Renewing a Virginia driver license
The steps in plain English. Each one links to the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) page it came from. Last checked Nov 15, 2026.
Watch for DMV's renewal notice, sent within one year before your license expires.
Source: law.lis.virginia.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026Renew on or before your birthday; licenses run 5 to 8 years.
Source: law.lis.virginia.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026Renew in person unless your notice says you may renew another way.
Source: law.lis.virginia.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026At an office, be ready for vision and written tests and to prove identity, legal presence, residency and Social Security number.
Source: law.lis.virginia.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026If you are 75 or older, renew in person with a vision test or an eye doctor's report from the last 90 days.
Source: law.lis.virginia.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026
Check before you go: requirements and fees change, and some depend on your age or situation. The official page is the final word.
Related facts
- License term
- 5 to 8 years, expiring on your birthday; at most 5 years if you are 75 or older.Source: law.lis.virginia.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026
- Renewal notice
- DMV sends a notice within one year before expiration (by email if you ask). Not getting it does not extend your license.Source: law.lis.virginia.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026
- Renewing without an office visit
- Renewal is in person unless your DMV notice says you can renew another way.Source: law.lis.virginia.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026
- Renewal at 75 or older
- Must renew in person and pass a vision test or bring an eye doctor's report from the last 90 days.Source: law.lis.virginia.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026
More in the Virginia guide
Official Virginia links
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