How to Renew Your Virginia Driver's License

Virginia driver's licenses renew every eight years, and you can renew in person at a DMV office, by mail if you meet certain conditions, or online through the Virginia DMV website

The method you use depends on whether your license is still valid, whether you need a new photo, and how soon you need the renewed license in hand. Virginia's online renewal is the fastest option if you are between renewals and your current license has not expired. Mail renewal takes about two to three weeks. In-person renewal at a DMV office takes one to two hours on average, though wait times vary by location and time of day.

Your Virginia driver's license expires on your birthday eight years after you received it. You can renew up to one year before that date. If your license has already expired, you cannot use mail or online renewal — you must go to a DMV office in person.

Key Takeaways

Online renewal through the Virginia DMV website is available if your license is still valid and you do not need a new photo, and takes about one week.
Mail renewal requires a completed process form, your current license, and a check or money order, and takes two to three weeks.
In-person renewal at a DMV office is required if your license has expired, if you need a new photo, or if you are changing your name or address.
The renewal fee in Virginia is $70 for an eight-year license, whether you renew online, by mail, or in person.
You can renew your license up to one year before it expires, so you do not have to wait until your birthday.

Online Renewal Through the Virginia DMV Website

Online renewal is the fastest method if your current license is valid and you do not need a new photo. You go to the Virginia DMV website, create or log into your account, answer questions about your current information, pay the $70 fee with a credit or debit card, and your renewed license is mailed to you within about one week. The entire process takes 10 to 15 minutes.

You cannot renew online if your license has expired, if you need to change your name or address, if you are renewing a commercial driver's license (CDL), or if you want a new photo. You also cannot renew online if you have certain medical conditions or if your vision has changed significantly since your last renewal. The Virginia DMV website will tell you during the process whether you are may be able to access to renew online.

Mail Renewal: What You Need to Send

Mail renewal requires three things: a completed process form (Form DL-44), your current valid driver's license, and payment of $70 by check or money order. You do not send cash through the mail. read Form DL-44 from the Virginia DMV website, fill it out completely, and mail everything together to the address listed on the form.

Mail renewal takes two to three weeks from the time the DMV receives your envelope. You should not mail your renewal more than one month before your license expires, because the DMV will not process it until closer to your expiration date. Keep a copy of your form and a record of what you sent in case the DMV needs to contact you. If you need your license sooner than mail renewal allows, go to a DMV office in person instead.

In-Person Renewal at a Virginia DMV Office

You must renew in person if your license has expired, if you need a new photo, if you are changing your name or address, or if you are renewing a commercial driver's license. Bring your current driver's license, proof of your Social Security number (your Social Security card, W-2, or 1099 form), and proof of your current address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days). If you changed your name, bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the name change.

The DMV will take a new photo, verify your information, collect the $70 fee in cash, check, or card, and issue your renewed license on the spot. You can drive home with your temporary paper license the same day. Your permanent license arrives by mail within one to two weeks. Bring your Social Security card or a document showing your number — the DMV cannot renew your license without it.

What Happens If Your License Has Already Expired

If your license expired more than one year ago, you cannot renew it — you must reapply for a new license as if you were a first-time driver. This means taking the written test and the road test again, paying the full new-license fee, and going through the entire process. If your license expired less than one year ago, you can still renew by going to a DMV office in person, but you cannot use mail or online renewal.

Driving on an expired license is illegal in Virginia, even if you are in the process of renewing. If you are stopped by police, you can show proof that you have submitted a renewal process, but that does not protect you from a traffic citation. Renew your license before it expires to avoid this problem.

Finding a DMV Office and Checking Wait Times

Virginia has DMV offices in most cities and counties. Use the office locator on the Virginia DMV website to find the office nearest you and see its hours. Some offices are busier than others — offices in urban areas and near military bases often have longer waits. The Virginia DMV website shows estimated wait times for many offices, updated throughout the day.

You can make an appointment at most Virginia DMV offices through the website, which usually cuts your wait time significantly. If you walk in without an appointment, expect to wait 30 minutes to two hours depending on the time of day and the office location. Early mornings on weekdays are typically less busy than afternoons or Saturdays.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Virginia driver's license before it expires?

Yes. You can renew your license up to one year before your expiration date. This is useful if you are traveling or if you want to avoid the rush near your birthday. The new eight-year period starts from the date you renew, not from your original expiration date.

What if I changed my name since my last license?

You must renew in person at a DMV office and bring proof of your name change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. You cannot renew by mail or online if your name has changed. Bring your current license, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your address as well.

Do I need a new photo when I renew my Virginia driver's license?

If you renew online or by mail, your old photo stays on your license. If you want a new photo, you must renew in person at a DMV office. The DMV will take a new photo as part of the in-person renewal process at no extra cost.

What if my license was lost or stolen?

A lost or stolen license is a replacement, not a renewal. You must go to a DMV office in person, report the loss, and pay a replacement fee. Bring your proof of identity, Social Security number, and address. The DMV will issue you a new license with a new number on the spot.

How long does it take to get my renewed license after I explore online?

Your renewed license is mailed to you within about one week of online renewal. Delivery by mail takes an additional three to five business days depending on your location. In total, expect to receive your license within 10 to 14 days of completing your online renewal.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.