Welcome to GoDMV.com’s Commonwealth of Virginia DMV Information Guide. From this page you can choose from our menu of Virginia online driver services or learn about a specific topic related to Virginia driving.
Our Virginia DMV Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) contain the following sections:
- Virginia driver license information
- Virginia vehicle registration
- Virginia vehicle title issues
Choose from the menu now or read below for our Virginia Driver Frequently Asked Questions.
The DMV, or “Department of Motor Vehicles,” is often the generic term used for the agency that enforced driver license laws in a State. The agency responsible for administering driver license laws in Virginia is, in fact, the Commonwealth of Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (the Virginia DMV); specifically, the Virginia DMV’s Driver Services. The agency responsible for administering registration and car title laws in Virginia is also the Alabama Department of Revenue, Motor Vehicle Division.
Commonwealth of Virginia DMV Driver’s License FAQs- What agency in Virginia provides driver licenses?
- What are the age requirements for getting a Virginia driver’s permit or driver’s license (noncommercial)?
- What are the restrictions for a Virginia driver’s permit or driver’s license?
- What tests must I take to obtain a Virginia learner’s permit or driver’s license?
- I recently moved to Virginia. How long do I have to get a Virginia driver’s license?
- Must I notify the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles about a change of address? What if I want to change my name?
1. What agency in Virginia provides driver licenses?
In the Commonwealth of Virginia, the Virginia DMV provides driver licenses.
2. What are the age requirements for getting a Virginia driver’s permit or driver’s license (noncommercial)?
You must be at least 15 years and 6 months of age in Virginia to obtain a Virginia learner’s permit from the Virginia DMV.
To obtain a Virginia Driver’s license, you must be at least 16 years and 3 months of age.
3. Does Virginia require driver’s education?
You must complete a Virginia-approved driver education program if you are under age 19.
4. What are the restrictions for a Virginia driver’s permit or driver’s license?
Learner’s Permit – 15 years, 6 months of age. You may:- Operate a motor vehicle with a licensed driver at least 21 years old seated beside you
- Driver accompanying you may be 18 years old if it is your legal guardian, brother, sister, half-brother, half-sister, step-brother or step-sister
- The accompanying driver must be alert and able to assist, hold a valid driver’s license and be permitted to drive
Learner’s permit – 16 years, 3 months of age through 18- If you have a driver education certificate and a valid learner’s permit you may drive alone if you have held your learner’s permit for nine months and the certificate is signed by a parent or legal guardian
- After you have held your permit for nine months and turned age 16 years and 3 months and have completed driver’s education, you will be notified where to appear to receive a permanent driver’s license
NOTE: Curfew restrictions, passenger restrictions and cell phone restrictions may apply.
5. What tests must I take/documents must I show to obtain a Virginia learner’s permit or driver’s license?
To obtain a learner’s permit or driver’s license in Virginia, you must show: • Two proofs of identify
• One proof of legal presence
• One proof of Virginia residency
• Proof of social security number
If you are under age 18: you must show: (a) a signed written consent by a parent, custodial parent or legal guardian (unless you can show a court order of emancipation), (b) proof of successful completion of Virginia approved driver’s education, and (c) certification from a parent, guardian or foster parent of a minimum of 40 hours of driving practice, at least 10 of which were after sunset. If you are under age 19: you must (a) show proof of successful completion of Virginia-approved driver education, and (b) hold a learner’s permit at least nine months prior to receiving a driver’s license. You must show a completed application form. Tests may include:
• A two-part knowledge exam
• A road skills test (for driver’s license)
• A vision screening
19 or Older and You Have Never Held a Driver’s License from Another JurisdictionIf you have not held a driver’s license issued by Virginia, another U.S. state/territory, or foreign country, or you cannot show proof of having held such a driver’s license, you will be required to show proof that: (a) you passed an approved Virginia driver education course or (b) you held a Virginia learner’s permit no less than 30 days before taking the DMV road skills test.
