Motor Vehicles

State laws vary when it comes to motor vehicle insurance requirements, licensing and registration. The term vehicle generally includes automobiles, motorcycles, vans, trailers and boats regularly parked or garaged overnight. Service members and their families will want to understand their state’s laws on registration and licensing before moving to a new state. Visit the USA.gov Motor Vehicle Services page for links to state-specific websites.

Virginia State law requires you to have sufficient liability insurance and a valid driver’s license in order to operate a vehicle. The term “vehicle” generally includes automobiles, motorcycles, vans, trailers and boats regularly parked or garaged overnight. Further, your vehicle must be properly registered. Even though you are in the Military, you may be required to register your vehicle and obtain an in-state license within a few months of moving. Access complete information on insurance, driver’s licensing, and where and how to register your vehicle by visiting the State Department of Motor Vehicles website.

Military Personnel

If you are an active-duty member of the Armed Forces stationed in Virginia, you, your spouse, and dependent children 16 years and 3 months of age or older may drive with a valid driver's license issued by your home state or country. A vehicle registered in your name may be driven with valid out-of-state license plates if you are the sole owner. If the vehicle is co-owned and out-of-state plates are used, all co-owners must be active-duty members of the Armed Forces. If all the co-owners are not active duty members, the vehicle will have to be registered in Virginia. You may register your vehicle in Virginia without obtaining a Virginia driver's license.

Civilian Personnel

A DoD Civilian employee needs a local state license; however, if you have a current driver’s license, you can get it converted to a VA driver’s license relatively easily. You must obtain a VA driver’s license within 60 days of arrival in VA. If your driver’s license expires prior to transferring it to a VA or MD license, you’ll be required to take the applicable state drivers’ exams. To view specific state requirements for driver’s license and vehicle registration, visit Virginia DMV.

The minimum age for obtaining a Virginia driver's license is sixteen years and three months. To obtain a Virginia learner's permit you must be at least fifteen years and six months. Each time you apply for a driver's license, learner's permit, CDL, or CDL instruction permit, you must show two proofs of identity, one proof of legal presence and one proof of Virginia residency. Proof of your social security number (if you have been issued one) is required also. Proof of your social security number is always required for a CDL.

If you are under 19 years of age, you will be required to show one proof of identity, one proof of legal presence, and one proof of Virginia residency, along with proof of your social security number (if you have been issued one).

You will be required to show your proof of identity, legal presence, Virginia residency, and social security number documents on each return visit until your driver's license is issued.

Renewing Your Driver's License

If your license has expired for more than one year, you must re-take all tests (vision screening, two-part knowledge exam, and road skills test). DMV will mail you a renewal application prior to the expiration date of your driver's license. 

For more information visit the VA Department of Motor Vehicles.