{"formats":[{"name":"JSON","format":"json","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-json\/46.2-330.json"},{"name":"Plain Text","format":"text","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-text\/46.2-330.txt"},{"name":"XML","format":"xml","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-xml\/46.2-330.xml"},{"name":"HTML","format":"html","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-html\/46.2-330.html"}],"law_id":55697,"edition_id":1,"section_id":55697,"structure_id":13718,"section_number":"46.2-330","catch_line":"Expiration and renewal of licenses; examinations required","history":"1968, c. 642, \u00a7 46.1-380.1; 1975, c. 24; 1976, c. 48; 1984, c. 780; 1989, cc. 705, 727; 1993, cc. 471, 501; 1997, c. 486; 2001, cc. 659, 665; 2003, c. 333; 2004, cc. 112, 218, 975; 2005, c. 302; 2006, cc. 857, 914; 2008, cc. 487, 866; 2009, c. 872; 2011, cc. 57, 70; 2012, cc. 215, 222; 2014, c. 282; 2016, c. 368; 2018, c. 300; 2020, cc. 829, 1227, 1246.","full_text":"A\n\nEvery driver’s license shall expire on the applicant’s birthday at the end of the period of years for which a driver’s license has been issued. At no time shall any driver’s license be issued for more than eight years or less than five years, unless otherwise provided by law. Thereafter the driver’s license shall be renewed on or before the birthday of the licensee and shall be valid for a period not to exceed eight years except as otherwise provided by law. Any driver’s license issued to a person age 75 or older shall be issued for a period not to exceed five years. Notwithstanding these limitations, the Commissioner may extend the validity period of an expiring license if (i) the Department is unable to process an application for renewal due to circumstances beyond its control, (ii) the extension has been authorized under a directive from the Governor, and (iii) the license was not issued as a limited-duration driver’s license under the provisions of subsection B of § 46.2-328.1. However, in no event shall the validity period be extended more than 90 days per occurrence of such conditions. In determining the number of years for which a driver’s license shall be renewed, the Commissioner shall take into consideration the examinations, conditions, requirements, and other criteria provided under this title that relate to the issuance of a license to operate a vehicle. Any driver’s license issued to a person required to register pursuant to Chapter 9 (§ 9.1-900 et seq.) of Title 9.1 shall expire on the applicant’s birthday in years which the applicant attains an age equally divisible by five.B\n\nWithin one year prior to the date shown on the driver’s license as the date of expiration, the Department shall send notice, to the holder thereof, at the address shown on the records of the Department in its driver’s license file, that his license will expire on a date specified therein, whether he must be reexamined, and when he may be reexamined. Nonreceipt of the notice shall not extend the period of validity of the driver’s license beyond its expiration date. The license holder may request the Department to send such renewal notice to an email or other electronic address, upon provision of such address to the Department.\n\t\t\tAny driver’s license may be renewed by application after the applicant has taken and successfully completed those parts of the examination provided for in §§ 46.2-311, 46.2-325, and the Virginia Commercial Driver’s License Act (§ 46.2-341.1 et seq.), including vision and written tests, other than the parts of the examination requiring the applicant to drive a motor vehicle. All drivers applying in person for renewal of a license shall take and successfully complete the examination each renewal year. Every applicant for a renewal shall appear in person before the Department, unless specifically notified by the Department that renewal may be accomplished in another manner as provided in the notice. Applicants who are required to appear in person before the Department to apply for a renewal may also be required to present proof of identity, legal presence, residency, and social security number or non-work authorized status.C\n\nNotwithstanding any other provision of this section, the Commissioner, in his discretion, may require any applicant for renewal to be fully examined as provided in §§ 46.2-311 and 46.2-325 and the Virginia Commercial Driver’s License Act (§ 46.2-341.1 et seq.). Furthermore, if the applicant is less than 75 years old, the Commissioner may waive the vision examination for any applicant for renewal of a driver’s license that is not a commercial driver’s license and the requirement for the taking of the written test as provided in subsection B of this section, § 46.2-325, and the Virginia Commercial Driver’s License Act (§ 46.2-341.1 et seq.). However, in no case shall there be any waiver of the vision examination for applicants for renewal of a commercial driver’s license or of the knowledge test required by the Virginia Commercial Driver’s License Act for the hazardous materials endorsement on a commercial driver’s license. No driver’s