What Virginia requires from immigrant drivers

Virginia issues driver licenses to immigrants regardless of immigration status. You do not need to be a U.S. citizen or have permanent residency to get a Virginia license. What you do need is proof of identity, proof of Virginia residency, and a valid Social Security Number or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN).

The Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) treats immigrant applicants the same as any other applicant once you have these documents in hand. The process itself—the written test, the road test, the fees—does not change based on immigration status. What changes is which documents the DMV will accept to prove who you are and where you live.

Key Takeaways

  • Virginia accepts an ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) instead of a Social Security Number, so you can get a license even if you do not have a Social Security Number.
  • You must show proof of Virginia residency with documents like a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days.
  • Acceptable identity documents include a valid passport, consular ID card, or other government-issued ID from your country of origin.
  • You will take the same written and road tests as any other Virginia driver, though the written test is offered in multiple languages.
  • The entire process typically takes one visit to the DMV for the written test and a second visit to schedule and take the road test.

Documents you need to bring to the DMV

Bring your original documents—not copies—to your first DMV visit. The DMV will not accept photocopies or faxes for identity or residency proof. You will need to show: a valid government-issued photo ID (such as a passport or consular ID card from your country), proof of Virginia residency dated within the last 60 days, and either a Social Security Number or an ITIN.

For residency proof, the DMV accepts utility bills, lease agreements, mortgage statements, bank statements, or government mail addressed to you at your Virginia address. If you do not have any of these, you can bring a notarized affidavit of residency signed by someone who has lived at that address for at least one year—but this is slower and requires finding someone willing to sign for you.

If you have an ITIN but no Social Security Number, bring your ITIN documentation (usually your tax return or IRS letter). If you have neither, you can still get a license, but the DMV will issue it without a number on it, and you will need to return later to add the number once you obtain an ITIN or Social Security Number.

The written test and language options

Virginia offers the written knowledge test in English, Spanish, Vietnamese, Korean, and Arabic. You can request the test in your language when you schedule your appointment or when you arrive at the DMV. The test covers Virginia traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You must answer at least 70 out of 100 questions correctly to pass.

You can study using the free Virginia DMV Driver's Manual, which is available online in English and Spanish. Some libraries and community centers also have printed copies. Many immigrants find it helpful to study with a friend or family member who can explain the rules in your language, since the written test is the biggest hurdle for many non-English speakers.

If you fail the written test, you can retake it the same day or schedule another appointment. There is no waiting period between attempts, though you will pay the test fee each time you take it.

Road test requirements and scheduling

After you pass the written test, you will receive a learner's permit valid for one year. With this permit, you can practice driving with a licensed driver who is at least 21 years old and sitting in the front passenger seat. You must practice for at least 60 hours before you can take the road test—Virginia law requires this, and the DMV will ask you to sign a form confirming you have met this requirement.

The road test itself lasts about 20 minutes. A DMV examiner will sit in your car and watch you drive on local roads. They will test your ability to start and stop smoothly, turn correctly, park, and follow traffic laws. You do not need to speak English fluently to pass the road test—the examiner will give you directions, and you need to show you can drive safely, not that you can have a conversation.

Schedule your road test appointment online through the Virginia DMV website or by calling your local DMV office. Wait times vary by location and season; some offices have openings within two weeks, while others may have a wait of several months. Book as soon as you pass the written test.

Fees and what to expect at each visit

The written test fee is $16. The road test fee is $20. A five-year driver license costs $45. If you are under 21, the license costs $30 and is valid for five years. These fees do not change based on immigration status. You can pay with cash, debit card, or credit card at the DMV.

Your first visit will take 30 minutes to an hour. Bring all your documents, arrive early, and take a number at the DMV. You will have your photo taken, pass the vision test, take the written test, and receive your learner's permit on the same day if you pass. Your second visit, for the road test, will take about 30 minutes total.

If you have a license from another country

A valid driver license from your home country can help you study for the Virginia test, but Virginia does not recognize foreign licenses as valid for driving in the state. You must get a Virginia license. However, if you have a valid license from another country, you may be able to skip the written test and go straight to the road test—but only if that country has a reciprocal agreement with Virginia. Currently, Virginia has reciprocal agreements with Canada and a few other countries, but not most nations. Ask the DMV when you call to schedule whether your country qualifies.

Even if you have a foreign license, you still need to show proof of identity, residency, and a Social Security Number or ITIN. The process is the same; you just may not have to take the written test.

Common problems and how to solve them

The most common issue is not having proof of residency dated within the last 60 days. If you just moved to Virginia or do not have utilities in your name, ask your landlord for a notarized letter confirming you live there, or ask a family member who lives with you and has a recent utility bill to bring it with you. The DMV will accept a lease agreement as long as it is signed and dated.

Another common problem is confusion about the ITIN. If you do not have a Social Security Number, you can still get a license—you just need to show your ITIN documentation. If you do not have an ITIN either, the DMV will issue a license without a number, and you can add it later. Do not let anyone tell you that you cannot get a license without a Social Security Number; that is not true in Virginia.

If you fail the road test, you can retake it after waiting at least two weeks. You do not lose your learner's permit; it remains valid for one year from the date you received it. Use that time to practice more and schedule another test.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a Virginia license if I do not have a Social Security Number?

Yes. You can use an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead. If you have neither, the DMV will issue a license without a number, and you can add the number later once you obtain one. Bring whatever documentation you have—a tax return, IRS letter, or ITIN card.

What if my passport is expired?

An expired passport is still acceptable as proof of identity at the Virginia DMV. The DMV accepts expired government-issued ID as long as it shows your photo and name clearly. If your passport is damaged or unreadable, bring another form of ID, such as a consular card or national ID from your country.

Do I need to pass the written test in English?

No. Virginia offers the written test in Spanish, Vietnamese, Korean, and Arabic. Request your language when you schedule your appointment or when you arrive at the DMV. You must pass the test—70 out of 100 questions—but you can take it in the language you are most comfortable with.

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

If you pass the written test on your first try and can schedule a road test quickly, the whole process takes four to eight weeks. Most of that time is waiting for a road test appointment. The actual DMV visits take about one hour total. In busy areas, the road test wait can be several months, so schedule as soon as you pass the written test.

Can I drive with my learner's permit before I take the road test?

Yes, but only with a licensed driver at least 21 years old in the front passenger seat. You cannot drive alone. Your learner's permit is valid for one year, so you have that long to practice and take the road test. After one year, the permit expires and you must retake the written test to get a new one.