Virginia Driver’s License Renewal (A Complete 2024 Guide)

Is it time to renew your Virginia driver’s license?

Then don’t delay!

Renewing early is always a good idea since you don’t have to rush once the expiry date arrives.

The sooner, the better, right?

So if you’re looking for a guide on how to get this job done, keep on reading for our complete Virginia driver’s license renewal guide.

We’ve also added some frequently asked questions at the end.

This way, you have ALL the details.

So let’s begin!

How to Renew A Driver’s License in Virginia

The Virginia DMV always gives notice of renewal 90 days before your license expires. You might receive a notice, a text, or an email.

So keep out for that.

Now, in Virginia, there are three ways you can renew your driver’s license. These are:

Online
By mail
In-person

Let’s walk you through the steps for each one…

How to Renew Your VA Driver’s License Online

The best way to renew your license is by doing it online. However, not everyone can renew this way.

You’re NOT eligible to renew online if:

Your license has expired.
You can’t prove legal presence or Virginia residence.
Your license is suspended or revoked.
Your driver’s license is not due to expire within the next 12 months.
You failed the vision test OR you want to remove the vision restriction because you got your vision fixed.
You have a name change or you want to take a new photograph.
You hold a learner’s permit.
You hold a Virginia identification card.
You owe money to DMV for a prior transaction.
Your customer number on file needs verification.
You have moved out of state and gotten a new license in that state.
You hold a driver’s license with a school bus (S) endorsement.
You have a Social Security Number (SSN) that does not match your SSN on file.
You are under medical review.
You renewed online or by mail during your prior renewal cycle (you cannot renew online or by mail consecutively).
You are over 75 years old and hold a driver privilege card.
You are required to take the knowledge exam or road skills exam.

If any of the situations above apply to you, then you need to renew in person.

But if you’re fortunate to do it online, here are the steps:

Go to the VA DMV renewal portal.

Enter your SSN or driver’s license number and date of birth.

Read through the renewal information and click ‘Continue’.

Verify if your details are correct.

Answer the questions regarding your license. Then click ‘Continue’.

If there is wrong information, click the ‘Change information’.

Pay the $32 renewal fee.

Get the receipt of renewal. Your new license will be mailed to you in a few days.

It’s as easy as that!

How to Renew Your VA Driver’s License By Mail

The next easiest way to renew is by sending it through the mail.

Take note that the same eligibility requirements as the online renewal apply to mail renewal. So check the eligibility requirements above to see if you can take advantage of this method.

If you’re eligible, here’s how to renew:

Fill out the renewal notice you received.

NOTE: If the renewal notice has wrong information OR information you want to change, you should call the DMV at 804-497-7100. For address change, you can update it online here.

Sign and date it.

Include a check or money order with the $32 renewal fee.

Enclose the payment and signed notice in an envelope.

Mail the renewal notice to:

Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles

P.O. Box 26506

Richmond, VA 23260-6506

Your new license will be mailed to your address within 15 days.

Since it takes time to receive your new license…

Moreover, you don’t get a renewal receipt with this option…

We recommend applying early so that you can still use your current driver’s license.

Remember, driving with an expired license is a Class 2 misdemeanor in Virginia. You can be fined up to $1,000 or be sent to jail for up to 6 months.

How to Renew Your VA Driver’s License In-Person

You can’t skip this method.

I mean, you always have to renew in person every other renewal cycle.

But don’t fret — renewing in person is not as complicated as you think.

Sure, it might be inconvenient, but it’s fast to accomplish.

Here’s how:

Visit a DMV customer service center or DMV Connect.

Bring your renewal notice, proof of legal presence (if needed), and/or any name change documents (i.e. marriage certificate, divorce certificate, etc…)

Settle any issues that you have (i.e. owe the DMV for a prior transaction, verify your number on file, etc…)

Pass a vision screening and have a new photo taken.

Pass the written or road test (if applicable).

Pay the $34 renewal fee. Check this table for the appropriate fee with classes or endorsements.

Get your receipt as proof of your renewal. Your license will be mailed to you in a few days.

That wasn’t so bad, right?

Frequently Asked Questions About Virginia Driver’s License Renewal

Got more questions about Virginia driver’s license renewal?

This section can help!

How Long is a Virginia Driver’s License Valid?

Your VA-issued driver’s license is valid for 8 years and expires on your birthday. However, if you’re 75 or older, you have to renew every 5 years.

What Documents Do I Need to Renew My License in Virginia?

If you’re renewing online, you just need to place your Social Security Number or driver’s license number and your date of birth. No need to upload any documents.

If you’re renewing by mail, just sign the renewal form and include a check or money order.

For those renewing in person, you might need to prove legal presence in the US, name change, SSN, and more. So make sure to know what you need before going to a renewal center.

Is there a Grace Period for Expired Driver’s Licenses in Virginia?

In Virginia, there is no grace period for an expired driver’s license. However, you can still renew up to 90 days after the expiry date. During this period, you can renew without retaking any tests.

How Much is the Penalty for Late Renewal of a Driver’s License in Virginia?

There isn’t any late renewal penalty. But, you have to take tests if you renew more than 90 days from the license’s expiry date. Remember, it takes a lot of time if you have to take all 3 tests at the DMV.

So always renew early!

Conclusion

The Virginia driver’s license renewal process isn’t so bad.

I mean, you have all these great options to choose from.

Just make sure that you’re eligible for online or mail-in renewals.

From there, you can follow the steps that we detailed here.

Remember, it’s always better to do it sooner rather than later.

So what are you waiting for?

Go and renew your Virginia driver’s license today!