What you need to get a Virginia driver's license for the first time
To get your first Virginia driver's license, you will visit your local Department of Motor Vehicles office in person, bring specific documents that prove your identity and Virginia residency, pass a written test on traffic laws, and pass a driving test. The whole process usually takes a few weeks from start to finish, though you can get a temporary license the same day you visit if you pass the written test.
Virginia does not mail licenses to your home — you must appear in person at a DMV office. The office will take your photo and fingerprints on the spot. You cannot complete this process online or by mail, even if you already have a license from another state.
Key Takeaways
- You must bring a birth certificate or passport, proof of Virginia residency (like a utility bill or lease), and your Social Security number to your DMV visit.
- You will take a written test on Virginia traffic laws and road signs at the DMV office, and you can study using the free Virginia Driver's Manual online before you go.
- After you pass the written test, you can get a temporary paper license the same day, which is valid while you wait for your permanent card to arrive by mail.
- The driving test happens at a separate appointment, usually scheduled weeks after your written test, and you must bring a vehicle and a licensed adult to the test site.
- The total cost is around $35 to $40 for a five-year license, though fees vary slightly depending on your age and the type of license you need.
Documents you must bring to the DMV office
Bring an original or certified copy of your birth certificate, or a valid U.S. passport. A photocopy will not work. You also need one document that proves you live in Virginia — a utility bill, lease agreement, bank statement, or mortgage statement all work, and the document must show your name and current Virginia address. If your name has changed since your birth certificate was issued, bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order that shows the change.
You will also need your Social Security number. You do not need to bring your Social Security card itself, but you must know the number. If you do not have a Social Security number, you can still get a Virginia license, but you will need to bring additional documents — ask your local DMV office which ones before you visit.
Bring your current out-of-state driver's license if you have one. If you are under 18, bring a parent or legal guardian with you to sign consent forms.
The written test: what to study and how it works
The written test covers Virginia traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. It has 35 questions, and you must answer at least 28 correctly to pass. The test is given on a computer at the DMV office, and you can take it the same day you bring in your documents.
You can study for free using the Virginia Driver's Manual, which is available on the Virginia DMV website. The manual covers everything on the test. Many people study it for a few days or a week before their visit. You can also take practice tests online through the DMV website to see which topics you need to review more.
If you fail the written test, you can retake it the same day or come back another day — there is no waiting period between attempts. However, you can only take the test three times in one day.
Getting your temporary license and waiting for the permanent card
Once you pass the written test, the DMV office will issue you a temporary paper license on the spot. This temporary license is valid for 60 days and allows you to drive while you wait for your permanent plastic card to arrive by mail. Your permanent license usually arrives within two to three weeks, though it can take longer during busy periods.
The temporary license has the same driving privileges as your permanent license, so you can drive alone as soon as you pass the written test — you do not have to wait for the permanent card to arrive. Keep the temporary license with you when you drive, because it is your proof of licensure until the permanent card comes.
Scheduling and taking the driving test
After you pass the written test, the DMV will give you information about how to schedule your driving test. In Virginia, the driving test is administered by a third-party contractor, not the DMV itself. You will schedule the test online or by phone, and the appointment is usually several weeks after your written test, depending on how busy the testing center is.
For the driving test, you must bring a vehicle that is registered, insured, and in safe working condition. The vehicle must have working brakes, lights, windshield wipers, and mirrors. You must also bring a licensed adult who is at least 21 years old and has a valid driver's license — this person sits in the car during the test but does not help you drive.
The driving test lasts about 20 to 30 minutes. You will drive on local roads and demonstrate skills like parking, turning, stopping, and following traffic laws. If you fail, you can retake the test, but you will have to schedule another appointment and pay the test fee again.
Costs and how long everything takes
A five-year Virginia driver's license costs between $35 and $40, depending on your age. If you are under 21, the license may cost slightly more. You pay this fee at your first DMV visit when you take the written test. The driving test fee is separate and is paid when you schedule or take the test — this fee varies by testing center but is usually around $20 to $25.
The timeline from your first DMV visit to receiving your permanent license is usually four to six weeks. The written test happens on your first visit. The driving test is scheduled for a later date, usually two to four weeks after the written test. Your permanent card arrives by mail one to three weeks after you pass the driving test. During all this time, your temporary paper license is valid for driving.
What to do if you cannot visit the DMV in person
Virginia law requires you to appear in person at a DMV office to get your first license — there is no way around this requirement. However, if you have a disability that makes it difficult to visit an office, you can contact your local DMV office to ask about accommodations. Some offices have accessible parking, ramps, and seating areas. Some can also arrange for you to take the written test in a private room or with extra time if you need it.
If you live far from a DMV office, you can visit any DMV location in Virginia — you do not have to go to the one closest to your home. Check the Virginia DMV website to find all office locations and their hours. Some offices are less busy than others, so calling ahead to ask about wait times can help you plan your visit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take the written test before I have all my documents?
No. You must bring your birth certificate or passport and proof of Virginia residency before you can take the written test. The DMV will not let you test without these documents, even if you have other forms of ID.
What happens if I fail the driving test?
You can retake the driving test as many times as you need. You will have to schedule another appointment and pay the test fee again. There is no limit on how many times you can take it, so you can keep trying until you pass.
Do I need a Social Security number to get a Virginia license?
You need to provide a Social Security number to get a license. If you do not have one, contact your local DMV office before your visit — they can tell you what documents you need to bring instead.
Can I drive with my temporary license before I pass the driving test?
Yes. Your temporary license is valid as soon as you pass the written test, even if you have not taken the driving test yet. You can drive alone with the temporary license.
How long is a Virginia driver's license valid?
A Virginia driver's license is valid for five years from the date it is issued. When it expires, you will need to renew it by visiting the DMV again or renewing online if you are may be able to access.