Virginia Driver’s License Guide | How to Get a VA Driver’s License
If you’re moving to Virginia or buying a house in Virginia, one of your top priorities should be obtaining a Virginia driver’s license. Whether you’re a first-time driver or an experienced motorist from another state, the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) has specific steps to follow to ensure you’re legally allowed to operate a motor vehicle in the state.
For new drivers, the process begins with obtaining a learner’s permit and passing the road skills test to become a licensed driver. If you already have a valid license from another state, transferring your license to Virginia is a straightforward process, but there are important requirements to keep in mind.
If you’re ready to get your Virginia driver’s license, then we’ve got you covered. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about getting your VA driver’s license, including the steps for new drivers and how to smoothly transfer your existing license to the Commonwealth.
Virginia Driver’s License Requirements & Steps
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When applying for a Virginia driver’s license, you’ll have different steps to follow depending on your age. If you are over 18, you’ll need to go through fewer steps to get your permanent driver’s license. If you are under 18, then the steps for getting a Virginia driver’s license are a bit more lengthy (driver training school, driver education course, driving with a legal guardian, etc).
Driver Training Requirements
To get your Virginia driver’s license as a minor under the age of 18, it is essential that you hold a Virginia learner’s permit for a minimum of 60 days. If this is not possible, then another option is to complete a state-approved driver education program while holding the learner’s permit. To get your Virginia driver’s license, you must submit your driver education program completion certificate to the Virginia DMV before taking your Virginia driver’s license test.
If you are under the age of 18, there are a few more steps to take in the Virginia driver’s license process. First, you must successfully complete a state-approved driver education program while also holding a learner’s permit for at least nine months. After completing the program, your parent or guardian must list their current driver’s license number or state-issued ID number on the completion certificate.
They must also sign to certify that you have driven at least 45 hours in the legal presence of an adult. Fifteen of these hours must have occurred after sunset. This completion certificate must be submitted when applying for your Virginia driver’s license. Before taking your final test, it’s never a bad idea to take a DMV Virginia practice test online.
Documents
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After meeting the driver training requirements, you can apply for your Virginia driver’s license at any DMV customer service center. First, you’ll want to complete the Driver’s License Application and review any motor vehicle laws. The application can be done online or on paper. Additionally, if you are under 18, your parent or guardian must provide written consent by signing the application.
You’ll need to provide the following documents at the Virginia DMV:
- One proof of identity (birth certificate, valid U.S. passport, U.S. Certificate of Citizenship, or Certificate of Naturalization)
- If not a U.S. citizen, one proof of legal presence (unexpired foreign passport, unexpired Employment Authorization Document, Unexpired Permanent Resident Card)
- Two proofs of Virginia residency (Deed, mortgage, monthly mortgage statement, lease agreement, U.S. Postal Service change of address confirmation form, utility bill, postmarked mail displaying applicant’s name)
- One proof of Social Security number
- If your name appears differently on your proof documents: Proof of name change
- Your driver education completion certificate
Make sure you use your full legal name on all documents. Abbreviations or nicknames will not be accepted. Additionally, you’ll want to submit original documents, as the DMV will not accept copies.
Taking the Tests
If you are over the age of 18 and have never held a license issued by another state, then you have a few options when it comes to getting your VA driver’s license. If you have completed a driver’s education program, then you only need to take the two-part knowledge exam to get your license and stickers for your license plates. If you did not complete a driver’s education program and instead only held a learner’s permit for 60 days, then you will be required to take both the two-part knowledge exam and the road skills test.
If you are under the age of 18, you are required to take both the two-part knowledge exam and the road skills test. When taking the road skills test, you must provide your own vehicle and bring your learner’s permit along. The vehicle must have a valid safety inspection sticker, license plates, and registration card, as well as working brakes, safety belts, horn, lights, turn signals, mirrors, and a speedometer. Rental cars can only be used if the applicant is listed on the rental agreement as an authorized driver.
