Virginia replaces a lost driver's license through the Department of Motor Vehicles, either in person at a local DMV office or by mail

If your Virginia driver's license is lost, you do not need a new written test or vision screening — the DMV will issue a replacement with the same license number and expiration date as your original. You can request a replacement in person at any DMV office, by mail using Form DL-44, or online through the DMV website if you have a valid email address on file. The fastest route is usually an in-person visit, which takes about 30 minutes and costs $20 for a standard replacement.

The process differs slightly depending on whether your license is still valid or has expired. If your license is current, you can use any replacement method. If it expired more than one year ago, you will need to renew it instead, which requires a vision test and a new photo at a DMV office.

Key Takeaways

  • A replacement lost license costs $20 and keeps your original license number and expiration date.
  • You can replace it in person at a DMV office, by mail with Form DL-44, or online if you have an email on file with the DMV.
  • In-person replacement usually takes 30 minutes; mail replacement takes 7 to 10 business days.
  • If your license expired more than one year ago, you must renew instead of replace, which requires a vision test and new photo.
  • You can drive legally while your replacement is being processed if you bring a receipt from the DMV or your mail confirmation.

In-person replacement at a Virginia DMV office

Walk into any Virginia DMV office with your Social Security number, date of birth, and a current form of identification — a passport, military ID, or state ID card all work. You do not need to bring the lost license itself. Tell the clerk you need a replacement, not a renewal. They will verify your information, take a new photo, and print your replacement on the spot.

Bring your debit card or cash; the DMV does not accept checks or credit cards at all locations, though many offices now accept card payments. The $20 fee covers the replacement license itself. You will receive a receipt that serves as a temporary driving permit until your physical card arrives by mail, usually within 7 to 10 business days.

DMV offices are busiest on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. You can check wait times and book an appointment online at dmvnow.com, which often cuts your in-office time in half. Some offices accept walk-ins; others require an appointment.

Replacing by mail with Form DL-44

read Form DL-44 from the Virginia DMV website or pick one up at any DMV office. Fill in your name, date of birth, Social Security number, and current address. Include a check or money order for $20 made out to the Virginia DMV, and mail the form and payment to the address listed on the form — typically the DMV regional office that serves your county.

Mail replacement takes 7 to 10 business days from the time the DMV receives your form. You will not receive a temporary permit by mail, so you cannot legally drive during this period. If you need to drive before your replacement arrives, you must visit a DMV office in person instead.

Mail replacement works best if you do not need to drive when ready and prefer to avoid a trip to the DMV. Keep a copy of your form and the receipt from your payment for your records.

Online replacement through dmvnow.com

If you have a valid email address on file with the Virginia DMV from a previous transaction, you can request a replacement online at dmvnow.com. Log in with your driver's license number and date of birth, select "Replace Lost License," and pay the $20 fee by debit card. The DMV will mail your replacement within 7 to 10 business days.

Online replacement does not issue a temporary permit, so you cannot drive legally while waiting. If you do not have an email on file or cannot remember it, you will need to use the mail or in-person method instead.

What to do if your license has expired

If your Virginia license expired fewer than 12 months ago, you can still use the replacement process above. If it expired more than 12 months ago, the DMV treats it as a renewal, not a replacement. You must visit a DMV office in person, bring a current form of identification, pass a vision test, and have a new photo taken. The fee is $24 for a standard renewal.

Renewals cannot be done by mail or online. Schedule an appointment at dmvnow.com to reduce wait time. Bring your Social Security card or a document showing your Social Security number, such as a tax return or W-2.

Driving legally while your replacement is in process

If you replaced your license in person at a DMV office, your receipt is a legal temporary driving permit. Keep it in your vehicle until your physical license arrives. Police will accept it as proof of a valid license during a traffic stop.

If you replaced by mail or online, you do not have a temporary permit and cannot legally drive. If you need to drive before your replacement arrives, you must go to a DMV office and get a receipt in person.

Replacing a license if you cannot visit a DMV office

If you live outside Virginia or cannot reach a DMV office, mail replacement with Form DL-44 is your only option. Some DMV services are also available through third-party vendors in other states, but Virginia does not currently offer this for lost license replacement.

If you are a Virginia resident living temporarily out of state, you can still mail Form DL-44 to your home DMV office. Use your Virginia address on the form, and the replacement will be mailed to that address.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a temporary license to drive while I wait for my replacement?

Yes, but only if you replaced your license in person at a DMV office. The receipt they give you is a legal temporary permit. If you replaced by mail or online, there is no temporary permit, and you cannot legally drive until your physical license arrives.

Will my replacement license have a different number than my original?

No. A replacement keeps your original license number and expiration date. Only a renewal (when your license has expired) gives you a new number and new expiration date.

What if I lost my license and it was suspended or revoked?

You cannot replace a suspended or revoked license. You must contact the Virginia DMV to clear the suspension or revocation first. Once cleared, you can then request a replacement. Call the DMV at 804-367-0538 to check your status.

How much does a replacement license cost?

A replacement lost license costs $20. If your license expired more than 12 months ago and you need a renewal instead, the cost is $24.

Can I replace my license if I moved to a new address?

Yes. When you replace your license, you can update your address at the same time. If replacing by mail, write your new address on Form DL-44. If replacing in person, tell the clerk you need an address change, and they will update it in the system.