The fastest way to renew in Virginia
You can renew your Virginia driver's license online through the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) website, by mail, or in person at a DMV office. Online renewal takes about 10 minutes and costs $36 for a five-year license or $56 for an eight-year license. You'll receive your new license by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
Not everyone can renew online. You're may be able to access if your current license is not suspended or revoked, you have no medical restrictions, your name hasn't changed since your last renewal, and your license expires more than 30 days from now. If any of these don't explore to you, you'll need to renew by mail or in person instead.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal through the Virginia DMV website is the quickest option if your license is valid and has no restrictions, and costs $36 to $56 depending on how long you want the license to last.
- You'll need your Social Security number, current Virginia driver's license number, and a valid payment method (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, or Discover) to renew online.
- Mail renewal takes 2 to 3 weeks and requires you to send in your current license along with a completed form, but you can do it from home without an appointment.
- In-person renewal at a DMV office takes about 30 minutes and is required if your license is suspended, you have medical restrictions, or your name has changed.
- Virginia licenses expire on your birthday, and you can renew up to one year before expiration to avoid driving with an expired license.
Renewing online through the Virginia DMV website
Go to dmvnow.com, the official Virginia DMV website. Click "Renew Your Driver's License" and select "Online Renewal." You'll be asked to enter your Social Security number, current license number, and date of birth to verify your identity. The system will confirm whether you're may be able to access to renew online.
If you're may be able to access, you'll answer questions about any changes to your address, medical conditions, or organ donor status. Review your information carefully—errors now mean corrections later. Then enter your payment information. Virginia DMV accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover. You'll receive a confirmation number when ready, and your new license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
Keep your confirmation number. If your license doesn't arrive within two weeks, contact the Virginia DMV at 804-367-0538 to check the status.
Renewing by mail if you can't go online
read and print Form DL-44 from the Virginia DMV website, or request it by calling 804-367-0538. Fill out the form completely, including your current address and any changes since your last renewal. Sign and date the form—an unsigned form will be returned to you.
Mail your completed form along with your current Virginia driver's license to the address shown on the form. Include a check or money order for $36 (five-year license) or $56 (eight-year license) made payable to "Treasurer of Virginia." Do not send cash. Mail renewal takes 2 to 3 weeks from the time the DMV receives your materials, so send it well before your license expires.
If you need your license faster or want to track your renewal, in-person renewal is a better choice. The mail route works best if you have time and prefer not to visit an office.
Renewing in person at a Virginia DMV office
Visit dmvnow.com and click "Find a DMV Office" to locate the office nearest you and check its hours. You can schedule an appointment online, which usually gets you in within a few days, or walk in during office hours—walk-in wait times vary by location and time of day.
Bring your current Virginia driver's license, proof of your Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2, or 1099 form), and proof of your current address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days). If your name has changed since your last renewal, bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the change. Payment is $36 for a five-year license or $56 for an eight-year license, and you can pay by cash, check, debit card, or credit card.
The DMV will take your photo and process your renewal on the spot. You'll receive a temporary paper license valid for 45 days while your permanent license is mailed to you, which usually arrives within 7 to 10 business days.
What to do if your license is suspended or has restrictions
If your license is suspended or revoked, you cannot renew it online or by mail. You must go to a DMV office in person. The DMV will tell you why your license is suspended and what you need to do to restore it—this might include paying a reinstatement fee, completing a driver improvement course, or providing proof of insurance.
If your license has medical restrictions (such as corrective lenses required or automatic transmission only), you must renew in person so the DMV can update or verify those restrictions. Call 804-367-0538 before you visit to ask what documents to bring, since requirements depend on your specific restriction.
Understanding Virginia license expiration and renewal timing
Your Virginia driver's license expires on your birthday. You can renew it up to one year before expiration without penalty. Renewing early is a smart move if your birthday falls during a busy time or if you travel and want a fresh license.
If your license expires while you're out of state, it's still valid for driving in Virginia for 30 days after expiration. However, driving with an expired license in Virginia after that 30-day grace period can result in a traffic stop and fine. Renewing before your birthday avoids this risk entirely.
If you're over 70 years old, your license is valid for five years instead of eight, and renewal rules are the same regardless of age.
What happens if you miss the renewal important date
If your license has been expired for less than one year, you can still renew it using any of the three methods (online, mail, or in person). The process is the same, and the fee doesn't change. However, you cannot legally drive with an expired license, so renew as soon as you notice the expiration date has passed.
If your license has been expired for more than one year, you'll need to take the written test and vision test again, even if you're renewing rather than getting a new license. You'll also need to provide proof of residency and Social Security number. In this case, visiting a DMV office is your only option. Call 804-367-0538 to ask what documents to bring.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Virginia license if I've moved out of state?
No. You must be a Virginia resident to hold a Virginia driver's license. If you've moved, you need to get a license from your new state instead. Contact that state's DMV to begin the process. You can keep your Virginia license as a form of ID, but you cannot renew it once you're no longer a resident.
What if my name changed since my last renewal?
You must renew in person at a DMV office. Bring your current license, proof of your name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order), and proof of your Social Security number and address. The DMV will update your name in the system and issue a new license with the correct name.
How long does it take to get my renewed license in the mail?
Most renewed licenses arrive within 7 to 10 business days of processing. If you renewed in person, you'll get a temporary paper license valid for 45 days while you wait for the permanent one. If you renewed online or by mail and haven't received your license after two weeks, call 804-367-0538 to check the status.
Can I renew my license if I have an outstanding traffic ticket or fine?
Yes. Outstanding traffic tickets or fines do not prevent you from renewing your license. However, if your license is suspended due to unpaid fines or failure to appear in court, you cannot renew until the suspension is lifted. Contact the court that issued the ticket to find out how to resolve it.
What if I want to change my address during renewal?
You can update your address during any renewal method. Online, you'll enter your new address in the form. By mail, write your new address on Form DL-44. In person, tell the DMV employee your new address before they process your renewal. Bring proof of your new address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days) if you're renewing in person.