license or learner’s permit issued to any person who is 75 years old or older shall be renewed unless the applicant for renewal appears in person and either (i) passes a vision examination or (ii) presents a report of a vision examination, made within 90 days prior thereto by an ophthalmologist or optometrist, indicating that the applicant’s vision meets or exceeds the standards contained in § 46.2-311.D\n\nEvery applicant for renewal of a driver’s license, whether renewal shall or shall not be dependent on any examination of the applicant, shall appear in person before the Department to apply for renewal, unless specifically notified by the Department that renewal may be accomplished in another manner as provided in the notice.E\n\nThis section shall not modify the provisions of § 46.2-221.2.F\n\n1. The Department shall electronically transmit application information, including a photograph, to the Department of State Police, in a format approved by the State Police, for comparison with information contained in the Virginia Criminal Information Network and National Crime Information Center Convicted Sexual Offender Registry files, at the time of the renewal of a driver’s license. Whenever it appears from the records of the State Police that a person has failed to comply with the duty to register, reregister, or verify his registration information pursuant to Chapter 9 (\u00a7 9.1-900 et seq.) of Title 9.1, the State Police shall promptly investigate and, if there is probable cause to believe a violation has occurred, obtain a warrant or assist in obtaining an indictment charging a violation of \u00a7 18.2-472.1 in the jurisdiction in which the person last registered, reregistered, or verified his registration information or in the jurisdiction where the person made application for licensure. The Department of State Police shall electronically transmit to the Department, in a format approved by the Department, for each person required to register pursuant to Chapter 9 of Title 9.1, registry information consisting of the person’s name, all aliases that he has used or under which he may have been known, his date of birth, and his social security number as set out in \u00a7 9.1-903.2\n\nFor each person required to register pursuant to Chapter 9 of Title 9.1, the Department may not waive the requirement that each such person shall appear for each renewal or the requirement to obtain a photograph in accordance with subsection C of § 46.2-323.","order_by":null,"text":{"0":{"id":204161,"text":"Every driver’s license shall expire on the applicant’s birthday at the end of the period of years for which a driver’s license has been issued. At no time shall any driver’s license be issued for more than eight years or less than five years, unless otherwise provided by law. Thereafter the driver’s license shall be renewed on or before the birthday of the licensee and shall be valid for a period not to exceed eight years except as otherwise provided by law. Any driver’s license issued to a person age 75 or older shall be issued for a period not to exceed five years. Notwithstanding these limitations, the Commissioner may extend the validity period of an expiring license if (i) the Department is unable to process an application for renewal due to circumstances beyond its control, (ii) the extension has been authorized under a directive from the Governor, and (iii) the license was not issued as a limited-duration driver’s license under the provisions of subsection B of § 46.2-328.1. However, in no event shall the validity period be extended more than 90 days per occurrence of such conditions. In determining the number of years for which a driver’s license shall be renewed, the Commissioner shall take into consideration the examinations, conditions, requirements, and other criteria provided under this title that relate to the issuance of a license to operate a vehicle. Any driver’s license issued to a person required to register pursuant to Chapter 9 (§ 9.1-900 et seq.) of Title 9.1 shall expire on the applicant’s birthday in years which the applicant attains an age equally divisible by five.","type":"section","prefixes":["A"],"prefix":"A","entire_prefix":"A","prefix_anchor":"A","level":1,"next_prefix":"B"},"1":{"id":204162,"text":"Within one year prior to the date shown on the driver’s license as the date of expiration, the Department shall send notice, to the holder thereof, at the address shown on the records of the Department in its driver’s license file, that his license will expire on a date specified therein, whether he must be reexamined, and when he may be reexamined. Nonreceipt of the notice shall not extend the period of validity of the driver’s license beyond its expiration date. The license holder may request the Department to send such renewal notice to an email or other electronic address, upon provision of such address to the Department.