How to Change Your Driver's License to Virginia

What You Need to Do to Switch to a Virginia License

To change your driver's license to Virginia, you must surrender your current out-of-state license and pass Virginia's written test and vision screening. You cannot straightforward renew an out-of-state license while living in Virginia — the state requires you to obtain a Virginia license within a set timeframe after establishing residency. The process involves visiting a DMV customer service center in person, bringing specific documents that prove your identity and Virginia address, and paying the conversion fee.

Virginia does not offer reciprocal agreements that waive the written test for drivers from other states. Even if you hold a valid license from another state, you will take the same knowledge test as a first-time driver. However, Virginia will not charge you a road test fee if your out-of-state license is current and valid — you skip the driving portion.

Key Takeaways

You must visit a DMV customer service center in person; Virginia does not process license conversions by mail or online.
Bring proof of identity (passport, birth certificate, or state ID), proof of Virginia residency (utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement), and your current out-of-state license.
You will take Virginia's written knowledge test but will not take a road test if your out-of-state license is valid and not expired.
The fee for a Virginia driver's license is $24 for an eight-year license or $16 for a five-year license, depending on your age and license type.
You have a grace period to convert your license after moving to Virginia, but delaying past that window can result in driving without a valid Virginia license.

Timeline for Converting Your License After Moving to Virginia

Virginia law requires you to obtain a Virginia driver's license within a specific timeframe after you establish residency in the state. If you move to Virginia and plan to stay, you cannot continue driving on an out-of-state license indefinitely. The exact important date depends on your license type and when it expires, but the general rule is that you must convert within 60 days of establishing residency or before your out-of-state license expires, whichever comes first.

If your out-of-state license is still valid and not yet expired, you can drive legally on it during this grace period. Once that period ends or your license expires, you must have a Virginia license to drive legally in the state. Driving without a valid Virginia license after the important date can result in a traffic violation and fines.

Documents You Must Bring to the DMV

Virginia requires you to bring original documents or certified copies — photocopies alone will not be accepted. You need one document that proves your identity, at least one document that proves your Virginia residency, and your current out-of-state driver's license.

For proof of identity, bring one of these:

U.S. passport or passport card
Birth certificate (original or certified copy)
State ID card from another state
Military ID or dependent ID
Permanent resident card (green card)

For proof of Virginia residency, bring one of these dated within the past 60 days:

Utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet)
Lease agreement or rental agreement
Mortgage statement or property tax bill
Bank or credit card statement
Insurance policy (auto, home, or renter's)
Pay stub from a Virginia employer

Bring your current out-of-state driver's license as well. If you have changed your name since your out-of-state license was issued, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order).

The Written Test and Vision Screening

Virginia's written knowledge test covers road signs, traffic laws, safe driving practices, and Virginia-specific regulations. The test has 35 questions, and you must answer at least 28 correctly to pass. You can take the test in English or Spanish. The DMV provides study materials on its website, and many people use the official Virginia Driver's Manual to prepare.

You will also take a vision screening at the DMV. The screener will check your visual acuity and peripheral vision. If you wear glasses or contacts to drive, you must wear them during the screening. If you fail the vision test, you will not be able to obtain your license until you pass a vision exam from an eye care professional and bring the results to the DMV.

If you fail the written test on your first attempt, you can retake it the same day or return on another day. There is no additional fee for retakes. Most people pass on the first or second attempt if they study the Virginia Driver's Manual beforehand.

Fees and License Validity Period

The fee for a Virginia driver's license depends on your age and how long you want the license to be valid. A standard eight-year license costs $24 and is available to drivers ages 21 and older. A five-year license costs $16 and is available to all ages. Drivers under 21 receive a different license type with different fees and restrictions.

Virginia does not prorate fees based on when you convert your license during the year. You pay the full fee regardless of whether you convert in January or December. Payment is made at the DMV customer service center when you submit your process. Virginia accepts cash, check, debit card, and credit card.

Your new Virginia license will be mailed to the address you provide at the DMV within 7 to 10 business days. You will receive a temporary paper license at the DMV that you can use to drive legally while you wait for the plastic card to arrive.

Finding a DMV Customer Service Center and Scheduling

Virginia has DMV customer service centers in most major cities and counties. You can find the location nearest you on the Virginia DMV website by entering your city or ZIP code. Not all locations offer all services, so confirm that the center you plan to visit handles driver's license conversions before you go.

You can schedule an appointment online through the Virginia DMV website or by calling 1-866-DMV-LINE (1-866-368-5463). Scheduling an appointment is not required but is strongly recommended because walk-in wait times can exceed two hours, especially in urban areas. Appointments are typically available within one to two weeks of your preferred date.

Bring all required documents in a single folder or envelope so you do not misplace anything while waiting. Arrive at least 10 minutes early. If you do not have all required documents, the DMV will not process your process and you will have to return on another day.

What Happens If Your Out-of-State License Is Expired or Suspended

If your out-of-state license is already expired, you cannot use it as proof that you are a valid driver. Virginia will treat you as a new driver and require you to pass both the written test and a road test. You will also need to pay the full license fee and follow the same process as someone obtaining a license for the first time.

If your out-of-state license is suspended or revoked, Virginia will not issue you a license until the suspension is lifted in your home state. You must contact the DMV in your previous state to resolve the suspension, obtain written confirmation that it has been cleared, and bring that confirmation to the Virginia DMV. Driving in Virginia without a valid license while your previous license is suspended is a criminal offense.

If you are unsure whether your out-of-state license is in good standing, contact the DMV in your previous state before you visit Virginia's DMV. This prevents wasted trips and delays in obtaining your Virginia license.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to take a road test to convert my license to Virginia?

No, if your out-of-state license is current and valid. Virginia waives the road test for drivers converting from another state as long as their previous license is not expired or suspended. You will still take the written knowledge test and vision screening.

Can I convert my license online or by mail?

No. Virginia requires you to appear in person at a DMV customer service center. You must take the vision screening and written test in person, and you must sign your process in front of a DMV employee.

What if I move to Virginia but keep my out-of-state license because I plan to move again soon?

Virginia law requires you to obtain a Virginia license if you establish residency in the state, regardless of your plans to move later. Establishing residency means living in Virginia with the intent to remain, which includes having a lease, owning property, or registering to vote. Continuing to drive on an out-of-state license after the conversion important date is a violation.

How long does it take to get my Virginia license after I pass the test?

You receive a temporary paper license at the DMV that is valid for 30 days. Your plastic license card is mailed to your address within 7 to 10 business days. You can drive legally on the temporary license while you wait for the card to arrive.

What if I fail the written test?

You can retake the test when ready or schedule another appointment for a later date. There is no additional fee for retakes. Most people pass after studying the Virginia Driver's Manual, which is available free on the DMV website.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.