Virginia Driver's License

A driver's license in Virginia is an official document that authorizes an individual to operate one or more types of motorized vehicles on public roads. This legal authorization is typically granted to residents who are at least 16 years and three months old and have demonstrated a thorough understanding of traffic laws and exceptional driving skills.

The Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) is the primary agency responsible for issuing driver's licenses in the state. It provides extensive information on regulations specific to Virginia and ensures that drivers are well-informed of their obligations to maintain a safe transportation environment.

Starting May 7, 2025, the Virginia state government will implement a new regulation requiring all individuals to present a REAL ID-compliant driver's license or identification card for domestic air travel. This rule is part of enhancing security measures and standardizing identification procedures nationwide.

What Are the Types of Driver's Licenses in Virginia?

The VA DMV issues various types of driver's licenses to cater to the needs of its residents. These licenses range from regular passenger vehicle licenses to commercial and motorcycle licenses, each with its own requirements and privileges.

Class A (Commercial)

A Class A license permits the holder to drive vehicles with a gross combined weight rating (GCWR) exceeding 26,000 pounds or 11.7 tons. This encompasses automobiles such as tractor-trailer buses, tractor-trailers, and combinations of trucks and trailers.

Class B (Commercial)

This license type permits an individual to use any motor vehicle with more than 26,000 pounds GCWR. Class B vehicles are typical school buses, straight trucks, and large buses.

Class C (Commercial)

A Class C license permits an individual to operate vehicles that can accommodate 16 or more passengers or haul hazardous materials that typically require placards. Cars of this nature do not fall under Class A or Class B classifications.

Class D

This license is the standard or regular license in Virginia. Class D license allows the owner to operate passenger cars for personal use.

Class M

A Class M license is divided into three categories: M, M2, and M3. The M2 and M3 classifications allow holders to operate two or three-wheeled vehicles. On the other hand, a Class M license grants the licensee the privilege to utilize both types of means of transportation.

How To Obtain a Driver's License in Virginia?

In the state of Virginia, the following individuals are eligible to obtain a driver's license:

• Residents of Virginia
• Underage applicants
• First-time adult applicants
• New Residents
• Out-of-state students
• Non-residents/Non-U.S. citizens
• Military personnel

The process of obtaining a driver's license involves several steps and requirements based on the applicant's age. For new drivers, the first step is to get a Learner's Permit once they reach the age of 15 years and six months.

To acquire a regular driver's license, first-time drivers must be Virginia residents at least 16 years and three months old. However, individuals under 18 face the following additional requirements:

• Complete the state-approved driver education program
• Hold a Learner's Permit for at least nine months
• Provide written consent from either parents or legal guardians

Applicants 18 years or older and have never held a license issued by any state or country must either complete the driver education course or hold a Learner's Permit for at least 60 days before taking the DMV road skill test to obtain their regular driver's license.

Once all the requirements are met, qualified individuals must complete a Driver's License application form, either online or on paper, and submit it to the VA DMV along with the $32 driver's license fee.

In addition to the application form, the following documents must also be submitted:

• One proof of legal presence
• Two proofs of Virginia residency
• One proof of identity

Upon successful submission of all pertinent documents, VA DMV will subject a driver's license applicant to the following examinations depending on the individual's age, prior driving experience, and completion of driver's education programs:

Vision Screening

During this test, the examiner instructs the individual to peek into a specialized machine and read aloud the characters displayed.

If the applicant fails to meet the required vision standards during this screening, the examiner will advise them to consult an eye care professional for a comprehensive vision examination.

Two-part Knowledge Exam

This multiple-choice test can be taken on computer terminals at VA DMV customer service centers. It is typically divided into two components: the Road Sign Identification Test, which gauges the applicant's knowledge of traffic signs, and the General Knowledge Test, which measures one's awareness of motor vehicle regulations and safe driving practices.

Road Skills Test

The evaluation occurs in a practical setting, where the applicant must operate a vehicle on public roads to demonstrate their driving abilities in real-world conditions. The test is administered in English. However, if the individual requires language assistance, an interpreter may be provided to facilitate effective communication throughout the assessment.

How To Renew or Replace a Driver's License in Virginia?

A driver's license in Virginia typically has an eight-year validity and is set to expire on the holder's birthday. The VA DMV usually sends renewal reminders via email, text, and mail 90 days before the license expires. Eligible license holders can opt for an online renewal.

To access the online portal, applicants must input their Social Security Number, current driver's license number, and date of birth. After verifying the accuracy of the provided information, the system allows for the renewal fee payment using a credit or debit card. The applicant will receive a temporary substitute receipt until the new driver's license arrives via mail.

Another option is mail renewal, which involves filling out the mailed renewal reminder form and sending it, along with a check or money order for the correct amount, to the VA DMV at P.O. Box 26506, Richmond, VA 23260-6506.

Alternatively, holders can renew their license at any VA DMV customer service center or through DMV Connect.

An individual is eligible to apply for a replacement driver's license online, except in the following situations:

• They are under 18 years of age.
• They have surrendered their license or learner's permit to another state.
• Their credential is expired, canceled, suspended, or revoked.
• They need to change or correct the name on their license or learner's permit.
• They have an outstanding debt to the DMV from a previous transaction.
• They require a new photo on their license.
• They are upgrading to a REAL ID-compliant credential.
• Their customer number on file requires verification.
• They have already requested a replacement online on the same day.
• They need to provide proof of legal presence.

What Happens if a Driver's License is Suspended in Virginia?

In Virginia, a driving privilege can be temporarily or permanently removed through a driver's license suspension, revocation, or disqualification.

