Getting a U.S. Driver's License or ID Card

Driver’s licenses and state identification (ID) cards are issued by the state in which you reside; the laws for each state are different. You may obtain a Virginia driver’s license or state ID card from the (DMV). The addresses and contact information are listed below. A Virginia driver's license also serves as an official state identification (ID) card, which can be used as identification to board flights or enter federal facilities.

If you already have a Virginia driver’s license or ID card, it will probably expire when your I-20 or DS-2019 expires (for students, this is usually when you graduate). If you plan to stay in Virginia and drive, you must extend it. You can apply to extend your Virginia driver’s license or ID Card at the VA Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).

Do I Need a Virginia Driver's License?

If you plan to do a lot of driving in Virginia or to other U.S. states, it is advisable to apply for a VA driver's license. For individuals that are employed in the U.S. and/or have a registered car in Virginia, obtaining a Virginia driver’s license is required within 60 days of your arrival in the U.S.

If you are not employed in the U.S. nor have a car registered in Virginia, see below to determine if you should obtain a Virginia license:

Full-time students – You may drive with a valid foreign driver’s license. Be sure to have an English translation of the foreign license or consider getting an .
Scholars - You may drive with a valid foreign driver’s license. Be sure to have an English translation of the foreign license or consider getting an international driving permit. If you plan to continue driving in the U.S. after 6 months, you must obtain a Virginia license.
W&M Employees - If you wish to drive in Virginia, you must apply for a VA license within 60 days of moving here.

Complete your Immigration Check-in

As a new student or scholar, to be eligible for a Virginia driver's license or ID card, your immigration record must first be registered by the Reves Center. You can only complete your immigration check-in after you have entered the U.S. You will receive an email once your immigration record has been registered.

Driver’s License Application Process

All documents must be originals, including your I-20/DS-2019 with a blue ink signature. If you do not have an I-20 or DS-2019 with a blue ink signature, request a DS-2019 Replacement Form or I-20 Replacement Form in . For replacement reason select "Other," and write "DMV -- need original signature." Once your form is approved, your document will be available for pickup.

ExpandSection Expand

Source:

If you are age 18 or older and you have never held a license issued by any state, U.S. territory or foreign country, you must either:

Hold a for a minimum of 60 days, or
Successfully complete a state-approved while holding the learner’s permit

If you complete a driver education program, you must submit the driver education program completion certificate to the DMV when applying for a driver's license.

If you are under age 18, you must:

Successfully complete a state-approved
Hold a learner's permit for at least nine months, and
On the completion certificate, have your parent or guardian:

List their driver's license or state-issued ID card number.
Sign to certify that you have driven at least 45 hours, 15 of which occurred after sunset, and the information submitted on the certificate is true.

You must submit the completion certificate when applying for a driver’s license.

Source:

Once you’ve met the driver training requirements, you can apply for a driver’s license at any DMV

Complete the Driver's License Application, or
- Exchanging an out-of-state license and/or getting a REAL ID? Start your application before your visit.
- If you are under age 18, your parent or legal guardian must provide written consent by signing your application, or you must provide a court order showing that you are an emancipated minor.
Submit the following documents (Use the DMV's to determine which documents to bring):
- One proof of identity
- One proof of legal presence
- Two proofs of Virginia residency
- One proof of your Social Security number (SSN), if you have been issued one. If you know your SSN, DMV can verify it electronically.
- If applying to exchange a license issued by another U.S. state, territory, or jurisdiction: your current driver's license
- , if your name appears differently on your proof documents

Your driver education completion certificate, if applicable

Source:

Depending on your situation, you may need to take a , a or a .

What tests do I have to take?

Everyone must take the vision screening.

If you're a Virginia resident under age 18, you must take the two-part knowledge exam and the road skills test.

If you're a Virginia resident over age 18 and have never held a license issued by any state, U.S. territory or foreign country, there are two options to get your driver's license:

If you completed a driver's education program, you only need to take the two-part knowledge exam.
If you did not complete a driver's education program, and instead chose to hold a learner's permit for 60 days, you must take the two-part knowledge exam and the road skills test.

When you visit, DMV will tell you which tests to take if you're not sure.

ExpandSection Expand

Use the DMV's to determine which documents to bring.

Students with an on-campus housing address can request documents from W&M to use as proofs of Virginia residency, including an official transcript and a DMV On-Campus Letter from ISSP. Acceptable documents must show the current street address (not PO Box, CSU Box, or GSH box).

Requesting an Official Transcript with Virginia Address if you live On-Campus

Request an Official Transcript from the Registrar's Office:
- Complete the Official Transcript Request form (pdf) and submit to the Registrar's Office, Blow 240. Refer to the instructions on the Official Transcript page on how to pay the fee.
- Look up your on-campus street address and list your address on top of the form.
- Transcripts are usually available for pickup on next business day after 12 noon.
- Questions about transcripts can be directed to [[transcripts]]

Requesting a DMV On-Campus Letter from ISSP

Login to using your W&M ID and Password.
Click on International Office in the menu on the left-hand side. Then, click on DMV On-Campus Formal Address Letter and complete the form.

Alternatives to a Driver’s License

ExpandAll Expand

A does not allow you to drive, but can be used as identification (such as when buying alcohol). You can obtain one at the DMV with the same required documents needed for a license. See the DMV website for the current fee.

A driver privilege card is not a traditional license, and you cannot use it as identification to board flights or enter federal facilities, but it will enable you to drive. This option is only available to people who have earned income and filed a Virginia tax return within the past 12 months.

See requirements for a Driver Privilege Card on the .

Local DMV Offices

For additional information, contact:

5235 John Tyler Highway, Williamsburg, VA 23185
(804) 497-7100
2348 York Crossing Drive, Hayes, VA 23072 (Food Lion Shopping Center)
(804) 497-7100

Directions to the Williamsburg DMV by Bus

Take the Jamestown Line of the (free with your W&M ID)
allows you to search for routes using public transportation

91��Ƭ��