After passing your test as a minor under 18, you will still have some restrictions. According to VirginiaRules.org, Virginia’s curfew laws prohibit drivers under 18 who hold a driver’s license from driving between midnight and 4:00 a.m. Exceptions include:
- An emergency
- When traveling to and from work or school events
- When accompanied by a parent or legal guardian
- When responding to an emergency call as a volunteer firefighter or rescue squad personnel
Additionally, if you are under 18, you are only allowed to carry one passenger under the age of 21 during the first year of holding your Virginia driver’s license, unless a parent is in the seat beside you. After you have held your license for one year, until age 18, you may carry up to three passengers under the age of 21 when you are driving to or from a school-sponsored activity, when a licensed driver who is at least 21 years old is in the seat beside you, or in case of an emergency. These passenger restrictions do not apply to family members.
Receiving Your License
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After passing the test, you will receive your license within a few days at the address on file. If you are under the age of 18 when your Virginia driver’s license is issued, you may be required to attend a court licensing ceremony with your parent or guardian in order to receive your license. If you are required to attend, the Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court will mail you a notice if you are required to attend. If you are not required to attend a ceremony, then your VA driver’s license will simply be mailed to you.
Virginia Driver’s License Cost & Fees
How much does a driver’s license cost in Virginia? To get your Virginia driver’s license for the first time, you’ll pay a fee of $32.00. This keeps your Virginia driver’s license valid for 8 years, bringing the cost to $4.00 per year. Here’s a breakdown of all costs associated with driver’s licenses in Virginia, according to the DMV.
| Type | Fee |
| REAL ID | $10 one-time fee |
| Driver’s license only | $32.00 |
| Combined learner’s permit/driver’s license (plus the yearly cost of the driver’s license) | $3.00 |
| 90-Day temporary driver’s license | $10.00 |
| Driver privilege card | $50.00 |
| Combined learners permit/driver privilege card | $53.00 |
| Motorcycle Class (per year) | $2.00 |
| Motorcycle learner’s permit | $3.00 |
| License extension (hardship) | $10.00 |
| Commercial driver’s license | $8.00 per year, $20.00 minimum |
| CDL endorsement(s) (per year) | $1.00 |
| Commercial learner’s permit | $3.00 |
| CDL skills test missed appointment | $50.00 |
| Replacement driver’s driver privilege card, motorcycle or CDL license | $20.00 |
| Replacement learner’s permit (driver or motorcycle) | $2.00 |
| Photo Identification | $2.00 per year (minimum $10.00; maximum $16.00) |
| Identification Privilege Card | $25.00 |
Transferring a Driver’s License to Virginia - Requirements & Steps
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If you’re becoming a Virginia resident for the first time and need a change of address and a new Virginia driver’s license, then you’ll want to make sure you follow these steps to get your valid driver’s license issued.
After moving to the area, you must get a Virginia license within 60 days of becoming a resident. You are considered a resident if you are a legal resident of the Commonwealth or you maintain a place of living in Virginia for 183 days of the tax year.
If you fail to get a Virginia driver’s license within 60 days, then you are driving with an invalid license, which is a Class 2 misdemeanor. This carries a fine of up to $1,000 and up to six months in jail.
Documents Needed to Transfer Your VA Driver’s License
These are the documents you need to transfer your valid out of state license to a VA driver’s license.
- Application Form DL-1P
- Social Security Number
- Proof of Citizenship/Lawful Presence
- Proof of Residence
- Proof of Identity
- Your out of state license
Getting Your Virginia Driver’s License
As long as you are 18 years old and have a valid out-of-state license, you will not need to take the road skills test. You’ll have to take these steps to get your Virginia driver’s license.
- Head to a Virginia DMV Customer Service Center
- Submit your Application Form DL-1P and your approved documents
- If applicable, take the written exam and/or skills test
- Take a vision screening test
- Surrender your out-of-state license
- Verify your new address and contact information
- Pay any required fees
After completing these steps, you will receive a temporary paper license in place of your old license. Within 15 days, you will receive your new Virginia driver’s license in the mail.
