What you need to bring to the DMV
Virginia's Department of Motor Vehicles requires you to bring proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security number before you can get a driver's license. The exact documents depend on whether you are getting your first license, renewing an expired one, or moving to Virginia from another state.
For proof of identity, bring a valid passport, a birth certificate with a raised seal, a military ID, or a certificate of naturalization. A school ID or work ID alone will not work. For proof of residency, bring a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your name and Virginia address on it — it must be dated within the last 60 days.
You will also need to know your Social Security number or bring your Social Security card. If you do not have a Social Security number, you can still get a license, but you will need to bring additional documents proving your immigration status or work authorization.
Key Takeaways
- Bring a valid form of identity (passport, birth certificate with raised seal, military ID, or naturalization certificate), proof of residency dated within 60 days, and your Social Security number or card.
- Virginia charges a one-time fee for your first license and separate fees for the written test and road test if you are a new driver.
- You must pass a vision screening at the DMV, a written knowledge test, and a road test before you receive your license.
- You can schedule your road test online through the Virginia DMV website, and appointments typically fill up weeks in advance.
- If you are under 18, you must complete a driver education course and hold a learner's permit for at least 15 days before taking your road test.
The written test and what it covers
Virginia's written knowledge test has 35 questions, and you must answer at least 28 correctly to pass. The test covers traffic laws, road signs, safe driving practices, and what to do in emergency situations. You can take the test in English or in one of several other languages, including Spanish, Vietnamese, and Korean — ask the DMV which languages are available at your location.
The DMV provides a free study guide called the Virginia Driver's Manual, which covers everything on the test. You can read it online or pick up a printed copy at any DMV office. Many people study the manual for a few days before taking the test and pass on their first try, though you can retake it if you do not pass.
The road test: scheduling and what happens
After you pass the written test, you schedule a road test with a DMV examiner. Virginia allows you to book your road test online through the DMV website, by phone, or in person at a DMV office. Road test appointments fill up quickly — in some areas you may need to book several weeks in advance, so schedule as soon as you are ready.
During the road test, the examiner sits in your car while you drive for about 15 to 20 minutes. You will be asked to perform basic maneuvers like parking, turning, and stopping, and to follow traffic laws and road signs. The examiner is looking for safe driving habits, not perfection. If you do not pass, you can retake the test, though you will need to pay the test fee again.
You must bring the same vehicle you practiced in, and it must be registered and insured. The examiner will check that your headlights, brake lights, wipers, and mirrors work before you start driving.
Fees and how long it takes
Virginia's fees vary depending on what you are doing. A five-year driver's license costs $45, and a ten-year license costs $75. The written test costs $10, and the road test costs $20. If you need to retake either test, you pay the fee again.
Once you pass both tests, the DMV issues your license on the spot or mails it to you within a few business days, depending on the office. You will receive a temporary paper license you can use while you wait for the plastic card to arrive.
If you are under 18: the learner's permit requirement
Virginia requires anyone under 18 to get a learner's permit before taking the road test. You get the permit by passing the written test, and it allows you to drive with a licensed adult who is at least 21 years old in the front passenger seat. You must hold the permit for at least 15 days before you can take the road test.
If you are under 18, you also must complete a driver education course — either in-person at a school or online through an approved provider. The course covers safe driving, the effects of drugs and alcohol, and how to handle emergencies. Once you finish the course, you bring the completion certificate to the DMV when you schedule your road test.
Moving to Virginia from another state
If you already have a valid driver's license from another state, you do not need to take the written or road test again. You can exchange it for a Virginia license by bringing your out-of-state license, proof of residency, and your Social Security number to any DMV office. The fee is the same as for a new license.
Your out-of-state license remains valid until it expires, so you have time to make the exchange. However, Virginia law requires you to get a Virginia license within a reasonable time after you move — the DMV recommends doing it within 30 days to avoid any issues if you are stopped by police.
Real ID and what it means for your Virginia license
Virginia offers both standard driver's licenses and Real ID-compliant licenses. A Real ID license has a gold star in the upper right corner and meets federal security standards set by the Department of Homeland Security. You need a Real ID to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building after May 7, 2025.
Getting a Real ID license costs the same as a standard license and requires the same documents, plus one additional form of identification or proof of residency. Most people getting a new Virginia license now receive a Real ID automatically, but you can ask for a standard license instead if you prefer. If your current license is not Real ID-compliant and you want to upgrade, you can exchange it at any DMV office.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take the written test online?
No, Virginia requires you to take the written test in person at a DMV office. You cannot take it online or by mail. However, you can study the Virginia Driver's Manual online before you go to the DMV.
What if I fail the road test?
You can retake the road test as many times as you need. You pay the test fee each time you take it. Many people pass on their second or third attempt after getting more practice driving.
Do I need to bring my own car for the road test?
Yes, you must bring the vehicle you will be driving. It must be registered, insured, and in safe working condition. The examiner checks your lights, wipers, and mirrors before you start.
How long does a Virginia driver's license last?
Virginia offers five-year and ten-year licenses. You choose which one you want when you explore, and the ten-year license costs more. Licenses expire on your birthday in the year they are set to expire.
What if I lose my license after I get it?
You can replace a lost or damaged license at any DMV office. Bring your proof of identity and residency, and pay a replacement fee of around $15. The DMV will issue a new license on the spot or mail it to you within a few days.