What You Need to Get a Virginia Driver's License
Virginia issues driver's licenses through the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). To get one, you must visit a DMV office in person, bring specific documents, pass a written test and a driving test, and pay the fee. You cannot complete the entire process online — Virginia requires an in-person visit for the vision screening, photo, and road test.
The documents you bring depend on whether you are getting your first license, renewing an expired one, or transferring from another state. Virginia groups these into three separate processes, each with different document requirements and timelines.
Key Takeaways
- You must visit a Virginia DMV office in person to get or renew a driver's license; the vision test and photo cannot be done remotely.
- First-time applicants need proof of identity, Social Security number, Virginia residency, and must pass both a written and road test.
- Renewals by mail are available if your license is not expired more than one year and you have no address changes, but most people renew in person.
- Virginia charges different fees for different license types and validity periods; a standard five-year license costs less than a ten-year license.
- You can schedule an appointment online at dmvnow.com to reduce wait times at the office.
Documents Required for a First-Time Virginia License
If you have never held a Virginia driver's license, you will need to bring proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, and proof of Virginia residency. Acceptable identity documents include a U.S. passport, a passport card, a military ID, or a state ID from another state. You cannot use a school ID, work ID, or credit card as your primary identity document.
For Social Security, bring your Social Security card itself, a W-2 form, a tax return, or a 1099 form. For residency, Virginia accepts a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. The document must show your name and current Virginia address.
You will also need to complete form DL-43, the process for Driver's License or Permit. You can fill this out before you arrive at the DMV office or complete it there. Bring a pen in case you need to make corrections.
The Written Test and Road Test
First-time applicants must pass a written test covering Virginia traffic laws and road signs. The test has 35 questions, and you must answer at least 28 correctly to pass. You can take the test in English or Spanish. If you fail, you can retake it the same day at most DMV offices, though you may have to wait and pay the test fee again.
After passing the written test, you must schedule a road test with a DMV examiner. The examiner will evaluate your ability to start the car, control steering, brake smoothly, turn, park, and follow traffic laws. The road test typically lasts 15 to 20 minutes. You must bring a vehicle that is registered, insured, and in safe working condition. The vehicle's registration and insurance card must be current.
If you fail the road test, you can retake it, but you must wait at least one day before your next attempt. There is no limit to how many times you can retake it, but each attempt requires a new fee.
Renewing an Expired Virginia License
If your Virginia license has expired, you have two options: renew by mail or renew in person at a DMV office. Renewal by mail is available only if your license expired less than one year ago, you have not changed your address, and you have no medical or legal restrictions on your driving record. To renew by mail, complete form DL-44, include a check or money order for the renewal fee, and mail both to the address on the form.
Most people renew in person because it is faster and because mail renewal has strict limits. When you renew in person, you will need your expired license, proof of Virginia residency (if you moved), and payment. You will not retake the written or road test unless the DMV has reason to believe your driving skills or vision have changed. The in-person renewal usually takes 30 minutes to an hour, depending on how busy the office is.
Virginia licenses are valid for five or ten years depending on which type you choose. A five-year license costs less but requires renewal more often. A ten-year license costs more upfront but is valid longer.
Transferring a License from Another State
If you hold a valid driver's license from another state and move to Virginia, you can transfer it without retaking the written test. You must visit a DMV office in person and bring your out-of-state license, proof of Virginia residency, and proof of Social Security number. You will need to pass the vision test and have a new photo taken, but you will not take the written or road test unless your out-of-state license is suspended or revoked.
The transfer process is faster than getting a first-time license because you skip the written and road tests. However, you still must complete the in-person visit and pay the Virginia license fee. If your out-of-state license is expired, you may still transfer it, but Virginia will treat it as a renewal rather than a transfer, and you may need to retake the written test.
Fees and License Validity Periods
Virginia charges different fees based on the type of license and how long you want it to be valid. A standard five-year driver's license costs one amount, while a ten-year license costs more. There are also separate fees for commercial driver's licenses (CDL) and for learner's permits. Fees can change, so check the DMV website or call your local office for current pricing.
You can pay by cash, check, debit card, or credit card at most DMV offices. Some offices accept payment by mail if you are renewing by mail. If you lose your license or it is damaged, you can request a replacement, which costs less than a new license but more than a straightforward renewal.
Scheduling an Appointment and Finding Your Local DMV Office
Virginia DMV offices operate by appointment and walk-in service, depending on the location. You can schedule an appointment online at dmvnow.com, which usually reduces your wait time. To schedule, you select your local DMV office, choose the service you need (new license, renewal, transfer), and pick an available date and time. Appointments typically fill up weeks in advance during busy seasons.
If you cannot get an appointment or prefer to walk in, most offices accept walk-ins on a first-come, first-served basis, though wait times can be two hours or longer. You can find your nearest DMV office by entering your zip code on dmvnow.com. The website also shows current wait times at each location, updated throughout the day.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Virginia license online?
No. Virginia does not offer full online renewal. You must visit a DMV office in person for the vision test and photo. Some renewal transactions can begin online through dmvnow.com, but you must complete them in person or by mail.
What happens if I fail the road test?
You can retake it after waiting at least one day. There is no limit to how many attempts you get, but each attempt costs a separate fee. The examiner will tell you what you did wrong so you can practice before your next test.
How long does a Virginia driver's license take to arrive after I pass the test?
If you pass your road test in person, you receive a temporary paper license that day. Your permanent plastic license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. The temporary license is valid for driving until the permanent one arrives.
Can I transfer my license if it is suspended or revoked?
No. You cannot transfer a suspended or revoked license from another state. You must resolve the suspension or revocation with Virginia before you can drive legally. Contact your local DMV office or the Virginia DMV website for information on how to clear a suspension.
Do I need to take the written test again if I renew my license?
No, not for a standard renewal. You only retake the written test if your license has been suspended, revoked, or if the DMV has reason to believe your knowledge of traffic laws has changed. Most renewals do not require the written test.