The fee to transfer an out-of-state license to Virginia is $32 for an 8-year license.
Vehicle Requirements
Before you operate a vehicle in Virginia, there are a few things to keep in mind. Your vehicle must pass an annual safety inspection and display a valid safety inspection sticker. You can get a safety inspection at most repair shops in the state.
Additionally, you’ll want to make sure you title your vehicle in Virginia. This must be done within 30 days of moving to the state and can be completed online. If you live in the counties of Arlington, Fairfax, Loudoun, Prince William, or Stafford, or the cities of Alexandria, Fairfax, Falls Church Manassas, or Manassas Park, then you also need to complete an emissions inspection. You can find your nearest emissions station on the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality website.
Lastly, you must maintain the minimum amount of liability insurance coverage on your vehicle. If you fail to do so, you may face up to $600 in fees, higher insurance premiums, or even the suspension of your driver’s license.
Virginia DMV Agency Locations - Make an Appointment at the Agency
Before getting your Virginia driver’s license, you’ll want to become familiar with the Virginia DMV. The DMV can assist with anything from titling, registration, license plates, and insurance for vehicles to drive training, reinstatement, name and address changes, birth certificates, and more. There are dozens of Customer Service Centers across the state, and you can use the DMV’s online tool to find the center nearest you. The DMV’s main contact information is:
- Address: Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles, P.O. Box 27412, Richmond, VA 23269
- Phone number: (804) 497-7100
Appointments for a Virginia driver’s license can be made online. You can also walk in, but be prepared to wait.
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The Virginia DMV also offers over 50 services online. Tasks such as registration renewal, change of address, plate purchases, Virginia driver’s license renewal, and more can be done entirely through the website.
VA Driver’s License FAQs
How Do You Get a Virginia Driver’s License for the First Time?
If you’re getting your Virginia driver’s license for the first time, you’ll need to complete a state-approved driver education program, hold a learner’s permit for nine months, and have driven for at least 45 hours with a parent or guardian. Then, you can gather all of the proper documents and head to the Virginia DMV to take your knowledge test and road skills test.
How Do I Transfer My License to Virginia?
To transfer your current license to a Virginia driver’s license, you’ll need to fill out Application Form DL-1P and bring it to a DMV location along with all of the proper documents highlighted above.
How Much Does It Cost to Get a Driver’s License in Virginia?
It costs $32 to get a standard 8-year Virginia driver’s license.
When Can You Get Your Driver’s License in Virginia?
You can get your Virginia driver’s license when you are 16 years and 3 months old.
What Documents Do I Need to Renew My Virginia Driver’s License?
To renew your Virginia driver’s license, you’ll need Application Form DL-1P, your social security number, your proof of citizenship or lawful presence, proof of residence, proof of identity, and your out-of-state license.
How Do I Get a REAL ID in Virginia?
You can opt for your VA driver’s license to be a REAL ID. The DMV will guide you in the right direction when you arrive.
Is There a Grace Period for an Expired VA Driver’s License?
No, there is no grace period for an expired Virginia driver’s license. Driving with an expired license is illegal and may result in severe consequences.
How Can I Change My Name on My VA Driver’s License?
To change your name on your VA driver’s license you can visit a DMV Customer Service Center, surrender your current license, and provide proof of your name change. Then, you’ll have your photo taken, provide your updated signature, and pay the required licensing fees before receiving your replacement driver’s license.
Get Your License After Relocating to Virginia!
Are you ready to get your Virginia driver’s license? By following the steps above, you’ll have your VA driver’s license in no time! If you’re ready to call Virginia home, then get in touch with On The Fly Moving Guys! Our team will quickly and carefully get you settled into your new home, allowing you to get started building your life in Virginia. Give us a call today at (804) 836-4954 to get started with a free quote.
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