What you need to bring to the DMV
Virginia's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) requires you to bring specific documents in person. You cannot complete this entirely by mail or online — you must visit a DMV office to have your identity verified and take a photo.
Bring one document that proves your identity and one that proves your Virginia residency. For identity, the DMV accepts a valid passport, a birth certificate with a raised seal, a military ID, or a permanent resident card. For residency, bring a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your current Virginia address — it must be dated within the last 60 days.
You will also need to bring your Social Security number (written down or memorized) and proof that you have a valid Social Security number. A Social Security card works, but so does a W-2 form, tax return, or a letter from the Social Security Administration. If you do not have a Social Security number, you can still get a Virginia license, but the process is different — call your local DMV office first to ask what documents they need.
Key Takeaways
- You must visit a DMV office in person with proof of identity, proof of Virginia residency dated within 60 days, and your Social Security number or proof of it.
- The written test covers Virginia traffic laws and road signs; you can study the official Virginia Driver's Manual online for free before you go.
- The vision test and road test happen on the same day as your written test if you pass, or you can schedule the road test separately after you pass the written portion.
- A standard Virginia driver's license costs $70 and is valid for eight years; you can renew it by mail or online before it expires.
- If you already have a valid license from another state, you do not have to take the written or road test again — bring your out-of-state license and the same identity and residency documents.
The written test and what it covers
The written test has 35 questions about Virginia 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 several other languages — ask at the DMV office which languages are available at your location.
The Virginia Driver's Manual is free and available on the DMV website. It covers everything the test asks about: speed limits, right-of-way rules, parking laws, what different road signs mean, and how to handle emergencies on the road. Most people study the manual for a few days before taking the test. You can take the test the same day you bring your documents, or you can schedule it for another day if you want more time to study.
If you fail the written test, you can retake it the same day at most DMV offices, though some locations may ask you to come back another time. There is no extra fee to retake the test.
The vision and road tests
The vision test checks whether you can see well enough to drive safely. You will read letters and numbers on a chart from a specific distance. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them — the test measures your vision with the correction you actually use while driving. If you fail the vision test, you will need to see an eye doctor and bring a vision correction form from them before you can get your license.
The road test is a 15- to 20-minute drive with a DMV examiner in your car. They watch how you handle basic driving tasks: starting the car, turning, stopping, parking, and following traffic laws. You must bring a vehicle that is registered, insured, and in safe working condition. The examiner will check the brakes, lights, windshield wipers, and horn before you drive. If you fail, you can retake it, but there is usually a waiting period — ask the examiner when you can schedule your next attempt.
If you pass the written test, you can take the road test the same day or schedule it for later. Many people schedule it for another day to have time to practice driving with someone who knows Virginia roads.
Cost and how long it takes
A standard Virginia driver's license costs $70 and is valid for eight years. If you are under 21, the license costs $70 and is valid for five years. You pay this fee when you pass all the tests and are ready to receive your license.
The entire process — from your first visit to the DMV through passing all tests — usually takes one to three weeks if you schedule your road test for a different day. If you take the written test and road test on the same day, you could have your license within a few hours, though you will still need to wait for the physical card to arrive by mail, which takes about two weeks.
You can check wait times at your local DMV office on the Virginia DMV website before you go. Some offices are busier than others, and you may be able to choose a less crowded time or location.
If you already have a license from another state
If you hold a valid driver's license from another state or country, you do not have to take the written or road test. Bring your current out-of-state license along with proof of identity, proof of Virginia residency, and your Social Security number. The DMV will convert your license to a Virginia license for the same $70 fee.
Your new Virginia license will have the same expiration date as your old one, unless your old license expires within the next 60 days. In that case, your Virginia license will be valid for eight years from the date you receive it.
Getting a learner's permit first
If you are a teenager or a new driver, you may want to get a learner's permit before taking the road test. A learner's permit lets you practice driving with a licensed adult in the car. To get a permit, you take the written test and pass the vision test, but you do not take the road test yet. A learner's permit costs $20 and is valid for one year.
With a learner's permit, you can practice driving on Virginia roads under supervision. You must follow certain rules: you cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m., you must have a licensed adult at least 21 years old in the front seat, and you cannot use a cell phone while driving. After you have practiced for a while, you can return to the DMV to take the road test and get your full license.
What to do if you lose your license or it gets damaged
If your Virginia license is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can get a replacement at any DMV office. Bring proof of identity and proof of residency, just as you did for your original license. A replacement license costs $20. You do not have to retake any tests.
If your license is stolen, you may also want to report it to local police, especially if you are concerned about identity theft. The police report is not required to get a replacement, but it creates a record in case someone tries to use your stolen license.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take the written test online or by mail?
No. You must take the written test in person at a DMV office. However, you can study the Virginia Driver's Manual online for free before you go, and you can schedule your test appointment online on the DMV website to avoid waiting in line.
What happens if I fail the road test?
You can retake it, but there is usually a waiting period between attempts — ask the examiner how long you must wait at your location. You do not have to retake the written test. There is a fee each time you take the road test, though the amount varies by location.
Do I need to bring my own car for the road test?
Yes. The car must be registered in Virginia, have current insurance, and be in safe working condition. The examiner will check the brakes, lights, wipers, and horn before you drive. If you do not own a car, you can borrow one from a friend or family member as long as it meets these requirements.
How do I renew my Virginia license before it expires?
You can renew by mail or online through the DMV website if your license is not suspended and you have not had any major changes to your information. If you need to renew in person, you can visit any DMV office. Renewal costs $70 for a standard eight-year license.
What if I moved to Virginia from another country?
You will need to take the written test and road test, just like someone with no license. Bring your passport or permanent resident card for identity, proof of Virginia residency, and your Social Security number or proof of it. If your passport is in a language other than English, bring it along with an English translation certified by a translator.