What to bring for a Virginia permit, license or ID

Proof of identity and legal presence

U.S. citizens can use one document for both: an official birth certificate from a U.S. state or territory, a valid U.S. passport or passport card, or a Certificate of Citizenship or Naturalization. Hospital birth papers, temporary passports and Puerto Rico birth certificates issued before July 1, 2010 aren't accepted.

Non-citizens can use, for example, an unexpired foreign passport with a U.S. visa and an I-94 or entry stamp, an unexpired Permanent Resident Card, or an unexpired Employment Authorization Document with an I-797. The EAD alone doesn't work for REAL ID.

Two proofs of Virginia residency

Bring two documents from the primary list, or one primary and one secondary. Each must show your name and current Virginia address.

• Primary: a deed, mortgage statement or lease; a Virginia voter registration card; a Virginia license, permit or ID showing your current address; a utility bill or a bank or credit card statement no more than two months old; a school transcript or report card from the last year; or a Virginia Department of Education Certificate of Enrollment. Cell phone bills don't count.
• Secondary: postmarked mail, official mail from a government agency, or a bill or official document from a recognizable business.
• Under 19? A parent or legal guardian can certify your address instead. They come with you and bring their own ID and two proofs of residency.

Social Security number and name changes

If you've been issued a Social Security number, DMV needs it. If you know the number and DMV can verify it electronically, you don't need to bring a document. Otherwise a Social Security card, W-2, SSA-1099 or a pay stub showing the full number works.

Your name must match on every document. If it doesn't, bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree or court order linking the names. A marriage license signed only by the officiant isn't accepted.

REAL ID requirements

REAL ID is optional in Virginia. A standard license still lets you drive, but it's marked 'Federal Limits Apply', so you'd need a passport or other approved ID to fly within the U.S. or enter some federal sites.

A REAL ID needs the same documents listed above, and you must apply in person. It costs $10 on top of the license or ID fee, as of October 2026. You can fill in the application online first, but DMV doesn't take document uploads, and sites offering to pre-scan your papers aren't connected to DMV.

A Virginia ID card instead of a license

Any Virginia resident can get an ID card at any age, as long as they don't hold a U.S. learner's permit or driver's license. You can have a license or an ID card, not both. Children under 15 get a child ID card using form DL 5.

An adult ID card costs $2 a year, with a $10 minimum and $16 maximum, and lasts up to eight years, as of October 2026. Cards are mailed. A lost or damaged ID card can be replaced through DMV's online services or at a customer service center.