How to Get a Virginia Driver's License

What You Need Before You Go 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 pass the written test, vision screening, and photo. Bring your Social Security number, proof of identity, and proof of Virginia residency. If you're under 18, you'll also need a parent or guardian present.

Proof of identity can be a U.S. passport, passport card, birth certificate, military ID, or state ID from another state. Proof of residency can be a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days and showing your name and current Virginia address. If you don't have a Social Security number, bring a letter from the Social Security Administration stating you're not may be able to access.

You'll also need to bring the completed process form DL-44, which you can read from the Virginia DMV website or fill out at the office. Bring payment for the license fee — Virginia charges different amounts depending on your age and license type, so check the DMV website for the exact cost before you go.

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 a driver's license.
The DMV will give you a written test, vision screening, and take your photo at your appointment — you cannot do these steps online or by mail.
If you're under 18, a parent or guardian must be present with you at the DMV office.
You can schedule an appointment online through the Virginia DMV website to reduce wait times, though walk-ins are also accepted.
After you pass the test and vision screening, the DMV will issue your license on the spot or mail it to you within 10 business days.

Schedule an Appointment or Walk In

The Virginia DMV allows you to schedule an appointment online at dmvnow.com, which is faster than walking in without one. Go to the website, select your local DMV office, and choose an available time slot. You'll receive a confirmation number — bring it with you or have it ready on your phone when you arrive.

If you prefer to walk in without scheduling, DMV offices accept walk-in customers, but wait times vary by location and time of day. Offices are typically less crowded early in the morning on weekdays. Call your local DMV office before you go to ask about current wait times, or check the DMV website for real-time wait information at each location.

Pass the Written Test and Vision Screening

At your appointment, the DMV will administer a written test covering Virginia traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. The test has 35 questions, and you must answer at least 28 correctly to pass. You can request the test in languages other than English, including Spanish, Vietnamese, and others — ask the DMV staff when you arrive.

If you fail the written test, you can retake it the same day or schedule another appointment. There is no additional fee to retake the test. The DMV will also perform a vision screening to may support you can see well enough to drive safely. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them with you.

After you pass the written test and vision screening, the DMV will take your photo for your license. You cannot wear a hat, sunglasses, or head covering in the photo unless for religious reasons — ask the staff if you have questions about what's allowed.

Understand Restrictions for Drivers Under 18

If you're under 18, Virginia issues a Learner's Permit first, not a full driver's license. You must hold the permit for at least 9 months and 26 days before you can take the road test for a full license. During this time, you can only drive with a licensed adult 21 or older in the front seat.

After you've held the permit for the required time and completed a driver education course, you can schedule a road test at the DMV. The road test costs extra and takes about 20 minutes. You must pass this test to receive your full driver's license. If you fail, you can retake it, but there is an additional fee each time.

What Happens After You Pass

Once you pass the written test and vision screening, the DMV will issue your license when ready or mail it to you within 10 business days, depending on the office. Ask the staff which option applies to you. If they mail it, you'll receive it at the address you provided on your process.

Your Virginia driver's license is valid for five years if you're 21 or older, or until age 21 if you're under 18. You can renew it by mail, online, or in person before it expires. The DMV will send you a renewal notice in the mail about 60 days before your license expires.

Common Reasons Applications Are Delayed or Rejected

The DMV may delay processing your license if your documents don't match or if there's a problem with your Social Security number verification. Bring original documents, not copies, to avoid delays. If your name has changed due to marriage, divorce, or court order, bring the legal document proving the change.

If you have an outstanding traffic ticket, unpaid fine, or suspension on your driving record, the DMV may not issue your license until you resolve it. You can check your driving record on the Virginia DMV website before you go. If there's a problem, contact the court or DMV office listed on your record to clear it up first.

If you're moving to Virginia from another state and already have a valid driver's license, you can exchange it for a Virginia license without retaking the written test. Bring your current out-of-state license along with your proof of identity and residency.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a Virginia driver's license if I don't have a Social Security number?

Yes. Bring a letter from the Social Security Administration stating you're not may be able to access for a number, along with your other required documents. The DMV will process your license using an alternative identification number instead.

What if I fail the written test?

You can retake the test the same day at no additional cost, or schedule another appointment. There's no limit to how many times you can retake it. Many DMV offices have study materials available to help you prepare before your next attempt.

Do I need a road test if I already have a driver's license from another state?

No. If your out-of-state license is still valid, you can exchange it for a Virginia license without taking a written or road test. Bring your current license, proof of identity, and proof of Virginia residency to the DMV.

How long does it take to get my license after I pass the test?

The DMV issues your license when ready in some cases or mails it within 10 business days. Ask the staff at your appointment which applies to you. You'll receive a temporary paper license to use while you wait for the plastic card to arrive by mail.

What if I'm under 18 and my parent can't come to the DMV with me?

A parent or legal guardian must be present when you explore. If your parent cannot attend, ask them to sign a notarized consent form and bring it with you, though policies vary by DMV office. Call your local office to ask what documents they accept in place of a parent's physical presence.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.