What You Need to Get a Virginia Driver's License

To get a driver's license in Virginia, you need to visit the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) in person with proof of identity, proof of Virginia residency, and proof of your Social Security number. You'll pass a written test on traffic laws, a vision screening, and a driving test. The whole process takes multiple visits — you can't do it all in one day.

Virginia issues licenses to people 16 and older. If you're under 18, you start with a learner's permit, drive under restrictions for a set period, then test for a full license. If you're 18 or older and have never held a license, you can go straight to the full license path, but you still take the same tests.

The license itself costs money — the fee varies depending on how long you want it valid (typically 5 or 8 years). You'll also pay separate fees for the written test and the driving test if you don't pass on your first try.

Key Takeaways

  • You must bring original documents proving your identity, Virginia residency, and Social Security number to the DMV in person.
  • Virginia requires a written test on traffic laws, a vision check, and a behind-the-wheel driving test before you get your license.
  • Drivers under 18 must get a learner's permit first and hold it for at least 9 months before they can test for a full license.
  • Your Virginia driver's license is valid for 5 or 8 years depending on which term you choose, and renewal happens at the DMV or online if you're renewing an existing license.

Documents You Must Bring to the DMV

Virginia's DMV requires you to bring one document from each of three categories: proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number. You cannot get a license without all three.

For proof of identity, bring an original or certified copy of your birth certificate, a valid passport, a military ID, or a state ID from another state. A photocopy of your birth certificate does not work — it must be an official certified copy with a raised seal.

For proof of Virginia residency, bring a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days with your name and Virginia address on it. A piece of mail from a government agency also works. A credit card statement does not count.

For proof of Social Security number, bring your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, or a tax return. If you don't have a Social Security number, you can bring a letter from the Social Security Administration stating you are not may be able to access for one.

The Written Test and Vision Screening

At your first DMV visit, you'll take a written test on Virginia traffic laws and road signs. The test has 35 questions, and you need to answer at least 28 correctly to pass. You can study using the Virginia DMV's free online manual or the official study guide available at any DMV office.

The DMV will also do a vision screening to make sure you can see well enough to drive safely. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them. If you fail the vision test, you'll need to see an eye doctor and bring a vision report from them before you can take the driving test.

If you fail the written test, you can retake it the same day or come back another day. Each retake costs a fee. Most people pass on their first or second attempt if they study the manual.

Getting Your Learner's Permit if You're Under 18

If you're under 18, you cannot jump straight to a full license. You must first get a learner's permit and hold it for at least 9 months before you can test for a full license. During this time, you can only drive with a licensed adult 21 or older in the car with you.

To get a learner's permit, pass the written test and vision screening at the DMV. You don't take a driving test yet. Once you have the permit, you can practice driving with a supervising adult. Virginia requires at least 60 hours of supervised driving, with at least 10 hours at night, before you're ready to test for your full license.

After you've held the permit for 9 months and completed your practice hours, you can schedule a driving test. The test takes about 20 minutes and covers basic vehicle control, following traffic laws, and safe driving decisions. If you pass, your learner's permit converts to a full license.

The Driving Test and Full License

The driving test is conducted by a DMV examiner who sits in your car while you drive on public roads. The test lasts about 20 minutes and covers starting the car, basic maneuvers like parking and turning, following traffic signs and signals, and responding to other traffic. You must use a vehicle that is registered, insured, and in safe working condition.

If you're 18 or older and have never held a license, you still take the same driving test, but you don't have to hold a learner's permit first. You can schedule your driving test after you pass the written test and vision screening.

If you fail the driving test, you can retake it after a waiting period. Each attempt costs a fee. Most people pass within two or three tries if they've practiced enough.

Once you pass, you'll receive your Virginia driver's license. You can choose a 5-year or 8-year license term. The 8-year license costs more but lasts longer before you need to renew.

Real ID Compliance and Virginia Licenses

Virginia driver's licenses are now issued as Real ID compliant by default. This means your license meets federal security standards and can be used for domestic air travel and entry to federal buildings. You don't have to do anything extra — when you get your license, it will be Real ID compliant.

If you prefer not to have a Real ID license, you can request a standard license instead, but you'll need a passport or other federal ID to fly domestically or enter federal buildings. Most people keep the Real ID license because it's more useful.

License Renewal and Expiration

Your Virginia driver's license expires on the date printed on the card. If you have a 5-year license, it expires 5 years from the date you received it. If you have an 8-year license, it expires 8 years later.

You can renew your license online through the Virginia DMV website if you're renewing an existing license and you don't need to update your photo or address. Online renewal is faster and cheaper than going to the DMV in person.

If you need to update your photo, change your address, or correct your name, you must go to the DMV in person. Bring the same types of documents you brought for your original license — proof of identity, residency, and Social Security number.

If your license expires while you're out of state or unable to renew, Virginia allows a grace period. Check the DMV website for current rules about expired licenses and how long you can drive on an expired license before it becomes invalid.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a Virginia driver's license if I'm not a U.S. citizen?

Yes. Virginia issues driver's licenses to people regardless of citizenship status. You need to bring proof of identity (which can include a passport from your country), proof of Virginia residency, and proof of Social Security number or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). Bring whatever identity documents you have — the DMV can work with you on what counts as valid proof.

What happens if I fail the driving test?

You can retake it after a waiting period, usually a few days. Each retake costs a fee. There's no limit to how many times you can take the test, so you can keep trying until you pass. Most people pass within two or three attempts if they've practiced enough with a supervising driver.

Do I need to take the written test again if I already have a license from another state?

If you're moving to Virginia and already have a valid driver's license from another state, you can transfer it without taking the written test again. Bring your out-of-state license, proof of Virginia residency, and your Social Security number to the DMV. You'll still need to pass the vision screening and update your address, but you skip the written test.

How much does a Virginia driver's license cost?

The cost varies depending on the license term you choose and whether you're getting a new license or renewing. A new 5-year license costs less than a new 8-year license. There are also separate fees for the written test and driving test. Check the Virginia DMV website for current fees, as they change periodically.

Can I get a Virginia license if I have a suspended license from another state?

No. Virginia will not issue you a license if you have an active suspension or revocation in another state. You must clear the suspension in that state first. Contact the DMV in the state where your license is suspended to find out what you need to do to lift it, then you can explore for a Virginia license.