\n\t\t\tAny driver’s license may be renewed by application after the applicant has taken and successfully completed those parts of the examination provided for in §§ 46.2-311, 46.2-325, and the Virginia Commercial Driver’s License Act (§ 46.2-341.1 et seq.), including vision and written tests, other than the parts of the examination requiring the applicant to drive a motor vehicle. All drivers applying in person for renewal of a license shall take and successfully complete the examination each renewal year. Every applicant for a renewal shall appear in person before the Department, unless specifically notified by the Department that renewal may be accomplished in another manner as provided in the notice. Applicants who are required to appear in person before the Department to apply for a renewal may also be required to present proof of identity, legal presence, residency, and social security number or non-work authorized status.","type":"section","prefixes":["B"],"prefix":"B","entire_prefix":"B","prefix_anchor":"B","level":1,"prior_prefix":"A","next_prefix":"C"},"2":{"id":204163,"text":"Notwithstanding any other provision of this section, the Commissioner, in his discretion, may require any applicant for renewal to be fully examined as provided in §§ 46.2-311 and 46.2-325 and the Virginia Commercial Driver’s License Act (§ 46.2-341.1 et seq.). Furthermore, if the applicant is less than 75 years old, the Commissioner may waive the vision examination for any applicant for renewal of a driver’s license that is not a commercial driver’s license and the requirement for the taking of the written test as provided in subsection B of this section, § 46.2-325, and the Virginia Commercial Driver’s License Act (§ 46.2-341.1 et seq.). However, in no case shall there be any waiver of the vision examination for applicants for renewal of a commercial driver’s license or of the knowledge test required by the Virginia Commercial Driver’s License Act for the hazardous materials endorsement on a commercial driver’s license. No driver’s license or learner’s permit issued to any person who is 75 years old or older shall be renewed unless the applicant for renewal appears in person and either (i) passes a vision examination or (ii) presents a report of a vision examination, made within 90 days prior thereto by an ophthalmologist or optometrist, indicating that the applicant’s vision meets or exceeds the standards contained in § 46.2-311.","type":"section","prefixes":["C"],"prefix":"C","entire_prefix":"C","prefix_anchor":"C","level":1,"prior_prefix":"B","next_prefix":"D"},"3":{"id":204164,"text":"Every applicant for renewal of a driver’s license, whether renewal shall or shall not be dependent on any examination of the applicant, shall appear in person before the Department to apply for renewal, unless specifically notified by the Department that renewal may be accomplished in another manner as provided in the notice.","type":"section","prefixes":["D"],"prefix":"D","entire_prefix":"D","prefix_anchor":"D","level":1,"prior_prefix":"C","next_prefix":"E"},"4":{"id":204165,"text":"This section shall not modify the provisions of § 46.2-221.2.","type":"section","prefixes":["E"],"prefix":"E","entire_prefix":"E","prefix_anchor":"E","level":1,"prior_prefix":"D","next_prefix":"F"},"5":{"id":204166,"text":"1. The Department shall electronically transmit application information, including a photograph, to the Department of State Police, in a format approved by the State Police, for comparison with information contained in the Virginia Criminal Information Network and National Crime Information Center Convicted Sexual Offender Registry files, at the time of the renewal of a driver’s license. Whenever it appears from the records of the State Police that a person has failed to comply with the duty to register, reregister, or verify his registration information pursuant to Chapter 9 (\u00a7 9.1-900 et seq.) of Title 9.1, the State Police shall promptly investigate and, if there is probable cause to believe a violation has occurred, obtain a warrant or assist in obtaining an indictment charging a violation of \u00a7 18.2-472.1 in the jurisdiction in which the person last registered, reregistered, or verified his registration information or in the jurisdiction where the person made application for licensure. The Department of State Police shall electronically transmit to the Department, in a format approved by the Department, for each person required to register pursuant to Chapter 9 of Title 9.1, registry information consisting of the person’s name, all aliases that he has used or under which he may have been known, his date of birth, and his social security number as set out in \u00a7 9.1-903.","type":"section","prefixes":["F"],"prefix":"F","entire_prefix":"F","prefix_anchor":"F","level":1,"prior_prefix":"E","next_prefix":"F2"},"6":{"id":204167,"text":"For each person required to register pursuant to Chapter 9 of Title 9.1, the Department may not waive the requirement that each such person shall appear for each renewal or the requirement to obtain a photograph in accordance with subsection C of § 46.2-323.","type":"section","prefixes":["F","2"],"prefix":"2","entire_prefix":"F2","prefix_anchor":"F2","level":2,"prior_prefix":"F"}},"ancestry":[{"id":13718,"edition_id":1,"name":"Obtaining