What You Need to Know Before You Start
Virginia lets you renew your driver's license online, by mail, or in person at a DMV office. Which route you take depends on your license type, how much time you have, and whether you need to update your photo. Most people can renew online or by mail without visiting an office, but some situations require an in-person visit.
Your Virginia driver's license is valid for five years from the date it was issued. You can renew it up to one year before it expires, which means you have a window of time to get it done without rushing. The state will mail you a renewal notice about 60 days before your license expires, but you do not have to wait for that notice to start the process.
Key Takeaways
- You can renew online through the Virginia DMV website if your license is not expired, you have a valid Social Security number on file, and you do not need a new photo.
- Mail renewal takes about two to three weeks and costs less than in-person renewal, but you cannot update your photo or address this way.
- In-person renewal at a DMV office is required if your license has been expired for more than one year, if you need a new photo, or if you are changing your name or address.
- You will need your current Virginia driver's license, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your current address for any renewal method.
- Virginia charges different fees depending on whether you renew online ($24), by mail ($20), or in person ($24 for a standard license).
Renewing Online Through the Virginia DMV Website
Online renewal is the fastest and most convenient option if you meet the requirements. You go to the Virginia DMV website, create or log into your account, and complete the renewal process. The process takes about 10 to 15 minutes, and you pay the $24 fee with a credit or debit card. Your new license arrives by mail in about seven to ten business days.
You can only renew online if all of these are true: your current license is not expired, you have a valid Social Security number on file with Virginia, your address has not changed, and you do not want a new photo. If your license expired more than one year ago, you cannot use online renewal — you must renew in person.
After you complete the online process, Virginia will send you a confirmation email. Keep that email until your new license arrives. If something goes wrong with your process, the DMV will contact you by phone or email using the information on file.
Renewing by Mail
Mail renewal costs $20 and takes about two to three weeks from the time Virginia receives your process. You do not need to visit an office, and you can do it on your own schedule. However, you cannot update your photo, change your address, or make other changes to your license information through the mail.
To renew by mail, you need to send Virginia your current driver's license, a completed renewal process form (DL 43), and a check or money order for $20 made payable to the Treasurer of Virginia. You can read the DL 43 form from the Virginia DMV website or request it by phone. Mail everything to the address listed on the form — do not mail it to a local DMV office.
Keep a copy of everything you send, and consider using certified mail so you have proof of delivery. Your new license will be mailed to the address on your current license. If you have moved, you should renew in person or update your address before renewing by mail.
Renewing in Person at a DMV Office
In-person renewal is required if your license has been expired for more than one year, if you need a new photo, if you are changing your name, or if you want to update your address. You can also renew in person if you prefer not to use online or mail renewal. Bring your current driver's license, proof of your Social Security number (such as a Social Security card or tax return), and proof of your current address (such as a utility bill or lease).
Visit the Virginia DMV website to find the office nearest you and check its hours. Many offices accept walk-ins, but some require you to schedule an appointment in advance. During busy times, wait times can be long, so arriving early in the day or on a weekday morning usually means a shorter wait.
At the office, you will have your photo taken, answer questions about your driving record, and pay the $24 renewal fee. You can pay with cash, check, debit card, or credit card. Virginia will issue your new license on the spot, and you can drive with it when ready — you do not have to wait for it to arrive by mail.
What Documents You Need for Each Method
| Renewal Method | Documents Needed | Cost | Time to Receive |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online | Current license, Social Security number on file | $24 | 7–10 business days |
| By Mail | Current license, completed DL 43 form | $20 | 2–3 weeks |
| In Person | Current license, proof of Social Security number, proof of address | $24 | Issued when ready |
Scam Alert: Fake Renewal Websites and Emails
Scammers create fake Virginia DMV websites that look almost identical to the real one. They collect your personal information and payment details, then disappear. Your real license never arrives, and your information is stolen. Always type the Virginia DMV web address directly into your browser instead of clicking a link in an email or text message.
The real Virginia DMV website is dmv.virginia.gov. Check that the web address in your browser matches this exactly before you enter any personal information. Virginia will never ask you to renew your license through email or text message, and the DMV will never ask you to pay with gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency.
If you receive an email or text claiming to be from Virginia DMV asking you to renew your license or verify your information, do not click any links. Instead, go directly to dmv.virginia.gov or call the Virginia DMV customer service line to confirm whether the message is real.
What Happens If Your License Expires
Driving with an expired license is illegal in Virginia, even if you have applied for renewal. If you are pulled over, you can be cited and fined. Your insurance may also deny a claim if you were in an accident while driving with an expired license.
If your license has been expired for more than one year, you cannot renew it by mail or online — you must renew in person at a DMV office. You will also need to pass a vision test and may need to retake the written knowledge test, depending on how long it has been expired. The best approach is to renew before your license expires, even if you have time left.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Virginia license if I have moved out of state?
If you have moved out of Virginia, you cannot renew your Virginia license. You must get a driver's license from your new state. However, if you still live in Virginia but moved to a new address, you can renew in person at any Virginia DMV office and update your address at the same time.
What if my name has changed since I got my current license?
You must renew in person if your name has changed. Bring your current license, proof of your Social Security number, proof of your address, and a document showing your name change (such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). The DMV will issue a new license with your updated name.
Can I renew online if my license is already expired?
No. Online renewal is only for licenses that have not yet expired. If your license has been expired for less than one year, you can renew by mail or in person. If it has been expired for more than one year, you must renew in person and may need to retake the written test.
How long does it take to get my license if I renew in person?
You receive your new license when ready when you renew in person at a DMV office. You can drive with it right away. You do not have to wait for anything to arrive by mail.
What if I lose my renewal notice from Virginia?
You do not need the renewal notice to renew your license. You can renew online, by mail, or in person using just your current license and the other required documents. The notice is just a reminder — it is not required for the process.