If you have a valid home country driver’s license or an international driver’s license, you may legally drive in Virginia for 6 months after your arrival. Beyond that, the Commonwealth of Virginia requires you to obtain a Virginia driver’s license.

To apply for a Virginia driver’s license, you must have the following documents ready:

Passport, I-94, DS-2019, and evidence you live in Virginia: an apartment contract or lease, a bank or utility statement, etc., showing your Virginia residential address.  

Apply at the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office in Charlottesville, 2055 Abbey Road (off Route 250 East in the Pantops area of Charlottesville). For more information about the Charlottesville DMV, including a map and driving directions, visit the DMV Web site.

Most applicants will be required to take a written test of Virginia road rules and an in-car driving test. The citizens of most countries must do both, but Canadian, French, German and Korean citizens are often exempt. All decisions in this area are made at the sole discretion of the DMV. A copy of the DMV manual is available at the DMV, their website, and at the ISO.  

The DMV also issues Virginia ID cards that can serve as a government issued picture identification document that you can carry with you. Information on obtaining the Virginia ID card can be found at the DMV website.