Drivers in the Military

Military life is rewarding, but it can be difficult to take care of your civilian business when you're stationed outside of your home state. Things like renewing your driver's license or registration could be tricky, but the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) keeps things simple for military personnel.

Virginia Residents Stationed Out of State

Driver's License Extension

If you are on active duty in the military and stationed outside of Virginia, you might not be able to get to a DMV office to renew your license. That's why the Virginia DMV provides military extensions by mail.

To request a military packet, visit the military page on Virginia's official DMV Web site. Then complete and sign the forms, and your extension will be taken care of. DMV extensions are valid for up to five years.

Registration Renewal

After returning to Virginia, you have 60 days to renew your vehicle registration.

If you are active-duty military and you cannot visit a Virginia DMV customer service center before your registration expires, you may submit an application for registration and the appropriate fee to the address below:

• Titles and Registration

• Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles

• P.O. Box 27412

• Richmond, VA 23269-0001

• (866) 368-5463

• (804) 367-0538

Alternatively, you may renew by phone or online with a major credit card (Visa, Discover, or MasterCard).

Out-of-State Residents Stationed in Virginia

If you are an active-duty Armed Forces member who is stationed in Virginia, you and your spouse, as well as your dependent children age 16 and three months or older, can drive with valid licenses from out of state or from your home country.

If you are the sole owner of your vehicle, you can drive it with valid out-of-state plates. If your vehicle is co-owned, all owners must be active duty military personnel, or else you must register the vehicle in Virginia. You do not need a Virginia driver's license to register your vehicle.