19 or Older and You Have a Valid Driver’s License from Another JurisdictionIf you hold a valid driver’s license issued by (a) a U.S. state/territory, (b) Canadian province, or (c) France/Germany, you may be permitted to obtain a driver’s license without showing proof of successful completion of driver’s ed, without taking the two part knowledge exam or road skills test, or without holding a learner’s permit for at least 30 days. You will still be required to pass a vision screening.
6. I recently moved to Virginia. How long do I have to get an Virginia driver’s license?
Within 60 days of moving here, you must obtain a Virginia driver's license. However, if you hold a commercial driver's license (CDL), you must obtain a Virginia CDL within 30 days.
7. Must I notify the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles about a change of address within Virginia?
From the date of your move, you have thirty (30) days to notify the Virginia DMV of your address change.
Virginia DMV Vehicle Registration FAQs
- What is a Virginia motor vehicle registration?
- When must I register my motor vehicle in Virginia?
- Where do I go to register my motor vehicle in Virginia
- What are the prerequisites for registering a vehicle in Virginia?
- Am I required to provide proof of liability insurance to register my vehicle in Virginia?
- Do I have to keep registration documents in my car in Virginia?
1. What is a Virginia motor vehicle registration?
Before you are permitted to drive on the roads of Virginia with your motorcycle, motor vehicle, tractor truck, trailer or semi-trailer, you must title and register it.
2. When must I register my motor vehicle in Virginia?
You must register your vehicle and obtain license plates within 30 days of moving to Virginia.
3. Where do I go to register my motor vehicle in Virginia?
You must register and title your motor Vehicle at a Virginia customer service center or a Virginia DMV Select office.
4. What are the prerequisites for registering a vehicle in Virginia?
The Virginia DMV requires that you title your vehicle you register your vehicle with the State of Virginia. In Virginia, your vehicle must pass an emissions inspection before you can obtain vehicle registration if you garage your vehicle in one of the following counties or cities: Counties: Arlington, Fairfax, Loudoun, Prince William, or Stafford
Cities: Alexandria, Fairfax, Falls Church, Manassas, or Manassas Park
Your vehicle must also pass a mechanical safety inspection (you will be required to have your vehicle inspected annually).
5. Am I required to provide proof of liability insurance to register my vehicle in Virginia?
Once you register your vehicle in Virginia, you are required to maintain the following liability insurance (minimum): - $25,000 for bodily injury or death of one person
- $50,000 for bodily injury or death of two or more people
- $20,000 for property damage
Alternatively, you may pay an uninsured motor vehicle fee that is valid for one year.
6. Do I have to keep registration documents in my car in Virginia?
Yes, you must keep your registration documentation available whenever you drive in Virginia.
Virginia DMV Vehicle Title FAQs- Does Virginia require my vehicle to be titled?
- Where do I go to have my motor vehicle titled in Virginia?
- Must I disclose my odometer reading in the title process in Virginia?
- What documents do I need to show to apply for a Virginia certificate of title from the Virginia DMV?
1. Does Virginia require my vehicle to be titled?
Yes, you must title your motor vehicle within 30 days of moving to Virginia.
2. Where do I go to have my motor vehicle titled in Virginia?
To have your vehicle titled in Virginia, go to a Virginia customer service center.
3. Must I disclose my odometer reading in the title process in Virginia?
When a vehicle is sold or transferred, the mileage (odometer reading) must be recorded in the assignment section of the title by the seller.
4. What documents do I need to show to apply for a Virginia certificate of title from the Virginia DMV?
For in-state vehicles in Virginia, you must provide the following to title your vehicle: - Virginia title with required sections completed or, if the vehicle is new, you must provide the manufacturer’s certificate of origin/manufacturer’s statement of origin (known as an mco or mso)
- Completed application for title and registration, if you have an mco or mso
- Proof of purchase price
- Proof of address
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