Renew your driver's license in Virginia

Online or in person

Yes, if you qualify · Not needed online or by mailYou can renew online or by mail, but you must renew in person every other renewal cycle. See the DMV's list of reasons you cannot. The DMV lists other reasons for an office visit, such as needing a new photograph, being over 75, or a license expired for more than 12 months.

Cost

$32 for a standard licenseThe DMV says renewal fees cost the same as licensing fees; a standard license costs $32. The fee for a five-year license is not stated on these pages.

You leave with

Up to 15 days by mailOnline or by mail, allow up to 15 days for the renewed license to arrive. Online with 15 days or fewer left on your license: print the official receipt; carried with your license it extends it for a maximum of 30 days. In-person delivery is not stated.

Your plan

1. Gather your documents

   • Online: what to have ready · all that apply
     Your address on file must be correct; the U.S. Postal Service does not forward driver's licenses.
     Show accepted documents

     • Driver's license renewal notice or driver's license
     • Payment: credit card (Discover, MasterCard, Visa, American Express), debit card (MasterCard, Visa) or checking account information
   • By mail: what to send · all that apply
     The DMV cannot accept credit card numbers through the mail or email, and says not to send cash.
     Show accepted documents

     • Your mailed renewal application, signed and dated
     • A check or money order with the correct payment
   • In person: the renewal fee · all that apply
     Paid at the office.
   • In person: proof of legal presence · all that apply
     Only if required. The renewal page does not list accepted documents; the DMV has a Document Guide for licenses and ID cards.

2. Check that you can renew online or by mail

   The DMV lists reasons you cannot, for example: your license is suspended or revoked, has been expired for more than 12 months, is not due to expire within the next 12 months, you need a new photograph, or you are over 75.

   Ineligibility to renew online or by mail ↗

3. Pick the one that fits you:

   1. Option 1: Renew online

      Log in to your DMV account and follow the instructions. The DMV uses the photograph on your current license. You can renew as early as one year before it expires.

      Renew your driver's license online ↗

   2. Option 2: Renew by mail

      Fill out your mailed renewal reminder, sign and date it, and mail it with a check or money order to Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles, P.O. Box 26506, Richmond, VA 23260-6506. DMV sends reminders 90 days before your license expires.

      Renew by mail ↗

   3. Option 3: Renew in person

      Go to any DMV customer service center or DMV Connect. You pay the renewal fee, pass the vision screening, have a new photograph taken and prove legal presence if required.

      Appointments, e-ticket and walk-ins ↗

4. Want a REAL ID?

   If you choose to upgrade to a REAL ID at renewal, you must visit a customer service center with certain documents. You can fill out the application online first.

   Renew your driver's license online ↗