Virginia Drivers License Replacement
1. Get Started With Drivers License Replacement Assistance Online
If your license has been recently lost or stolen, you will need to replace it as soon as possible. Without a valid license, you will not be able to drive legally in your state or present a valid form of identification when necessary. The two most common methods of replacing your lost or stolen license are visiting your local licensing location in person or applying for a replacement online. Under certain circumstances, you may also be able to replace your license or ID by mail. However, the fastest and most efficient way to replace your driving credential is online. To learn how to replace your license online, you can refer to our helpful drivers license guide. In addition to helping you through the replacement process, our guide will also teach you how to renew and change the name or address on your license.
2. By Mail
Most states offer a mail-in application option to residents who have lost their license while out of the state. In most cases, military service members stationed outside of the state will also be able to apply for a replacement by mail. To apply, you will need to mail in a primary and secondary proof of identification, such as a birth certificate, valid U.S. passport, Social Security card or W-2 form. You will also need to send proof of a residential address such as a deed, voter registration card or utility bill. Depending on your state, you will be required to provide any combination of the aforementioned documents, in addition to other documents and information. You will also need to keep in mind that it may take several weeks to obtain your replacement license, as mail can often be delayed or unreliable.
3. In Person at a DMV Office
Finally, you can replace your lost or stolen license at your local DMV or licensing office. You will be required to bring all the documents previously mentioned as proof of identification and residency. If you are uncomfortable mailing these important documents to the DMV, then an in-person visit is more secure. However, you may need to reschedule an appointment if you forget your passport, citizenship certificate, car title or any other documents that you are using as proof of identification or residency. Additionally, if you make any mistakes on your form, you will not be able to receive your replacement license or ID the same day you apply for it at the DMV.
A common need for Virginia drivers who have a damaged or lost drivers license card is a replacement or duplicate copy from the DMV. A DMV duplicate license can be necessary for other reasons as well. It is important to keep an updated documentation on hand in case requested by law enforcement. Drivers who operate a vehicle without valid credentials may be cited with a traffic violation. Registered voters also need to maintain the condition of their license, as it is often used as identification for voting purposes.
There are a number of ways to get a replacement drivers license in Virginia but certain motorist may not be permitted to use all available methods. To receive a replacement card, applicants will need to furnish certain details or documents during the process. To learn more about how to replace drivers license credentials in Virginia, read through the sections below.
When is a replacement drivers license required in Virginia?
Replacing drivers license credentials is required for a number of reasons. The most common reasons to replace drivers license documentation are losing or damaging your plastic card or having it stolen. Other circumstances include the following events:
- A name change following marriage, divorce or adoption
- An address change upon moving residences
- Needing a photo update following significant changes in physical appearance
- Exchanging a Social Security Number for a DMV-assigned license number
- Organ donor status changes
- Vision restriction removal following corrective eye surgery
- Addition of a vision restriction or handicapped restriction due to age or failing health
Whatever your individual reason to seek out a drivers license replacement in Virginia, you will find information about the methods to obtain a new card in the sections below.
How to Replace Your Drivers License Online in Virginia
Certain eligible drivers can get a drivers license copy online, which is also a convenient way to complete the process if out of state. If eligible to replace lost drivers license online, then Virginia residents may access the online portal and log on using their driver’s license number or Social Security Number and date of birth.
Once logged on, the form will prompt the user through the process, culminating in fee payment and application submission. Every online request subject to the following conditions:
- Your current credential is not expired, suspended, canceled or revoked
- You are older than 18 years of age and your current license was issued after January 1, 2004
- You do not need to change or correct your name or photo on your replacement drivers license
- You do not owe money to the DMV for prior transactions
- You do not need to show proof of legal presence
- You have not already requested a card replacement online on the same day
How to Replace Your Drivers License by Mail in Virginia
You will need to mail your application for a duplicate drivers license in Virginia along with the payment for the replacement fee to the Department of Motor Vehicles Driver’s License and ID Card Work Center in Richmond.
If your reason to replace lost drivers license credentials is to remove vision restrictions from your ID card following corrective eye surgery, then you will also need to send a vision screening report, which must be signed by your optometrist or ophthalmologist within three months of mailing if you wish to take the vision screening without wearing glasses or contacts.
How to Replace Your Virginia Drivers License in Person
If you cannot apply online or by mail and just want to know, “Where can I get a copy of my drivers license?” then simply apply for a copy at one of the DMV customer service center locations. To expedite your visit to replace drivers license documentation, print out the application and have it filled out before you arrive.
Alternatively, you may fill this request form out at the DMV customer service center at the time of application. This form conveniently also allows for other services including a change of address, name change, change of voter registration address and an application for voter registration. Note that when you apply in person to get copy of drivers license credentials, a new photo will be taken.
When applying in person for a copy of drivers license replacement, you will need to submit two identification documents if you are 19 years of age or older in addition to the application form. For those applicants younger than 19, only one identification document is required.
Virginia Drivers License Replacement Fees
The fee to replace a lost drivers license in Virginia is varies depending on your method. If you plan to complete a drivers license renewal instead of a replacement because you are within your renewal period, then your new card will have a different cost.
In-person replacements cost $20. Online replacements costs $19.
Related Forms
Note: DMV forms change regularly. The forms provided above are current based on the date of writing.
Sources
- Obtaining a Replacement License from DMV.Virginia.gov