Virginia issues driver licenses to immigrants regardless of immigration status, but the documents you need depend on whether you have a Social Security number

Virginia allows immigrants to obtain a driver license without proof of lawful immigration status. The state does not require a Social Security number, and you do not need to be a U.S. citizen. What you do need is a valid form of identification from your home country, proof that you live in Virginia, and proof of your date of birth. The specific documents accepted vary based on your situation.

The process is the same whether you are here on a visa, have pending asylum paperwork, or have no immigration documentation at all. You will visit a Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) location in person, pass a written test and a driving test, and pay the standard fee. The entire process typically takes several weeks from the day you pass your driving test to the day you receive your license in the mail.

Key Takeaways

  • Virginia does not require proof of lawful immigration status or a Social Security number to get a driver license.
  • You must bring a valid passport or national ID card from your home country, proof of Virginia residency, and proof of your date of birth.
  • If you do not have a Social Security number, you will receive an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) from the DMV during the process process.
  • You must pass both a written knowledge test and a practical driving test before the DMV issues your license.
  • The DMV will mail your physical license to your Virginia address within two to three weeks after you pass the driving test.

Documents you need to bring to the DMV

Bring your original passport or national ID card issued by your home country. The DMV will not accept a copy. If your passport or ID is written in a language other than English, bring the original document and an official English translation. Many embassies and consulates provide certified translations, or you can use a professional translation service. The DMV staff will not translate documents for you.

You also need proof that you live in Virginia. Acceptable documents include a lease or rental agreement with your name and current address, a utility bill dated within the last 60 days, a mortgage statement, or a bank statement. A letter from your employer or landlord on company letterhead stating your address also works. You do not need to own property; renters are accepted.

Bring a document that shows your date of birth. Your passport usually contains this information, so it may serve double duty. If your passport does not show your birth date clearly, bring a birth certificate or other vital record. If your birth certificate is not in English, bring a certified English translation.

What happens if you do not have a Social Security number

Most immigrants do not have a Social Security number, and Virginia does not require one. Instead, the DMV will assign you an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) for the purposes of your driver license. The DMV generates this number during your process and prints it on your license. You do not need to explore for an ITIN separately through the IRS.

The ITIN on your Virginia driver license is used only for DMV and driving-related records. It does not affect your tax status or immigration case. If you later obtain a Social Security number, you can update your license at the DMV, but you are not required to do so.

The written test and driving test

Before you can receive a license, you must pass a written knowledge test and a practical driving test. The written test covers Virginia traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You can take the test in English or in one of several other languages, including Spanish, Arabic, Chinese, Korean, and Vietnamese. Ask the DMV staff which languages are available at your location.

The driving test is conducted by a DMV examiner who rides with you in your vehicle. You must demonstrate that you can safely operate a car, follow traffic laws, and respond to road conditions. You need to bring a vehicle that is registered and insured, and you must have someone with a valid driver license sit in the front passenger seat during the test. That person cannot be the examiner.

If you fail either test, you can retake it. There is no limit on the number of attempts, though you will pay a fee each time you take the driving test.

Timeline and fees

The entire process from your first visit to the DMV to receiving your physical license in the mail takes four to six weeks. On the day you pass your driving test, the DMV will issue you a temporary paper license that is valid for 45 days. This temporary license allows you to drive legally while you wait for your permanent license to arrive by mail.

The fee for a Virginia driver license varies depending on the length of validity you choose. A four-year license costs less than an eight-year license. Immigrants who do not have a Social Security number may be offered a shorter validity period, such as two or four years, depending on the status of their immigration documentation. Ask the DMV staff what options are available to you.

Renewing your license

Virginia driver licenses expire on your birthday. You can renew your license online, by mail, or in person at a DMV office. If you renew online or by mail, you do not need to retake the written or driving test. However, if your immigration status has changed or if you no longer have the same address, you should renew in person so the DMV can update your records.

If your license was issued with an ITIN and you later obtain a Social Security number, you can update your license at the DMV. Bring your Social Security card and your current driver license. The DMV will issue you a new license with your Social Security number.

What to do if you do not have a passport or national ID

If you do not have a valid passport or national ID card from your home country, contact your country's embassy or consulate in the United States. They can issue you a travel document or national ID that the Virginia DMV will accept. This process can take several weeks or months, depending on the country and the current workload of the embassy.

If you cannot obtain a document from your embassy, contact the Virginia DMV directly to ask about alternative documents. The DMV has limited authority to accept other forms of identification in exceptional circumstances, but this is rare. Call the DMV customer service line or visit a local DMV office to discuss your specific situation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a Virginia driver license if I am here on a visa?

Yes. Virginia does not distinguish between different immigration statuses. Whether you are on a student visa, work visa, tourist visa, or have no visa at all, you can get a driver license as long as you have the required documents and pass the tests.

Do I need to tell the DMV about my immigration status?

No. The DMV does not ask about your immigration status, and you do not need to volunteer that information. The DMV only needs to verify your identity, age, and Virginia residency. Your immigration status is not relevant to obtaining a driver license in Virginia.

What if my passport has expired?

An expired passport is still acceptable to the DMV as proof of identity. The DMV does not require your passport to be current. However, if you plan to travel internationally, you should renew your passport through your country's embassy or consulate.

Can someone else pick up my license from the DMV?

No. Virginia requires you to pick up your temporary paper license in person on the day you pass your driving test. Your permanent license will be mailed to your Virginia address. You cannot have someone else collect it for you.

What if I move to a different address in Virginia?

You must update your address with the DMV within a certain timeframe. You can do this online, by mail, or in person. Bring your current driver license and proof of your new address. There is usually a small fee for an address change.