Virginia offers two renewal paths for drivers 70 and older

If you are 70 or older in Virginia, you can renew your driver's license by mail or in person at a DMV office. The mail route is faster and requires no appointment — you send in your current license, a completed form, and a check, and DMV mails back your new license in about two weeks. The in-person route takes longer to schedule but lets you handle everything in one visit and walk out with a temporary license the same day.

Virginia requires all drivers 70 and older to renew in person at least once every 12 years, even if you have renewed by mail in between. This means if your last in-person renewal was more than 12 years ago, your next renewal must happen at a DMV office, not by mail.

Key Takeaways

  • Drivers 70 and older can renew by mail using Form DL-44, a check for the renewal fee, and their current license — no appointment needed.
  • Mail renewal takes about two weeks; in-person renewal requires an appointment but gives you a temporary license when ready.
  • You must renew in person at least once every 12 years, even if you have renewed by mail in the years between.
  • Virginia does not require a vision test or written exam for senior renewals, but DMV may request a medical report if your license shows restrictions.
  • Your new license will be valid for five years from the date of renewal.

Renewing by mail: what you need and where to send it

To renew by mail, read or request Form DL-44 from the Virginia DMV website or call 1-804-367-0538. Fill out the form completely, including your name, address, date of birth, and signature. Do not sign the form until you are ready to mail it — DMV will reject unsigned applications.

Include your current Virginia driver's license, a check or money order for the renewal fee (currently $40 for a five-year license, though this amount can change), and the completed form. Mail everything to the address listed on the form — typically the DMV Processing Center in Richmond. Do not use certified mail or require a signature; regular mail works fine and costs less.

DMV processes mail renewals in the order received. You should receive your new license within two weeks, though during busy periods it may take longer. If you do not receive it within three weeks, call DMV to check the status.

Renewing in person: scheduling and what to bring

To renew in person, you must book an appointment through the Virginia DMV website or by calling 1-804-367-0538. Walk-ins are not accepted at most DMV offices. When you call or book online, select "License Renewal" as your transaction type and choose a location near you. Appointment availability varies by office; some locations fill up weeks in advance, while others have openings within days.

Bring your current Virginia driver's license, proof of your Social Security number (your Social Security card, a W-2, or a tax return), and proof of your current address (a utility bill, bank statement, or lease dated within the last 60 days). Bring a check or money order for the renewal fee. You do not need to bring a birth certificate or passport for a standard renewal.

At your appointment, a DMV employee will review your documents, take a new photo, and process your renewal on the spot. You will receive a temporary paper license valid for 45 days while your permanent license is mailed to you. The permanent license usually arrives within two weeks.

When DMV may request a medical report

If your current license shows medical restrictions — such as corrective lenses required, automatic transmission only, or daylight driving only — DMV may ask you to submit a medical report from your doctor. This report uses a form called the "Medical Evaluation Report" and confirms that you still meet the conditions of your restrictions.

DMV will tell you at the time of renewal whether a report is needed. If you are renewing by mail and DMV requests a report, they will send you the form and instructions. You take the form to your doctor, who completes it and returns it to you; you then mail it back to DMV. This process can add two to four weeks to your renewal time.

Vision testing and written exams for seniors

Virginia does not require a vision test or written knowledge exam when you renew your license at age 70 or older, as long as you have no medical restrictions. If your license shows that corrective lenses are required, you do not need to take a vision test at renewal — your current restriction stays in place unless your doctor reports a change.

If you voluntarily want to remove a restriction (for example, if you no longer need glasses), you can request a vision test at your in-person appointment. DMV will test your vision on site, and if you pass, the restriction will be removed from your new license.

Your new license validity and what changes

Your renewed license will be valid for five years from the date DMV processes your renewal. The expiration date will be printed on the front of your license. You do not need to renew again until that date passes.

Your new license will have an updated photo (if you renewed in person) and an updated address (if you moved). Your license number stays the same. If you renewed by mail, your photo will remain the same as your previous license.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if it has already expired?

Yes. Virginia allows you to renew an expired license by mail or in person using the same process. However, if your license has been expired for more than one year, you may need to take a written exam and vision test, even as a senior. Contact DMV to confirm before you mail in your renewal.

What if my address changed since my last license?

If you are renewing by mail, write your new address on Form DL-44. If you are renewing in person, bring proof of your new address (a utility bill or lease dated within 60 days) and tell the DMV employee. Your new license will show your current address.

Do I need a new photo for my renewal?

Only if you renew in person. Mail renewals use your existing photo from your current license. At an in-person appointment, DMV takes a new photo as part of the process.

How much does a senior license renewal cost?

The renewal fee for a five-year license is currently $40, though this amount may vary. Check the Virginia DMV website or call 1-804-367-0538 to confirm the current fee before you mail your payment.

What if I lose my license before my renewal arrives?

If you renewed by mail and your license is lost in the mail, contact DMV and request a replacement. If you renewed in person and lost your temporary paper license, you can request a duplicate at any DMV office. Bring your ID and pay a small replacement fee.