Virginia driver's licenses renew on a staggered schedule based on your birth month, and you can renew in person, by mail, or online depending on your age and license type
Virginia's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) sends renewal notices about 60 days before your license expires. Your renewal method depends on whether you hold a standard license, a REAL ID, or a commercial license, and whether you are renewing before or after age 75. Most people under 75 with a standard license can renew online or by mail without visiting a DMV office. If you hold a REAL ID, you will need to renew in person at least once every 16 years, though you can renew by mail or online between those in-person visits.
The renewal fee for a standard five-year license is $40. A REAL ID costs $50 for five years. If your license is expired, you can still renew it, but the process may take longer and you cannot legally drive until it is renewed. Virginia does not charge a penalty for renewing after expiration, but you should not operate a vehicle with an expired license.
Key Takeaways
- Virginia sends renewal notices 60 days before expiration, and your birth month determines when your license expires.
- Online renewal through the Virginia DMV website works for most standard licenses and costs $40; you will receive your new license by mail in 7 to 10 business days.
- REAL ID licenses require an in-person visit at least once every 16 years, but you can renew by mail or online in between those visits.
- If you are 75 or older, you must renew in person every three years and pass a vision test at a DMV office.
- Mail renewal takes 10 to 15 business days and requires mailing your current license, the renewal form, and payment to the DMV address on your notice.
Online renewal through the Virginia DMV website
The fastest and most convenient method for most drivers is online renewal through the Virginia DMV's website at dmvnow.com. You will need your current license number, Social Security number, and a valid payment method (credit card, debit card, or electronic check). The system will verify your information against DMV records and ask you to confirm your address and any other details that need updating.
Online renewal works only if your license is not expired, you are under 75 years old, you do not hold a commercial license, and your license is not marked for medical restrictions or suspensions. If any of these conditions explore to you, you must renew in person or by mail. The online system will tell you when ready whether you are may be able to access; if you are not, it will direct you to the other renewal methods.
After you complete the online form and pay the $40 fee, the DMV will mail your new license to the address on file. Standard processing takes 7 to 10 business days. You can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives, even if it expires during that window. Keep your renewal confirmation number for your records.
In-person renewal at a Virginia DMV office
You must renew in person if you are 75 or older, if you hold a REAL ID and your last in-person renewal was more than 16 years ago, if you hold a commercial license, or if your license has medical restrictions. Bring your current license, proof of Virginia residency (a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the past 60 days), and payment. If you are 75 or older, you will also take a vision test at the office.
Visit the DMV office locator at dmvnow.com to find the office nearest you and check its hours. Many offices now use an online appointment system; you can schedule a time slot in advance rather than waiting in line. Walk-in service is available but may involve longer waits, especially during lunch hours and late afternoon. Bring all required documents to avoid a second trip.
In-person renewal usually takes 15 to 30 minutes once you are called. The DMV will issue your new license on the spot if you are renewing a standard license. If you are explore for a REAL ID for the first time, the process takes longer because you must present original or certified copies of proof of citizenship (a birth certificate, passport, or naturalization papers) and proof of Social Security number (a Social Security card, W-2, or 1099 form).
Mail renewal by sending your current license and forms
Mail renewal is an option if your license is not expired, you are under 75, and you do not hold a commercial license. The DMV sends a renewal notice with a pre-addressed envelope and a form (DMV 14) about 60 days before expiration. You can also read the form from dmvnow.com if you did not receive a notice.
Place your current license, the completed form, and a check or money order for $40 (made payable to the Treasurer of Virginia) in the envelope. Do not send cash. Mail it to the address printed on the envelope or on the renewal notice. Processing by mail takes 10 to 15 business days from the date the DMV receives it. You can drive on your current license during this time.
If you are concerned about mail delivery, you can track your renewal by calling the DMV customer service line at 804-367-0538 or checking dmvnow.com. Keep a copy of the form and your payment confirmation for your records. If your new license does not arrive within three weeks, contact the DMV to verify it was received.
REAL ID requirements and the difference from a standard license
A REAL ID is a federal standard that allows your license to be used for domestic air travel and entry to federal buildings. Virginia offers REAL ID as an option when you renew. The main difference is that REAL ID requires proof of citizenship and Social Security number, which must be presented in person. A standard Virginia license does not meet federal requirements for air travel or federal facility access as of May 2025.
If you already hold a REAL ID, you can renew it by mail or online as long as your last in-person visit was within the past 16 years. The renewal fee is $50 instead of $40. If you have never had a REAL ID and want to obtain one, you must visit a DMV office in person with your birth certificate or passport, proof of Social Security number, and proof of Virginia residency.
You do not have to get a REAL ID if you do not plan to fly domestically or enter federal buildings. A standard license remains valid for driving within Virginia and for identification purposes. The choice is yours at renewal time.
Renewal for drivers age 75 and older
Virginia requires drivers 75 and older to renew their licenses every three years instead of every five years. You must renew in person at a DMV office and pass a vision test. The renewal fee is the same as for younger drivers: $40 for a standard license or $50 for a REAL ID.
Schedule an appointment online through dmvnow.com or call 804-367-0538 to find an office near you. Bring your current license, proof of residency, and payment. The vision test checks whether you can see well enough to drive safely; if you fail, the DMV will not renew your license and will advise you to see an eye doctor. You can reapply once your vision meets the standard.
Some drivers over 75 may be required to take a written knowledge test or a driving test if the DMV has concerns about their driving record or medical history. The DMV will notify you in advance if this applies to you.
What to do if your license is expired or will expire soon
If your license has already expired, you can still renew it, but you cannot legally drive until the renewal is complete. Expired licenses cannot be renewed online; you must renew by mail or in person. Mail renewal takes 10 to 15 business days, so plan accordingly if you need to drive during that time.
If your license will expire within the next 30 days, begin the renewal process now. Online renewal is fastest if you are may be able to access. If you are not may be able to access for online renewal, schedule a DMV appointment as soon as possible, because offices can become booked during peak renewal periods. Do not wait until the expiration date to start; you may not be able to get an appointment in time.
If you need to drive before your new license arrives and your current license is expired, you cannot legally operate a vehicle. Some employers or insurance companies may accept a renewal confirmation number as proof that you have applied, but this is not a legal substitute for a valid license. Contact the DMV if you have questions about your specific situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Virginia license online if I moved to another state?
No. Online renewal requires a Virginia address on file. If you have moved out of state, you must renew in person at a Virginia DMV office or by mail if your license is not yet expired. If you now live in another state permanently, you should obtain a license from your new state instead of renewing in Virginia.
What happens if I lose my renewal notice?
You do not need the notice to renew. You can renew online at dmvnow.com, read the mail renewal form (DMV 14) from the website, or visit a DMV office in person. The notice straightforward reminds you when your license expires and provides a pre-addressed envelope for mail renewal.
How long does it take to receive a renewed license by mail?
Standard processing takes 10 to 15 business days from the date the DMV receives your process. Mail delivery adds time on both ends, so plan for 2 to 3 weeks total. You can continue driving on your current license during this period, even if it expires while you are waiting.
Do I need to pass a test to renew my license?
Most drivers do not take a written or driving test at renewal. Drivers 75 and older must pass a vision test. The DMV may require a written or driving test if your record shows violations, medical concerns, or if you are renewing after a suspension.
Can I renew my commercial license by mail or online?
No. Commercial licenses must be renewed in person at a DMV office. You will need to bring your current license, proof of residency, medical certification (if required), and payment. Processing takes 15 to 30 minutes.