Applying for a New License

The process for obtaining your Virginia license varies according to a number of factors, including your age, the length of time you've been in the state, and your driving experience. Let's take a look at several common situations.

First-Time Drivers

To be eligible for a Virginia driver's license, you must be a Virginia resident and be at least 16 years and three months of age. To apply for a license from the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), you will have to show proof of the following:

• Your identity (two forms of proof if you are 19 or older)

• Legal presence in the United States

• Virginia residency

• Social Security card

The DMV provides a list of documents you may use as proof. This list is also available in Spanish.

Generally speaking, those applying for a first-time license must pass a vision screening, a knowledge (written) test based on the Driver's Manual, and a road skills test. The process is a little different for those seeking a motorcycle license or a commercial driver's license (CDL).

How to Apply

When you apply for a first-time driver's license, you must complete an application for a Virginia driver's license, which is form DL 1M (unfortunately, this form is not available online). Use your full legal name―no nicknames or abbreviations are allowed.

You can also register to vote on the application, change your voter registration address, or sign up to become an organ donor. After you pay your fees (see below), you will take any required tests, such as the vision screening, knowledge (written), or road skills tests.

Road Skills Testing

If you are taking a road skills test, you must bring your own vehicle. It must have valid license plates and registration and a valid safety inspection sticker. The brakes, safety belts, lights, turning signals, mirrors, speedometer, and horn must all work. You may only take the test once per business day and three times during three months, so keep this in mind if you fail the test.

If you are under age 19, the skills test is given as part of the required driver education course, and you will receive your license in court later on. Those age 19 and older can take their road tests at any DMV customer service center except Fair Oaks Mall and Springfield Mall.

When you pass, your driver's license will be issued to you while you wait. Driver's licenses are normally valid for eight years and expire on your birthday in the year that you turn an age divisible by eight (28, 36, and so forth). If you are under 18, your license will expire on your 20th birthday.

Special Requirements for Younger Drivers

You must be at least 15 1/2 years old to get a learner's permit. Visit our Drivers Permits article for details on how to apply for the permit.

Beyond that, the specific licensing requirements vary according to your age.

17 Years Old and Under

To apply for a license, you must have the written permission of your parents or legal guardians (unless you're married or an emancipated minor). Also, a parent, guardian, or foster parent must verify that you've accrued a minimum of 40 hours of driving time, at least 10 of which occurred after sunset.

You must also provide proof of completing a state-approved driver education program, or have the driver education certificate completion certificate in hand, in order to apply for a license.

If you've never held a driver's license, you must have your learner's permit for at least nine months (without any traffic convictions) before taking the road skills test.

18 Years Old and Under

You'll have to show proof you've successfully completed a state-approved driver education program, and you must have your learner's permit for a minimum of nine months before you can apply for a driver's license.

19 Years Old and Over

Those in this category who have never held a license (domestic or foreign) need to hold a permit for at least 30 days, or show proof of completing the driver education program, before taking the road test.

Selective Service Registration

Usually, males under age 26 must register with Selective Service. If you are under age 18, your parent or legal guardian must sign your application authorizing Selective Service to register you when you turn 18.

If you are 18 or older, you must authorize the DMV to forward your personal information to Selective Service, unless you are already registered. The DMV cannot issue driver's licenses or photo ID cards to you if you are required to register and refuse to allow the DMV to send your information to Selective Service.

New Residents

Did you just move to Virginia, and you wish to drive? You must get a Virginia driver's license within 60 days of moving here (30 days for a commercial driver's license).

If you are 19 or older and hold a valid license from another state or U.S. territory, Canada, France, or Germany, you can exchange your license for a Virginia driver's license. You might not have to take the knowledge or skills tests, hold a learner's permit for 30 days, or show proof of driver education. But you will have to pass the vision screening.

If you are 19 or older and have a valid license from a country other than those listed above, you must still pass the knowledge exam, road skills test, and vision screening. You might not have to show proof of driver education or hold a learner's permit for 30 days, however.

Regardless of your situation, bring the following documents with you when applying for a Virginia license:

• Two proofs of identity (one primary document and one secondary, or two primary documents).

• One proof of U.S. legal presence.

• One proof of Virginia residency.

• One proof of Social Security number (if you've been issued a number).

See the DMV list of acceptable documents for each category.

Revoked or Suspended Out-of-State Licenses

If another state has suspended or revoked your license, you cannot get a Virginia license until your record in that state is cleared, and you meet the Virginia requirements for eligibility.

Non-Residents

If you are living in Virginia temporarily, you can drive with your current license and license plates for up to six months (unless you are a commercial vehicle driver) or until you become gainfully employed. If you stay here longer than six months or become gainfully employed, you must obtain a Virginia driver's license and register your vehicle in the Commonwealth of Virginia.

Active-Duty Military Personnel

If you are on active duty and stationed in Virginia, you and your spouse, along with your dependent children ages 16 and three months or older, may drive with valid licenses from your home state or country.

If you own a vehicle, you can drive it with out-of-state plates if you are the sole owner. For co-owned vehicles, however, all owners must be active-duty members of the Armed Forces or else register the vehicle in Virginia. You do not need a Virginia driver's license to register your vehicle here.

Students from Out of State

If you are a full-time student at an accredited school in Virginia and not employed, you can drive with a valid license from another state or country and with valid out-of-state plates on your vehicle.

If you are employed (even if you're a full-time student), you are considered a resident as far as the motor vehicle laws are concerned. You must get a Virginia driver's license and register the vehicle in Virginia―even if someone else owns it.

Fees

Original licenses and renewals cost $4 per year. Depending on what age you are when you get your original license, it will be valid for three to seven years. When you renew, your license will normally be valid for five years.

Driving Privileges for Non-Citizens

If you're visiting Virginia and possess a valid driver's license from another country, you may drive up to six months within the state.

Be sure to always have your license with when you're driving.

It's a good idea to obtain an International Driver Permit, issued by your home country. The permit basically translates your license to make it understandable to U.S. officials. Many car-rental agencies also want you to have one.

If you become gainfully employed during your stay, you will need to apply for a Virginia driver's license to retain your driving privileges. Or, should you become a resident of the state, you will need to apply for a Virginia driver's license within six months of your residency.

The state provides information on the documentation non-citizens must bring to the DMV office.