How to Renew Your Virginia Driver's License

Virginia lets you renew online, by mail, or in person depending on your license type and how long it has been expired

Most Virginia driver's licenses can be renewed without visiting a DMV office. If your license is still valid or expired less than one year, you can renew online through the Virginia DMV website or by mail. If your license expired more than one year ago, you must renew in person at a DMV customer service center. The method you choose depends on whether you want to change your address, update your photo, or need the license quickly.

Virginia licenses are valid for eight years for drivers under 70 and five years for drivers 70 and older. The DMV sends renewal notices about 60 days before expiration, but you do not have to wait for the notice to start the process. You can renew up to one year before your license expires.

Key Takeaways

Online renewal takes about 10 minutes and works if your license is current or expired less than one year, and you do not need to change your photo or address.
Mail renewal costs less than in-person renewal and takes two to three weeks, but you cannot update your photo or change your address.
In-person renewal is required if your license expired more than one year ago, and it is the only way to get a new photo on your license.
You will need your current or expired Virginia license, proof of Virginia residency, and a valid Social Security number to renew.
Virginia does not charge a fee for online renewal, but mail and in-person renewal each cost money that varies based on your age and license type.

Renewing online through the Virginia DMV website

Online renewal is the fastest option and requires no fee. Go to the Virginia DMV website, select "Renew Your Driver's License," and log in with your Virginia Online Services account. If you do not have an account, you will create one using your driver's license number, date of birth, and Social Security number. The system will verify your identity and pull up your current license information.

You will answer questions about whether your address, name, and other information are still correct. If everything matches, you confirm and submit. The DMV processes the renewal and mails your new license within 10 business days. You can use your expired license to drive until the new one arrives. Online renewal is not available if your license expired more than one year ago, if you need to change your photo, or if you want to update your address.

Renewing by mail

Mail renewal costs less than in-person renewal and works if your license is current or expired less than one year. You do not need to visit an office, but the process takes two to three weeks. Request a renewal process by calling the Virginia DMV at 804-367-0538, or read the form from the DMV website. Fill out the process, include a check or money order for the renewal fee, and mail everything to the address on the form.

Mail renewal does not let you update your photo or change your address. If you need either of those, you must renew in person. The DMV will mail your new license to the address on file. If your current address is wrong, call the DMV before mailing your process and ask them to update it in the system first.

Renewing in person at a DMV office

In-person renewal is required if your license expired more than one year ago. It is also the only way to update your photo, change your address, or correct your name. Visit a DMV customer service center with your current or expired license, proof of Virginia residency, and your Social Security number. Bring a document that shows your current address, such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days.

The DMV will take a new photo, verify your information, and process your renewal on the spot. You will receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while your permanent license is mailed to you. In-person renewal takes about 30 minutes, though wait times vary by location and time of day. Check the DMV website for your local office hours and current wait times before you go.

What documents and information you need

For any renewal method, have your Social Security number ready and your current or expired Virginia driver's license. If you are renewing in person, bring proof of your current Virginia address. The DMV accepts a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail dated within the last 60 days. A driver's license from another state does not count as proof of residency.

If your name has changed since your license was issued, bring a document that shows the change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. If you are renewing online or by mail and your address or name is different from what is on your license, you must renew in person instead.

Renewal fees and what they cover

Online renewal is free. Mail renewal and in-person renewal each have a fee that depends on your age and the type of license. The fee for a standard eight-year license is different from the fee for a five-year license for drivers 70 and older. Commercial driver's licenses and licenses with endorsements may have different fees. Check the Virginia DMV website or call 804-367-0538 to confirm the exact fee before you mail in your process or visit an office.

The fee covers the cost of producing and mailing your new license. If you renew in person, you can pay by cash, check, debit card, or credit card. If you renew by mail, you must include a check or money order — the DMV does not accept credit cards by mail.

What happens after you renew

If you renewed online or by mail, your new license will arrive by mail within 10 to 14 business days. You can continue to drive using your expired license until the new one arrives. If you renewed in person, you will receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days, and your permanent license will arrive by mail within the same timeframe.

If your new license does not arrive within three weeks, contact the DMV. Have your renewal confirmation number ready. The DMV can check the status of your license and reissue it if there was a problem with the original mailing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive with an expired Virginia license while I wait for my renewal?

If you renewed online or by mail, yes — you can drive with your expired license until your new one arrives. If you renewed in person, you receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days, which you can use to drive when ready.

What if I need my license before the mail arrives?

If you renewed in person, you get a temporary paper license on the spot that is valid for 30 days. If you renewed online or by mail and need your license sooner, you can visit a DMV office and request an expedited replacement, though this may cost extra.

Do I need an appointment to renew in person?

No appointment is required, but you can check wait times on the Virginia DMV website before you visit. Going early in the morning or on weekdays typically means shorter waits than afternoons or weekends.

Can I renew if I have unpaid traffic tickets or fines?

The DMV will not renew your license if you have an outstanding suspension or revocation on your record. Contact the Virginia DMV or the court that issued the ticket to resolve the issue before you attempt to renew.

What if my name or address changed since my last license?

If your name changed, you must renew in person and bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. If only your address changed, you can renew online or by mail, but you cannot update your address through those methods — you must renew in person or call the DMV to update your address separately.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.