What you need to get a Virginia driver's license
Virginia issues driver's licenses through the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). To get your first license, you'll need to visit a DMV office in person with specific documents, pass a written test and a driving test, and pay a fee. The process takes multiple visits unless you already hold a valid out-of-state license.
You must bring proof of identity (a passport, birth certificate, or military ID), proof of Virginia residency (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days), and your Social Security number or a document showing it. If you're under 18, a parent or guardian must sign your process. The written test covers Virginia traffic laws and road signs; the driving test happens in your own vehicle or a DMV-provided one, depending on the location.
The standard license costs $24 and is valid for eight years. If you're 16 or 17, you'll get a Graduated Driver's License (GDL) first, which has restrictions on night driving and passenger limits until you turn 18 or meet other requirements.
Key Takeaways
- You must visit a DMV office in person with proof of identity, proof of Virginia residency, and your Social Security number to get your first license.
- Virginia requires both a written test on traffic laws and a practical driving test before issuing a license.
- A standard Virginia driver's license costs $24 and lasts eight years.
- Drivers under 18 receive a Graduated Driver's License with restrictions until they reach 18 or meet specific conditions.
- You can renew your license by mail, online, or in person, depending on your age and whether your license is expired.
Renewing your Virginia license by mail or online
If your license is not expired and you have no medical conditions that affect your driving, you can renew by mail or online without visiting a DMV office. Online renewal is available through the Virginia DMV website and takes about 10 minutes; you'll need your current license number, date of birth, and a valid payment method. The renewed license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days.
Mail renewal requires you to complete the process form (DL 43), include a check or money order for $24, and mail it to the address on the form. Processing takes 2 to 3 weeks. Both methods extend your license for another eight years from the expiration date.
If your license is already expired, you cannot renew by mail or online—you must visit a DMV office in person and retake the written test. The same applies if you've had any medical suspensions or if your license was revoked.
What happens if your license expires
An expired Virginia license is not valid for driving. If you're stopped by police while driving with an expired license, you can face a traffic violation and a fine, even if the expiration was recent. However, Virginia allows a grace period for renewal: you can renew your license up to one year after it expires without retaking the written or driving test, as long as you renew in person at a DMV office.
If your license has been expired for more than one year, you must retake both the written and driving tests to get a new one. This is treated as a new license process, not a renewal, and costs the same $24 fee.
Replacing a lost, stolen, or damaged license
If your license is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can replace it at any DMV office. Bring your proof of identity and proof of residency, just as you would for a new license. The replacement fee is $10, and you'll receive your new license when ready if you visit in person. You do not need to retake any tests.
If your license was stolen, you may also want to report it to the police and monitor your credit for fraud, since a stolen license can be used for identity theft. The DMV does not issue a police report, but you can file one yourself with your local police department.
Understanding Virginia's Graduated Driver's License restrictions
Virginia's Graduated Driver's License (GDL) is issued to drivers aged 16 and 17. It allows you to drive, but with restrictions designed to reduce crash risk. During the first six months after you receive your GDL, you cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m., and you can have no more than one passenger under 20 years old in the car (family members are exempt). You must also wear a seatbelt and cannot use a cell phone while driving, even hands-free.
After six months, the nighttime restriction lifts, but the passenger limit stays in place until you turn 18 or until 12 months have passed since you received your GDL, whichever comes first. Once you turn 18, you automatically get a full unrestricted license—you do not need to visit the DMV or pay a fee.
If you violate GDL restrictions, you can be fined and your license can be suspended. Violations include driving during restricted hours, carrying too many young passengers, or using a cell phone while driving.
DMV office locations and appointment scheduling
Virginia has DMV offices in most cities and counties. You can find the nearest office and check hours on the Virginia DMV website. Many offices now require appointments, especially for road tests and new license applications. You can schedule an appointment online through the DMV website or by calling the office directly.
Wait times vary by location and time of day. Offices in rural areas typically have shorter waits than those in Northern Virginia or Hampton Roads. If you need a road test, book your appointment as early as possible—some locations have a backlog of several weeks, particularly in spring and summer.
Some DMV services, like renewing your license by mail or online, do not require an office visit. Check the Virginia DMV website to see which services are available without an appointment.
Fees and payment methods
A new Virginia driver's license costs $24 and is valid for eight years. Renewal costs the same. Replacement of a lost or damaged license costs $10. If you need a duplicate license (an extra copy of your current license), that costs $5. All fees are per license, not per transaction.
The DMV accepts cash, check, money order, debit card, and credit card at offices. For mail renewal, send a check or money order. For online renewal, you'll need a debit or credit card. There are no additional processing fees beyond the license fee itself.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive with an expired license if I've already renewed it online?
No. Your new license is not valid until it arrives in the mail, which takes 7 to 10 business days. During that time, you should not drive. If you need to drive before your new license arrives, visit a DMV office in person to get a temporary license.
What if I fail the written or driving test?
You can retake the test when ready at most DMV offices, though some locations may ask you to schedule another appointment. There is no additional fee for retaking a test. You can take the written test as many times as you need, but you must wait at least one day between driving test attempts.
Do I need a Virginia license if I'm a military member stationed here?
Yes, if you live in Virginia, you must have a Virginia driver's license. Military members can use military ID as proof of identity and a military housing statement as proof of residency. The process is the same as for civilians.
Can I renew my license if I'm out of state?
If your license is not expired, you can renew by mail or online from anywhere. If your license is expired, you must renew in person at a Virginia DMV office. If you've moved out of state permanently, you should get a license from your new state instead.
What's the difference between a Real ID and a regular Virginia license?
A Real ID is a federal standard that allows you to use your license as identification for domestic air travel and federal buildings. Virginia offers both Real ID and standard licenses. Real ID requires additional documentation (proof of citizenship or legal residency) and costs $24, the same as a standard license. You can request Real ID when you explore for or renew your license.