Virginia issues driver's licenses through the Department of Motor Vehicles, and the process depends on whether you are a first-time driver, renewing an expired license, or moving to Virginia from another state

The Virginia DMV handles all driver's license issuance. You will need to visit a DMV office in person for your first license or to replace a lost one. If you already hold a valid Virginia license, you can renew by mail or online if you meet certain conditions. The specific documents you need and the fees you pay depend on your age, whether you are a new driver, and what type of license you want.

Virginia offers a graduated licensing system for drivers under 18, which means younger drivers face restrictions on when they can drive and who can ride with them. Adult drivers (18 and older) can get a standard license with no restrictions. Commercial drivers need a separate Commercial Driver License (CDL) and must pass additional tests.

Key Takeaways

  • First-time drivers in Virginia must visit a DMV office in person, pass a written test, a vision test, and a driving test to get a license.
  • Drivers under 18 receive a Learner's Permit first, which allows supervised driving for at least 60 days before they can take the road test for a Restricted License.
  • You will need proof of identity (such as a birth certificate or passport), proof of Virginia residency (such as a utility bill or lease), and your Social Security number to explore.
  • Virginia driver's licenses are valid for eight years for adults and five years for drivers under 21, and renewal by mail or online is available if your license is not suspended or revoked.
  • The total cost varies by license type and age, but a standard adult license costs less than $50 for an eight-year term.

Documents you need before visiting the DMV

Bring original documents or certified copies — photocopies alone will not work. You need proof of identity, proof of Virginia residency, and your Social Security number. The DMV will not issue a license without all three.

For proof of identity, bring one of these: a valid U.S. passport, a certified birth certificate, a Certificate of Naturalization, a Consular Report of Birth Abroad, or a military ID. A school ID or work ID does not count. If your birth certificate is not certified (it has a raised seal or embossed mark), the DMV will reject it.

For proof of Virginia residency, bring a document dated within the last 60 days showing your name and current Virginia address. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail. A credit card statement or cell phone bill usually does not work. If you are homeless or living with someone else, you can bring a notarized letter from the person whose name is on the utility bill, along with a statement from you explaining your housing situation.

You will also need to provide your Social Security number. If you do not have one, you can bring a letter from the Social Security Administration stating that you are not may be able to access for a number.

The path for drivers under 18: Learner's Permit to Restricted License

Virginia requires all drivers under 18 to start with a Learner's Permit. You must hold this permit for at least 60 days and practice driving under supervision before you can take the road test. During this time, you can only drive with a licensed adult (21 or older) in the front passenger seat.

To get a Learner's Permit, visit a DMV office with your documents, pass a vision test, and pass a written test on Virginia traffic laws and road signs. There is no road test required for the permit. Once you have held the permit for 60 days and logged the required supervised driving hours (which vary by age), you can schedule a road test.

After you pass the road test, you receive a Restricted License. This license comes with conditions: you cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m., you can only carry one passenger under 20 years old (unless a parent or guardian is in the car), and you must wear a seatbelt. These restrictions lift when you turn 18 or after you have held the Restricted License for 12 months, whichever comes first.

Getting a license as an adult (18 and older)

If you are 18 or older and have never held a Virginia license, you must visit a DMV office and pass three tests: vision, written, and road. You do not need a Learner's Permit first, though some adults choose to get one for practice.

The written test covers Virginia traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You can study using the Virginia DMV's free online manual or the printed manual available at any DMV office. The test has 35 questions, and you must answer at least 28 correctly to pass.

The road test lasts about 20 minutes and tests your ability to start the car, control steering, brake safely, turn, park, and follow traffic laws. You must bring a vehicle that is registered, insured, and in safe working condition. The vehicle must have valid inspection and emissions stickers (if required in your area).

Renewing or replacing a Virginia license

If your Virginia license is not suspended or revoked, you can renew online or by mail without visiting an office. Online renewal is available if your license is not expiring within 30 days and you have not renewed online in the past four years. You will need your license number and the last four digits of your Social Security number.

If you cannot renew online or by mail, you must visit a DMV office. Bring your current license and proof of Virginia residency. You will not need to retake the written or road test unless your license was suspended or revoked, or unless the DMV has reason to believe you are not safe to drive.

If your license is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can replace it in person at a DMV office or by mail. For a replacement by mail, send a completed form, a copy of your current license (if you have one), and a check to the Virginia DMV. Processing takes about two weeks by mail.

Fees and validity periods

A standard eight-year driver's license for an adult costs less than $50. A Learner's Permit costs less than $20. A Restricted License for a driver under 18 costs less than $30. Fees vary slightly depending on whether you renew in person or by mail, so check the current fee schedule on the Virginia DMV website before you visit.

Virginia driver's licenses are valid for eight years if you are 21 or older. If you are under 21, your license is valid for five years. Once your license expires, you cannot legally drive, and driving with an expired license can result in a traffic citation.

What to do if you move to Virginia from another state

If you hold a valid driver's license from another state, you do not have to retake the written and road tests. You can exchange your out-of-state license for a Virginia license by visiting a DMV office with your current license, proof of Virginia residency, and your Social Security number. You will still need to pass a vision test.

You have 60 days from the date you establish Virginia residency to exchange your license. After 60 days, you are driving on an out-of-state license in Virginia, which is legal as long as the license is valid, but you should exchange it to avoid confusion with law enforcement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take the written test and road test on the same day?

No. You must pass the written test first, and then you can schedule the road test for a later date. Most DMV offices allow you to schedule the road test when ready after passing the written test, but the actual test happens on a different day.

What happens if I fail the road test?

You can retake the road test. There is no waiting period between attempts, but you must pay the test fee each time. Most people pass on the second or third attempt.

Do I need to take a new photo each time I renew my license?

Not if you renew by mail. If you renew in person or if your license photo is damaged, you will take a new photo at the DMV office. Photos are required every eight years for adults and every five years for drivers under 21.

Can I get a Virginia license if I do not have a Social Security number?

Yes. Bring a letter from the Social Security Administration stating that you are not may be able to access for a number, along with your other required documents. The DMV will issue a license with an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead.

What is the difference between a Restricted License and a standard license?

A Restricted License is for drivers under 18 and comes with driving time limits and passenger restrictions. A standard license has no restrictions. Once you turn 18 or hold a Restricted License for 12 months, you can request an unrestricted license.