Where to go and what to bring
You can replace your Virginia driver's license at any DMV customer service center in the state. Virginia's Department of Motor Vehicles operates full-service locations in most cities and counties, plus satellite offices in some areas. You can find the nearest location and check hours on the DMV website at dmvnow.com.
Bring your current license if you still have it, or a state ID card. You will also need proof of your Social Security number (your Social Security card, W-2, or 1099 form), proof of Virginia residency (a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within 60 days), and a valid form of identification if your license is lost or stolen. If your license was damaged in a way that makes it unreadable, bring what remains of it.
You do not need an appointment at most DMV locations, though wait times vary by office and time of day. Some offices offer online scheduling through dmvnow.com, which can reduce your time in line. Walk-in service is available at all locations during posted hours.
Key Takeaways
- You can replace your license at any Virginia DMV customer service center by bringing your current license, proof of Social Security number, and proof of residency.
- A replacement license costs $24 for a standard license and $34 for a REAL ID-compliant license, and you receive it by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
- If your license is lost or stolen, report it to the DMV at the time you request the replacement to prevent misuse.
- You can renew your license online through dmvnow.com if it is not damaged, lost, or stolen, which is faster than visiting an office.
- A temporary paper license is issued on the spot so you can drive legally while your replacement arrives in the mail.
Cost and processing time
A replacement Virginia driver's license costs $24 for a standard license. If you want a REAL ID-compliant license (required for federal building entry and domestic air travel starting May 2025), the cost is $34. Payment is accepted in cash, check, or card at the DMV office.
The DMV mails your replacement license to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days. You receive a temporary paper license at the DMV office that day, which is valid for driving until your permanent license arrives. Keep the temporary license with you while driving.
If you need your license faster, Virginia does not offer expedited mail service through the DMV. However, you can request a duplicate license at the same time you order your replacement, which costs an additional $24, and some people use this option to have a backup while waiting for the first replacement to arrive.
Lost, stolen, or damaged licenses
If your license is lost or stolen, tell the DMV staff when you visit to request the replacement. The DMV will flag your old license number in its system to prevent someone else from using it. This does not prevent identity theft, but it does prevent the stolen license from being used as a valid form of identification for DMV transactions.
If your license is damaged but still readable, you can bring it to the DMV and request a replacement. Damage that makes the license unreadable (water damage, torn barcode, faded photo) qualifies for a replacement at no extra charge beyond the standard $24 fee. If the damage is minor and the license is still readable, the DMV may decline to replace it and ask you to renew instead.
You do not need a police report to replace a lost or stolen license, though having one can be useful if you later discover fraudulent activity tied to your license number. If you suspect your license was stolen and used fraudulently, contact the Virginia State Police non-emergency line or file a report with the Federal Trade Commission at identitytheft.gov.
Online replacement options
Virginia allows you to renew your license online through dmvnow.com if your license is not damaged, lost, or stolen. Online renewal is faster than visiting an office and costs the same $24 (or $34 for REAL ID). You will need your current license number, Social Security number, and a valid payment method.
Online renewal is not the same as replacement. You can only renew online if your license is still in your possession and readable. If your license is lost, stolen, or too damaged to scan or read, you must visit a DMV office in person.
After you complete an online renewal, the DMV mails your new license within 7 to 10 business days. You do not receive a temporary paper license with online renewal, so if you need to drive before your replacement arrives, you will need to visit an office to get a temporary license or bring your current license with you.
Name changes and address updates
If you are replacing your license because your name has changed (through marriage, divorce, or legal name change), bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change: a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The DMV will issue a new license with your updated name at the same $24 cost.
If your address has changed but your license is not damaged or lost, you can update your address online through dmvnow.com without replacing the license itself. Address-only changes do not require a new license card. However, if you are replacing your license for another reason, tell the DMV your current address and they will print it on the new license.
What happens if you drive without a license while waiting
The temporary paper license issued at the DMV is a valid form of identification for driving. You must carry it with you at all times while driving, just as you would your permanent license. If you are stopped by police, show the temporary license and explain that your permanent license is in the mail.
If you lose the temporary license before your permanent one arrives, return to the DMV and request another temporary license. There is no additional charge. If you do not have any valid license or temporary license and you drive, you can be cited for driving without a license, which carries fines and points on your driving record.
Special situations: military, commercial, and medical restrictions
If you hold a commercial driver's license (CDL), you cannot replace it online and must visit a DMV office. Bring the same documents as for a standard license replacement, plus your current CDL. The replacement process is the same, and the cost is $24 for a standard CDL or $34 for a REAL ID CDL.
If your license has medical restrictions (corrective lenses, hearing aid, automatic transmission only), those restrictions will appear on your replacement license automatically. You do not need to bring additional documentation unless the restriction has changed. If your medical condition has changed and you need to add or remove a restriction, tell the DMV staff and they may ask for updated medical certification.
If you are active military or a military dependent, you may be able to renew your license by mail or online even if it has expired. Check dmvnow.com for current military renewal options, as these policies change.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I replace my license if it expired?
Yes. A replacement and a renewal are different transactions. If your license is damaged, lost, or stolen, you can replace it regardless of whether it has expired. If your license has straightforward expired and is not damaged, you should renew it instead, which is faster and costs the same amount.
How long is a temporary paper license valid?
The temporary paper license is valid for 30 days or until your permanent license arrives, whichever comes first. Since the DMV typically mails licenses within 7 to 10 business days, your permanent license should arrive before the temporary expires. If it does not, return to the DMV for another temporary license.
What if I move out of Virginia before my replacement arrives?
The DMV will mail your replacement to the address you provided at the time of replacement. If you move before it arrives, you can contact the DMV to update your address and have the license reissued to your new address, though this may delay delivery. Alternatively, you can pick it up at a Virginia DMV office if you return to the state.
Do I need a new photo for a replacement license?
No. A replacement license uses your existing photo from your current license. You only need a new photo if you are renewing your license after it expires, or if you request a new photo at the time of replacement (which costs an additional fee). If your photo is very old and you want it updated, ask the DMV staff whether you can pay to have a new photo taken during your replacement visit.
Can someone else pick up my replacement license from the DMV?
No. Your replacement license is mailed to you, not held at the DMV office. You cannot pick it up in person. If you need your license before it arrives by mail, use the temporary paper license issued at the time of replacement.