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's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) does not require proof of citizenship or legal immigration status to issue a driver license. You can obtain one with a valid passport or national ID from your home country, proof of Virginia residency, and either a Social Security number or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). The process takes about 30 minutes at a DMV office, though wait times vary by location.

The key difference is this: if you have a Social Security number, you follow the standard Virginia driver license process. If you don't have one, you'll need an ITIN instead, which you can obtain from the IRS before visiting the DMV. Both paths lead to the same license — there is no separate "immigrant license" in Virginia.

Key Takeaways

  • Virginia DMV does not ask about immigration status and will issue a driver license to anyone who meets the document requirements.
  • You must bring a valid passport or national ID, proof of Virginia address, and either a Social Security number or an ITIN.
  • If you don't have a Social Security number, you can obtain an ITIN from the IRS by mail or in person before explore for your license.
  • Vision and written tests are the same for all applicants; you can request the written test in multiple languages including Spanish.
  • A Virginia driver license is valid for five years and costs the same regardless of immigration status.

Documents you need to bring to the DMV

Bring your original passport or national ID card from your home country. Virginia DMV will not accept a copy — it must be the original document. If your passport is expired, you can still use it for a driver license process, though you may want to renew it separately through your country's embassy or consulate.

You also need proof that you live in Virginia. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, lease agreement, bank statement, or government mail with your name and current address. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. If you just moved and don't have a recent bill yet, a signed lease or a letter from your landlord with your address works.

Bring your Social Security card if you have one, or your ITIN documentation if you obtained one from the IRS. You'll also need to fill out Form DL-43 (process for a Driver License or Permit), which you can read from the Virginia DMV website or complete at the office.

Getting an ITIN if you don't have a Social Security number

An Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) is a nine-digit number the IRS issues to people who need to file taxes but don't have a Social Security number. Virginia DMV accepts an ITIN in place of a Social Security number for driver license purposes. You do not need to have filed taxes to obtain one — you straightforward need to request it from the IRS.

To get an ITIN, complete IRS Form W-7 (process for IRS Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) and mail it to the IRS address listed on the form, along with a copy of your passport or national ID. Processing takes about four weeks by mail. Some IRS Taxpayer information Centers and authorized acceptance agents (often community organizations or tax preparation services) can process W-7 applications in person, which is faster. Search "ITIN acceptance agent near me" or contact your local IRS office to find one.

Once you receive your ITIN in the mail, bring the IRS letter that contains your number to the DMV along with your other documents. You do not need to bring the W-7 form itself.

The vision test and written test

At the DMV, you will take a vision screening first. This is a straightforward test to confirm you can see well enough to drive safely. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them with you.

Next comes the written test, which covers Virginia traffic laws and safe driving practices. The test is 35 questions, and you must answer at least 28 correctly to pass. Virginia DMV offers the written test in multiple languages including Spanish, Arabic, Vietnamese, and Korean — ask the DMV staff which languages are available at your location. You can also request a test reader if you need one.

If you fail the written test, you can retake it the same day or return another day. There is no extra fee for retakes. After you pass both tests, you'll take a photo and pay the license fee, which is currently $24 for a five-year license.

The road test and getting your license

After passing the written and vision tests, you must schedule a road test with a DMV examiner. The road test checks whether you can safely operate a vehicle. You'll drive a car (usually your own or a friend's) for about 15 to 20 minutes while the examiner watches and scores your performance.

To schedule a road test, use the Virginia DMV website or call your local DMV office. Wait times for road tests vary — in busy areas like Northern Virginia, you may wait several weeks, while in less populated areas you might get an appointment within days. Some DMV offices allow you to schedule online; others require a phone call.

Bring your learner's permit (which you receive after passing the written test), your passport or national ID, and proof of insurance for the vehicle you'll be driving. You must also bring someone with a valid driver license to sit in the car with you during the test — this person cannot be the examiner.

Once you pass the road test, the DMV will issue your driver license on the spot. You'll receive a temporary paper license that day and your plastic card in the mail within 7 to 10 business days.

Finding a DMV office and scheduling your visit

Virginia has DMV offices in every county and city. Find the one nearest you on the Virginia DMV website (dmvnow.com). Many offices now use an online appointment system — you can reserve a time slot in advance, which reduces wait times. Walk-ins are also accepted, but you may wait 30 minutes to an hour depending on how busy the office is.

Call ahead if you're unsure whether your documents are acceptable or if you have questions about the process. DMV staff can answer questions over the phone and may be able to tell you which languages are available at your location for the written test.

Cost and validity of your Virginia driver license

A five-year Virginia driver license costs $24. This is the standard fee for all applicants regardless of immigration status. If you want a REAL ID-compliant license (which is required for federal buildings and domestic flights), the fee is $34 instead. A REAL ID license requires additional documentation, typically a birth certificate or passport, but the process is otherwise the same.

Your license is valid for five years from the date it's issued. You can renew it by mail, online, or in person at a DMV office. Renewal is simpler than the initial process — you won't need to retake the written or road tests unless the DMV has reason to require them.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a Social Security number to get a Virginia driver license?

No. You can use an ITIN instead. If you don't have either, you can obtain an ITIN from the IRS before explore for your license. The process takes about four weeks by mail or can be faster if you visit an IRS acceptance agent in person.

Can I use a passport that's expired?

Yes, an expired passport is still acceptable for a Virginia driver license. However, you may want to renew your passport separately through your country's embassy or consulate if you need it for travel or other purposes.

What if I fail the written test?

You can retake it the same day at no extra cost, or return another day to try again. There is no limit on how many times you can retake the test. Many people pass on their second or third attempt.

How long does it take to get my plastic license card?

You receive a temporary paper license the day you pass your road test. Your plastic card arrives in the mail within 7 to 10 business days. The temporary license is valid for driving during this time.

Can I get a REAL ID license instead of a standard driver license?

Yes. A REAL ID license costs $34 instead of $24 and requires additional documents like a birth certificate or passport. It's required for federal buildings and domestic flights. The process process is otherwise the same.