Identification Cards

Why Get an ID?

Everyone needs some form of official identification. It's inconvenient to carry around your passport, which is why state-issued identification cards are so handy. They look almost identical to driver's licenses, but they do not allow you to drive.

In Virginia, the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) issues driver's licenses as well as photo identification cards. Your ID card is acceptable almost anywhere a driver's license would be. It's secure photo ID to show to law enforcement officers. You can also show it as ID when purchasing alcohol or cigarettes, entering a bar, boarding a plane, checking into a hotel, or cashing a check.

There is a $10 charge for a Virginia photo ID for a child or adult, whether it is an original or a renewal ID card.

Who is Eligible?

Any Virginia resident who does not hold a valid driver's license or learner's permit, regardless of age, can get a nondriver ID card. To apply, you need to visit a DMV customer service center and fill out the Driver's License, Identification Card, and Voter Registration Application (form DL 1M), which is unfortunately not available online. For a child's ID card, use the Identification Card Application for Minors, form DL5.

Adults must provide proof of legal presence, two proofs of identity (one if you are under age 19), and one proof of residency. Documents to use as proof are listed in the DMV publication, Acceptable Documents for Obtaining a Driver's License or Photo ID Card.

For a child ID card, you must show one form of ID for the child, and a parent must certify the child's legal presence and residency on the application.

Your nondriver photo ID card expires at the end of the month you were born in, when you turn an age divisible by five (such as 35, 40, 45, and so forth). Renewals are $10. A child ID card expires on the child's 16th birthday (but if you are 15 or older when you apply, you will receive an adult identification card).

Exchanging Your License

You can exchange your driver's license for a state-issued ID card for a fee of $10. It is illegal to hold a driver's license and a state ID card at the same time.

Older Adults

If you are age 70 or older, you can exchange your driver's license for your first state-issued ID card at no charge. Renewals will be charged the normal $10 fee.

Temporary Residents

If you are in the U.S. temporarily, you can also apply for an ID card. It will be valid for the time that you are legally allowed to stay in the U.S. When the document you use to provide proof of legal presence expires, your ID card will expire. If the document shows no expiration date, the ID card will be valid for one year.

Hearing Impaired

If you have a hearing impairment, you can have this noted on your ID card. It does not entitle you to special privileges, but it lets people such as law enforcement officers know about your hearing impairment. This notation is also available on driver's licenses.

ID Renewals

If your Virginia ID card was issued prior to January 1, 2004, you will be required to complete a new application and have a new ID card issued. In order to re-apply, or if your card was issued after January 1, 2004 and is set to expire, you must appear in person at your local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to submit the appropriate paperwork.

The fee for renewal or new application if you already held an ID card prior to the 2004 conversion is $10. All ID cards will be valid for a period of five years, and will be scheduled to expire on the last day of your birth month.

ID Replacements

If your ID card has become lost, stolen or damaged, you will need to request a replacement (duplicate ID card). You can request a replacement online―but ONLY if you know the ID number. Of course, you could also go to the nearest DMV branch and fill out the required form and pay the $10 fee.