Licenses, Generally","identifier":"4","label":"article","depth":4,"order_by":1,"parent_id":12772,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:45:39","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:45:39","permalink":{"id":226437,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":13718,"identifier":"4","token":"46.2\/II\/3\/4","url":"\/46.2\/II\/3\/4\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}},{"id":12772,"edition_id":1,"name":"Licensure of Drivers","identifier":"3","label":"chapter","depth":3,"order_by":1,"parent_id":12771,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:43:52","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:43:52","permalink":{"id":225629,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":12772,"identifier":"3","token":"46.2\/II\/3","url":"\/46.2\/II\/3\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}},{"id":12771,"edition_id":1,"name":"Titling, Registration and Licensure","identifier":"II","label":"subtitle","depth":2,"order_by":1,"parent_id":12770,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:43:52","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:43:52","permalink":{"id":225627,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":12771,"identifier":"II","token":"46.2\/II","url":"\/46.2\/II\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}},{"id":12770,"edition_id":1,"name":"Motor Vehicles","identifier":"46.2","label":"title","depth":1,"order_by":1,"parent_id":null,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:43:52","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:43:52","permalink":{"id":225289,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":12770,"identifier":"46.2","token":"46.2","url":"\/46.2\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}}],"structure_contents":[{"id":74834,"structure_id":13718,"section_number":"46.2-323","catch_line":"Application for driver's license; proof of completion of driver education program; penalty","url":"\/46.2-323\/","token":"46.2\/II\/3\/4\/46.2-323","metadata":false},{"id":65529,"structure_id":13718,"section_number":"46.2-323.01","catch_line":"Issuance of credentials; relationship with federal law","url":"\/46.2-323.01\/","token":"46.2\/II\/3\/4\/46.2-323.01","metadata":false},{"id":61204,"structure_id":13718,"section_number":"46.2-323.1","catch_line":"Certification of Virginia residency; nonresidents not eligible for credentials; penalty","url":"\/46.2-323.1\/","token":"46.2\/II\/3\/4\/46.2-323.1","metadata":false},{"id":73056,"structure_id":13718,"section_number":"46.2-324","catch_line":"Applicants and license holders to notify Department of change of address; fee","url":"\/46.2-324\/","token":"46.2\/II\/3\/4\/46.2-324","metadata":false},{"id":57804,"structure_id":13718,"section_number":"46.2-324.1","catch_line":"Requirements for initial licensure of certain applicants","url":"\/46.2-324.1\/","token":"46.2\/II\/3\/4\/46.2-324.1","metadata":false},{"id":66333,"structure_id":13718,"section_number":"46.2-325","catch_line":"Examination of applicants; waiver of Department's examination under certain circumstances; behind-the-wheel and knowledge examinations","url":"\/46.2-325\/","token":"46.2\/II\/3\/4\/46.2-325","metadata":false},{"id":63436,"structure_id":13718,"section_number":"46.2-326","catch_line":"Designation of examiners; conduct of examination; reports","url":"\/46.2-326\/","token":"46.2\/II\/3\/4\/46.2-326","metadata":false},{"id":61645,"structure_id":13718,"section_number":"46.2-326.1","catch_line":"Designation of commercial driver's license skills testing examiners","url":"\/46.2-326.1\/","token":"46.2\/II\/3\/4\/46.2-326.1","metadata":false},{"id":75238,"structure_id":13718,"section_number":"46.2-327","catch_line":"Copies of applications; record of licenses and learner's permits issued, suspended, or revoked","url":"\/46.2-327\/","token":"46.2\/II\/3\/4\/46.2-327","metadata":false},{"id":64850,"structure_id":13718,"section_number":"46.2-328","catch_line":"Department to issue licenses; endorsements, classifications, and restrictions authorizing operation of certain vehicles","url":"\/46.2-328\/","token":"46.2\/II\/3\/4\/46.2-328","metadata":false},{"id":55310,"structure_id":13718,"section_number":"46.2-328.1","catch_line":"Licenses, permits, and special identification cards to be issued only to United States citizens, legal permanent resident aliens, or holders of valid unexpired nonimmigrant visas; exceptions; renewal, duplication, or reissuance","url":"\/46.2-328.1\/","token":"46.2\/II\/3\/4\/46.2-328.1","metadata":false},{"id":54709,"structure_id":13718,"section_number":"46.2-328.2","catch_line":"Department to issue documents; veteran indicator","url":"\/46.2-328.2\/","token":"46.2\/II\/3\/4\/46.2-328.2","metadata":false},{"id":61156,"structure_id":13718,"section_number":"46.2-328.3","catch_line":"Driver privilege cards and permits","url":"\/46.2-328.3\/","token":"46.2\/II\/3\/4\/46.2-328.3","metadata":false},{"id":66576,"structure_id":13718,"section_number":"46.2-329","catch_line":"Special restrictions on particular licensees","url":"\/46.2-329\/","token":"46.2\/II\/3\/4\/46.2-329","metadata":false},{"id":55697,"structure_id":13718,"section_number":"46.2-330","catch_line":"Expiration