What you need to do to get a Virginia driver's license

To get a Virginia driver's license, you visit your local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office in person, bring specific documents, pass a vision test and written exam, and pay a fee. The process takes one visit if you already have a learner's permit, or two visits if you don't — the first to get the permit, the second to take the driving test. Virginia does not issue licenses by mail or online.

The documents you bring depend on whether you're a new driver, renewing an expired license, or moving to Virginia from another state. Each category has a different document checklist, and bringing the wrong papers means a wasted trip. This guide walks through what each group needs and the order of steps.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit a DMV office in person with proof of identity, proof of Virginia residency, and your Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number.
  • New drivers under 18 must first get a learner's permit, wait at least 15 days, then return for a road test; drivers 18 and older can skip the permit step.
  • The written test covers Virginia traffic laws and road signs, and you can study using the free Virginia DMV manual available on the DMV website.
  • The road test lasts about 20 minutes and tests basic driving skills; you must bring a vehicle that is registered, insured, and has working safety equipment.
  • Fees vary by license type and validity period, ranging from about $30 to $70, and you can pay by cash, check, debit card, or credit card at the DMV office.

Documents you need to bring to the DMV

Virginia requires three categories of documents: proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of your Social Security number or ITIN. You must bring at least one document from each category. If you don't have a Social Security number, you can use an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead.

For proof of identity, acceptable documents include a valid passport, a birth certificate, a military ID, or a state ID from another state. If you're under 18, a school ID counts as a secondary form of identity but not as your primary one. For proof of residency, bring a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days with your name and Virginia address on it. A piece of mail from a government agency also works. For proof of your Social Security number or ITIN, bring your Social Security card, a tax return, a W-2 form, or a 1099 form.

If you're moving to Virginia from another state, you can use your out-of-state driver's license as your proof of identity. If you're a new resident and don't yet have a utility bill in your name, ask the DMV office which alternative documents they accept — some offices are flexible with recent movers.

Getting a learner's permit if you're under 18

If you're under 18, you must get a learner's permit before you can take the road test. You get the permit at a DMV office by passing a vision test and a written test on Virginia traffic laws and road signs. The written test has 35 questions, and you must answer at least 28 correctly to pass. You can study using the free Virginia DMV manual, which is available as a PDF on the Virginia DMV website.

After you pass both tests, you receive your permit the same day. You must then wait at least 15 days before you can schedule a road test. During this time, you can practice driving with a licensed adult who is at least 21 years old sitting next to you. If you're 18 or older, you skip the permit step entirely and can go straight to scheduling a road test.

The permit itself costs about $7 and is valid for one year. If you don't pass the written test on your first try, you can retake it the same day or come back another day — there's no waiting period between attempts.

Taking the written test and road test

The written test is administered on a computer at the DMV office and takes about 10 to 15 minutes. The questions cover speed limits, right-of-way rules, parking laws, and what different road signs mean. You can request the test in a language other than English if you need it — Spanish is widely available, and other languages may be available depending on the office.

The road test lasts about 20 minutes and tests whether you can start the car, control steering, brake smoothly, turn correctly, and follow traffic signs. The examiner sits in the passenger seat and directs you through a route in the local area. You must bring a vehicle that is registered in Virginia, has current insurance, and has working headlights, brake lights, windshield wipers, and mirrors. The vehicle must also pass a safety inspection — if it doesn't, you cannot take the test that day.

You schedule the road test by phone, online through the Virginia DMV website, or in person at a DMV office. Wait times for road tests vary by location and season; some offices have openings within a week, while others may have a wait of several weeks. Scheduling online or by phone is usually faster than waiting in line at an office.

Fees and payment methods

A Virginia driver's license costs between $30 and $70 depending on how long you want it to be valid. A license valid for five years costs less than one valid for eight years. If you're under 21, your license will have a different appearance and will expire on your 21st birthday, regardless of which validity period you choose.

You pay the fee at the DMV office when you receive your license. The DMV accepts cash, personal checks, debit cards, and credit cards. Some offices may have limits on check amounts or may not accept certain payment methods, so calling ahead is a good idea if you plan to pay by check.

If you fail the road test, you do not pay the test fee again when you retake it — you only pay once, when you first pass and receive your license. If you need to replace a lost or damaged license, that replacement has a separate fee, usually around $15 to $20.

What to do on the day of your appointment

Arrive at the DMV office at least 15 minutes early. Bring all your documents in originals — photocopies are not accepted. Bring your learner's permit if you have one. If you're taking the road test, bring the vehicle you'll be driving, the vehicle's registration, proof of insurance, and your learner's permit or current out-of-state license.

Wear clothes that allow you to move freely and shoes that let you feel the pedals. Avoid wearing sunglasses or a hat during the test, as the examiner needs to see your face clearly. If you wear glasses or contacts for driving, wear them during the test — the examiner will note this on your license, and you must wear them whenever you drive.

If you fail the road test, you can usually retake it within a few days or weeks depending on the office's schedule. You do not need to retake the written test — only the road test. There is no fee for retaking the road test.

Renewing or replacing a Virginia license

If your Virginia license is expiring soon or has already expired, you can renew it in person at a DMV office or by mail if your license expired less than one year ago. To renew by mail, you fill out the renewal form, include a new photo if required, and mail it with the fee to the address on the form. Renewal by mail takes about two to three weeks.

If you're renewing in person, bring your current license and pay the renewal fee. You do not need to retake the written or road test unless your license has been expired for more than one year or you have certain medical conditions. If you've moved to a new address, bring proof of your new Virginia residency.

If your license is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can get a replacement at any DMV office by bringing your proof of identity and residency. A replacement license costs less than a new license and is processed the same day.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes. Spanish is available at all Virginia DMV offices. Other languages may be available depending on which office you visit. Call your local DMV office ahead of time to confirm whether your language is available, or ask when you arrive.

What happens if I fail the road test?

You can retake the road test without paying the test fee again. You do not need to retake the written test. Schedule your next attempt by phone, online, or in person at the DMV office. Most offices can fit you in within a few days to a few weeks.

Do I need to take a road test if I'm moving to Virginia with a valid license from another state?

No. You can exchange your out-of-state license for a Virginia license by visiting a DMV office with your documents and paying the fee. You do not need to retake any tests. Your new Virginia license will have an expiration date based on Virginia's schedule, not your old state's schedule.

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

You receive your license the same day you pass the road test, before you leave the DMV office. It is printed on-site. If you need a replacement mailed to you for any reason, that takes about one to two weeks.

What if I don't have a Social Security number?

You can use an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead. Bring documentation of your ITIN, such as a tax return or letter from the IRS. If you have neither, contact your local DMV office to ask what alternatives they accept.