Virginia issues a replacement license through the DMV, and you can request one by mail, online, or in person

If your Virginia driver's license is lost, you do not need to wait to find it. The Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) will issue you a replacement license with the same number and expiration date as your original. You can request a replacement through three routes: mail, the DMV website, or a DMV customer service center. The fastest option is usually the DMV website, which processes requests within five to seven business days. Mail takes two to three weeks. In-person service at a customer service center is when ready if you bring the right documents.

You will need to prove your identity and Virginia residency. A Social Security number is required. You do not need to retake the written or vision test — the DMV treats a lost license as a record replacement, not a new license.

Key Takeaways

  • Virginia's DMV replaces a lost license with a new card bearing your original license number and expiration date, so you do not lose your driving record or start over.
  • Online replacement through the DMV website is the fastest method and takes five to seven business days; mail takes two to three weeks.
  • In-person replacement at a DMV customer service center is when ready and requires a government-issued ID, proof of Virginia residency, and your Social Security number.
  • The replacement fee is $20 for a standard license; expedited mail service costs an additional $10 and takes five to seven business days instead of two to three weeks.
  • If your license was stolen rather than lost, you may want to file a police report first, though it is not required to get a replacement.

Replacing your license online through the DMV website

The Virginia DMV website allows you to request a replacement license without visiting a customer service center. Go to dmvnow.com, select "Replace a Lost or Stolen License," and answer questions about your license number, date of birth, and Social Security number. You will need to pay the $20 replacement fee by credit or debit card. The DMV will mail your new license to the address on file.

Processing takes five to seven business days from the time the DMV receives your request. You will receive a confirmation email with a reference number. If you need your license sooner, you can add expedited mail service for an additional $10, which still takes five to seven business days — expedited mail in Virginia does not mean overnight delivery, but rather priority handling within the standard timeframe.

The online method works only if you remember your license number or can look it up. If you cannot recall it, you will need to use mail or in-person service instead.

Requesting a replacement by mail

You can mail a request to the Virginia DMV with a completed form and payment. read and print the process for Duplicate License (Form DL-44) from the DMV website, or call the DMV customer service line at 804-367-0538 to request a form by mail. Fill out the form with your name, date of birth, license number (if you know it), and Social Security number. Include a check or money order for $20 payable to the Virginia DMV.

Mail your completed form and payment to: Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles, P.O. Box 27412, Richmond, VA 23269. Processing takes two to three weeks from the date the DMV receives your envelope. If you want faster service, include an additional $10 for expedited processing, which moves your request to the front of the queue but does not change the mailing time itself.

Keep a copy of your form and note the date you mail it. If you do not receive your replacement license within four weeks, contact the DMV customer service line to check the status.

Getting a replacement in person at a DMV customer service center

Walk-in replacement at a Virginia DMV customer service center is the fastest option — you will leave with a new license the same day. Bring a government-issued photo ID (passport, military ID, or out-of-state driver's license), proof of Virginia residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days), and your Social Security number. You do not need to bring your lost license.

Visit dmvnow.com to find the customer service center nearest you and check its hours. Some centers accept walk-ins; others require you to book an appointment online. Bring the $20 replacement fee in cash or card. The DMV will photograph you, print your new license on the spot, and hand it to you before you leave. Your new license will have the same number and expiration date as your lost license.

Wait times vary by location and time of day. Early morning visits (right when a center opens) and mid-week appointments typically have shorter waits than afternoons or Saturdays.

What to do if your license was stolen

If your license was stolen rather than lost, you have the option to file a police report, though it is not required to get a replacement. A police report can be useful if you are concerned about identity theft or if someone might use your stolen license fraudulently. You can file a report online through your local police department's website or in person at a police station.

Whether or not you file a report, proceed with the replacement process the same way — online, by mail, or in person. The DMV does not distinguish between lost and stolen licenses when issuing a replacement. If you are worried about fraud, you can also place a fraud alert with the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) by contacting any one of them.

Your new license number and expiration date

Virginia replaces a lost license with a new card that keeps your original license number. This means your driving record, points, and license status remain unchanged. Your new license will expire on the same date as your original license would have. You do not need to renew early or pay a renewal fee — the replacement fee covers only the new card itself.

If your original license was suspended or had restrictions (such as corrective lenses required), those restrictions will appear on your replacement license as well. The DMV does not use a lost license as an opportunity to clear violations or change license class.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive while I wait for my replacement license to arrive?

No. Once you report your license lost, you are not legally permitted to drive until you receive your replacement. If you need to drive when ready, get your replacement in person at a customer service center, where you will receive your new license the same day. If you must drive before then, you will need to arrange alternative transportation.

What if I do not remember my license number?

If you do not know your license number, you cannot use the online replacement method. Use mail or in-person service instead. When you explore in person or by mail, the DMV can look up your number using your name, date of birth, and Social Security number.

Will my replacement license look different from my original?

Yes. Virginia periodically updates the design of its driver's licenses. Your replacement may have a different appearance than your original, but it will carry the same license number and expiration date. The new card will be valid for all the same purposes as your original.

Do I need to take a new photo for my replacement license?

If you get your replacement in person at a customer service center, yes — the DMV will take a new photograph. If you request a replacement by mail or online, the DMV will use your existing photo from the original license. You do not retake the vision or written test.

What if I find my original license after I get a replacement?

Destroy your original license by cutting it in half or otherwise rendering it unusable. Do not attempt to use both cards — carrying two licenses with the same number can create confusion during traffic stops or identification checks. You are legally required to carry only your current, valid license.