driver’s license, you can apply for a replacement via the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicle’s online portal. Or, if you prefer, you can make an appointment and take care of it in person at a DMV office.

A driver’s license replacement fee will be $20, and there are some restrictions as to which method you can use.
Replacing your lost driver’s license as soon as possible will help you avoid costly penalties.
If your license expiration date is less than a year away, consider renewing your license instead of paying for a card replacement.

How to replace a lost driver’s license in Virginia online

Getting caught driving without a license is a serious offense, so it’s vital to apply for a replacement driver’s license right away.

In many cases, you can replace your lost Virginia license through the DMV’s

online portal

To log in, you will need:

Your Social Security number (SSN) or driver’s license number

Your date of birth

From there, follow the prompts and have a credit card ready to pay the $20 fee.

Once you’ve completed the online process: Your new license should arrive in the mail in about two weeks.

You cannot replace your driver’s license online and must head to your local DMV if:

Your license is expired, canceled, suspended, or revoked

You need a name change or to make corrections to your name

You owe money to the DMV

You’re under the age of 18

You need a new photo

You’ve surrendered your license in another state

Your customer number on file needs verification

You’re required to provide proof of

legal presence

(like if you’re completing a change of address)

You want to upgrade to a

REAL ID

Pro Tip: If the expiration date on your lost license was less than a year away, Virginia permits you to renew your license when you replace it.

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How to replace a lost driver’s license in Virginia in person

If online replacement isn’t an option, then you will need to make an appointment at the Virginia

DMV customer service center location

of your choice to get a new license.

You should bring:

Proof of your identity (a photo ID card, birth certificate, or passport)—make sure you are familiar with Virginia’s

requirements for documentation

Social Security documents (Social Security card, W-2, or 1099 form)

Proof of address (a rental or mortgage statement, utility bills, or car insurance bill)

You’ll need to fill out the Virginia

DL1P form

and pay the $20 fee. You’ll have to take a new photo, so make sure you’re camera ready!

Once you’ve completed the process: You should receive a temporary license you can use until your replacement driver’s license arrives in the mail.

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What if you lose your Virginia license out of state?

If you are temporarily living outside of Virginia and lose your license: You can order a new copy through the mail by requesting a

replacement driver’s license packet

You may only use this option if the DMV has your digital photo on file.

The packet will contain several forms that you will need to complete, as well as a return envelope. When done, send the forms and payment back in the return envelope.

If you are just traveling outside of Virginia: Applying online might be your best course of action for getting a replacement (as long as you meet the requirements). Contact the Virginia DMV at 1-804-497-7100 for guidance.