Virginia requires a written test, vision screening, and a valid form of identification before the DMV will issue a driver's license

To get a driver's license in Virginia, you must visit a Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office in person, pass a written knowledge test, pass a vision screening, and provide proof of identity and Virginia residency. The process takes about 30 minutes if you have all required documents. You cannot complete the entire process online, though Virginia does allow you to renew certain licenses by mail or through its website if you meet specific conditions.

Virginia issues different types of licenses depending on your age and driving history. A standard driver's license is valid for eight years for adults under 75, and five years for drivers 75 and older. A learner's permit, which allows you to drive under supervision, is valid for one year and is the first step most new drivers take.

Key Takeaways

  • You must bring a valid form of identification (passport, birth certificate, or state ID), proof of Virginia residency (utility bill or lease), and your Social Security number to the DMV office.
  • The written test covers Virginia traffic laws and safe driving practices; you must answer at least 70 percent of questions correctly to pass.
  • Vision screening happens at the DMV office and requires you to read letters on a chart; if you fail, you may need glasses or contacts to return and retest.
  • Renewing by mail or online is only available if your license is not suspended, you have no medical restrictions, and your address has not changed since your last license.
  • The fee for a new driver's license is $24, and a learner's permit costs $10; fees are paid at the DMV office when you pass your tests.

What documents you need to bring to the DMV office

Virginia requires one document that proves your identity and one that proves you live in Virginia. For identity, you can bring a valid U.S. passport, a certified birth certificate, a military ID, a state ID card, or a permanent resident card. If you bring a birth certificate, it must be a certified copy with the state seal, not a photocopy.

For proof of residency, bring a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or property tax bill with your name and current Virginia address. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. If you do not have a utility bill or lease, you can bring a bank statement, insurance policy, or government mail addressed to you at your Virginia address.

You will also need to provide your Social Security number. If you do not have a Social Security number, you can request a waiver from the DMV, though this is uncommon. Bring your original documents or certified copies; the DMV will not accept photocopies of identity documents.

How the written knowledge test works

The Virginia DMV written test has 35 questions about traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You must answer at least 25 questions correctly (70 percent) to pass. The test covers topics like speed limits, right-of-way rules, parking laws, and what different road signs mean.

You take the test on a computer at the DMV office. The test is offered in English and Spanish. You have no time limit to complete it, though most people finish in 15 to 20 minutes. If you fail, you can retake the test the same day at no additional cost, though you must wait at least 15 minutes before retesting.

The DMV provides a free study guide called the Virginia Driver's Manual, available on the DMV website and in print at any DMV office. Many people study this manual for a few days before taking the test. The manual covers every topic on the test.

Vision screening and what happens if you fail

At the DMV office, you will read letters on a vision chart from a distance of 20 feet. Your vision must be at least 20/40 in each eye, with or without correction. If you wear glasses or contacts, you must wear them during the screening. If you fail the vision test, you cannot get your license that day.

If you fail, you have two options. You can return to the DMV after seeing an eye doctor and getting a corrective lens prescription, then retake the vision screening. Or you can request a restricted license that limits when and where you can drive — for example, daylight driving only or within a certain distance of your home. A restricted license costs the same as a standard license.

Some people fail the vision test because they forgot their glasses or contacts. If this happens, you can go home, get your corrective lenses, and return to the same DMV office the same day to retest at no additional cost.

How to renew your license by mail or online

Virginia allows renewal by mail or through its online portal if you meet all of these conditions: your license is not suspended or revoked, you have no medical restrictions on your license, your address has not changed since your last license was issued, and your license is not expired by more than one year.

To renew online, visit the Virginia DMV website and log into your account. You will need your driver's license number and date of birth. The online renewal takes about 10 minutes and costs $24. Your new license will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days.

To renew by mail, request a renewal form from the DMV office or read it from the website. Fill it out, include a check or money order for $24, and mail it to the address on the form. Mail renewal takes about two weeks from the time the DMV receives your form. If your address has changed, you must renew in person at a DMV office.

Getting a learner's permit as a first step

If you are a new driver, Virginia requires you to get a learner's permit before you can take the road test for a full driver's license. A learner's permit allows you to drive only when a licensed adult 21 or older is in the front passenger seat. The permit is valid for one year.

To get a learner's permit, you follow the same process as getting a driver's license: bring your identity and residency documents, pass the written knowledge test, and pass the vision screening. The fee is $10. You do not take a road test to get the permit.

After you have held your learner's permit for at least 30 days, you can schedule a road test at a DMV office. During the road test, a DMV examiner sits in your car and watches you drive for about 20 minutes. You must demonstrate basic driving skills like parking, turning, and following traffic laws. If you pass, you receive your full driver's license.

What to do if you lose your license or it is suspended

If your license is lost or stolen, you can get a replacement at any DMV office. Bring your identity and residency documents and pay a $10 replacement fee. You will receive a temporary license that day and your permanent replacement license by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

If your license is suspended, you cannot renew it by mail or online. You must visit a DMV office in person. The reason for suspension — unpaid traffic tickets, unpaid child support, medical issues, or other violations — determines what you must do to get your license back. Some suspensions require you to pay fines or complete a course. The DMV office can tell you what is required in your case.

If you are unsure whether your license is suspended, you can check the status on the Virginia DMV website by entering your driver's license number and date of birth. The website shows active suspensions and the reason for each one.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

The Virginia DMV offers the written test in English and Spanish only. If you need the test in another language, you can bring a certified translator to the DMV office at your own cost. The translator must be at least 18 years old and cannot be a family member.

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

If you pass the written test and vision screening, you receive a temporary license that day. Your permanent license is mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days. The temporary license is valid for driving until your permanent one arrives.

What if I fail the road test?

If you fail the road test, you can retake it as soon as you schedule another appointment. There is no waiting period between attempts. You pay the road test fee each time you take it, which is $15 for a standard test.

Can I get a Virginia driver's license if I am not a U.S. citizen?

Yes. Virginia issues driver's licenses to legal permanent residents and some visa holders. You must bring your passport and visa or permanent resident card as proof of identity. Undocumented immigrants cannot get a standard driver's license, but Virginia offers a special ID card that can be used for driving and identification purposes.

What happens if I move out of Virginia?

Your Virginia driver's license remains valid until it expires. If you move to another state, you should get a license from that state within the timeframe it requires — most states give you 30 to 60 days. You can keep your Virginia license as a form of identification, but you cannot use it to drive legally in another state.