DMV will mail you a renewal application approximately 90 days before the expiration date of your driver privilege card, or you can opt to receive an e-notification.
If you choose to receive your renewal notice by mail, make sure that your current address is on file with DMV by logging in or creating an account. If your address has changed, please update it.
How Long Your License Lasts
Renewed driver privilege cards are valid for two years from the date of renewal. You may renew your driver privilege card as early as six months before the expiration date on your license but note that the remaining time will not be applied to the new validity period.
How to Renew
Your renewal notice will indicate if you are eligible to renew online or by mail or if you must renew at a customer service center.
You may renew your driver privilege card every other renewal cycle online or by mail unless it is expired, suspended or revoked. Other conditions may affect your eligibility to renew online or by mail. If you renew online or by mail, DMV will use the photograph on your existing license.
Online
When you renew online, you will receive a temporary driving permit to print and carry with your old license. Please allow at least 15 days to receive your new license in the mail before contacting DMV.
By Mail
Review your pre-printed driver privilege card renewal application that you received in the mail.
Note: If your address, height or weight is incorrect on the application, make the necessary correction on the application prior to mailing. You can also change your organ donor status. If any other information is incorrect, call DMV at (804) 497-7100 to provide the correct information.
- Complete all questions on the application.
- Sign and date the application.
- Return the application with your payment in the enclosed envelope to:
Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles
P.O. Box 26506
Richmond, VA 23260-6506
Please allow at least 15 days to receive your new driver privilege card in the mail before contacting DMV.
Renew at a Customer Service Center
If you are unable to renew online or by mail, to ensure that your driving privileges remain valid, you are required to:
- Make an appointment for in-person service
- Complete and submit a DPC application (DL10)
- Present your expiring driver privilege card or another List A proof of identification on the "Obtaining a Virginia Driver Privilege Card" (DMV309) publication.
- Successfully complete DMV's vision screening or submit an acceptable Customer Vision Report (MED 4) completed by your ophthalmologist or optometrist within 90 days.
- Pay the renewal fee of $50 by cash, check, money order or credit card
- Have your photograph taken
If your name has changed, you must bring with you one of the proof documents listed below, in order to change your name on your DMV record and document(s):
- Marriage certificate or civil union document filed with a government agency or court. Note: Marriage licenses and marriage certificates signed only by the wedding officiant (for example, a member of the clergy) will NOT be accepted.
- Divorce decree if the decree states the change from married name to maiden name
- Court order granting the name change
When you renew, you will receive a temporary driving permit to carry with your old license. Please allow at least 15 days to receive your new driver privilege card in the mail before contacting DMV.
Renewal Fee
The renewal fee for a driver privilege card is $50. See our Fee Chart for more details.
Additional Information
If your driver privilege card expires before you are able to renew, you will no longer be eligible to renew and must apply for an original driver privilege card. Use our interactive Document Guide or Obtaining a Driver Privilege Card (DMV 309) to determine which documents to bring to DMV.