Virginia lets you renew online, by mail, or in person — and which method you use depends on your license type and how long it's been since your last renewal
Virginia offers three renewal paths for most drivers. The online renewal through the DMV website takes about 10 minutes and costs $36 for a four-year license or $54 for an eight-year license. Mail renewal uses a form mailed to you by the DMV and takes two to three weeks; you send payment and documents back by post. In-person renewal at a DMV office takes 30 to 45 minutes and is required if you need a new photo, have certain medical conditions, or are renewing after a lapse of more than one year.
Your current license must not be expired by more than one year to use online or mail renewal. If it's expired longer than that, you must go to a DMV office. Virginia licenses expire on your birthday, and the DMV sends renewal notices about 60 days before expiration — but you can renew up to one year early if you want to.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal is the fastest option for most drivers and takes about 10 minutes from your computer or phone.
- Your license must not be expired by more than one year to renew by mail or online; anything older requires an in-person visit.
- Virginia charges $36 for a four-year license or $54 for an eight-year license, regardless of renewal method.
- If you need a new photo, have certain medical conditions, or are renewing after a long lapse, you must renew in person at a DMV office.
- The DMV mails renewal notices about 60 days before your birthday, but you can renew up to one year early.
Online renewal through the Virginia DMV website
To renew online, go to dmvnow.com and select "Renew a Driver's License." You'll need your current Virginia license number, Social Security number, and a payment method (debit or credit card). The system checks your driving record and medical status in real time. If you're approved, you'll receive a temporary digital license when ready that you can use on your phone while your physical card is mailed to you.
Your new license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. Online renewal is not available if you have a commercial driver's license (CDL), a hazmat endorsement, or if your license was suspended or revoked. You also cannot renew online if you've had more than one moving violation in the past three years or certain other driving violations.
Mail renewal by sending documents to the DMV
The DMV mails renewal forms to drivers whose licenses are approaching expiration. If you receive one, fill it out, include your payment, and mail it back to the address on the form. Processing takes two to three weeks from the date the DMV receives your envelope. You do not need to include a new photo — the DMV uses your current photo on file.
Mail renewal is available only if you received a renewal notice from the DMV. If you did not receive one and want to renew by mail, you must contact the DMV to request a form. Mail renewal has the same restrictions as online renewal: no CDLs, no hazmat endorsements, and no active suspensions or revocations.
In-person renewal at a Virginia DMV office
Visit any DMV office with your current license, proof of Virginia residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days), and payment. Bring your Social Security card or a document showing your Social Security number. The office will take a new photo, verify your information, and issue your license on the spot or mail it within 7 to 10 business days depending on the office's equipment.
In-person renewal is required if your license has been expired for more than one year, if you need a new photo, if you have a medical condition that requires DMV review, or if you hold a CDL or hazmat endorsement. You must also renew in person if you've had your license suspended or revoked, or if you're changing your name or address.
What documents and payment you need
For online renewal, you need only your license number, Social Security number, and a payment card. For mail renewal, include the renewal form the DMV sent you, your payment (check or money order), and mail it to the address on the form. For in-person renewal, bring your current license, proof of residency dated within 60 days, your Social Security card or a document with your Social Security number, and payment in cash, check, or card.
Virginia charges $36 for a four-year license or $54 for an eight-year license. The eight-year license is available only to drivers age 65 and older. If you're renewing in person and need a duplicate license (because yours was lost or stolen), that costs an additional $20.
How long renewal takes and when your new license arrives
Online renewal is fastest: you get a temporary digital license when ready and your physical card within 7 to 10 business days. Mail renewal takes two to three weeks from when the DMV receives your envelope, plus mail time on both ends — plan for four to five weeks total. In-person renewal at a DMV office takes 30 to 45 minutes, and you may receive your license the same day if the office has a printer, or within 7 to 10 business days by mail.
Your license expires on your birthday. The DMV sends renewal notices about 60 days before that date, but you can renew up to one year early if you want to. If your license expires and you have not yet renewed, you cannot drive legally — renewal is not retroactive.
When you cannot use online or mail renewal
You must renew in person if you hold a commercial driver's license (CDL), a hazmat endorsement, or a motorcycle endorsement. You also must go to an office if your license has been suspended or revoked, if you've had more than one moving violation in the past three years, or if you have certain other traffic violations on your record. The DMV website will tell you during the online renewal process if you're ineligible and why.
If your license has been expired for more than one year, in-person renewal is your only option. The same applies if you're changing your name or address — you must update those in person or through a separate name-change process before you can renew. If you have a medical condition that affects your driving, the DMV may require you to renew in person so a staff member can review your condition.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license before it expires?
Yes. Virginia allows you to renew up to one year before your license expires. You can renew online, by mail, or in person at any time during that window. Your new license will have a new expiration date one year (or four to eight years, depending on the license type) from the date you renew.
What if I lost my license or it was stolen?
You need a duplicate license, not a renewal. Go to any DMV office with proof of identity and residency, and pay $20 for a duplicate. If your license is also expired, you can renew and get a duplicate at the same time. The office will take a new photo and issue the duplicate on the spot or mail it within 7 to 10 business days.
Do I need a new photo when I renew?
Not if you renew online or by mail — the DMV uses your current photo on file. If you renew in person, the office will take a new photo automatically. You can request a new photo during online or mail renewal by contacting the DMV, but you'll need to visit an office to have it taken.
What happens if my license expires before my renewal arrives?
If you renewed online or by mail and your physical license has not arrived by your expiration date, you can use your temporary digital license (from online renewal) or your renewal confirmation letter (from mail renewal) as proof that you've renewed. Carry it with your expired license. If you're stopped by police, show both documents.
Can I renew if I have an outstanding traffic ticket or fine?
Yes, you can renew your license even if you have an unpaid ticket or fine. However, if you have a suspension or revocation on your record because of unpaid fines, you cannot renew online or by mail — you must go to a DMV office. The office staff can tell you whether your record shows a suspension.