and renewal of licenses; examinations required","url":"\/46.2-330\/","token":"46.2\/II\/3\/4\/46.2-330","metadata":false},{"id":78255,"structure_id":13718,"section_number":"46.2-331","catch_line":"Repealed","url":"\/46.2-331\/","token":"46.2\/II\/3\/4\/46.2-331","metadata":false},{"id":74767,"structure_id":13718,"section_number":"46.2-332","catch_line":"Fees","url":"\/46.2-332\/","token":"46.2\/II\/3\/4\/46.2-332","metadata":false},{"id":57057,"structure_id":13718,"section_number":"46.2-333","catch_line":"Disposition of fees; expenses","url":"\/46.2-333\/","token":"46.2\/II\/3\/4\/46.2-333","metadata":false},{"id":87183,"structure_id":13718,"section_number":"46.2-333.1","catch_line":"Surcharges on certain fees of Department; disposition of proceeds","url":"\/46.2-333.1\/","token":"46.2\/II\/3\/4\/46.2-333.1","metadata":false}],"previous_section":{"id":66576,"structure_id":13718,"section_number":"46.2-329","catch_line":"Special restrictions on particular licensees","url":"\/46.2-329\/","token":"46.2\/II\/3\/4\/46.2-329","metadata":false},"next_section":{"id":78255,"structure_id":13718,"section_number":"46.2-331","catch_line":"Repealed","url":"\/46.2-331\/","token":"46.2\/II\/3\/4\/46.2-331","metadata":false},"metadata":false,"official_url":"https:\/\/law.lis.virginia.gov\/vacode\/46.2-330\/","history_text":"

This law was first created in 1968. The record of its establishment is cataloged in chapter 642 of that year\u2019s edition of \u201cActs of Assembly,\u201d the annual state publication listing all changes made to the Code of Virginia in that year. Unfortunately, the 1968 \u201cActs\u201d aren\u2019t available online. It has been modified 19 times. Those modifications are cataloged by \u201cThe Acts of Assembly,\u201d a state publication, by year and chapter. Those modifications that can be read on the General Assembly\u2019s website will be linked accordingly. Those modifications are as follows: in 1975, chapter 24; in 1976, chapter 48; in 1984, chapter 780; in 1989, chapters 705 and 727; in 1993, chapters 471 and 501; in 1997, chapter 486<\/a>; in 2001, chapters 659<\/a> and 665<\/a>; in 2003, chapter 333<\/a>; in 2004, chapters 112<\/a>, 218<\/a>, and 975<\/a>; in 2005, chapter 302<\/a>; in 2006, chapters 857<\/a> and 914<\/a>; in 2008, chapters 487<\/a> and 866<\/a>; in 2009, chapter 872<\/a>; in 2011, chapters 57<\/a> and 70<\/a>; in 2012, chapters 215<\/a> and 222<\/a>; in 2014, chapter 282<\/a>; in 2016, chapter 368<\/a>; in 2018, chapter 300<\/a>; in 2020, chapters 829<\/a>, 1227<\/a>, and 1246<\/a>.<\/p>","references":[{"id":71064,"section_number":"46.2-208.3","catch_line":"Notice by Department","order_by":null,"url":"\/46.2-208.3\/"},{"id":74023,"section_number":"46.2-214.4","catch_line":"Discount for online transactions","order_by":null,"url":"\/46.2-214.4\/"},{"id":70051,"section_number":"46.2-221.2","catch_line":"Extension of expiration of driver's licenses issued to certain persons in service to the United States government or for good cause shown","order_by":null,"url":"\/46.2-221.2\/"},{"id":55310,"section_number":"46.2-328.1","catch_line":"Licenses, permits, and special identification cards to be issued only to United States citizens, legal permanent resident aliens, or holders of valid unexpired nonimmigrant visas; exceptions; renewal, duplication, or reissuance","order_by":null,"url":"\/46.2-328.1\/"},{"id":84086,"section_number":"46.2-341.16:1","catch_line":"Conformance with requirements of U.S.A. Patriot Act of 2001","order_by":null,"url":"\/46.2-341.16_1\/"},{"id":81320,"section_number":"46.2-341.8","catch_line":"Nonresidents and new residents","order_by":null,"url":"\/46.2-341.8\/"}],"refers_to":[{"id":57746,"section_number":"18.2-472.1","catch_line":"Providing false information or failing to provide registration information; penalty; prima facie evidence","order_by":null,"url":"\/18.2-472.1\/"},{"id":80708,"section_number":"46.2-311","catch_line":"Persons having defective vision; minimum standards of visual acuity and field of vision; tests of vision","order_by":null,"url":"\/46.2-311\/"},{"id":74834,"section_number":"46.2-323","catch_line":"Application for driver's license; proof of completion of driver education program; penalty","order_by":null,"url":"\/46.2-323\/"},{"id":66333,"section_number":"46.2-325","catch_line":"Examination of applicants; waiver of Department's examination under certain circumstances; behind-the-wheel and knowledge examinations","order_by":null,"url":"\/46.2-325\/"},{"id":55310,"section_number":"46.2-328.1","catch_line":"Licenses, permits, and special identification cards to be issued only to United States citizens, legal permanent resident aliens, or holders of valid unexpired nonimmigrant visas; exceptions; renewal, duplication, or reissuance","order_by":null,"url":"\/46.2-328.1\/"},{"id":62139,"section_number":"46.2-341.1","catch_line":"Title","order_by":null,"url":"\/46.2-341.1\/"},{"id":69731,"section_number":"9.1-900","catch_line":"Purpose of the Sex Offender and Crimes Against Minors Registry","order_by":null,"url":"\/9.1-900\/"}],"permalink":{"id":226495,"object_type":"law","relational_id":55697,"identifier":"46.2-330","token":"46.2\/II\/3\/4\/46.2-330","url":"\/46.2-330\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1},"url":"\/46.2-330\/","token":"46.2\/II\/3\/4\/46.2-330","dublin_core":{"Title":"Expiration and renewal of licenses; examinations required","Type":"Text","Format":"text\/html","Identifier":"\u00a7 46.2-330","Relation":"Code of Virginia"},"html":"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

