What you need to bring to the DMV
Virginia's Department of Motor Vehicles requires you to bring specific documents in person — you cannot get a license by mail or online. The exact documents depend on whether you are getting your first license, renewing an expired one, or transferring from another state.
For a first-time Virginia license, bring proof of identity (a passport, birth certificate, or military ID), proof of Social Security number (your Social Security card, W-2, or tax return), and proof of Virginia residency (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days). You will also need to pass a vision test and a written knowledge test at the DMV office.
If you are renewing an expired license, you may be able to renew by mail if your license expired fewer than five years ago and you have no medical conditions listed on it. If you must renew in person, bring your expired license and proof of residency. If you are moving to Virginia from another state, bring your current out-of-state license, proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, and proof of Virginia residency.
Key Takeaways
- You must visit a DMV office in person for a first-time Virginia license; bring your birth certificate or passport, Social Security card, and a recent utility bill or lease showing your Virginia address.
- The written test covers Virginia traffic laws and road signs; you can study the official Virginia Driver's Manual online for free before you go.
- Vision and road tests happen the same day as your written test if you pass; the road test uses your own vehicle or a DMV vehicle depending on the location.
- Processing takes about 10 business days after you pass all tests; your temporary license is valid when ready and lets you drive while you wait for the permanent one.
- Fees vary by license type and age, ranging from roughly $20 to $50 for a standard five-year license.
Finding your nearest DMV office and scheduling
Virginia DMV offices are located in most counties and cities. You can find the office nearest you and check its hours on the Virginia DMV website. Some offices take walk-ins, but many now require you to book an appointment online or by phone to manage wait times.
Booking ahead is faster than walking in. Go to the Virginia DMV website, select your county or city, and choose an available time slot. If no appointments are open, the site will show you when the next batch opens — this is usually a few days out. If you cannot find an appointment near you, check offices in neighboring counties; you can get your license at any Virginia DMV office, not just the one closest to home.
If you prefer to call, the DMV customer service line can help you find an office and book an appointment. Have your zip code ready so they can show you nearby locations.
Passing the written knowledge test
The written test has 35 questions about Virginia traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You must answer at least 28 correctly to pass. The test is multiple choice and given on a computer at the DMV office.
Study the official Virginia Driver's Manual before you go — it is free and covers everything on the test. The manual is available as a PDF on the DMV website and in print at any DMV office. Most people spend a few hours reviewing it the night before or over a few days. Pay special attention to speed limits, right-of-way rules, and what different road signs mean.
If you fail the test, you can retake it the same day or schedule another appointment. There is no waiting period between attempts in Virginia, though you may have to pay the test fee again depending on the office.
The vision and road tests
After you pass the written test, you will take a vision screening at the DMV. This checks whether you can see well enough to drive safely. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them with you. If you fail the vision test, you cannot take the road test that day and will need to see an eye doctor and return with corrected vision or a doctor's note.
The road test comes next if you pass vision. You will drive for about 15 to 20 minutes while an examiner watches and scores your ability to handle basic driving tasks — starting the car, turning, stopping, parking, and following traffic laws. The examiner will direct you where to go. You can use your own vehicle if it is registered and insured, or some DMV offices have vehicles you can use. If you use your own car, make sure it is in safe working condition: brakes, lights, wipers, and mirrors all need to function.
If you fail the road test, you can retake it, but you will need to schedule another appointment. There is typically a waiting period of a few days to a week before you can test again.
Getting your temporary and permanent license
If you pass all three tests, you receive a temporary paper license on the spot. This temporary license is valid when ready and lets you drive while you wait for your permanent card. Write down the license number from your temporary license — you will need it if you are pulled over.
Your permanent plastic license card arrives by mail within about 10 business days. The address on file at the DMV is where it will be sent, so make sure the address you provided is correct. If you move before it arrives, you can update your address on the DMV website or call to have it redirected.
Your new license is valid for five years from the date it is issued. After that, you will need to renew it. Virginia offers online renewal for some drivers, but first-time licensees must renew in person the first time.
Fees and payment methods
A standard five-year driver's license costs around $20 to $50 depending on your age and whether you are getting your first license or renewing. Younger drivers (under 21) may pay a different rate than older drivers. The exact fee is listed on the DMV website and will be confirmed when you book your appointment.
The DMV accepts cash, debit cards, and credit cards at most offices. Some offices may have limits on which payment methods they take, so check your local office's page before you go. If you are paying by check, call ahead to confirm the office accepts checks.
What to do if you fail or cannot complete the process
If you fail the written test, you can retake it the same day at most offices, though you may pay the test fee again. If you fail the road test, you will need to schedule a new appointment, which typically means waiting a few days to a week.
If you cannot make your appointment, cancel it online or by phone so someone else can use that time slot. If you miss an appointment without canceling, you may lose the ability to book online for a period of time and will need to call to reschedule.
If you have a medical condition, disability, or language barrier, the DMV offers accommodations. Call ahead or mention it when you arrive so staff can help you. Interpreters are available at many offices, and the written test can be given in languages other than English.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take the road test in an automatic car if I learned to drive a manual?
Yes. You can take the road test in either an automatic or manual transmission vehicle. If you pass in an automatic, your license will have a restriction limiting you to automatics only. If you want to drive manuals, you must take the road test in a manual car.
What happens if I move to Virginia from another state and already have a license?
You do not have to take the written or road tests. Bring your current out-of-state license, proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, and proof of Virginia residency to a DMV office. You will pass a vision test and pay a fee to transfer your license. The process is faster than getting a first-time license.
Do I need to take the test again if my license expires?
No. When your license expires, you can renew it by mail if it expired fewer than five years ago and you have no medical restrictions. If you must renew in person, you only need to pass a vision test, not the written or road tests again.
How long does the whole process take from start to finish?
The appointment itself takes one to two hours. After you pass all tests, your temporary license is valid when ready. Your permanent card arrives by mail in about 10 business days. If you fail a test and need to retake it, add a few days to a week for the next appointment.
What if I cannot pass the vision test?
If you fail the vision screening, you cannot take the road test that day. Visit an eye doctor, get corrected vision (glasses or contacts), or obtain a letter from your doctor stating you can drive safely. Return to the DMV with your correction or doctor's note to retake the vision test.