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How to get a driver's license in Virginia as an immigrant

Everything a new arrival in Virginia needs to know, from driving on a foreign license to the documents the DMV accepts from non-citizens. Facts are quoted from official sources.

Quick answers

Drive on a foreign license?
Not stated in official sources
Deadline after moving
60 days after moving to Virginia
License exchange without tests
6 countries
License without immigration status
Yes
No SSN?
DMV collects your SSN; no document needed if DMV can verify it electronically. Driver Privilege Card applicants may use an ITIN.

Driving on a foreign license

Deadline after moving: 60 days after moving to Virginia.

Exchanging a foreign license

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

Age 18+, valid license; vision screening required. Taiwan holders must pass the knowledge test (road test waived). Submit DL 7 and a copy of the license (except Canadians); verification can take up to 15 days.

If your country is not on the list

Holders of other acceptable foreign licenses take the knowledge and road skills tests but generally need not hold a learner's permit for 60 days or show driver education.

you will need to complete both the knowledge and the road skills test dmv.virginia.gov

Documents for non-citizens

Examples of accepted immigration documents:

  • Permanent Resident Card (I-551)
  • Employment Authorization Document (I-766)
  • Foreign passport with U.S. visa and unexpired I-94 or entry stamp

License validity: Valid only during your authorized stay; one year if the stay has no definite end date.

License regardless of immigration status

Driver Privilege Card: a license for non-U.S. citizen Virginia residents without proof of legal presence; requires Virginia-source income reported or being claimed as a dependent on a Virginia tax return in the past 12 months. Not REAL ID; $50.

shall be valid only during the period of time of the applicant's authorized stay in the United States law.lis.virginia.gov

Social Security number

DMV collects your SSN; no document needed if DMV can verify it electronically. Driver Privilege Card applicants may use an ITIN.

Virginia law requires DMV to collect your social security number (SSN). www.dmv.virginia.gov

Proof of residency

Two proofs of Virginia residency (e.g., utility bill not over two months old; postmarked USPS mail as secondary proof).

Two proofs of Virginia residency www.dmv.virginia.gov

Step by step

  1. Gather one proof of identity, one proof of legal presence (not needed for a Driver Privilege Card), SSN or ITIN, and two proofs of Virginia residency.
  2. Pass the vision screening and two-part knowledge exam at a DMV customer service center to get a learner's permit.
  3. Hold the permit at least 60 days, or complete a state-approved driver education program (from Jan 1, 2027, ages 18-20 need 90 days and driver education).
  4. If you did not complete driver education, pass the road skills test.
  5. Pay the fee and receive your license (limited to your authorized stay if temporary).

Fees

$32 for a standard eight-year license; Driver Privilege Card $50.

$32 for a standard eight-year license www.dmv.virginia.gov

Prepare for the knowledge test Exam languages in Virginia

Checked against official sources on October 27, 2026. Rules change: confirm with the DMV before your visit. This is not legal advice.