YourDriversLicense.org is a PRIVATELY OWNED website that is NOT owned or operated by any state government agency.

virginia drivers license renewal - VA

Renew your Virginia Drivers license. Prepare all your DMV info. Get all the forms, rules and steps required for your VA drivers license renewal. Virginia makes it really easy for you to renew, as you have a total of four very convenient options. The Virginia DMV suggests that you renew via the the preferred methods which are Online, by Mail or by Telephone. Additionally, you still have the right to go In Person to any virginia dmv office. However, If you do visit an office, you will be charged an extra fee. We'll discuss this below in greater detail. By signing up to our site, we'll summarize and give you step by step instructions so that you don't miss anything important. We’ll supply you with all of the required rules, forms, and procedures. Please continue reading below to get started with your Virginia license renewal.

Virginia Drivers License Renewal Information

Expiration Date

Most drivers in the Old Dominion state will have their regular driver's license expire every eight (8) years. The only group of people where this does not apply is for some younger drivers. If you were either sixteen (16) or seventeen (17) years old when you got your license for the first time, it will expire when you turn twenty (20). Sex offenders will get licenses that expire every five (5) years. Please remember that your expiration date will always be on your birthday.

Renewal Notice

As soon as your expiration date is approaching, the VA DMV will send you (by mail) a renewal notice. The notice will contain the renewal application and instructions on where to renew. It will tell you if you are available for the preferred methods, which are online, by mail or by telephone. The DMV will use your latest address stored on file. It's critical that you always maintain them informed of your current address or important information may not arrive. Regardless of whether you received the notice or not, you are the only person responsible for renewing your license on time. In the event that you did not receive your notice, please read below for the different renewal options. 

When To Renew

Early preparation is always the best way to avoid long wait times or last minute scrambles. The Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles will allow you to renew your license up to six (6) months before it expires. Please take advantage of this, as an expired license will carry extra requirements at renewal time. 

Expired Virginia License

Driving with an expired license is against the law, and if caught you will face stiff penalties. On top of that, your renewal requirements will go up and you'll have limited options on where to renew. For instance, with an expired license (even 1 day expired) you may not use any of the convenient methods (online, phone or mail), but instead must go In Person. You must also show an additional document that demonstrates your proof of legal presence. If you wait more than one (1) year to renew your license, you will be forced to take and pass all tests for new applicants, which include the Eye Test, Written Test, and Driving Test.

If you abuse your driving privileges or break the law in a significant manner, your license can be suspended. If found guilty, the DMV will order a suspension on your driver's license. Examples of crimes that could provoke this are, DUI's, not having the minimum required amount of car insurance, ignoring child support payments, reckless driving, etc.. 

If your license is temporary suspended, you must wait out the suspension period. At the end of the period, you must have your license reinstated. You will most definitely see your insurance prices increase following traffic violations. In order to save some money please use our Car Insurance service to compare rates.

Requirements to Renew Online, By Phone or by Mail

  • These methods cannot be used consecutively. You must go In Person every other time that you renew online, or by mail or by phone.
  • If your license has been expired you may not use any of the above methods. 
  • Commercial driver licenses will not be allowed to use this system. 
  • If you have received any traffic tickets and you are twenty (20) years of age you may not use any of the above methods. 
  • Drivers who are on suspension or revocations may not use any of the above methods. 
  • If you have been flagged for medical review, you may not use any of the above methods. 
  • If you are older than eighty (80) years of age, an Eye Test is required and must be performed at a DMV office. You must go In Person.
  • if you would like to change your name, you must go In Person.
  • You will be asked to provide your Social Security Number and it will be compared against the SSA.gov records. If there is a mismatch you will not be allowed to use these methods until you fix the problem.
  • Drivers without a Social Security Number cannot use these methods and must renew In Person.
  • For the complete list of requirements to use these preferred renewal methods, please view the list here.

Renew Virginia Drivers License Online

Most drivers in Virginia should renew online via Virginia's website. 

STEPS

  1. Make sure that you meet the requirements to renew online. 
  2. VISIT THE DMV'S ONLINE WEBSITE.
  3. Enter either your customer number (which you can view from your license card here) OR your Social Security Number.
  4. Enter the month, day, and year of Birth.
  5. Enter the last 4 digits of your Social Security Number.
  6. Use your credit card to make the $32.00 FEE for the 8 year license. The fee is the same as for new license. You will need a Visa, American Express, Visa, MasterCard, or Discover Card.
  7. The last picture on file for you will be used.

Your license will be mailed to you and it should arrive in no more than fifteen (15) days..

