JavaScript must be enabled in order for you to use DMVNow in standard view. However, it seems JavaScript is either disabled or not supported by your browser. To use standard view, enable JavaScript by changing your browser options, then try again. To get the best experience, you'll need to upgrade to a modern browser.
Skip to Content
Agencies | Governor
Search Virginia.Gov

Obtaining a Replacement License

Why Get a Replacement License?

If your driver's license or learner's permit is lost, stolen, damaged, or mutilated, you will need to obtain a replacement. You may also choose to replace your driver's license to change your address, change organ donor status, update the photograph on your license or learner's permit, or replace your Social Security Number with a DMV-assigned customer number.

If the expiration date on your license is less than one year away, you may choose to renew your driver's license instead of replacing it.

Removing the Vision Restriction

If you must wear glasses or contact lenses when you drive, your driver's license will show a vision restriction. To have the vision restriction removed after having LASIK surgery to correct your vision, you must either:

  • Visit a DMV customer service center and obtain a replacement license. You will be required to pass the vision screening without wearing glasses or contact lenses, OR
  • Submit the following by mail:
    1. A completed Driver's License and Identification Card Application (DL1P)
    2. A Vision Screening Report (MED 4) that has been signed by an ophthalmologist or optometrist within the last 3 months. The MED 4 must indicate that you meet the minimum visual requirements without wearing glasses or contact lenses.
    3. A $20 payment for the replacement license
    4. Mail these items to:
      • Department of Motor Vehicles
      • Driver's License and ID Card Work Center
      • P. O. Box 27412
      • Richmond, VA 23269-0001

DMV will process your request and send you a replacement license by mail with the vision restriction removed.

Replacement Fee

The cost to obtain a replacement license is $20.

Obtaining a Replacement License Online

You may obtain a replacement driver's license online, using a DMV-issued PIN number, unless:

  • Your license or learner's permit is expired, cancelled, suspended, or revoked.
  • Your current ID card was issued prior to January 1, 2004.
  • Your name needs to be changed or corrected on your identification card.
  • Your identification card has expired.
  • You owe money to DMV for a prior transaction.
  • You are under the age of 18.
  • You have a profile picture on your identification card.
  • You have surrendered your identification card to another state.
  • You need a new photo on your identification card.
  • Your customer number on file needs verification.
  • You have already requested an identification card replacement online today.
  • You are required to provide proof of legal presence.

Replace Now

If you obtain a replacement online, DMV will use the photograph on your existing license. If you would like a new photo on your license, please visit one of our customer service centers.

Obtaining a Replacement License at a Customer Service Center

To obtain a replacement driver's license or learner's permit at one of our customer service centers, you must :

  • Complete the application for a driver's license (DL1P). You may complete the form before or after coming to a DMV office. For your convenience, you may also apply to register to vote, change your voter registration address, or notify DMV of a change of address or name when you complete the application form.
  • Present two identification documents; however, only one primary identification document is required if you are under age 19. For more information on identification requirements, refer to "Acceptable Documents for Obtaining a Driver's License or Photo ID Card" (DMV 141). en Espa�ol.
  • Present one proof of legal presence unless you have previously proven legal presence and it has not expired. The legal presence requirements are:
    1. You must present proof of legal presence in person.
    2. If your learner's permit was issued prior to 01/01/04, you are "grandfathered" and do not need to prove legal presence when obtaining your original driver's license.
    3. If you are replacing a valid, unexpired license issued prior to 01/01/04, you are "grandfathered" and do not need to prove legal presence.
    4. If you are replacing your license that has been suspended or cancelled and your record does not already indicate that legal presence has been proven (and the limited duration time has not expired), you must prove legal presence.
    5. If you are replacing your license that is revoked or expired for as little as one day, you must prove legal presence.
    6. If you are authorized to be in the U.S. temporarily and have been issued a limited duration driver's license, the license cannot be replaced. A subsequent license will be processed as an original, and proof of legal presence is required. You will not be eligible to receive a limited duration ID card, or permit if your authorized stay in the U.S. is less than 30 days from the date of your application.
    7. If you present a valid legal presence document without its required expiration date, you will be issued a limited duration license that is valid for one year. This does not apply to a U.S. birth document since it does not contain an expiration date.

A new photo will be required.

If you currently hold both a driver's license and a photo ID, you will be required to surrender your photo ID card before you can receive a replacement license.