Where to get a replacement license in Virginia
You can replace a lost or damaged Virginia driver's license at any Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) customer service center in the state. Virginia has over 70 DMV locations, and most can issue a replacement on the same day you explore if you have the required documents with you.
The fastest option is usually your nearest DMV office. You can find the address and hours on the Virginia DMV website by entering your zip code. Some locations are busier than others — rural offices often have shorter wait times than urban centers.
You can also renew or replace your license by mail if your license is not suspended or revoked, though this takes longer. Mail-in replacement is useful if you cannot visit an office in person, but you will need to send original documents and wait for processing.
Key Takeaways
- Visit any Virginia DMV office with your Social Security number, proof of Virginia residency, and a valid form of identification to get a replacement the same day.
- The replacement fee is $24 for a standard license, and you can pay by cash, check, debit card, or credit card at most locations.
- If you do not have a valid ID, you can use a birth certificate, passport, or military ID as proof of identity instead.
- Mail-in replacement takes two to three weeks but works if you cannot visit an office, though you must send original documents and cannot have a suspended or revoked license.
- Your replacement license will have the same number as your original unless you request a new number for an additional fee.
Documents you need to bring to the DMV
Bring your Social Security number (or your Social Security card itself) and proof of Virginia residency. Proof of residency can be a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail dated within the last 60 days. A cell phone bill does not count.
You also need a valid form of identification. A passport, military ID, or birth certificate all work. If your lost license is still valid and you have it with you, that counts too. If you do not have any of these, the DMV can accept a combination of documents — ask the staff at your local office what they will accept before you visit.
Bring your payment method. The replacement fee is $24 for a standard five-year license. Virginia DMV accepts cash, checks, debit cards, and credit cards at all locations.
What happens at the DMV office
When you arrive, check in at the front desk and tell the staff you need a replacement license. You will be given a number and asked to wait. When your number is called, go to the counter and hand over your documents.
The DMV staff will verify your identity, check your Social Security number against their records, and confirm your residency. They will take a new photo for your license unless you request to use your photo from your previous license (this is allowed in Virginia). You will then pay the $24 fee.
Your replacement license will be printed on the spot in most cases. You will receive it before you leave the office. If the office is experiencing technical issues or is unusually busy, they may mail it to you within five to seven business days, but same-day issuance is the standard.
Replacing your license by mail
If you cannot visit a DMV office, you can request a replacement by mail. read the process for Duplicate Driver's License or Identification Card (Form DL-44) from the Virginia DMV website, fill it out completely, and mail it with your documents and payment to the address listed on the form.
You must include a copy of your proof of identity and proof of residency. Do not send original documents — send copies only. Include a check or money order for $24 (Virginia DMV does not accept credit cards by mail). Mail your packet to the address on the form.
Processing takes two to three weeks from the date the DMV receives your packet. Your replacement license will be mailed to the address you provide on the form. You cannot use mail-in replacement if your license is suspended, revoked, or cancelled.
If you need your license number before it arrives
If you need to know your license number when ready — for example, to provide it to an employer or insurance company — call the Virginia DMV customer service line at 1-804-367-0538. They can look up your license number using your name and date of birth.
You can also visit a DMV office in person and ask for a temporary paper license while you wait for your replacement. Some offices issue these on the spot, though policies vary by location. Call ahead to confirm your local office offers this service.
Special situations: suspended, revoked, or expired licenses
If your license is suspended or revoked, you cannot get a replacement until the suspension or revocation is lifted. Contact the Virginia DMV to find out why your license was suspended or revoked and what steps you need to take to restore it. This may involve paying a reinstatement fee, completing a driver improvement course, or resolving a court case.
If your license has expired, you can still get a replacement at any DMV office. Bring the same documents you would for a lost license. An expired license counts as valid identification for the purpose of getting a replacement.
If your license was damaged in a way that makes it unreadable — water damage, torn barcode, faded photo — bring it with you to the DMV. The staff will assess whether it qualifies for a free replacement or whether you need to pay the standard $24 fee. Most damage-related replacements are treated as standard replacements and cost $24.
What to do if you cannot find your documents
If you do not have a birth certificate or passport, you can request one before visiting the DMV. A birth certificate takes one to two weeks to arrive if you order it from the Virginia Department of Health. A passport takes several weeks through the U.S. State Department.
If you need a replacement license before these documents arrive, ask the DMV staff what alternative documents they will accept. Some offices accept notarized affidavits, school records, or medical records as proof of identity if you explain your situation. Call your local DMV office ahead of time to ask what they can work with.
If you do not have proof of residency, a lease agreement or utility bill in your name works. If you recently moved and do not have a bill in your new name yet, ask the utility company for a letter confirming your address, or bring a lease signed by both you and your landlord.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a replacement license with a different address than my old one?
Yes. Bring proof of your new Virginia address, and the DMV will issue a replacement license with the updated address. If you are moving out of state, you cannot get a Virginia replacement — you will need to get a license in your new state instead.
Will my replacement license have the same number as my lost one?
Yes, unless you request a new number. Your replacement will carry your original license number. If you want a new number for privacy or personal reasons, you can request one, but there is an additional fee beyond the standard $24 replacement cost.
How long does a replacement license take if I mail it in?
Two to three weeks from the date the DMV receives your packet. Mail delivery itself can add several days on each end, so plan for up to a month total. If you need your license sooner, visit a DMV office in person for same-day replacement.
What if I lost my license and my Social Security card at the same time?
You can still get a replacement license. Bring your birth certificate or passport as proof of identity and your Social Security number written down or memorized. The DMV can verify your Social Security number in their system without seeing the card itself.
Do I have to take a new photo for my replacement license?
No. You can request to use the photo from your previous license if it is still recent and clear. The DMV staff will ask you at the counter whether you want a new photo or want to keep your old one. Most people keep their existing photo to avoid the hassle of a new one.