Note: If you have any problems or questions, you should contact the VA DMV by using their Contact Form or by contacting them below

Phone Number: (804) 497-7100 OR 1-717-412-5300 OR for Hearing Impaired: 1-800-272-9268 (TDD)
Email: https://www.dmv.virginia.gov/exec/forms/call/email_form.asp

Virginia Drivers License Renew by Mail

Most drivers in Virginia should take advantage of this convenient method.

STEPS

  1. Make sure that you meet the requirements to renew by mail. 
  2. Open the renewal notice that was mailed to you, and review the renewal application.
  3. Please read all the instructions carefully.  
  4. If there is any information that is mistaken (such as weight or height), you may call (804) 497-7100 and have that information updated.
  5. Make sure to provide your signature and date. 
  6. Prepare payment for the renewal fee of $32.00.
  7. Mail the application and payment to:

    Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles
    P.O. Box 26506
    Richmond, VA 23260-6506

In fifteen (15) days you will receive your new driver's license.

Virginia Drivers License Renewal for Military Drivers

If you are a Virginia resident who is serving on active duty in the U.S. military outside of your home state of Virginia, you may request an extension card by mail. Your dependents may also request an extension. Please follow the instructions below:

Renewal Steps for U.S. Military Drivers

  • You'll need to ask for a renewal packet to be sent to your current mailing address. Please click and visit the following page to process your request. You will need to enter your name, address, customer number (which you can view from your license card here) OR your Social Security Number, birth date, and email address. Be sure to click the option for "Military Extension". 
  • The packet will contain three (3) different forms (that you must read carefully) and an envelop used to return the packet to the DMV. The form that you must fill out is the Renewal application form.
  • Return the package along with the following items:
    1. The renewal application.
    2. Your military ID copy. 
    3. Copy of your military orders or a letter by your commanding officer that states your name and your current location. The letter must be on military letterhead.
  • A dependent must also submit the same requirements above. In other words he or she must submit the documents of the family member who is on active duty.
  • Mail all of the documents above using the enclosed envelope.
  • For the latest instructions, please visit the DMV military page.

You will be mailed a card that will serve alongside your expired driver's license as an extension. You will have one hundred and eighty (180) days upon your arrival to Virginia, to renew your driver's license in person.

Renew Virginia Drivers License By Phone

This is a method which is recommended by the Virginia DMV. 

STEPS

  1. Make sure that you meet the requirements.
  2. Review the renewal application that was mailed to you. 
  3. If there is any information that is mistaken (such as weight or height), you may call (804) 497-7100 and have that information updated.
  4. Call the following number: 1-888-337-4782.
  5. Have your renewal application and credit card handy when speaking with the automated system. 
  6. You will be asked to submit payment for the $32.00 Cost. You must enter a credit card number of type ?Visa, American Express, Visa, MasterCard, or Discover Card.

In fifteen (15) days you will receive your new driver's license.

Renew Virginia Drivers License In Person

Only use this option if you are required to go in person. If you are selected to renew Online, by Mail, or by Phone, but you prefer to go In Person, you will be charged an additional $5 fee. This is because the Virginia DMV prefers that people use the convenient renewal methods instead of going to an office.

Requirements to Renew In Person

  • You could be eligible to renew online, by phone or by mail. Please read the requirements for this.

STEPS

  1. Prepare your Proof of Legal Presence documents (see below for details and exceptions).
  2. Visit any virginia dmv office.
  3. Anytime that you renew at an office, an Eye Test must be taken.
  4. Eye Test, Written Test, and Driving Test must be retaken if and only if you've allowed your license to expire for more than one (1) year.
  5. Bring money to pay for the $32.00 Cost of renewal. All forms of payment are accepted (cash, checks, check cards, money order or credit card).


You will be handed your newly renewed license at the DMV office.

 

Virginia Drivers License Renewal Documents

Everyone that renews In Person must show the following documents. 

List of Documents

  • Bring your Proof of Legal Presence documents. You must prove that you are either a U.C. citizen or that you are allowed to legally reside in the U.S.
    • Note: Drivers whose last licensed was issued before Jan 01, 2004 do not need to bring this proof. 
  • Bring your expiring driver's license and your renewal notice that was mailed to you (notice not required).

Auto Insurance

Having car insurance is a wise thing to do in the event that you are involved in a car accident. With the proper coverage you'll have protection for damages caused to others. In the state of Virginia, upon registering a vehicle you must show proof of liability insurance or you'll need to pay a fee of $500. 

Save yourself some time and have our sponsored agents find the right coverage for you. You could be overpaying. Just click on our Insurance Center link to start finding the best rates in your state.