What you need to bring to the DMV in Virginia
Virginia's Department of Motor Vehicles requires specific documents before you can get or renew a driver's license. The exact documents depend on whether you are getting your first license, renewing an existing one, or replacing a lost or damaged card.
For a first-time license, bring proof of identity (a passport, birth certificate, or military ID), proof of Virginia residency (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days), and your Social Security number. You will also need to pass a written test on traffic laws and a driving skills test. If you are under 18, a parent or guardian must sign your process.
For renewal, bring your current Virginia license or a valid ID if your license has expired. If your license expired more than one year ago, you may need to retake the written test. Renewals can be done in person at any DMV office or online through the Virginia DMV website if you meet certain conditions — your license must not be expired by more than one year, and you cannot have any medical or vision restrictions that need updating.
Key Takeaways
- First-time applicants must bring proof of identity, proof of Virginia residency, and proof of Social Security number, then pass both a written test and a driving test.
- Renewals can often be completed online if your license expired less than one year ago and you have no medical or vision restrictions.
- Virginia charges different fees for licenses based on age and type — a standard adult license costs less than a REAL ID-compliant license.
- You can schedule an appointment at most DMV offices to reduce wait time, though walk-ins are also accepted.
- If your license is suspended or revoked, you cannot renew it until the suspension or revocation is lifted by the court or DMV.
Virginia DMV office locations and appointment scheduling
Virginia has 74 DMV customer service centers across the state. You can find the office nearest you and check current wait times on the Virginia DMV website. Most offices are open Monday through Friday, with limited Saturday hours at select locations.
Scheduling an appointment is not required but is strongly recommended, especially in urban areas where walk-in wait times can exceed two hours. You can book an appointment online through the Virginia DMV website or by calling 1-866-DMV-VIRGINIA (1-866-368-8742). Appointments typically fill up several weeks in advance, so plan ahead if you have a important date.
If you cannot reach an appointment slot, walk-ins are accepted at all offices, but you may wait significantly longer. Some offices have separate lines for straightforward transactions like renewals versus complex ones like first-time licenses, so arrival time matters less than which service you need.
Fees for Virginia driver's licenses
Virginia charges different fees depending on the type of license and your age. A standard driver's license for someone 21 or older costs $70 for an eight-year renewal or $35 for a four-year renewal. If you are under 21, a license costs $35 for a five-year term.
A REAL ID-compliant license — required for federal buildings and domestic air travel starting May 7, 2025 — costs $10 more than a standard license. You do not have to get a REAL ID license; a standard license remains valid for driving within Virginia and for other purposes, but you will need a passport or other federal ID to enter federal buildings or board domestic flights.
Payment is accepted in cash, debit card, or credit card at DMV offices. Online renewals require a credit or debit card. If you are replacing a lost or damaged license, the replacement fee is $15 in addition to the renewal fee.
Written and driving tests for first-time applicants
Virginia's written test covers traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. The test has 35 questions, and you must answer at least 28 correctly to pass. You can take the test in English or Spanish. The DMV provides a study guide on its website, and many public libraries offer free practice tests.
If you fail the written test, you can retake it the same day at most offices, though you may have to wait and pay the test fee again. There is no limit on how many times you can retake the written test.
The driving test evaluates your ability to operate a vehicle safely in real-world conditions. You must bring your own vehicle, and it must be registered, insured, and in safe working condition. The test lasts about 20 minutes and includes basic maneuvers like parking, turning, and stopping. If you fail the driving test, you can schedule another attempt, though there may be a waiting period depending on the office.
Suspended or revoked licenses in Virginia
A suspended license means you cannot drive for a set period, usually 30 days to one year, depending on the reason. Common reasons for suspension include unpaid traffic fines, failure to pay child support, or accumulating too many points from traffic violations. A revoked license is more serious — it means your driving privilege has been permanently taken away, and you must wait a minimum period (often one year) before you can petition to have it reinstated.
You can check the status of your Virginia license on the DMV website by entering your license number and date of birth. If your license is suspended or revoked, the website will tell you the reason and the date it will be lifted or when you can petition for reinstatement.
To reinstate a suspended license, you must resolve the underlying issue — pay outstanding fines, resolve child support arrears, or complete a defensive driving course if required. Once resolved, the suspension is typically lifted automatically, though you may need to contact the DMV to confirm. For a revoked license, you must file a petition with the DMV or the court that issued the revocation and may need to provide evidence that you have addressed the reason for revocation.
Changing your name or address on a Virginia license
If you change your name due to marriage, divorce, or court order, you must update your Virginia license. Bring your current license, proof of your legal name change (a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order), and proof of your current address. The fee for a name change is $15, and you can do this at any DMV office.
If you move to a new address within Virginia, you can update your address online through the DMV website at no cost. If you move out of state, your Virginia license remains valid for its full term, but you should obtain a license from your new state within the timeframe required by that state's DMV.
International driving permits and out-of-state recognition
A Virginia driver's license is recognized in all 50 states and most countries. If you plan to drive outside the United States, you may want an International Driving Permit (IDP), which translates your license into multiple languages. An IDP is not a replacement for your Virginia license — you must carry both.
You can obtain an IDP through the American Automobile Association (AAA) or through some DMV offices. The process typically takes a few days, and you will need your valid Virginia license, a passport-sized photo, and a completed process. An IDP is valid for one year from the date of issue.
If you move to another state, your Virginia license remains valid for driving in that state until it expires, though you will eventually need to obtain a license from your new state of residence. Each state has its own rules about how long you can drive on an out-of-state license before you are required to get a local one.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Virginia license online if it has been expired for more than a year?
No. Online renewal is only available if your license expired less than one year ago. If it has been expired longer, you must renew in person at a DMV office and may need to retake the written test. Bring your expired license or another form of ID to the office.
What happens if I fail the driving test?
You can schedule another driving test attempt. There is typically a waiting period of a few days to a few weeks depending on how busy your local DMV office is. You must bring your own vehicle again, and it must pass a safety inspection before the test begins.
Do I need a REAL ID license to drive within Virginia?
No. A standard Virginia driver's license is sufficient for driving anywhere in the state. A REAL ID license is only required if you want to enter federal buildings or board domestic flights. You can continue using a standard license for all driving purposes.
How do I check if my license is suspended or revoked?
Visit the Virginia DMV website and use the license status checker. Enter your license number and date of birth. The system will show whether your license is active, suspended, or revoked, and if suspended, when it will be lifted.
Can I get a Virginia license if I am not a U.S. citizen?
Yes. Virginia issues licenses to non-citizens who have a valid visa or work permit. Bring your passport, visa or work permit, proof of Virginia residency, and your Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) to the DMV office.