Drivers in the Military in Virginia

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 website. Follow the steps to complete and submit your documents and payment, and your extension will be taken care of. DMV extensions are valid for up to 6 years.

Registration Renewal

After returning to Virginia, you must obtain a VA vehicle safety inspection. You have  90 days to renew your vehicle registration.

If you are an active-duty military and you cannot visit a Virginia DMV customer service center before your registration expires, you may submit a Vehicle Registration Application (Form VSA 14) and the appropriate fee to a DMV Select office.

Alternatively, you may renew using a major credit card:

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 eligible dependent children, 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.

For more on military driving matters in VA, consult the state's military driver guide

Forms

VSA 14
Vehicle Registration Application
Application for original, renewed, OR replacement Virginia registration, license plates, OR decals.
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