VA Governor extends validity of driver’s licenses, IDs, registrations while DMV shuttered

In response to the temporary closure of all Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles customer service centers, suspension of mobile visits, and the extension of some credentials, here is more information to answer common questions the DMV is receiving.

On March 18, DMV suspended in-person service for a minimum of two weeks in response to the continued spread of Novel Coronavirus, or COVID-19. All 75 DMV customer service centers are closed and all DMV 2 Go and DMV Connect services are postponed until at least April 2.

To assist Virginians who may need DMV service during this time, Governor Ralph Northam issued an Executive Directive extending the validity of driver’s licenses, identification cards and vehicle registrations for 60 days from original expiration dates, which delays the urgency for customers to visit DMV once offices reopen.

“As nearly one million driver’s licenses, ID cards and vehicle registrations are set to expire between March 15 and May 15, we are focusing on protecting the health of DMV’s customers, employees, and the greater communities in which they operate by shifting services primarily online,” Shannon Valentine, Secretary of Transportation, was quoted as saying in a news release.

“Our responsibility to serve Virginians must be balanced with the current and urgent need to take precautions to protect our customers and staff,” said DMV Commissioner Richard D. Holcomb. “Virginia is fortunate to be so progressive and offer so many transactions online and by mail so customers can continue to conduct business without an in-person visit.”

Credential Extensions
To provide further specificity, a customer whose driver’s license, learner’s permit, commercial driver’s license, commercial instruction permit, or identification card expires between March 15 and May 15 will have an additional 60 days beyond the credential’s expiration date to renew the credential.

For example, if a driver’s license expires April 30, the extension changes the expiration date to June 29. This extension includes the driver’s licenses of Virginians age 75 and older who will not need to visit the DMV to renew until 60 days past the original expiration
date. Virginians who are eligible to renew online or by mail are encouraged to take advantage of those services.

Vehicle registrations that expire in March and April should be renewed online or by mail. If in-person service is needed (for example, by those who may not have access to the internet), these customers will have an additional 60 days to renew credentials without a late fee.
DMV notified law enforcement through the Virginia Criminal Information Network (VCIN) of these extensions.

Titles and Registration
Replacement titles and registration cards can be obtained online and original title and registration transactions can be conducted by mail. Customers who mail in their paperwork should keep photocopies and ship the package with a tracking number. Customers should provide a telephone number or email address so DMV can contact them if additional information is needed. For more information, visit dmvNOW.com/COVID19.

Titlework can also be conducted at a DMV Select office. Please note, most DMV Select offices, which are operated in partnership with local governments and private businesses, have closed or altered their operating hours due to current public health concerns. Please visit the DMV Select locations webpage for more information.

DMV Headquarters and Website Open