What you need to know about Arlington driver licenses

Arlington issues driver licenses through the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), not through a separate Arlington office. You cannot get a license at an Arlington city location — you must go to a DMV office, either in Arlington itself or in a nearby jurisdiction. Arlington has one DMV location: the Arlington DMV office at 2100 Clarendon Boulevard. If that office is full or closed, you can visit DMV offices in Alexandria, Falls Church, or Fairfax County.

The type of license you receive depends on your age, residency status, and whether you have a valid Social Security number. Virginia offers standard driver licenses, learner's permits, and restricted licenses for certain situations. Your license will be valid for five years if you are under 21, or eight years if you are 21 or older.

Key Takeaways

  • Arlington driver licenses are issued by the Virginia DMV, and you must visit the DMV office in Arlington or a nearby county to get one.
  • You need proof of identity, proof of Virginia residency, and your Social Security number or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) to explore.
  • First-time applicants must pass a written knowledge test and a driving skills test before receiving a full license.
  • Virginia requires you to be at least 16 years old to get a learner's permit and at least 17 to get an unrestricted driver license.
  • Your Arlington address must match your current residence — you cannot use a work address or a friend's address as your official residence.

Documents you need to bring to the DMV

Bring three types of documents: proof of identity, proof of Virginia residency, and proof of your Social Security number or ITIN. For identity, the DMV accepts a valid passport, a birth certificate, a military ID, or a state ID from another state. If you are under 18, a school ID is not enough on its own — you need one of the documents listed above.

For residency, bring a document that shows your Arlington address and your name. A utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days will work. A piece of mail from a government agency also counts. Do not bring a credit card bill or a cell phone bill — the DMV does not accept those. If you are homeless or do not have a permanent address, tell the DMV staff when you arrive; Virginia has a process for people in that situation.

For your Social Security number, bring your Social Security card or a document that shows your number, such as a W-2 form or a tax return. If you do not have a Social Security number, bring your ITIN documentation. If you have neither, you cannot get a standard Virginia driver license, but you may be able to get a limited-term license if you are a visa holder.

The written test and what it covers

The written knowledge test has 35 questions about Virginia traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You must answer at least 28 questions correctly to pass. The test is offered in multiple languages, including Spanish, Vietnamese, Korean, and Arabic. If English is not your first language, ask the DMV staff about language options when you arrive.

The test covers speed limits, right-of-way rules, parking laws, and what different road signs mean. You can study using the Virginia DMV's free online manual, which is available on the DMV website. Many people also use the DMV's practice test tool to prepare. You are allowed to take the test up to three times in one day if you fail, but you must wait one day before taking it again if you fail all three attempts.

The driving skills test and scheduling

After you pass the written test, you must pass a driving skills test. A DMV examiner will ride with you in your own vehicle (or a vehicle you borrow) and watch you perform basic driving tasks: starting the car, turning, backing up, parking, and stopping. The test takes about 20 minutes. You must bring the vehicle's registration and proof of insurance.

You cannot schedule a driving skills test online in Arlington — you must schedule it in person at the DMV office or by calling the DMV appointment line. Wait times for driving tests in Arlington are often several weeks, especially in spring and summer. If you cannot get an appointment in Arlington within a reasonable time, you can schedule a test at a DMV office in another county and take your test there.

Learner's permit rules if you are under 18

If you are under 18, you must get a learner's permit before you can take the driving skills test. A learner's permit lets you drive only when a licensed adult 21 or older is in the front seat with you. You must hold the permit for at least 15 days before you can take the driving test, and you cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m.

The learner's permit costs less than a full license and is valid for one year. You get it by passing the written test and paying the fee. You do not need to take a driving test to get the permit. Once you have held the permit for 15 days and feel ready, you can schedule your driving skills test.

Fees and payment methods

A five-year driver license costs $37. An eight-year license (available only if you are 21 or older) costs $60. A learner's permit costs $10. The DMV accepts cash, debit cards, and credit cards. Some Arlington DMV locations may have limits on which payment methods they accept, so bring cash if you are unsure.

If you are renewing a license you already have, the cost is the same. If you are replacing a lost or damaged license, you pay a replacement fee of $15 in addition to the renewal fee. Military members and their spouses may be able to renew by mail or online, which costs less — ask the DMV staff about military discounts.

What happens after you pass the test

Your temporary paper license is valid when ready after you pass the driving test. Your permanent plastic license card arrives in the mail within 7 to 10 business days. Use the paper license until the card arrives. Your address on the license will match the Arlington address you provided at the DMV.

If you move out of Arlington after you get your license, you must update your address with the DMV within 30 days. You can do this online, by mail, or in person at the DMV. Updating your address does not cost anything if you do it before your license expires.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get an Arlington driver license if I do not have a permanent address?

Yes. Virginia allows people without a permanent address to use a shelter address, a social services agency address, or a trusted contact's address. Tell the DMV staff that you are homeless or do not have a permanent address, and they will explain your options. You still need to bring documents that show your identity and Social Security number.

What if I fail the driving test?

You can take the driving test again, but you must wait at least one day. There is no limit to how many times you can retake it. Each attempt costs the same fee. Many people pass on their second or third try, so failing once does not mean you cannot get a license.

Do I need car insurance to take the driving test?

Yes. You must bring proof of insurance for the vehicle you use during the test. The insurance must be active and must cover the vehicle you are driving. If you do not own a car, borrow one from a family member or friend and make sure their insurance covers you as a driver.

Can I renew my Arlington license online or by mail?

Standard renewals can be done online or by mail if your license is not expired and you have not had any address changes. If your license is expired or you need to update your information, you must go to the DMV in person. Check the Virginia DMV website to see if your situation qualifies for mail or online renewal.

How long does it take to get a driver license from start to finish?

If you pass both tests on your first try, you can get your license in one day. However, scheduling the driving test often takes several weeks. From the day you schedule your test to the day your permanent card arrives in the mail is usually 2 to 4 weeks, depending on how busy the DMV is.