A.<\/span> Every driver<\/span>’s license shall expire on the applicant’s birthday at the end of the period of years for which a driver<\/span>’s license has been issued. At no time shall any driver<\/span>’s license be issued for more than eight years or less than five years, unless otherwise provided by law<\/span>. Thereafter the driver<\/span>’s license shall be renewed on or before the birthday of the licensee and shall be valid for a period not to exceed eight years except as otherwise provided by law<\/span>. Any driver<\/span>’s license issued to a person age 75 or older shall be issued for a period not to exceed five years. Notwithstanding these limitations, the Commissioner<\/span> may extend the validity period of an expiring license if (i) the Department<\/span> is unable to process an application for renewal due to circumstances beyond its control, (ii) the extension has been authorized under a directive from the Governor, and (iii) the license was not issued as a limited-duration driver<\/span>’s license under the provisions of subsection B of § 46.2-328.1<\/a>. However, in no event shall the validity period be extended more than 90 days per occurrence of such conditions. In determining the number of years for which a driver<\/span>’s license shall be renewed, the Commissioner<\/span> shall take into consideration the examinations, conditions, requirements, and other criteria provided under this title that relate to the issuance of a license to operate a vehicle<\/span>. Any driver<\/span>’s license issued to a person required to register pursuant to Chapter 9 (§ 9.1-900<\/a> et seq.) of Title 9.1 shall expire on the applicant’s birthday in years which the applicant attains an age equally divisible by five. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

B.<\/span> Within one year prior to the date shown on the driver<\/span>’s license as the date of expiration, the Department<\/span> shall send notice, to the holder thereof, at the address shown on the records of the Department<\/span> in its driver<\/span>’s license file, that his license will expire on a date specified therein, whether he must be reexamined, and when he may be reexamined. Nonreceipt of the notice shall not extend the period of validity of the driver<\/span>’s license beyond its expiration date. The license holder may request the Department<\/span> to send such renewal notice to an email or other electronic address, upon provision of such address to the Department<\/span>.\n\t\t\tAny driver<\/span>’s license may be renewed by application after the applicant has taken and successfully completed those parts of the examination provided for in §§ 46.2-311<\/a>, 46.2-325<\/a>, and the Virginia Commercial Driver<\/span>’s License Act (§ 46.2-341.1<\/a> et seq.), including vision and written tests, other than the parts of the examination requiring the applicant to drive a motor vehicle<\/span>. All drivers<\/span> applying in person for renewal of a license shall take and successfully complete the examination each renewal year. Every applicant for a renewal shall appear in person before the Department<\/span>, unless specifically notified by the Department<\/span> that renewal may be accomplished in another manner as provided in the notice. Applicants who are required to appear in person before the Department<\/span> to apply for a renewal may also be required to present proof of identity, legal presence, residency, and social security number or non-work authorized status. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

C.<\/span> Notwithstanding any other provision of this section, the Commissioner<\/span>, in his discretion, may require any applicant for renewal to be fully examined as provided in §§ 46.2-311<\/a> and 46.2-325<\/a> and the Virginia Commercial Driver<\/span>’s License Act (§ 46.2-341.1<\/a> et seq.). Furthermore, if the applicant is less than 75 years old, the Commissioner<\/span> may waive<\/span> the vision examination for any applicant for renewal of a driver<\/span>’s license that is not a commercial driver<\/span>’s license and the requirement for the taking of the written test as provided in subsection B of this section, § 46.2-325<\/a>, and the Virginia Commercial Driver<\/span>’s License Act (§ 46.2-341.1<\/a> et seq.). However, in no case shall there be any waiver<\/span> of the vision examination for applicants for renewal of a commercial driver<\/span>’s license or of the knowledge test required by the Virginia Commercial Driver<\/span>’s License Act for the hazardous materials<\/span> endorsement on a commercial driver<\/span>’s license. No driver<\/span>’s license or learner’s permit issued to any person who is 75 years old or older shall be renewed unless the applicant for renewal appears in person and either (i) passes a vision examination or (ii) presents a report of a vision examination, made within 90 days prior thereto by an ophthalmologist or optometrist, indicating that the applicant’s vision meets or exceeds the standards contained in § 46.2-311<\/a>. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

