Renewing Your Driver’s License in Virginia: Everything You Need to Know
Renewing your driver’s license is a necessary task that all Virginia residents must complete every few years. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the process of renewing your driver’s license in Virginia, important deadlines to keep in mind, the required documents, fees, and any changes that have been implemented in recent years.
When Do You Need to Renew Your Driver’s License in Virginia?
In the state of Virginia, you are required to renew your driver’s license every eight years. However, there are special circumstances where you may need to renew your license sooner. For example, if you are under the age of 21, you may need to renew your license every two years until you turn 21. Additionally, if you have certain medical conditions that may affect your ability to drive, you may need to renew your license more frequently.
It is important to keep track of your license expiration date to ensure that you do not drive with an expired license. Driving with an expired license can result in fines, penalties, and even license suspension.
How to Renew Your Driver’s License in Virginia
There are several ways to renew your driver’s license in Virginia. The most common method is to renew your license online through the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) website. To renew online, you must meet the following requirements:
• Be a US citizen or legal permanent resident
• Have a valid Social Security number on file with the DMV
• Be at least 18 years old
• Have a current and valid Virginia driver’s license
• Have no outstanding tickets, fines, or penalties on your driving record
• Pass a vision screening test (if required)
If you meet these requirements, you can renew your driver’s license online by following these steps:
1. Visit the Virginia DMV website
2. Click on the “Renew License” link
3. Enter your driver’s license number, Social Security number, and date of birth
4. Follow the online instructions to complete the renewal process
5. Pay the required renewal fee with a credit or debit card
6. Print out the temporary driver’s license until your new license arrives in the mail
Alternatively, you can renew your driver’s license in person at a Virginia DMV office. To renew in person, you will need to bring the following documents with you:
• Current driver’s license
• Proof of identity (such as a birth certificate or passport)
• Social Security number
• Two forms of proof of Virginia residency (such as a utility bill or lease agreement)
• Payment for the renewal fee
Once you have submitted the required documents and paid the renewal fee, you will receive a temporary driver’s license that is valid for 30 days. Your new driver’s license will be mailed to you within two weeks.
Renewing a driver’s license for someone else is illegal in Virginia. If you need to renew a driver’s license for a family member or friend, they must be present at the DMV office or complete the online renewal process themselves.
Renewing a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) in Virginia
If you have a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) in Virginia, you will need to renew your license every five years. To renew your CDL, you must visit a DMV office in person and bring the following documents with you:
• Current CDL
• Proof of identity
• Medical examination certificate if required
• Payment for the renewal fee
In addition to the regular CDL renewal requirements, you may also need to pass a knowledge test and a skills test to renew your CDL if it has been expired for more than one year.
Changes to the Driver’s License Renewal Process in Virginia
In recent years, the Virginia DMV has made several changes to the driver’s license renewal process to improve efficiency and customer service. One of the biggest changes is the introduction of the REAL ID program, which requires all Virginia residents to have a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license by October 1, 2021.
A REAL ID-compliant driver’s license is necessary for certain federal purposes, such as boarding a domestic flight or entering a secure federal facility. To obtain a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license, you will need to visit a DMV office in person and bring the following documents with you:
• Proof of identity (such as a birth certificate or passport)
• Social Security number
• Two forms of proof of Virginia residency
• Proof of legal presence in the US (such as a visa or immigration document)
• Marriage certificate or divorce decree (if applicable)
Once you have submitted the required documents, passed a vision screening test, and paid the renewal fee, you will receive a temporary REAL ID-compliant driver’s license that is valid for 30 days. Your new REAL ID-compliant driver’s license will be mailed to you within two weeks.
It is important to note that if you already have a valid US passport, military ID, or another form of federally accepted identification, you do not need a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license.
Conclusion
Renewing your driver’s license in Virginia is a straightforward process that can be completed online or in person at a DMV office. By keeping track of your license expiration date and following the renewal requirements, you can ensure that your license remains valid and up to date. With the implementation of the REAL ID program, it is important to obtain a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license before the deadline to avoid any inconveniences when traveling or accessing federal facilities. If you have any questions or concerns about renewing your driver’s license, you can contact the Virginia DMV for assistance.
