What you need to get a Virginia driver's license
Virginia issues driver's licenses through the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). To get one, you must visit a DMV office in person, bring specific documents, pass a written test and a driving test, and pay the fee. You cannot complete this process online or by mail — Virginia requires you to appear for the vision screening and driving exam.
The documents you need depend on whether you are a new resident, a first-time driver, or renewing an expired license. All applicants must bring proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, and proof of Virginia residency. Acceptable documents vary — a U.S. passport works for identity, a Social Security card or W-2 works for your number, and a utility bill or lease in your name works for residency.
If you are under 18, you also need a signed consent form from a parent or guardian, and you must complete a driver education course before you can take the driving test. If you are 18 or older and have never held a license in any state, you still need to pass both the written and driving tests, but you do not need the education course.
Key Takeaways
- You must visit a Virginia DMV office in person with proof of identity, Social Security number, and residency to get or renew a license.
- First-time drivers must pass a written test and a driving test; renewal applicants may renew by mail or online if their license is not expired more than one year.
- Drivers under 18 must complete a driver education course and have a parent or guardian sign a consent form before taking the driving test.
- Virginia licenses are valid for five years for drivers 18 and older, and two years for drivers under 18.
- You can check wait times and book an appointment at a specific DMV office on the Virginia DMV website before you go.
Steps to get a Virginia driver's license for the first time
Start by gathering your documents: a valid passport, birth certificate, or other proof of identity; your Social Security card or a document showing your number; and proof you live in Virginia, such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. Bring the originals — photocopies are not accepted.
Next, visit the Virginia DMV website and schedule an appointment at your nearest office. Walk-ins are accepted but wait times can be two to four hours, especially in urban areas. When you arrive, you will take a written test covering road signs, traffic laws, and safe driving practices. The test has 35 questions and you must answer at least 28 correctly to pass.
If you pass the written test, you will schedule a driving test. This usually happens the same day or within a few days, depending on the office. During the driving test, an examiner will ride with you in your own vehicle and evaluate your ability to start, stop, turn, park, and follow traffic laws. You must bring a vehicle that is registered, insured, and in safe working condition.
Once you pass both tests, you pay the fee — currently $24 for a five-year license if you are 18 or older — and receive your license the same day. The license is valid for five years from the date of issue.
Renewing a Virginia driver's license by mail or online
If your license is not yet expired or expired less than one year ago, you can renew it without visiting a DMV office. Virginia allows renewal by mail or through the DMV website if you meet certain conditions: your license must have been valid when it expired, you must have no medical or vision restrictions, and you must not have any outstanding violations or suspensions.
To renew online, go to the Virginia DMV website, enter your license number and date of birth, and follow the prompts. You will pay the renewal fee online using a credit or debit card. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days. This option is the fastest and requires no visit to an office.
To renew by mail, read the renewal form from the DMV website or pick one up at any DMV office, fill it out, and mail it with a check or money order to the address listed on the form. Include a copy of your current license. Mail renewal takes 2 to 3 weeks from the date the DMV receives your form.
If your license expired more than one year ago, you cannot renew by mail or online — you must visit a DMV office and retake the written and driving tests as if you were a new driver.
What happens if your Virginia license expires while you are out of state
If you are stationed overseas with the military or living temporarily outside Virginia, you can request a one-year extension before your license expires. Contact the DMV by phone or mail at least 30 days before your expiration date and explain your situation. The DMV will issue an extension that allows you to renew by mail or online when you return, even if the original license has expired.
If your license has already expired and you are out of state, you must renew in person at a Virginia DMV office when you return. There is no grace period — an expired license cannot be used to drive legally, even if you are in the process of moving back.
Virginia's graduated licensing system for drivers under 18
Virginia uses a three-stage system for young drivers. The first stage is the Learner's Permit, which you can get at age 15 and 6 months. With a permit, you can drive only when a licensed driver 21 or older is in the front passenger seat. You cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m., and you must follow all traffic laws. You must hold the permit for at least 9 months and 10 days before you can move to the next stage.
The second stage is the Restricted License, available at age 16 and 3 months if you have held your permit long enough. With a restricted license, you can drive alone during the day, but you cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m. unless a licensed driver 21 or older is with you. You must hold this license for at least 6 months.
The third stage is the Full License, available at age 17. Once you reach 17, your restrictions are lifted and you can drive at any time. If you are under 18, you must wear a seat belt and cannot use a cell phone while driving, even hands-free.
Fees and license validity periods in Virginia
A five-year driver's license for someone 18 or older costs $24. A two-year license for someone under 18 costs $16. These fees are current as of 2024 but may change — check the Virginia DMV website before you visit to confirm the exact amount.
Licenses for drivers 18 and older are valid for five years from the date of issue. Licenses for drivers under 18 are valid for two years, and they automatically convert to a five-year license when you turn 18 without requiring a renewal visit. If you change your name due to marriage or court order, you must visit a DMV office to update your license; this costs $10.
What to do if you lose your Virginia driver's license
If your license is lost or stolen, visit a DMV office and request a replacement. Bring proof of identity and proof of residency, the same documents you brought when you first got your license. The replacement fee is $15. You will receive a new license with the same number and expiration date as your original license on the same day.
If your license is stolen and you believe it could be used fraudulently, you can also file a report with the Virginia State Police or your local police department. This creates a record in case the license is used illegally, though it does not affect your replacement process at the DMV.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Virginia license if I moved out of state?
No. If you no longer live in Virginia, you must get a license from your new state. Virginia will not renew a license for someone who is not a resident. You can use your Virginia license to drive until it expires, but you cannot renew it once you move.
What if I fail the driving test?
You can retake the driving test. Most DMV offices allow you to schedule another test within a few days. You do not have to retake the written test unless more than 6 months have passed since you passed it the first time. There is no extra fee to retake the driving test.
Do I need to bring my Social Security card, or can I bring something else?
You do not have to bring the card itself. You can bring a W-2, tax return, or other document that shows your Social Security number. The DMV accepts any official document with your number on it.
How long does it take to get a Virginia driver's license after I pass the tests?
You receive your license the same day you pass both the written and driving tests. The DMV prints it on site before you leave the office. If you renew by mail or online, your new license arrives in 7 to 10 business days.
What if I have a medical condition that affects my driving?
Tell the DMV when you explore or renew. Depending on your condition, you may need a doctor's statement or a vision test. Some conditions result in restrictions on your license, such as "corrective lenses required" or "daylight driving only." The DMV will tell you what documentation you need.