What You Need Before You Go to the DMV
Virginia requires you to bring specific documents to prove your identity, residency, and Social Security number before the Department of Motor Vehicles will issue a license. You cannot complete this in one visit without the right paperwork — the DMV will turn you away if documents are missing, so gathering everything first saves a trip.
Start by collecting one document that proves who you are. A valid passport, military ID, or out-of-state driver's license all work. If you don't have any of those, a certified birth certificate plus a photo ID from a school or employer can substitute, though this combination takes longer to process.
Next, bring proof that you live in Virginia. A utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your current address works. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. A piece of mail from a government agency — tax return, court document, or voter registration card — also counts.
You will also need to show your Social Security number. Bring your Social Security card, W-2 form, or tax return. If you don't have any of these, you can sign an affidavit at the DMV, but this delays processing.
Key Takeaways
- Bring one photo ID (passport, military ID, or out-of-state license), one proof of Virginia residency dated within 60 days, and proof of your Social Security number before you visit the DMV.
- You must pass a vision test and a written knowledge test covering Virginia traffic laws at your DMV appointment.
- Scheduling an appointment online before you go reduces wait times significantly — walk-ins are accepted but may wait several hours.
- A standard Virginia driver's license costs $70 and is valid for eight years; renewal is available online if your address hasn't changed.
- If you are under 18, you must complete a driver education course and hold a learner's permit for at least 15 days before taking the road test.
Scheduling Your DMV Appointment
Virginia's DMV lets you book an appointment online at dmvnow.com, which is faster than walking in without one. You select your local DMV office, choose a date and time, and receive a confirmation number by email. Bring that confirmation number when you arrive.
If you don't book ahead, you can still go to any DMV office during business hours and take a number. However, wait times for walk-ins often run two to four hours, especially on weekdays between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. Mornings before 10 a.m. and late afternoons tend to move faster.
Some DMV offices are busier than others. If you live near multiple offices, calling ahead to ask which one has shorter wait times can save you time. The DMV phone line is 1-866-DMV-LINE (1-866-368-5463).
Passing the Vision and Knowledge Tests
At your appointment, a DMV examiner will first check your vision using a machine that reads how well you see at different distances. You must see at least 20/40 in each eye, with or without glasses or contacts. If you wear corrective lenses, wear them to the test. If you fail, you cannot get a license that day and must return after getting an eye exam from an optometrist or ophthalmologist.
Next comes the written knowledge test. You will answer 35 multiple-choice questions about Virginia traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving. You must score at least 28 correct (80 percent) to pass. The test is offered in English and several other languages. You can study using the Virginia Driver's Manual, which is free online at dmv.virginia.gov, or take practice tests on the same website.
If you fail the knowledge test, you can retake it the same day or schedule another appointment. There is no extra fee for retakes, but you must wait at least one day between attempts.
The Road Test and Driving Requirements
After you pass the written test, you schedule a separate appointment for the road test, which is a 20-minute drive with a DMV examiner. The examiner watches how you handle starting the car, turning, parking, stopping, and responding to traffic. You must bring a vehicle that is registered, insured, and in safe working condition. The vehicle's registration and proof of insurance must be in the car.
You need a valid learner's permit before you can take the road test. If you are 18 or older and have a valid out-of-state license, you can skip the learner's permit and go straight to the road test. If you are under 18, you must hold a learner's permit for at least 15 days, complete a driver education course, and have a licensed adult in the car during practice.
Road test appointments fill up weeks in advance, especially in urban areas. Book yours as soon as you pass the written test. If you fail the road test, you can retake it after waiting at least one week. There is a $15 fee for each road test attempt.
Getting Your License After You Pass
Once you pass the road test, the DMV issues your license on the spot. A standard Virginia driver's license is valid for eight years and costs $70. You will receive a temporary paper license that day and your plastic card by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
If you want a Real ID-compliant license (required for federal buildings and domestic flights after May 2025), the process is the same, but the card costs $75 instead of $70. Real ID licenses have a gold star in the upper right corner and are valid for eight years.
Your license will show your name, date of birth, address, eye color, and a photo taken at the DMV. If you wear glasses or contacts, wear them for the photo if you wear them while driving. The photo cannot be changed without renewing your license, so take a moment to look presentable.
Special Situations: Minors and Out-of-State Moves
If you are under 18, Virginia requires you to complete a driver education course before you can get a learner's permit. This course can be taken online or in person through a private driving school or your high school. After completing the course, you bring the completion certificate to the DMV along with your other documents.
With a learner's permit, you must practice driving for at least 15 days with a licensed adult who is at least 21 years old sitting in the front passenger seat. You cannot drive alone, and you cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m. After 15 days of practice, you can schedule your road test.
If you are moving to Virginia from another state and already have a valid driver's license, you do not need a learner's permit. You can go straight to scheduling a road test. Bring your out-of-state license, proof of Virginia residency, and proof of your Social Security number. The road test fee is $15, and your new Virginia license costs $70.
Renewing or Replacing Your License
Virginia licenses are valid for eight years. You can renew online at dmvnow.com if your address has not changed and your license is not expired by more than one year. Online renewal costs $70 and takes 7 to 10 business days. You do not need to visit an office or take another test.
If your license is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can replace it at any DMV office. Bring one form of ID and proof of residency. A replacement costs $20 and is issued the same day. If your address has changed since your license was issued, bring proof of your new address and pay $70 for a replacement with the updated information.
If your name has changed due to marriage, divorce, or legal name change, bring a certified copy of the document that proves the change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order) along with your current license and proof of residency. The fee is $70.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take the road test in a vehicle that is not registered in my name?
Yes. The vehicle must be registered, insured, and in safe working condition, but it does not have to be registered to you. Many people use a parent's or friend's car for the road test. Bring the vehicle's registration and proof of insurance in the car.
What happens if I fail the road test?
You can retake it after waiting at least one week. There is a $15 fee for each attempt. You keep your learner's permit and can continue practicing. There is no limit to how many times you can retake the test.
Do I need to take the written test again if I already have a license from another state?
No. If you have a valid out-of-state license, you skip the written test and learner's permit. You only take the road test. Bring your out-of-state license, proof of Virginia residency, and proof of your Social Security number.
How long does it take to get a Virginia driver's license from start to finish?
If you are 18 or older with an out-of-state license, you can get a license in one to two weeks: one appointment for the road test, then the plastic card arrives by mail. If you are under 18 or have no prior license, add at least 15 days for the learner's permit waiting period plus time for the driver education course.
Can I renew my license online if it has already expired?
You can renew online if your license expired less than one year ago. If it expired more than one year ago, you must visit a DMV office in person and retake the vision and written tests.