Drivers License

New residents in Virginia have 30 days to obtain a Virginia drivers license. You must be at least 16 years of age to apply for a valid drivers license, although those who are 15 years of age and older can apply for a Virginia learner’s permit. In order to apply for a driver’s license in the Commonwealth of Virginia, you must provide two forms of identification, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of Virginia residency.

All Virginia drivers license applicants must pass a vision test to obtain a Virginia license. In addition, all first-time license applicants must pass a road test. Applicants may be asked to complete an exam on driving safety. Those who are relocating from another state or U.S. territory may turn in their valid license from that state or territory, in which case the written exam and road test may be waived. A handbook is available from the local Department of Motor Vehicles or DMV for those who would like to study Virginia highway regulations and review road signs before taking the road safety exam or the driving test.

Vehicle Registration & Titling

Newcomers are required to register and title their vehicles in Virginia within 30 days of establishing residency. Required documents include the official title and registration from your previous state of residence, an odometer statement, and Social Security number verification. For new vehicles, bring proof of ownership or the manufacturer’s certificate of origin.

Those seeking a first-time title who already hold a valid, assignable title, or registration from another state do not have to pay sales/ usage tax. However, proof of this payment must be shown if the vehicle was purchased within the past 12 months. A certificate of title carries a fee of $10 plus 3 percent sales/ usage tax computed on the full price of the vehicles.

For details on vehicle registration or drivers licenses, contact:

Department of Motor Vehicles

All Locations

866-DMV-LINE

800-435-5137

www.dmv.state.va.us

Richmond District DMV Locations

Chesterfield County

610 Johnston Willis Drive

Richmond

East Henrico County

5517 South Laburnum Avenue

Richmond

Central Richmond

2300 West Broad Street

Richmond

City of Hopewell

4401 Crossings Boulevard

Prince George

City of Petersburg

120 Wagner Road

Petersburg

North Henrico County

9015 Brook Road

Glen Allen

West Henrico County

9237 Quioccasin Road

Richmond

Insurance Requirements

As part of its role of administering motor vehicle laws, DMV also monitors liability insurance for vehicles registered in the Commonwealth. To protect the interests of all Virginia motorists, DMV administers an Insurance Verification Program to identify vehicle owners who are not in compliance with insurance requirements. To purchase license plates or decals, you must certify that your vehicle is covered at the minimum requirements or pay the uninsured motorist fee of $500. This fee does not provide any insurance and must be paid again with every renewal. For more information, contact:

Insurance Information

Department of Motor Vehicles

804-367-0538

www.dmv.state.va.us

Safety Inspection

All vehicles that are registered in Virginia are also required to pass an annual safety inspection at any DMV-licensed service station, garage or motor vehicle dealer. This inspection must occur within 10 days of receiving a Virginia license plate or by the last day of the month printed on the inspection sticker. For more information on fees, regulations, and the location of testing stations, contact:

Virginia State Police

Safety Program

Richmond 804-378-3477

www.vsp.state.va.us/safety.htm

Seat Belt Law & Child Safety

Virginia imposes a primary seat-belt law. Safety seats are also required for children through the age of five. Safety seats must be properly used and approved by federal standards. Children between the ages of four and 16 must be belted correctly in vehicle safety belts in vehicles manufactured after January 1, 1968. No person under age 16 can be transported in the rear cargo area of a pickup truck. For more information about vehicle safety, contact:

Center for Injury

& Violence Prevention

Child Passenger Safety

804-864-7732

www.safetyseatva.org