D.<\/span> Every applicant for renewal of a driver<\/span>’s license, whether renewal shall or shall not be dependent on any examination of the applicant, shall appear in person before the Department<\/span> to apply for renewal, unless specifically notified by the Department<\/span> that renewal may be accomplished in another manner as provided in the notice. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

E.<\/span> This section shall not modify the provisions of § 46.2-221.2<\/a>. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

F.<\/span> 1. The Department<\/span> shall electronically transmit application information, including a photograph, to the Department<\/span> of State Police, in a format approved by the State Police, for comparison with information contained in the Virginia Criminal Information Network and National Crime<\/span> Information Center Convicted Sexual Offender Registry files, at the time of the renewal of a driver<\/span>’s license. Whenever it appears from the records of the State Police that a person has failed to comply with the duty to register, reregister, or verify his registration information pursuant to Chapter 9 (\u00a7 9.1-900<\/a> et seq.) of Title 9.1, the State Police shall promptly investigate and, if there is probable cause<\/span> to believe a violation has occurred, obtain a warrant or assist in obtaining an indictment<\/span> charging a violation of \u00a7 18.2-472.1<\/a> in the jurisdiction<\/span> in which the person last registered, reregistered, or verified his registration information or in the jurisdiction<\/span> where the person made application for licensure. The Department<\/span> of State Police shall electronically transmit to the Department<\/span>, in a format approved by the Department<\/span>, for each person required to register pursuant to Chapter 9 of Title 9.1, registry information consisting of the person’s name, all aliases that he has used or under which he may have been known, his date of birth, and his social security number as set out in \u00a7 9.1-903<\/a>. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

2.<\/span> For each person required to register pursuant to Chapter 9 of Title 9.1, the Department<\/span> may not waive<\/span> the requirement that each such person shall appear for each renewal or the requirement to obtain a photograph in accordance with subsection C of § 46.2-323<\/a>. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>","plain_text":" CODE OF VIRGINIA\n\nEXPIRATION AND RENEWAL OF LICENSES; EXAMINATIONS REQUIRED (\u00a7 46.2-330)\n\nA. Every driver’s license shall expire on the applicant’s birthday\nat the end of the period of years for which a driver’s license has been\nissued. At no time shall any driver’s license be issued for more than\neight years or less than five years, unless otherwise provided by law.\nThereafter the driver’s license shall be renewed on or before the birthday\nof the licensee and shall be valid for a period not to exceed eight years except\nas otherwise provided by law. Any driver’s license issued to a person age\n75 or older shall be issued for a period not to exceed five years.\nNotwithstanding these limitations, the Commissioner may extend the validity\nperiod of an expiring license if (i) the Department is unable to process an\napplication for renewal due to circumstances beyond its control, (ii) the\nextension has been authorized under a directive from the Governor, and (iii) the\nlicense was not issued as a limited-duration driver’s license under the\nprovisions of subsection B of § 46.2-328.1. However, in no event shall the\nvalidity period be extended more than 90 days per occurrence of such conditions.\nIn determining the number of years for which a driver’s license shall be\nrenewed, the Commissioner shall take into consideration the examinations,\nconditions, requirements, and other criteria provided under this title that\nrelate to the issuance of a license to operate a vehicle. Any driver’s\nlicense issued to a person required to register pursuant to Chapter 9 (§\n9.1-900 et seq.) of Title 9.1 shall expire on the applicant’s birthday in\nyears which the applicant attains an age equally divisible by five.\n\nB. Within one year prior to the date shown on the driver’s license as the\ndate of expiration, the Department shall send notice, to the holder thereof, at\nthe address shown on the records of the Department in its driver’s license\nfile, that his license will expire on a date specified therein, whether he must\nbe reexamined, and when he may be reexamined. Nonreceipt of the notice shall not\nextend the period of validity of the driver’s license beyond its\nexpiration date. The license holder may request the Department to send such\nrenewal notice to an email or other electronic address, upon provision of such\naddress to the Department.