What you need to know about Virginia driver's licenses
A Virginia driver's license is issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and serves as your legal proof that you can drive in Virginia and other states. You need one before you can legally operate a vehicle on public roads. Virginia offers different types of licenses depending on what you drive and your age, and the process to get one involves visiting a DMV office in person, bringing specific documents, and passing a written test and driving test.
The whole process typically takes a few visits to a DMV location — one to explore and take the written test, and another to take the driving test once you pass the written portion. Some people renew by mail or online if their license is still valid and they meet certain conditions, but first-time applicants must go to an office.
Key Takeaways
- You must visit a Virginia DMV office in person to explore for your first license, bring proof of identity and residency, and pass both a written test and a driving test.
- Virginia offers a learner's permit (which lets you drive with a licensed adult) as a step before getting your full license if you are under 18.
- The written test covers Virginia traffic laws and safe driving practices, and you can study using the free Virginia DMV manual available online.
- Your driving test checks basic vehicle control, parking, and your ability to follow traffic laws on public roads.
- Renewing an existing license can sometimes be done by mail or online, but the DMV website shows which renewal method applies to your situation.
Documents you need to bring to the DMV
Virginia requires you to bring proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of your Social Security number. A valid U.S. passport works for identity. If you do not have a passport, you can use a birth certificate plus a government-issued photo ID like a military ID or an out-of-state driver's license.
For proof of residency, bring a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your current Virginia address on it. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. For your Social Security number, bring your Social Security card, a W-2 form, or a tax return.
You will also need to bring your current out-of-state license if you have one, or your learner's permit if you are upgrading from one. Bring the originals — photocopies are not accepted. If any of your documents are not in English, bring an official English translation along with the original.
Getting your learner's permit if you are under 18
If you are under 18, Virginia requires you to get a learner's permit before you can take the driving test for a full license. The permit lets you practice driving with a licensed adult who is at least 21 years old sitting next to you. You must hold the permit for at least 9 months and 10 days before you can test for your full license.
To get a learner's permit, visit a DMV office with the same documents listed above, pass the written test, and pay the permit fee. You do not take a driving test to get the permit. Once you have the permit, you can practice on public roads as long as your supervising driver is present and you follow the restrictions on your permit — for example, no driving between midnight and 5 a.m. unless you are driving to work or school.
If you are 18 or older, you can skip the learner's permit and go straight to explore for a full license, though you still must pass both the written and driving tests.
Passing the written test
The written test has 35 questions and covers Virginia traffic laws, road signs, safe driving practices, and what to do in emergencies. You must answer at least 28 questions correctly to pass. The test is offered in multiple languages, and you can request a reader if you need one.
The Virginia DMV publishes a free study manual online called the Virginia Driver's Manual, which covers everything on the test. You can read it from the DMV website or pick up a printed copy at any DMV office. Many people study the manual for a few days or a week before taking the test. You can retake the test if you do not pass, though there is a fee each time.
The test is taken on a computer at the DMV office. You will sit at a terminal and answer the questions, and you get your results when ready. If you pass, you move on to scheduling your driving test.
Taking and passing the driving test
The driving test lasts about 20 minutes and takes place on public roads near the DMV office where you are testing. A DMV examiner sits in the vehicle with you and watches how you handle basic driving tasks like starting the car, steering, braking, parking, and following traffic laws. The examiner is looking for safe driving habits and your ability to control the vehicle.
You must bring a vehicle that is registered, insured, and in safe working condition. The vehicle's registration and proof of insurance must be current. You can use someone else's vehicle as long as you have their permission and the documents are in the vehicle.
If you do not pass, you can retake the test, though there is a fee. Many people pass on their second or third attempt. The DMV will tell you what you need to work on before you test again.
Renewing your Virginia license
If your license is still valid and you have not had any major changes to your information, you may be able to renew by mail or online instead of visiting an office. The DMV website has a tool that tells you whether your situation qualifies for mail or online renewal. Generally, you can renew online if your license is not expired and you have not changed your name or address.
If you renew by mail, you send in your current license, a completed renewal form, and the renewal fee. If you renew online, you log into the DMV website, answer questions about your information, and pay the fee. Both methods take a few weeks to process, and your new license will arrive by mail.
If you cannot renew by mail or online — for example, if your license is expired or you changed your name — you must visit a DMV office in person. Bring the same documents you would bring for a new license process.
Finding a DMV office and scheduling an appointment
Virginia has DMV offices in most cities and counties. You can find the office nearest you on the Virginia DMV website by entering your zip code. The website also shows the hours each office is open and whether appointments are required.
Many DMV offices now require you to schedule an appointment online before you visit. You can book an appointment on the DMV website by selecting your location, choosing the service you need (new license, permit, renewal, etc.), and picking an available date and time. Walk-ins are sometimes accepted, but appointment holders are usually served first, so scheduling ahead saves time.
Bring all your documents and arrive a few minutes early. The visit usually takes 30 minutes to an hour if you are just explore and taking the written test.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Virginia driver's license cost?
The fee varies depending on the type of license and how long it is valid for. A standard license costs less than a commercial license. Check the Virginia DMV website for current fees, as they change occasionally. You can pay by cash, check, or card at the DMV office.
Can I get a Virginia license if I do not have a Social Security number?
No, Virginia requires a Social Security number to issue a driver's license. If you do not have one, you will need to explore for one through the Social Security Administration before you can get a license.
What happens if I fail the driving test?
You can retake the test after paying the fee again. The examiner will tell you what you did not do well, and you can practice those skills before your next attempt. There is no waiting period between attempts, so you can schedule another test as soon as you are ready.
How long is a Virginia driver's license valid?
A standard Virginia driver's license is valid for five years from the date it is issued. When it expires, you must renew it. The DMV sends a renewal notice by mail a few months before your license expires.
Can I change my name on my license without getting a new one?
No, if you change your name, you must get a new license. Bring a certified copy of the document that shows your name change — such as a marriage certificate or court order — along with your other documents when you visit the DMV.