Getting a replacement license in Virginia

To replace a lost driver's license in Virginia, you'll visit your local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office in person with proof of identity and residency. The DMV will take a new photo, issue you a temporary license on the spot, and mail your permanent replacement within 7 to 10 business days. The whole process takes about 30 minutes at the office, and the replacement license costs $20.

You cannot renew or replace a Virginia license online or by mail — you must appear in person. The DMV requires this for security reasons and to capture your new photograph. If you've lost your license but still have your vehicle registration or another form of ID, bring those along to speed up the process.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit a DMV office in person with valid proof of identity and proof of Virginia residency to get a replacement license.
  • Bring your Social Security number or a document showing it, such as a birth certificate or Social Security card, because the DMV will verify it.
  • The DMV will issue a temporary paper license when ready and mail your permanent replacement card within 7 to 10 business days.
  • The replacement fee is $20, and you can pay by cash, debit card, or credit card at most Virginia DMV offices.

What documents you need to bring

Virginia's DMV requires two categories of documents: proof of identity and proof of residency. For proof of identity, bring one of these: a valid passport, a birth certificate, a Social Security card, a military ID, or a state ID from another state. If you bring a birth certificate, the DMV will also need to see your Social Security card or a document that shows your Social Security number.

For proof of residency, bring one document dated within the last 60 days showing your current Virginia address. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, a lease or rental agreement, a mortgage statement, a bank statement, an insurance policy, or a pay stub. A piece of mail from a government agency also works. If you live with someone else and don't have a document in your name, bring a notarized letter from the person whose name appears on the bill, plus a copy of that bill.

If you've moved recently and your proof of residency doesn't match your old license address, bring both documents — the old one and the new one. The DMV uses this to update your address in their system.

Finding your nearest DMV office and checking wait times

Virginia has DMV offices in most counties and cities. You can find the office nearest you and check current wait times on the Virginia DMV website at dmvnow.com. The site shows you the address, phone number, and hours for each location, and many offices display live wait times so you can choose the least crowded time to visit.

Some offices are busier than others. If you live near multiple DMV locations, checking wait times before you go can save you an hour or more. Early morning, mid-week visits (Tuesday through Thursday) are usually faster than Friday afternoons or the first of the month, when many people renew registrations.

You can also call your local DMV office directly to ask about wait times or to confirm they have the documents you plan to bring. The phone number appears on dmvnow.com for each location.

What happens during your visit

When you arrive at the DMV, check in at the front desk and tell the staff member you need a replacement license. They'll give you a number and direct you to the waiting area. When your number is called, you'll go to a window where a DMV employee will review your documents, verify your information in the system, and ask you to confirm your address and any other details that have changed since your last license.

The employee will then take a new photograph for your license. You'll be asked to remove glasses, hats, and headwear, and to look directly at the camera. After the photo, you'll pay the $20 fee and receive a temporary paper license printed on the spot. This temporary license is valid for 45 days and works as a legal form of ID while you wait for your permanent card.

Keep the temporary license in a safe place. Your permanent replacement will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. If it doesn't arrive within two weeks, contact your local DMV office to check on the status.

The cost and payment methods

A replacement driver's license in Virginia costs $20. This is a flat fee regardless of how long your license was valid for or when it was originally issued. You pay this fee only once at your DMV visit — there are no additional charges or hidden fees.

Most Virginia DMV offices accept cash, debit cards, and credit cards. A few smaller offices may accept cash only, so if you want to be certain, call ahead to confirm payment methods. You'll pay at the window after your photo is taken and before you receive your temporary license.

If your license was stolen or you suspect fraud

If someone stole your license or you believe it's being used fraudulently, tell the DMV employee when you arrive. They will flag your old license number in the system so it cannot be used to open accounts or conduct transactions in your name. The DMV will note this in your file, and your replacement license will be issued with the same number.

You should also consider placing a fraud alert with the three major credit bureaus — Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion — by contacting any one of them. A fraud alert tells creditors to verify your identity before opening new accounts. You can set up a fraud alert for free by phone or online through any of the three bureaus' websites.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a replacement license if I'm not a Virginia resident?

No. You must be a Virginia resident to hold a Virginia driver's license. If you've moved out of state, you'll need to get a license from your new state. If you're temporarily out of state but still a Virginia resident, you can mail a request to your local DMV office, though you'll eventually need to visit in person to renew.

What if I don't have a Social Security number?

You can still get a replacement license. Bring your birth certificate and a second form of ID, such as a passport or military ID. The DMV will note in their system that you don't have a Social Security number, and your license will be issued without one.

How long is a replacement license valid?

A replacement license is valid for the same length of time as your original license. If your original license was set to expire in 2028, your replacement will also expire in 2028. You don't get extra time just because you had to replace it.

Can I use my temporary paper license to drive?

Yes. Your temporary paper license is a valid form of ID and allows you to drive legally in Virginia and most other states while you wait for your permanent card. Keep it with you while driving, just as you would your regular license.

What if my permanent license arrives damaged or with errors?

Contact your local DMV office right away. If the card is damaged, they'll issue a replacement at no additional charge. If there's an error in your name, address, or other information, the DMV will correct it and reissue the card. Bring the damaged or incorrect card with you when you visit.