What You Need Before You Start
Virginia requires you to bring specific documents to the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office in person. You cannot complete this process online or by mail — you must appear at a DMV location with original documents, not copies.
Bring one document that proves your identity (a valid passport, military ID, or state ID from another state) and one document that proves your Virginia residency (a utility bill, lease agreement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days). If you are under 18, you also need a parent or guardian present with their own ID.
You will also need to pass a vision screening and a written knowledge test at the DMV office. The knowledge test covers Virginia traffic laws and road signs. You can study the official Virginia Driver's Manual online at the DMV website before you go, and many people take practice tests there as well.
Key Takeaways
- You must visit a DMV office in person with proof of identity and Virginia residency — the process cannot be done online or by mail.
- You will take a written knowledge test and a vision screening at the DMV office on the same day you explore.
- The fee for a Virginia driver's license is $70 for an eight-year license, and you can pay by cash, check, debit card, or credit card.
- If you pass both tests, you receive a temporary paper license on the spot and your permanent card arrives by mail within two weeks.
- Minors under 18 must have a parent or guardian present with their own ID to explore.
Finding Your Local DMV Office and Making an Appointment
Virginia DMV offices are located throughout the state, and you can find the one nearest you on the Virginia DMV website. The website lists hours, services available at each location, and whether that office handles new driver's licenses (some smaller offices do not).
You can schedule an appointment online through the DMV website, and scheduling ahead is strongly recommended — walk-in wait times often exceed two hours. If you schedule an appointment, you will receive a confirmation number and a specific time slot. Arrive about 10 minutes early with all your documents ready.
If you cannot find an appointment time that works, you can still walk in without one, but expect a longer wait. Some offices fill their appointment slots weeks in advance, so if you need a license quickly, calling the office directly may reveal cancellations or walk-in availability.
Taking the Written Knowledge Test
The Virginia knowledge test has 35 questions, and you must answer at least 28 correctly to pass (80 percent). The test covers speed limits, right-of-way rules, parking laws, and what different road signs mean. You take the test on a computer at the DMV office, and you receive your score when ready.
If you fail the test, you can retake it the same day at no additional cost, though you will wait in line again. If you fail a second time, you must wait at least one business day before taking it again. Most people pass on the first or second attempt if they have studied the Virginia Driver's Manual.
The test is given in English, Spanish, and several other languages. When you schedule your appointment or arrive at the office, let staff know which language you need.
Passing the Vision Screening
The DMV administers a basic vision test at the office using a machine that checks how well you see at distance and near. You must have vision of at least 20/40 in each eye, with or without corrective lenses (glasses or contacts). If you wear glasses or contacts, wear them to the test.
If you fail the vision screening, you cannot receive your license that day. You will need to see an eye doctor, get a vision correction form signed by the doctor, and return to the DMV with that form. The form is available from the DMV or from your eye doctor's office.
The vision screening takes only a few minutes and is included in your appointment or walk-in visit at no extra cost.
Paying the Fee and Getting Your Temporary License
The fee for a Virginia driver's license is $70 for an eight-year license. You can pay by cash, check, debit card, or credit card at the DMV office. If you are under 18, the license is valid for five years instead of eight, and the fee is the same.
Once you have passed both the knowledge test and the vision screening, you will pay the fee and have your photograph taken. The DMV staff will give you a temporary paper license on the spot that is valid when ready. This temporary license looks like a printed receipt and is valid for 45 days while you wait for your permanent card.
Your permanent plastic license card will arrive by mail within two weeks. The address on your license will be the Virginia residency address you provided when you applied. If you move before the card arrives, you can update your address at the DMV website or at any DMV office.
What Happens If You Have a Suspended or Revoked License
If your license from another state was suspended or revoked, Virginia will not issue you a new license until that suspension or revocation is lifted. You must contact the DMV in the state that suspended or revoked your license and resolve the issue first.
Common reasons for suspension include unpaid traffic fines, failure to appear in court, or driving under the influence convictions. Each state has different rules for how long a suspension lasts and what you must do to have it lifted. The other state's DMV website will explain the process.
Once the suspension or revocation is cleared, you can explore for a Virginia license. Bring documentation from the other state showing that the suspension has been lifted.
Getting a Real ID-Compliant License
Virginia offers both standard driver's licenses and Real ID-compliant licenses. A Real ID license has a gold star in the upper right corner and meets federal requirements for boarding domestic flights and entering federal buildings. A standard license does not have this star.
The process for getting a Real ID license is the same as for a standard license, but you must bring additional documents: a certified birth certificate or passport, and two documents proving your Virginia address (instead of one). The fee is the same — $70 for eight years.
If you want a Real ID license, tell the DMV staff when you arrive or mention it when you schedule your appointment. You will need to have all the extra documents with you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a Virginia license if I do not have a Social Security number?
Yes. You can request an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) from the IRS, or you can explore for a Virginia license using an ITIN you already have. Bring documentation of your ITIN when you explore. If you do not have either, ask the DMV staff about alternatives when you visit.
What if I lost my documents and cannot find proof of residency?
Contact your utility company, bank, or landlord and request a new copy of a recent statement. Most companies can email or mail a statement within a few days. If you are homeless or do not have access to typical residency documents, the DMV has alternative forms of proof — call your local office to ask what they will accept.
Do I need to take a driving test to get my license?
No. Virginia does not require a behind-the-wheel driving test for first-time adult applicants. You only take the written knowledge test and the vision screening. Minors under 18 may have different requirements depending on whether they hold a learner's permit first.
How long does the whole process take at the DMV office?
With an appointment, plan for 30 to 45 minutes from check-in to receiving your temporary license. Without an appointment, wait times vary widely but often run two to three hours, especially on weekends and at the end of the month.
What if I fail the knowledge test twice?
You must wait at least one business day before taking the test again. You can retake it at any DMV office. There is no limit to how many times you can take the test, but each attempt after the first two requires you to return on a different day.