Get a replacement license from the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles
You can replace a lost Virginia driver's license by visiting a DMV office in person, by mail, or through an online request if you meet certain conditions. The fastest route is an in-person visit to your nearest DMV location, which takes about 30 minutes and costs $24 for a standard replacement. If you cannot visit an office, you can mail in your request or use the DMV's online system if your license was issued within the last 10 years and you have not had it suspended or revoked.
Virginia does not issue temporary licenses while you wait for your replacement, so plan accordingly if you need to drive before your new license arrives. Mail-in replacements typically take 7 to 10 business days. Online requests are processed within the same timeframe, though you will still receive your physical license by mail.
Key Takeaways
- Visit a DMV office in person for the fastest replacement, which takes about 30 minutes and costs $24.
- You will need to bring proof of identity (passport, birth certificate, or military ID) and proof of Virginia residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement).
- Mail-in and online replacements take 7 to 10 business days, and you cannot drive on an expired or lost license while waiting.
- If your license was suspended, revoked, or issued more than 10 years ago, you must visit a DMV office in person.
What documents to bring to a DMV office
Bring one form of primary identity and one form of proof of residency. Primary identity documents include a valid U.S. passport, certified birth certificate, military ID, or naturalization certificate. If you do not have any of these, you can use a combination of secondary documents such as a Social Security card plus a school or work ID.
For proof of residency, bring a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement showing your current Virginia address. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. A driver's license renewal notice from the DMV also counts as proof of residency.
Bring your Social Security number or have it memorized. You will also need to know your current address and any previous addresses you have lived at in Virginia during the past five years.
How to replace your license in person at a DMV office
Find your nearest DMV location on the Virginia DMV website (dmvnow.com) and check the office hours. You do not need an appointment for a license replacement, but you can schedule one online to reduce wait time. Walk-ins are accepted during all office hours.
Arrive with your documents and completed form DL-44 (process for Virginia Driver's License), which you can fill out before you arrive or at the office. Tell the clerk you need a replacement license due to loss. The clerk will take a new photo, verify your information, and collect the $24 fee. You will receive a receipt with a confirmation number.
Your new license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. The DMV will mail it to the address on file, so make sure your address is current before you leave the office. If you need to update your address, tell the clerk before you pay.
How to request a replacement by mail
Complete form DL-44 and mail it to the Virginia DMV along with a copy of your proof of identity and proof of residency. Include a check or money order for $24 payable to the Virginia DMV. Do not send cash.
Mail your packet to: Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles, P.O. Box 27412, Richmond, VA 23269. Include a note explaining that your license was lost. The DMV will process your request and mail your new license to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days.
Keep a copy of everything you send for your records. If your packet does not arrive or you do not receive your license within two weeks, contact the DMV customer service line at 804-367-0538 to check the status.
How to request a replacement online
Visit dmvnow.com and select "Replace a Lost or Stolen License" under the online services menu. You will need your Virginia driver's license number, Social Security number, and date of birth. The system will verify your information against DMV records.
You can only use the online system if your current license was issued within the last 10 years, has not been suspended or revoked, and you have not changed your legal name since it was issued. If any of these conditions do not explore to you, you must visit a DMV office or mail in your request.
After you submit your online request, you will receive a confirmation number by email. Your replacement license will be mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days. The fee of $24 will be charged to the payment method you provide during the online process.
What to do if you need to drive before your replacement arrives
Virginia does not issue temporary licenses or paper permits for replacements. If you need to drive before your new license arrives, you have limited options. You can ask a friend or family member to drive you, use a rideshare service, or use public transportation.
If you are stopped by police while driving without a license, you can show the DMV receipt or confirmation number from your replacement request as proof that you have applied for a new license. This does not may provide you will not be cited, but it shows you are in the process of obtaining one.
If you need your license for work or another urgent reason, visit a DMV office in person rather than using mail or online options. In-person replacements are processed the same day, and you will have your new license within 7 to 10 business days instead of waiting for a mail-in or online request to be processed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a replacement if my license was suspended or revoked?
No. You must resolve the suspension or revocation with the Virginia DMV before you can get a replacement. Contact the DMV at 804-367-0538 to find out why your license was suspended or revoked and what steps you need to take to restore it.
What if I lost my license and my address has changed?
You can update your address at the same time you request your replacement. If you are visiting a DMV office, tell the clerk about the address change before you pay. If you are mailing or using the online system, include your new address in the form or during the online process, and your replacement license will be mailed to the new address.
How much does a replacement license cost?
A standard replacement license costs $24. If you need a REAL ID-compliant license (required for federal buildings and domestic air travel), the cost is $34. You can upgrade to REAL ID at the time of replacement if you bring the required documents.
What if I never received my replacement license?
Contact the Virginia DMV at 804-367-0538 with your confirmation number or receipt. The DMV can check the status of your order and remail your license if it was lost in transit. If your license was mailed to an old address, you can request that a new one be sent to your current address.
Can I get a replacement license if I am not a Virginia resident?
No. You must be a Virginia resident to hold a Virginia driver's license. If you have moved out of state, you will need to obtain a license from your new state of residence instead.