\n\t\t\tAny driver’s license may be renewed by application after the applicant\nhas taken and successfully completed those parts of the examination provided for\nin §§ 46.2-311, 46.2-325, and the Virginia Commercial Driver’s\nLicense Act (§ 46.2-341.1 et seq.), including vision and written tests,\nother than the parts of the examination requiring the applicant to drive a motor\nvehicle. All drivers applying in person for renewal of a license shall take and\nsuccessfully complete the examination each renewal year. Every applicant for a\nrenewal shall appear in person before the Department, unless specifically\nnotified by the Department that renewal may be accomplished in another manner as\nprovided in the notice. Applicants who are required to appear in person before\nthe Department to apply for a renewal may also be required to present proof of\nidentity, legal presence, residency, and social security number or non-work\nauthorized status.\n\nC. Notwithstanding any other provision of this section, the Commissioner, in his\ndiscretion, may require any applicant for renewal to be fully examined as\nprovided in §§ 46.2-311 and 46.2-325 and the Virginia Commercial\nDriver’s License Act (§ 46.2-341.1 et seq.). Furthermore, if the\napplicant is less than 75 years old, the Commissioner may waive the vision\nexamination for any applicant for renewal of a driver’s license that is\nnot a commercial driver’s license and the requirement for the taking of\nthe written test as provided in subsection B of this section, § 46.2-325,\nand the Virginia Commercial Driver’s License Act (§ 46.2-341.1 et\nseq.). However, in no case shall there be any waiver of the vision examination\nfor applicants for renewal of a commercial driver’s license or of the\nknowledge test required by the Virginia Commercial Driver’s License Act\nfor the hazardous materials endorsement on a commercial driver’s license.\nNo driver’s license or learner’s permit issued to any person who is\n75 years old or older shall be renewed unless the applicant for renewal appears\nin person and either (i) passes a vision examination or (ii) presents a report\nof a vision examination, made within 90 days prior thereto by an ophthalmologist\nor optometrist, indicating that the applicant’s vision meets or exceeds\nthe standards contained in § 46.2-311.\n\nD. Every applicant for renewal of a driver’s license, whether renewal\nshall or shall not be dependent on any examination of the applicant, shall\nappear in person before the Department to apply for renewal, unless specifically\nnotified by the Department that renewal may be accomplished in another manner as\nprovided in the notice.\n\nE. This section shall not modify the provisions of § 46.2-221.2.\n\nF. 1. The Department shall electronically transmit application information,\nincluding a photograph, to the Department of State Police, in a format approved\nby the State Police, for comparison with information contained in the Virginia\nCriminal Information Network and National Crime Information Center Convicted\nSexual Offender Registry files, at the time of the renewal of a driver’s\nlicense. Whenever it appears from the records of the State Police that a person\nhas failed to comply with the duty to register, reregister, or verify his\nregistration information pursuant to Chapter 9 (\u00a7 9.1-900 et seq.) of Title\n9.1, the State Police shall promptly investigate and, if there is probable cause\nto believe a violation has occurred, obtain a warrant or assist in obtaining an\nindictment charging a violation of \u00a7 18.2-472.1 in the jurisdiction in which\nthe person last registered, reregistered, or verified his registration\ninformation or in the jurisdiction where the person made application for\nlicensure. The Department of State Police shall electronically transmit to the\nDepartment, in a format approved by the Department, for each person required to\nregister pursuant to Chapter 9 of Title 9.1, registry information consisting of\nthe person’s name, all aliases that he has used or under which he may have\nbeen known, his date of birth, and his social security number as set out in \u00a7\n9.1-903.\n\n 2. For each person required to register pursuant to Chapter 9 of Title 9.1,\n the Department may not waive the requirement that each such person shall\n appear for each renewal or the requirement to obtain a photograph in\n accordance with subsection C of § 46.2-323.\n\nHISTORY: 1968, c. 642, \u00a7 46.1-380.1; 1975, c. 24; 1976, c. 48; 1984, c. 780;\n1989, cc. 705, 727; 1993, cc. 471, 501; 1997, c. 486; 2001, cc. 659, 665; 2003,\nc. 333; 2004, cc. 112, 218, 975; 2005, c. 302; 2006, cc. 857, 914; 2008, cc.\n487, 866; 2009, c. 872; 2011, cc. 57, 70; 2012, cc. 215, 222; 2014, c. 282;\n2016, c. 368; 2018, c. 300; 2020, cc. 829, 1227, 1246.","edition":{"id":1,"name":"2025","slug":"2025","date_created":"2026-06-21 22:39:22","date_modified":"2026-06-21 22:39:22","current":1,"order_by":1,"last_import":null}}