What you need to bring and where to go

To get a Virginia driver's license, you visit your local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office with proof of identity, proof of Virginia residency, and your Social Security number. The DMV has about 75 locations across the state, and you can find the one nearest you on the Virginia DMV website. You do not need an appointment at most locations, though some offices now offer online scheduling that can reduce your wait time.

Bring originals or certified copies — photocopies alone will not work. The DMV staff will check your documents before you take the written test, so arriving with everything listed below saves you a trip back home.

Key Takeaways

  • You need one document proving who you are, one proving you live in Virginia, and your Social Security number or ITIN before you visit the DMV.
  • The written test covers Virginia traffic laws and road signs; you can study the official Virginia Driver's Manual free online before you go.
  • The vision screening and road test happen after you pass the written test, usually on the same day or within a few days.
  • 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 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.

Documents that prove who you are

The DMV accepts a U.S. passport, a certified birth certificate, a military ID, or a passport card as proof of identity. If you do not have any of these, you can bring two documents from a secondary list: a Social Security card, a W-2 form, a bank statement, a utility bill, or a school transcript. The document must show your full legal name.

If your name has changed since your identity document was issued — through marriage, divorce, or court order — bring the document that proves the change: a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The DMV will not issue a license in a different name without it.

Documents that prove you live in Virginia

Bring one document showing your current Virginia address. The DMV accepts a utility bill, a lease or mortgage statement, a bank or credit card statement, a property tax bill, an insurance policy, or a government check. The document must be dated within the last 60 days and show your name and street address.

A PO box does not count as a residential address. If you are homeless or do not have a document in your name, contact your local DMV office before you visit — they have a process for this situation, but the steps vary by location.

The written test and what it covers

The written test has 35 multiple-choice questions about Virginia traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You must answer at least 28 questions correctly to pass. The test is offered in English and in several other languages; ask the DMV staff which languages are available at your location.

The Virginia Driver's Manual is free on the DMV website and covers everything on the test. Most people spend two to four hours studying it before taking the test. You can take the test on the same day you bring your documents, or you can study at home first and return another day.

If you do not pass, you can retake the test the same day at no extra cost. If you fail three times, you must wait one week before trying again.

The vision screening and road test

After you pass the written test, the DMV will check your vision using a machine that reads your eyesight. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them with you. If you fail the vision screening, you will need to see an eye doctor and bring a signed statement from them before the DMV will issue your license.

The road test happens next, either the same day or within a few days depending on how busy your local office is. During the road test, a DMV examiner sits in your car while you drive for about 15 minutes. They watch how you handle turns, stops, parking, and how you respond to traffic. You must use a car that is registered, insured, and passes Virginia's safety inspection.

If you do not pass the road test, you can schedule another one. There is no limit to how many times you can retake it, but each attempt costs money and requires a new appointment.

Cost and how long your license lasts

A standard Virginia driver's license costs $70 and is valid for eight years. If you are 16 or 17, your license costs $35 and is valid for five years. You can pay by cash, check, debit card, or credit card at the DMV office.

Before your license expires, you can renew it online through the Virginia DMV website if you have not had any address changes and your vision is still good. Online renewal costs $70 and takes about two weeks. You can also renew by mail or in person at a DMV office.

Special rules if you are under 18

If you are under 18, you must complete a driver education course before you can get your license. The course can be taken at your high school, at a private driving school, or online through an approved provider. After you finish the course, you receive a certificate that you bring to the DMV.

You will then receive a learner's permit, which lets you drive only with a licensed adult who is at least 21 years old sitting next to you. You must hold the learner's permit for at least 15 days before you can take the road test. During those 15 days, you cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m., and you cannot use a cell phone while driving, even hands-free.

After you pass the road test, you receive a provisional license, which has the same restrictions as the learner's permit. The restrictions lift when you turn 18 or after you have held the provisional license for 12 months, whichever comes first.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take the written test in a language other than English?

Yes. The DMV offers the written test in Spanish, Arabic, Chinese, Korean, Vietnamese, and several other languages. Call your local DMV office or check the Virginia DMV website to see which languages are available at your location.

What if I fail the road test?

You can retake it as many times as you need. Each attempt requires a new appointment and a new fee. Most people pass on the second or third try. The examiner will tell you what you did wrong so you can practice those skills before your next test.

Do I need to bring my own car for the road test?

Yes. The car must be registered and insured in Virginia, have working brakes and lights, and pass Virginia's safety inspection. You cannot use a rental car or a car belonging to the DMV examiner.

Can I renew my license online if I moved to a new address?

No. If your address has changed, you must renew in person at a DMV office or by mail. Bring proof of your new Virginia address with you.

What happens if I lose my license before it expires?

Go to any DMV office and ask for a replacement. Bring your identity and residency documents. A replacement license costs $20 and is issued the same day.