What you need before you go to the DMV
Virginia requires you to bring specific documents to prove your identity, residency, and Social Security number before you can get a driver's license. The Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) will not issue a license without all three pieces of proof, so gathering them first saves you a trip.
For proof of identity, bring a valid passport, a certified birth certificate, a military ID, or a state ID card. If you're under 18, a school ID counts as secondary proof but not primary proof. For proof of residency, bring a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days with your name and Virginia address on it. For proof of your Social Security number, bring your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, or a pay stub with your full number visible.
You'll also need to know your Virginia address before you arrive. If you've just moved and haven't received mail yet, a lease or utility bill with your new address will work.
Key Takeaways
- Bring proof of identity (passport, birth certificate, military ID, or state ID), proof of residency (utility bill or lease dated within 60 days), and proof of your Social Security number before visiting the DMV.
- You must pass a written knowledge test, a vision screening, and a driving test unless you're renewing or transferring a license from another state.
- First-time applicants under 18 must complete a driver education course and hold a learner's permit for at least 15 days before taking the road test.
- You can schedule your DMV appointment online at dmvnow.com or walk in during business hours, though appointments are faster.
- A Virginia driver's license costs $70 for an eight-year license and is valid until your birthday in the eighth year after issue.
The written knowledge test and vision screening
When you arrive at the DMV, you'll take a written test on Virginia traffic laws and road signs. The test has 35 questions, and you must answer at least 28 correctly to pass. You can study using the Virginia DMV's official driver's manual, available free on the DMV website or in print at any DMV office. Many people study the manual for a few hours the night before and pass on their first try.
After the written test, a DMV staff member will check your vision using a machine that reads how well you see at different distances. If you wear glasses or contacts, wear them during this screening. If your vision doesn't meet Virginia's standard (20/40 in each eye, with or without correction), you won't pass the vision test and won't move forward that day.
The driving test and what happens next
If you pass the written and vision tests, you'll schedule a road test with a DMV examiner. The examiner will ask you to perform basic driving tasks: starting the car, turning, stopping, parking, and backing up. The test usually lasts 10 to 15 minutes and covers about 5 miles of local roads. You must bring a vehicle that's registered, insured, and in safe working condition—the examiner will check the brakes, lights, horn, and windshield wipers before you start.
If you pass the road test, you'll pay the $70 license fee and receive your license the same day. If you fail, you can retake the test after waiting at least one day. Most DMV offices let you schedule your next attempt before you leave.
Special rules if you're under 18
Virginia law requires anyone under 18 to complete a driver education course before they can get a license. This course can be taken at your high school, at a private driving school, or online through an approved provider. The course covers traffic laws and safe driving practices and usually takes 30 hours to complete. You'll receive a certificate when you finish, and you must bring it to the DMV.
After you finish driver education, you must obtain a learner's permit before you can take the road test. To get a learner's permit, pass the written knowledge test and vision screening (the same tests described above). You then hold the permit for at least 15 days before you're allowed to take the driving test. During those 15 days, you can practice driving with a licensed adult who is at least 21 years old sitting next to you.
Virginia also has a Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) program that restricts new drivers under 18. For the first six months after you get your license, you cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m., and you can have no more than one passenger under 21 in the car (unless a parent or guardian is driving). These restrictions lift after six months or when you turn 18, whichever comes first.
How to schedule your DMV appointment
You can book an appointment online at dmvnow.com by selecting your local DMV office, choosing the service you need (new driver's license), and picking an available date and time. Appointments typically fill up 2 to 4 weeks in advance, so book as early as you can. You'll receive a confirmation email with your appointment number.
If you prefer to walk in without an appointment, most DMV offices accept walk-ins during their regular hours, though wait times can be 1 to 3 hours depending on the office and time of day. Mornings on weekdays are usually less crowded than afternoons or weekends. You can find your local office's hours and phone number on the DMV website.
If you're transferring a license from another state
If you already have a valid driver's license from another state and you're moving to Virginia, you don't have to take the written or road tests. Bring your out-of-state license, proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of your Social Security number to the DMV. You'll pay the $70 fee, and the DMV will issue your Virginia license. Your new license will expire on your birthday eight years from the date of issue.
If your out-of-state license is expired, you'll need to take the written test and road test as if you were a first-time applicant. An expired license doesn't count as proof that you know Virginia's traffic laws.
Renewing or replacing a lost or damaged license
If your Virginia license is still valid and you're renewing it before it expires, you can renew by mail, online, or in person at the DMV. Mail renewal costs $70 and takes about two weeks. Online renewal is available if your license hasn't been expired for more than one year and you don't need to update your address or photo. In-person renewal at the DMV takes about 30 minutes and costs $70.
If your license is lost or stolen, report it to the DMV and request a replacement. A replacement license costs $20 and is issued the same day if you visit in person. If your license is damaged but still readable, the DMV may issue a replacement at no charge.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get a Virginia driver's license?
If you pass all tests on your first visit, you'll receive your license the same day. If you fail the road test and need to retake it, the second attempt usually happens within one to two weeks. For applicants under 18, add at least 15 days for the learner's permit waiting period plus time to complete driver education.
Can I take the written test in a language other than English?
Yes. The Virginia DMV offers the written test in Spanish, Arabic, Chinese, Korean, and Vietnamese, as well as English. You can request your preferred language when you schedule your appointment or when you arrive at the DMV office.
What if I fail the road test?
You can retake the road test after waiting at least one day. There's no limit to how many times you can take it. Most people pass on their second or third attempt. You don't have to retake the written or vision tests unless they've expired.
Do I need to bring my Social Security card, or can I bring a pay stub instead?
Either works. The DMV accepts a Social Security card, W-2, 1099, or pay stub as proof of your Social Security number. A pay stub is often easier to carry and just as acceptable.
What happens if I move to a different Virginia address after I get my license?
You must update your address with the DMV within 30 days of moving. You can do this online at dmvnow.com, by mail, or in person at any DMV office. Updating your address is free and takes about 10 minutes in person.