What you need to bring to the DMV

Virginia's Department of Motor Vehicles requires specific documents before you can get a driver's license. You will need proof of identity, proof of Virginia residency, and your Social Security number or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). The DMV will not issue a license without these three things.

For proof of identity, bring a valid passport, a certified birth certificate, a military ID, or a state ID card. If you are using a birth certificate, it must be a certified copy with the state seal — a photocopy will not work. For proof of residency, bring a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement showing your name and Virginia address. The document must be dated within the last 60 days.

If you do not have a Social Security number, bring your ITIN documentation. Bring the original documents or certified copies — the DMV will not accept photocopies of identity or birth certificates. You will also need to bring your current out-of-state driver's license if you have one, or a learner's permit if you are explore for your first license.

Key Takeaways

  • You must bring a certified birth certificate or passport, proof of Virginia residency dated within 60 days, and your Social Security number or ITIN to the DMV in person.
  • The written test covers Virginia traffic laws and road signs, and you can study using the free Virginia Driver's Manual available on the DMV website.
  • The road test takes about 20 minutes and tests basic driving skills like parking, turning, and stopping — you must use a vehicle registered in Virginia.
  • Processing times vary by location; some DMV offices have same-day service while others require an appointment weeks in advance.
  • If you already hold a valid driver's license from another state, you may not need to take the written test again, depending on how long you have held it.

Taking the written test

Before you can take the road test, you must pass Virginia's written knowledge test. The test has 35 questions covering traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You need to answer at least 28 questions correctly to pass. The test is offered in English and Spanish, and the DMV provides a free study guide called the Virginia Driver's Manual on its website.

You can take the written test at any DMV office. Bring your documents, pay the test fee (which varies but is typically under $20), and the DMV will administer the test on a computer. You will receive your score when ready. If you fail, you can retake the test the same day or come back later — there is no waiting period between attempts.

If you hold a valid driver's license from another state and have held it for at least two years, Virginia may waive the written test. Ask the DMV staff when you arrive whether you may have access to for this waiver. If you do not may have access to, you will take the standard test.

Scheduling and taking the road test

After you pass the written test, you must schedule a road test appointment. Some DMV offices allow you to book the appointment when ready after passing the written test. Other offices require you to call ahead or book online through the Virginia DMV website. Road test wait times vary significantly — some locations have appointments available within days, while others may have a wait of several weeks.

For the road test, you must bring a vehicle that is registered in Virginia, has valid insurance, and has passed Virginia's safety inspection. The vehicle must have working brakes, lights, wipers, and mirrors. You cannot use a rental car or a vehicle registered out of state. Bring your learner's permit or written test passing certificate, your documents, and your Social Security card or ITIN documentation.

The road test lasts about 20 minutes. The examiner will ask you to perform basic driving tasks: starting the vehicle, turning, stopping, backing up, and parking. You must follow traffic laws and the examiner's directions. If you fail, you can retake the test, but you will need to schedule another appointment and pay another fee.

Paying fees and getting your license

Virginia charges separate fees for the written test, the road test, and the license itself. The written test fee is typically $15 to $20. The road test fee is typically $20 to $25. The license fee depends on how long you want it to be valid — a four-year license costs less than an eight-year license. Bring a debit card, credit card, or cash; not all DMV offices accept all payment methods, so call ahead if you are unsure.

After you pass the road test, the DMV will issue your license the same day or within a few days, depending on the office. You will receive a temporary paper license to use while your physical card is being printed. The physical license will arrive by mail within two to three weeks. If you need the license sooner, some DMV offices offer expedited printing for an additional fee.

Finding your local DMV office and making an appointment

Virginia has DMV offices in most cities and counties. You can find the office nearest you and check its hours on the Virginia DMV website. Some offices operate by appointment only, while others accept walk-ins. During busy times, walk-in wait times can exceed two hours. Booking an appointment online or by phone usually reduces your wait time significantly.

To make an appointment, visit the Virginia DMV website and select your preferred office and date. You will receive a confirmation with your appointment time. Arrive 10 to 15 minutes early with all required documents. If you cannot keep your appointment, cancel it online so someone else can use that time slot.

If you are moving to Virginia from another state

If you already hold a valid driver's license from another state, you do not have to wait until your current license expires to get a Virginia license. You can exchange it at any time. Bring your out-of-state license, proof of Virginia residency, and your Social Security number or ITIN. You will not need to take the written test if you have held your out-of-state license for at least two years, but you will still need to take the road test unless Virginia has a reciprocal agreement with your previous state.

Virginia has reciprocal agreements with several states that waive the road test for drivers with valid licenses from those states. These agreements change, so ask the DMV staff whether your state qualifies. If it does, you can receive your Virginia license without taking the road test. If it does not, you will follow the same process as a first-time driver.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take the written test online or by mail?

No. Virginia requires you to take the written test in person at a DMV office. You cannot take it online, by mail, or at a third-party location. You must bring your documents and take the test on a computer at the DMV.

What happens if I fail the road test?

You can retake the road test as many times as you need. You will have to schedule another appointment and pay another test fee. There is no limit on the number of attempts. Most people pass on their second or third try.

Do I need a learner's permit before I take the road test?

No. If you pass the written test, you can schedule the road test when ready without a separate learner's permit. However, some people choose to get a learner's permit first to practice driving with a licensed adult before taking the road test.

How long is a Virginia driver's license valid?

Virginia offers four-year and eight-year licenses. A four-year license costs less but expires sooner. An eight-year license costs more but lasts longer. You choose which option you want when you pay the license fee. Licenses expire on your birthday in the year they are set to expire.

What if I do not have a Social Security number?

You can use an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead. Bring your ITIN documentation to the DMV along with your other required documents. The process is the same as for someone with a Social Security number.