Where to renew and what you'll need
You can renew your Virginia driver's license in person at any Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office, or online through the Virginia DMV website if you meet certain conditions. The in-person route works for almost everyone; the online route is faster but only available if your license is not expired, you have no medical restrictions, and your address hasn't changed.
For either method, you'll need to bring your current Virginia driver's license and proof of your Social Security number. If you're renewing in person, bring one document that proves your current address — a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days will work. You do not need to bring a new photo; the DMV will use your existing one unless you request a new photo, which costs extra.
If you're renewing online, you won't need to bring anything physical — you'll enter your information on the DMV website and pay the renewal fee by credit or debit card. The new license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal through the Virginia DMV website takes about 10 minutes and costs less than in-person renewal, but only works if your license is not expired and your address hasn't changed.
- In-person renewal at any DMV office takes 15 to 45 minutes depending on how busy the location is, and you can request a new photo for an additional fee.
- You must bring your current license and proof of your Social Security number to any DMV office; proof of your current address is also required for in-person renewal.
- Virginia driver's licenses are valid for eight years, and you can renew up to one year before your license expires.
- If your license is already expired, you must renew in person and may need to retake the written test depending on how long it has been expired.
Renewing online through the Virginia DMV website
Go to dmvnow.com, the official Virginia DMV website. Click "Renew Driver's License" and select "Online Renewal." You'll enter your driver's license number, date of birth, and Social Security number to verify your identity. The system will confirm whether you're may be able to access for online renewal — if you are, you'll proceed to enter your current address and choose whether to keep your existing photo or pay for a new one.
The renewal fee for an eight-year license is $75 if you keep your photo, or $80 if you request a new photo. You'll pay by credit card or debit card on the same screen. After you submit payment, you'll receive a confirmation number by email. Your new license will be mailed to the address you provided and should arrive within 7 to 10 business days.
If the online system tells you that you're not may be able to access, it means one of your conditions doesn't meet the requirements — usually an expired license, a medical restriction, or an address change. In that case, you'll need to renew in person at a DMV office.
Renewing in person at a DMV office
Find your nearest DMV office on dmvnow.com and check its hours. You can walk in without an appointment, though wait times vary widely. Some offices are busier during lunch hours and late afternoon, so going early in the morning or mid-week often means a shorter wait. Bring your current license, proof of your Social Security number (your Social Security card, tax return, or W-2), and proof of your current address.
When you reach the counter, tell the DMV staff member that you're renewing your license. They'll verify your information, take your payment, and ask whether you want to keep your current photo or pay for a new one. The renewal fee is $75 for an eight-year license if you keep your photo, or $80 for a new photo. You can pay by cash, check, or card.
Your new license will be printed on the spot, and you'll walk out with it the same day. The entire process usually takes 15 to 45 minutes depending on how busy the office is.
What happens if your license is already expired
If your license expired more than one year ago, you cannot renew it — you must explore for a new license instead, which requires taking the written test and the driving test. If your license expired less than one year ago, you can still renew it, but you must do so in person at a DMV office. You cannot use online renewal for an expired license.
Bring the same documents you would for a regular in-person renewal: your expired license, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your current address. The DMV staff will process it as a renewal rather than a new process, which means you won't have to retake the tests. The fee is the same as a regular renewal.
Renewing if you've changed your name or address
If you've changed your address, you must renew in person — online renewal is not available for address changes. Bring your current license, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your new address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days). The DMV will update your address on your new license at no extra cost.
If you've changed your name due to marriage, divorce, or court order, you must also renew in person and bring proof of the name change. For marriage, bring your marriage certificate. For divorce, bring your divorce decree. For a court order, bring the court order itself. The name change is processed at the same time as your renewal, and there's no additional fee.
Requesting a new photo or making other changes
You can request a new photo when you renew, whether you're doing it online or in person. Online, you'll see the option to pay an extra $5 for a new photo during the renewal process. In person, tell the DMV staff member that you want a new photo, and they'll take it before printing your license. The extra cost is $5.
If you want to update other information on your license — such as your height, eye color, or organ donor status — you can do this in person at a DMV office. Some changes, like organ donor status, can be made without renewing your license. Ask the DMV staff what changes require a full renewal and what the cost will be.
How long the process takes and when to expect your new license
If you renew in person, you'll receive your new license when ready — you walk out with it the same day. If you renew online, your new license will be mailed to you and should arrive within 7 to 10 business days. During busy periods or around holidays, mail delivery may take slightly longer.
You can renew your license up to one year before it expires, so you don't have to wait until the last minute. Many people renew several months early to avoid the rush and may support they have their new license before traveling or before their current one expires.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if I have an outstanding traffic ticket or unpaid fine?
No. If you have an unpaid traffic fine or an outstanding ticket, the DMV will not renew your license. You must pay the fine or resolve the ticket first. Contact the court listed on your ticket or call your local DMV office to find out what you owe.
What if I don't have proof of my Social Security number?
You must bring one of these documents: your Social Security card, a tax return, a W-2, or a 1099 form. If you don't have any of these, contact the Social Security Administration to request a replacement card or a letter verifying your number before you go to the DMV.
Do I have to take a new photo when I renew?
No. The DMV will use your existing photo unless you request a new one. If you want a new photo, you can request it online during online renewal (for an extra $5) or tell the DMV staff in person (also $5 extra). A new photo is optional.
What if I move out of state after I renew?
Your Virginia license remains valid in other states for identification purposes, but if you become a resident of another state, you should obtain a license from that state. Each state has its own rules about when you must switch licenses — usually within 30 to 60 days of establishing residency.
Can someone else renew my license for me?
No. You must renew your license yourself, either online or in person. The DMV requires your signature and identity verification, so a family member or friend cannot do it on your behalf.