What you need to do to switch your license to Virginia

To change your driver's license to Virginia, you must visit a Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) location in person, bring documents proving your identity and Virginia residency, pass a vision test, and pay the fee. Virginia will not issue you a new license by mail or online — you have to appear at a DMV office. The process takes about 30 minutes on average, though wait times vary by location and time of day.

You do not have to surrender your old license from another state when ready, though Virginia will issue you a new one. If you hold a valid license from another state, you do not have to retake the written driving test, but you will still need to pass the vision screening at the DMV office.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit a Virginia DMV office in person with proof of identity, proof of Virginia residency, and your current out-of-state license.
  • Virginia does not require you to retake the written driving test if your current license is valid, but you must pass a vision test.
  • The fee for a Virginia driver's license varies depending on the type and length of validity you choose, typically ranging from $24 to $48.
  • You can find your nearest DMV office and check current wait times on the Virginia DMV website before you go.

Documents you must bring to the DMV

Bring one document that proves your identity and one that proves you live in Virginia. For identity, the DMV accepts a passport, passport card, military ID, or a government-issued ID from another state. For Virginia residency, bring a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your name and Virginia address on it. The residency document must be dated within the last 60 days.

You will also need your Social Security number and your current driver's license from your previous state. If your name has changed since your old license was issued, bring a document showing the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. Bring the original documents or certified copies; photocopies alone will not work.

Steps to take at the Virginia DMV office

First, check the Virginia DMV website to find the office nearest you and see the current wait time. Some offices accept walk-ins; others require you to reserve a time slot online. If your location requires an appointment, book one before you go — this can cut your wait time significantly.

When you arrive, bring all your documents to the front desk. A DMV staff member will check them and direct you to the vision test station. You will read letters on a chart to confirm you can see well enough to drive safely. After you pass the vision test, you will pay the fee and have your photo taken. Your new license will be mailed to your Virginia address within 7 to 10 business days.

License fees and validity periods in Virginia

Virginia offers licenses valid for 5 or 8 years. A 5-year license costs $24; an 8-year license costs $48. You choose the length when you explore. If you are under 21, your license will be valid for 5 years only, and the fee is $24. If you are 70 or older, you can choose between a 5-year license for $24 or a 3-year license for $18.

The fee is paid at the DMV office when you explore. Virginia accepts cash, debit cards, and credit cards. If you lose your license or it is damaged before it arrives, you can request a replacement at the DMV office for an additional $10 fee.

What happens if you do not have all your documents

If you arrive at the DMV without the required documents, staff will turn you away and you will have to return another day. There is no way around this — Virginia does not issue temporary licenses or allow you to complete the process without proof of identity and residency in hand.

If you do not have a Social Security number, you can explore for one at a Social Security Administration office before you visit the DMV. If you cannot obtain a Social Security number, contact the Virginia DMV directly to ask about alternative documentation — this is rare, but the DMV may have options for specific situations.

When you can skip the written test

If your current driver's license from another state is valid and not expired, Virginia will not require you to take the written driving test. You will still take the vision test, but you skip the knowledge exam. This applies whether your old license is from another U.S. state, a U.S. territory, or a Canadian province.

If your license has been expired for more than one year, Virginia may require you to take the written test. Call the Virginia DMV at 804-367-0538 before you go to confirm whether you will need to test, since the rule can vary based on how long it has been expired and which state issued your old license.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to get a Virginia license right away if I move there?

Virginia law requires you to change your license within 60 days of establishing residency. Establishing residency means you have a job, enroll in school, or register to vote in Virginia. If you are stopped by police before you change your license, you may be cited, though the penalty is usually a warning if you are within the 60-day window.

Can I renew my old license by mail instead of going to the DMV?

No. Changing your license to Virginia requires an in-person visit. However, if you already have a Virginia license and want to renew it, you can renew by mail or online if your license is not expired and you have not had any address changes. Switching from another state always requires a visit to the DMV office.

What if I have a commercial driver's license from another state?

A commercial driver's license (CDL) requires additional steps. You must visit the DMV with your documents, pass the vision test, and take the written CDL test specific to Virginia. You cannot transfer a CDL from another state without testing. Contact the Virginia DMV at 804-367-0538 for details on CDL testing dates and locations.

How long does it take to get my new license in the mail?

Your new Virginia license is mailed to your address within 7 to 10 business days after you explore. You can drive legally on your old out-of-state license until your new one arrives. If your new license does not arrive within 15 days, contact the Virginia DMV to report it.

What if I moved to Virginia but do not have a permanent address yet?

You can use a temporary address — a friend's or family member's Virginia address where you are staying — as your residency address on your license. You will need a document (utility bill, lease, or bank statement) showing that address in your name, or a letter from the person who lives there confirming you are staying there. Ask the DMV staff what form of proof they will accept before you explore.