What you need to do to get a Virginia driver's license

To get a Virginia driver's license, you visit your local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office with proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of your Social Security number. You pass a written knowledge test and a driving skills test, then pay the fee. The whole process takes a few weeks from start to finish, though you can get a temporary permit to drive while you wait for your card to arrive in the mail.

Virginia issues licenses to people 16 and older. If you are under 18, you start with a learner's permit, hold it for at least 15 days, then take the road test. If you are 18 or older, you can go straight to the full license if you already have a valid out-of-state license or a learner's permit from another state — you may skip the written test. If you have never held a license anywhere, you take both tests.

Key Takeaways

  • You must bring original documents proving your identity, Virginia residency, and Social Security number to your DMV appointment.
  • Minors under 18 must get a learner's permit first, wait at least 15 days, then pass a road test; adults 18 and over can test for a full license when ready if they have held a license elsewhere.
  • The written test covers Virginia traffic laws and road signs; the road test is conducted by a DMV examiner at your local office.
  • Virginia charges different fees for learner's permits, regular licenses, and REAL ID licenses, and your license is valid for five or eight years depending on your age when you explore.
  • You can drive on a temporary permit while waiting for your physical card, but only within the rules printed on that permit.

Documents you must bring to the DMV

Bring one document that proves your identity — a passport, a certified birth certificate, a military ID, or a foreign national ID card all work. If you use a birth certificate, it must be certified (not a photocopy) and must show your full name and date of birth.

Bring two documents that prove you live in Virginia. A utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your current address works. They must be dated within the last 60 days. A driver's license from another state does not count as proof of residency, even if it shows a Virginia address.

Bring proof of your Social Security number. Your Social Security card itself, a W-2 form, a tax return, or a 1099 form all work. If you do not have a Social Security number, you can bring a letter from the Social Security Administration stating that you are not may be able to access for one.

If you are under 18, bring a parent or guardian with you. They must bring their own ID and sign the process. If you are explore for a REAL ID license (the kind with a gold star), bring your original birth certificate or passport, not just a copy.

How to get a learner's permit if you are under 18

Visit your local DMV office with the documents listed above. Tell the staff you want a learner's permit. You will take a written test on Virginia traffic laws and road signs — it covers things like speed limits, right-of-way rules, parking, and what different signs mean. You need to pass with a score of at least 80 percent. If you fail, you can retake it the same day or come back another day.

Once you pass the written test, you pay the fee and receive a temporary learner's permit on paper. Your physical card arrives in the mail within two to three weeks. You can start driving with the temporary permit right away, but only with a licensed adult 21 or older in the front passenger seat.

You must hold your learner's permit for at least 15 days before you can take the road test. During that time, you practice driving with a supervising adult. There is no minimum number of hours required, but Virginia recommends at least 60 hours of practice, with at least 10 of those at night.

How to take the road test and get your full license

After you have held your learner's permit for at least 15 days, schedule a road test appointment at your local DMV office. You can book online through the Virginia DMV website or call your office directly. Wait times vary by location — some offices have openings within a week, others may have a wait of several weeks.

On the day of your test, bring your learner's permit, proof of insurance, and the vehicle you will be tested in. The vehicle must be registered in Virginia, have valid tags, and pass a safety inspection — the examiner will check the brakes, lights, windshield wipers, and horn. Bring a licensed adult if you are under 18; they do not sit in the car but must be present at the office.

The examiner takes you on a 15- to 20-minute drive through your local area. You will demonstrate basic skills: starting the car, turning, stopping, parking, and following traffic laws. The examiner is looking for safe driving, not perfect driving — minor mistakes do not fail you, but unsafe moves like running a red light or hitting a curb do.

If you pass, you pay the license fee and receive a temporary permit to drive on while your physical license card is mailed to you. If you fail, you can retake the test, usually within a few days. There is no limit to how many times you can retake it.

If you are 18 or older and have a license from another state

Bring your out-of-state license, proof of Virginia residency, and proof of your Social Security number to your local DMV office. You do not take the written test — Virginia honors valid licenses from other states. You do take a road test unless your out-of-state license has been valid for at least one year and you have no serious violations on your driving record.

If you do take the road test, the process is the same as for minors: a 15- to 20-minute drive with an examiner, testing basic skills and safe driving. Once you pass (or if you are waived from the test), you pay the fee and receive your temporary permit and physical card in the mail.

If your out-of-state license has expired, you may still transfer it without retaking the written test, but you will need to pass the road test. Check with your local DMV office about your specific situation.

Virginia driver's license fees and validity periods

A learner's permit costs $12 and is valid for one year. You can renew it once for another year if you have not yet passed your road test.

A regular driver's license costs $24 if you are under 21, or $32 if you are 21 or older. The license is valid for five years if you are under 21, or eight years if you are 21 or older.

A REAL ID license costs $34 if you are under 21, or $42 if you are 21 or older. It is valid for the same periods as a regular license. A REAL ID has a gold star in the upper right corner and is required to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building after May 7, 2025.

You can pay by cash, debit card, or credit card at the DMV. Some offices accept checks. If you are renewing by mail, you can pay by check or money order.

What to do if you fail the written or road test

If you fail the written test, you can retake it the same day or schedule another appointment. There is no waiting period between attempts. Each retake costs the same as the original test.

If you fail the road test, you can usually schedule another test within a few days. Some offices let you retake it the same day if there is an opening. Each retake costs the same as the original test. You do not need to retake the written test or get a new learner's permit — your current permit remains valid.

If you fail multiple times, consider taking a driver's education course. Virginia does not require it, but many people find it helpful. Some courses include professional instruction and practice time, which can improve your chances of passing.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes. Bring a letter from the Social Security Administration stating that you are not may be able to access for a number. You will still need to provide proof of identity and Virginia residency. If you are a non-citizen, bring your passport or visa along with your identity document.

How long does it take to get my physical license card in the mail?

Virginia typically mails your card within two to three weeks of your appointment. You receive a temporary permit on paper that day, which you can use to drive when ready. If your card does not arrive within four weeks, contact your local DMV office.

Do I need to take a road test if I transfer my license from another state?

Not if your out-of-state license has been valid for at least one year and you have no serious violations. If your license is newer than one year or you have violations, you will need to pass a road test. Call your local DMV office with your license details to confirm.

What happens if I move to a different Virginia address after I get my license?

You must update your address within 30 days. You can do this online through the Virginia DMV website, by mail, or in person at your local office. There is no fee for an address change. Your current license remains valid.

Can I get a REAL ID license instead of a regular license?

Yes. Tell the DMV staff you want a REAL ID when you explore. Bring your original birth certificate or passport in addition to your other documents. The fee is higher than a regular license, but the card looks the same except for a gold star. You need a REAL ID to fly domestically or enter federal buildings starting May 7, 2025.