What you need to get a Virginia driver's license

Virginia issues a standard driver's license to anyone who passes a written test, vision screening, and driving test. You'll need to bring proof of identity, proof of Virginia residency, proof of your Social Security number, and a completed process (Form DL-44) to the Department of Motor Vehicles. If you're under 18, you'll also need a parent or guardian's signature on the process.

The specific documents that count as proof vary. For identity, Virginia accepts a valid passport, military ID, or an out-of-state driver's license. For residency, you can use a utility bill, lease agreement, bank statement, or mortgage document dated within the last 60 days. Your Social Security card itself, a W-2, or a tax return all work as proof of your Social Security number.

If you don't have a Social Security number, you can still get a license, but you'll need to explore in person and bring additional documentation. Virginia will issue you a license marked as not valid for federal purposes — meaning you can't use it to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building, but you can drive legally in Virginia and other states.

Key Takeaways

  • You need proof of identity, Virginia residency, your Social Security number, and a completed process form to get a Virginia driver's license.
  • The written test covers Virginia traffic laws and road signs; you can study using the official Virginia DMV manual available online.
  • You must pass a vision screening and a practical driving test before the DMV issues your license.
  • A standard Virginia driver's license is valid for eight years if you're over 21, and five years if you're under 21.
  • If you're moving to Virginia from another state, you can exchange your current license for a Virginia one without retaking the tests, though you'll still need to pass the vision screening.

The written test and what it covers

The Virginia written test has 35 questions, and you need to answer at least 28 correctly to pass. The test covers Virginia traffic laws, road signs, right-of-way rules, and safe driving practices. You can take the test in English or Spanish, and the DMV provides a study guide online at dmvnow.com that covers every topic on the exam.

You can retake the test if you fail, but you'll have to pay the test fee again. Most people pass on their first attempt if they study the official manual for a few hours. The DMV doesn't require you to study a certain amount of time — you just need to show up and pass.

Vision screening and the driving test

After you pass the written test, you'll take a vision screening at the DMV. You need to see at least 20/40 in each eye with or without glasses or contacts. If you wear corrective lenses, your license will be marked with a restriction requiring you to wear them while driving.

Next comes the practical driving test, which lasts about 20 minutes. A DMV examiner will sit in the car with you and watch you perform basic driving tasks: starting the car, turning, stopping, parking, and following traffic laws. You'll drive on local roads, not a closed course. The examiner is looking for safe driving habits, not perfection — minor mistakes won't fail you, but unsafe moves like running a red light or hitting a curb will.

You can take the driving test in your own car or a DMV-provided vehicle. If you use your own car, it must be registered, insured, and in safe working condition. Many people bring a parent or trusted driver to the appointment to help them get to the DMV, then use that person's car for the test.

How long it takes and where to go

The entire process — written test, vision screening, and driving test — usually takes two to three hours at the DMV office. You'll need to make an appointment online at dmvnow.com or by calling 1-866-368-5463. Walk-ins are not accepted at most locations, and wait times for appointments vary by region.

Virginia has DMV offices in every county and city. You can go to any office in the state, but most people choose the one closest to home. Some offices are busier than others; rural offices often have shorter wait times than urban ones.

After you pass all three parts of the test, the DMV will issue your license on the spot. You'll receive a temporary paper license that's valid for 30 days while your plastic card is printed and mailed to you. The plastic card usually arrives within two weeks.

Cost and license validity

A Virginia driver's license costs $32 for an eight-year license if you're 21 or older, or $22 for a five-year license if you're under 21. These fees cover the written test, vision screening, driving test, and the license itself. If you fail a test and retake it, you'll pay the test fee again, which is included in the overall cost.

Your license is valid for the full term printed on it — eight years or five years — unless you renew it early or it's suspended. Virginia does not require you to renew your license in person; you can renew by mail or online if you're not changing your address or photo.

If you're moving to Virginia from another state

If you already have a valid driver's license from another state, you don't have to retake the written and driving tests. You can exchange your current license for a Virginia one by visiting a DMV office with your out-of-state license, proof of Virginia residency, and proof of your Social Security number. You'll still need to pass the vision screening.

The exchange process takes about 30 minutes and costs $32 for an eight-year license. Your new Virginia license will have the same expiration date as your old one, so you won't lose time on your license term. If your out-of-state license has already expired, you'll need to retake the full test process as if you were a new driver.

Real ID and what it means for your Virginia license

Virginia offers both a standard driver's license and a Real ID-compliant license. A Real ID license has a gold star in the upper right corner and meets federal standards for identification. Starting May 7, 2025, you'll need a Real ID license or another federally accepted ID to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building.

Getting a Real ID license costs the same as a standard license ($32 for eight years), but you'll need to bring additional documents to prove your identity and residency. Specifically, you'll need an original or certified copy of your birth certificate, a passport, or a military discharge paper. The extra documents are required by federal law, not by Virginia.

If you already have a Virginia driver's license and want to upgrade to Real ID, you can do so at any DMV office. You don't have to wait for your current license to expire. Many people upgrade when they renew or when they need to fly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a Virginia driver's license if I don't have a Social Security number?

Yes. You can get a standard Virginia driver's license without a Social Security number, but you'll need to explore in person and bring an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) or a letter from the Social Security Administration stating you're not may be able to access for a number. Your license will be marked as not valid for federal purposes, but you can still drive legally in Virginia and other states.

What happens if I fail the driving test?

You can retake the driving test as many times as you need. Each retake costs the test fee again, which is included in the license fee. Most DMV offices let you schedule another test within a few days, though availability depends on how busy your local office is. There's no limit on how many times you can retake it.

Do I need to bring my Social Security card, or is a copy okay?

You don't need the card itself. The DMV accepts a W-2, tax return, or a letter from the Social Security Administration as proof of your number. If you do bring your card, bring the original, not a copy — the DMV will not accept photocopies of Social Security cards.

Can I take the written test in a language other than English?

Yes. Virginia offers the written test in Spanish and several other languages. When you schedule your appointment online or by phone, you can select your preferred language. The vision screening and driving test don't require language translation — the examiner will communicate with hand signals and basic directions.

How do I renew my Virginia driver's license?

You can renew online at dmvnow.com if you're not changing your address or photo, and your license hasn't been suspended. Online renewal costs $32 and takes about 10 minutes. If you need a new photo or are changing your address, you'll need to renew in person at a DMV office. You can also renew by mail by downloading the renewal form from dmvnow.com and mailing it with a check.