until the new one arrives, even if it's damaged or you've reported it lost.

Getting a replacement in person at a Virginia DMV office

Find your nearest DMV office using the office locator on the Virginia DMV website. Most offices accept walk-ins, but some require appointments — check before you go. Bring your Social Security card, proof of your current Virginia address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days), and a valid ID such as a passport or military ID.

When you arrive, take a number and wait to be called. Tell the clerk you need a replacement license. They'll verify your identity, confirm your address, and ask whether you want a standard or REAL ID license. You'll pay $20, have your photo taken, and receive a temporary paper license on the spot. This temporary license is valid for 45 days and works anywhere a regular license is accepted.

Your permanent license will be mailed to your address within 7 to 10 business days. The temporary paper license is your proof of driving status until it arrives. If you move before the permanent license arrives, contact the DMV to update your address so the card is sent to the correct location.

What to do if your license was stolen or you suspect fraud

If your license was stolen rather than straightforward lost, report it to the DMV when you request the replacement. You can do this during the online process by selecting "stolen" as the reason, or by telling the clerk in person. Reporting it stolen adds a flag to your driving record and helps prevent someone else from using your license number fraudulently.

If you suspect your license number has been used fraudulently — for example, if you received a traffic ticket you didn't get or a toll notice for a place you weren't — contact the DMV's fraud line or visit an office in person with documentation of the fraudulent use. The DMV can investigate and may issue you a new license number in addition to a replacement card, though this is less common and requires proof of the fraud.

REAL ID versus standard license: which one to choose

A REAL ID-compliant license has a gold star in the upper right corner and meets federal identification standards for air travel and federal building access. A standard Virginia license does not have this star. Both cost $20 to replace, so the choice depends on whether you need to fly domestically or enter federal buildings without a passport.

If your current license is already REAL ID-compliant, you can replace it as REAL ID without additional documents — the system will recognize your prior compliance. If your current license is standard and you want to upgrade to REAL ID during replacement, you'll need to bring proof of citizenship (a birth certificate or passport) and proof of Social Security (a Social Security card or W-2). If you don't have these documents handy, replace it as standard now and upgrade later at your next renewal.

Replacing a damaged license versus a lost one

Virginia treats damaged and lost licenses the same way for replacement purposes — both cost $20 and follow the same online or in-person process. If your license is damaged but still readable, you can continue using it until the replacement arrives. If it's so damaged that it's unreadable or the magnetic stripe no longer works, the DMV may ask you to surrender it when you pick up your temporary paper license in person.

Damage from normal wear and tear (fading, minor scratches) doesn't require replacement — you can keep using it. Damage that makes it unreadable or unusable (water damage, torn in half, magnetic stripe failure) qualifies for replacement. If you're unsure whether your damage qualifies, visit an office in person and ask; the clerk can tell you whether a replacement is necessary.

Timeline and what to expect after you request a replacement

If you go online, you'll receive a confirmation email when ready with a reference number. Your new license will be mailed within 7 to 10 business days. If you go in person, you'll walk out with a temporary paper license and the permanent card will arrive by mail on the same timeline.

During busy periods — typically late summer and early fall — processing can take up to two weeks. You can check the status of your replacement on the Virginia DMV website by entering your driver's license number and date of birth. If your replacement doesn't arrive within 14 days, contact the DMV to confirm it was mailed to the correct address.

Once your new license arrives, destroy the temporary paper license if you received one. The temporary is no longer valid once the permanent card is in your possession. If you moved and the permanent license was returned to the DMV as undeliverable, you'll need to visit an office in person with proof of your new address to have it reissued.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I replace my license if it expired?

Yes. A replacement is different from a renewal. You can replace an expired license, and the new card will have the same expiration date as your old one. If you also want to renew (extend the expiration), you'll need to do that separately, either at the same time or later.

What if I don't have a Social Security card to bring in person?

You can bring other documents that show your Social Security number, such as a W-2, tax return, or bank statement. If you have none of these, contact the DMV before your visit — they may be able to verify your number through other means, but it's best to confirm first.

Do I have to go to the DMV office closest to my home?

No. You can visit any Virginia DMV office regardless of where you live. Some offices are less busy than others, so you may choose one based on convenience or wait times rather than proximity.

What if my address changed since my last license?

Update your address before you request the replacement, either online through the DMV website or in person at an office. If you replace online, the system will use your current address on file. If you go in person, bring proof of your new address and the clerk will update it during the replacement process.

Can someone else pick up my temporary license if I can't go in person?

No. You must be present to have your photo taken and receive the temporary license. A replacement requires your in-person identity verification, so it cannot be done by proxy.