What Code A on Your Virginia Driver License Means

Code A is a restriction that limits you to corrective lenses

Code A on your Virginia driver license means you must wear corrective lenses — glasses or contact lenses — every time you drive. It is not a violation or a mark against your record. It is a safety restriction that Virginia's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) places on your license based on your vision test results during your license exam or renewal.

When you take your vision screening at the DMV, the examiner checks whether you can read the eye chart clearly without correction, and then with correction. If you cannot meet Virginia's uncorrected vision standard but you can meet it with glasses or contacts, the DMV adds Code A to your license. This tells law enforcement and insurance companies that your license is valid only when you are wearing your corrective lenses.

Code A is one of several restriction codes Virginia uses. Other codes restrict you to daytime driving only, automatic transmission vehicles, or vehicles with hand controls. Code A is among the most common because vision correction is straightforward and widely available.

Key Takeaways

Code A means you must wear glasses or contact lenses every time you drive — it is a safety restriction, not a penalty.
The DMV adds Code A based on your vision test results, usually during your initial license exam or at renewal.
Driving without your corrective lenses when Code A is on your license can result in a traffic citation.
You can request a vision retest at any DMV office if your vision has improved and you no longer need correction.

How the DMV decides to add Code A

Virginia's DMV uses a specific vision standard to determine whether you need corrective lenses. During your license exam, the examiner will test your vision without correction first. If you cannot read the required line on the eye chart, they test you again with your glasses or contacts in place.

If your uncorrected vision does not meet the standard but your corrected vision does, Code A goes on your license. The code stays there until you either request a retest and pass without correction, or until your license expires and you renew it. At renewal, you will take another vision test, and if your vision has improved, the code may be removed.

You do not have to do anything to get Code A added — the DMV examiner handles it automatically based on the test results. You will see it printed on your license in the restrictions section, usually listed as "A" or spelled out as "Corrective Lenses Required."

What happens if you drive without your corrective lenses

Driving without your glasses or contacts when Code A is on your license is a traffic violation in Virginia. If a police officer stops you and you are not wearing your corrective lenses, you can be cited. The violation is typically a minor one — not a criminal charge — but it does go on your driving record and can affect your insurance rates.

The officer will ask to see your license and may ask whether you are wearing your corrective lenses. If you say no, or if it is obvious you are not wearing them, the citation can be issued. Some officers may give a warning, especially if it is a first offense, but you should not count on that.

Beyond the legal risk, driving without correction when you need it is a safety issue. If Code A is on your license, it means your vision without correction does not meet the standard Virginia considers safe for driving. Wearing your lenses protects you and other people on the road.

How to remove Code A from your license

If your vision has improved and you no longer need corrective lenses, you can request a vision retest at any Virginia DMV office. You do not need to wait for your license to expire. Bring your current license and be prepared to take the vision screening again.

During the retest, the examiner will test your uncorrected vision first. If you now meet Virginia's vision standard without glasses or contacts, Code A will be removed. The DMV will issue you a new license without the restriction, usually within a few days.

If you have had vision correction surgery (like LASIK) or if your prescription has changed significantly, a retest is worth doing. Even if your vision has improved slightly but still requires correction, Code A will remain on your license — the standard is the same whether you are testing for the first time or retesting.

Code A and your insurance

Insurance companies can see Code A on your license, and some may ask about it during the underwriting process. Having Code A itself does not automatically raise your rates — it is a standard restriction for many drivers. However, if you have a traffic citation for driving without your corrective lenses, that violation can affect your rates because it shows you were not following the terms of your license.

When you get a new insurance quote, be honest about any restrictions on your license. Some insurers ask directly, and others can see it in the DMV records they pull. Hiding a restriction will not help you and could cause problems if you need to file a claim.

Code A and other Virginia license restrictions

Virginia uses several restriction codes, and you can have more than one on your license. For example, you might have Code A (corrective lenses) and Code D (daylight driving only) if your vision requires correction and your night vision is also limited. Each code appears on your license and each one is legally binding.

Other common codes include Code B (automatic transmission only), Code E (outside mirrors required), and Code F (hand controls required). If you are unsure what any code on your license means, you can ask at your local DMV office or call the Virginia DMV customer service line. The DMV website also lists all restriction codes and their meanings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to wear my glasses even if I can see okay without them?

Yes. Code A means you must wear your corrective lenses every time you drive, regardless of whether you feel like you can see well enough without them. The code is based on Virginia's legal vision standard, not on how you feel. Driving without them when the code is on your license is a violation.

Can I get Code A removed if I get new glasses with a stronger prescription?

No. Code A means you need corrective lenses — it does not matter how strong your prescription is. The code stays on your license as long as you need any correction to meet Virginia's vision standard. You can only remove it by passing a vision retest without correction.

What if I lost my glasses and I have Code A on my license?

You should not drive until you have replacement glasses or contacts. Driving without your corrective lenses when Code A is on your license is a traffic violation. If you need glasses urgently, many optometrists and eyeglass retailers can provide same-day or next-day service.

Does Code A show up on my driving record that employers can see?

Code A itself is not part of your driving record — it is a restriction on your license. However, if you receive a traffic citation for driving without your corrective lenses, that citation will show on your record. Employers who pull your driving record will see the citation, not the code itself.

Can I renew my license online if I have Code A?

You can renew online only if you do not need a vision retest. If your license is expiring and you have Code A, you will need to visit a DMV office in person so they can conduct a new vision screening. The DMV website will tell you whether you are may be able to access for online renewal based on your license type and age.

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.