Suspension

The authorities can temporarily withdraw an individual's driving rights for various reasons. They may do so if the person fails to complete a required driver improvement clinic. A suspension can also occur if the individual has a physical or mental condition that hinders the safe operation of a motor vehicle.

Additionally, failing to fulfill child support obligations is another potential cause for suspension of driving privileges and non-conformance to a court order stemming from a reckless driving conviction. Providing alcohol to a minor or an intoxicated person can similarly lead to a suspended license.

Accumulating excessive demerit points due to traffic violation convictions can also result in suspension for non-compliance. Furthermore, driving rights may be suspended for failing to settle an unresolved judgment related to a motor vehicle accident.

Finally, the authorities can suspend someone's license if the person does not maintain proper insurance coverage on a vehicle with valid license plates and does not remit the necessary uninsured motor vehicle fee.

The duration of suspension varies depending on the reason for the suspension. In addition to the suspension period, possible jail time and fines apply. If an individual is caught driving with a suspended license, the license will automatically be suspended for 12 months.

Revocation

Revocation is a more severe penalty, often leading to permanent termination of driving privileges in Virginia. It refers to the total cessation of an individual's driving rights. The reasons for revocation are usually linked to convictions for serious traffic offenses or criminal acts.

These can include:

• Driving while intoxicated (DWI) or under the influence of drugs/alcohol (DUI)
• Driving while license is suspended/revoked for DUI
• Manslaughter resulting from operating a vehicle
• Taking a driver's test or renewing the license for someone else
• Providing false information to obtain a driver's license
• Non-vehicle-related drug violations
• Making a bomb threat
• Felonies involving the use of a motor vehicle
• Failure to stop and identify at the accident scene
• Three demerit point violations before age 18, including seat belt/child restraint.

Disqualification

A driver's license disqualification is a temporary or permanent loss of the ability to operate commercial motor vehicles. It is similar to suspending or revoking those holding a commercial driver's license (CDL). Both the state of Virginia and federal laws regulate the grounds for disqualification, which are divided into four categories.

Violations Related to Out-of-Service Orders:

• Continuing to operate a commercial motor vehicle (CMV) after it has been placed "out-of-service" by an authorized enforcement official due to being a threat to public safety.

Railroad-Highway Grade Crossing Offenses:

• Failure to slow down or stop at a railroad crossing as the law requires
• Disobeying a traffic control device or enforcement official at a railroad crossing
• Failure to cross due to insufficient undercarriage clearance

Major Offenses:

• Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
• Fleeing the scene of an accident
• Causing a death due to negligent operation of a CMV

Serious Offenses:

• Excessive speeding
• Reckless driving
• Making improper or erratic lane changes

The reinstatement process can vary depending on the circumstances. If one's driving privileges were revoked or suspended, the VA DMV will mail them a letter explaining exactly what must be done to reinstate these privileges. The following standard reinstatement requirements can be satisfied without appearing in person at the VA DMV customer service center:

• Remittance of fees for reinstatement, which can vary from $145 to $220 based on the specifics of the suspension or revocation, along with any other relevant license charges
• Certificate of Insurance from an insurance firm in Virginia
• Participation in the driver improvement clinic
• Submission of a medical or vision assessment from a physician, physician's assistant, or nurse practitioner
• Evidence of registration and successful completion of the Virginia Alcohol Safety Action Program (VASAP)
• Completion of an intervention interview with VASAP
• Adherence to child support directives issued by the Department of Social Services, Division of Child Support Enforcement
• Submission of the requested information regarding the motor vehicle insurance policy
• Evidence of a fully satisfied judgment, payment plan, consent from the creditor, or bankruptcy declaration

Under Section 46.2-301 of the Virginia Code, those who drive with a suspended or revoked license commit a serious misdemeanor. In addition to fees for license reinstatement and releasing impounded vehicles, a first or second offense can lead to up to a $2,500 fine and a year in jail.

Can Someone Drive in Virginia with a Foreign License?

Visitors with a valid foreign driver's license are generally allowed to drive in Virginia. A non-resident may drive using their home state or country's driver's license for up to six months. However, this regulation does not apply to individuals driving commercial vehicles. Once employed, a foreigner is required to hold a Virginia driver's license.

Can a Foreigner Get a Driver's License in Virginia?

Non-residents can acquire a driver's license in the state, provided that they comply with specific requirements and procedures.

To apply, a foreigner must provide the following documents:

• One proof of legal presence
• Social Security Number (SSN) for those applying for a commercial driver's license (CDL)
• One proof of identity
• Two proofs of Virginia Residency
• Proof of name change for those with names that appear differently from other proof documents
• Current driver's license for those applying to exchange one issued by another U.S. state, territory, or jurisdiction

Virginia has established agreements with certain countries that have demonstrated secure license issuance processes akin to Virginia's procedures.

This benefit, known as "reciprocal status," allows visitors from certain countries to skip certain steps when exchanging their foreign license for a state driver's license. This includes skipping the knowledge test, road skills tests, and vision screening.

These countries include:

• Canada
• Japan
• Germany
• France
• South Korea
• Taiwan

However, while Taiwan is on this list, Taiwanese license holders must still take a knowledge test.

To verify this, one must submit the following to the VA DMV:

• One legible copy of the foreign license
• Completed Exchanging a Driver's License from a Foreign Country form (DL 7)

In the case of Canadian license holders, they are no longer required to fill out the DL 7.

The most convenient way for an individual to verify their documents is by submitting them online. However, for those who are unable to upload their documents, the VA DMV can still receive them through the following methods:

• By mailing them to the Department of Motor Vehicles, Licenses, ID Card Work Center, Room 420, P.O. Box 27412, Richmond, VA 23269
• By forwarding it via fax at (804) 367-1112
• By making an appointment to visit any customer service center or drop by during operating hours