I Just Moved to Virginia. How Do I Get My Driver's License and Vehicle Registered?
When you’re planning on making the Old Dominion State your new home, there are certain steps you need to take to transfer your out-of-state driver’s license and out-of-state vehicle registration. Once you become a new resident of Virginia, you can transfer these documents.
When Do You Need to Transfer Your Out-of-State Driver’s License to Virginia?
As a new resident of Virginia, you have 60 days to transfer your out-of-state driver’s license to the state. You are considered a resident of Virginia if:
You maintain a place of abode in the state for at least 183 days of the tax year
You are a legal resident of Virginia
What Happens If You Don’t Transfer Your Documents In Time?
Failure to transfer your out-of-state driver’s license and out-of-state vehicle registration within the deadline will result in your license no longer being valid. Driving with an invalid license in Virginia is a Class 2 misdemeanor, which carries a fine of up to $1,000, up to 6 months in jail, a demerit point on your driving record, and suspension of your license for a maximum of 90 days. In the event, there is a second violation, the penalty increases to a Class 1 misdemeanor. All of these penalties can be avoided if you transfer the required documents on time.
How to Transfer Your Out-of-State Driver’s License to Virginia
In order to successfully transfer your out-of-state driver’s license to the state of Virginia, you need to gather specific documentation. You need to submit or present the following documentation:
VA Driver’s License and Identification Card Application (Form DL-1P)
Social security number
Proof of citizenship/Lawful presence
Proof of residency
Proof of identity
Your out-of-state driver’s license
If you are under the age of 18, you also need:
Parental consent with the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (VA DMV)
Provide proof of the required VA driver’s education course(s), including an approved driver’s education course
Be advised, the required documentation and courses must be obtained before you can obtain your VA driver’s license.
Virginia Written Exam
There are two parts to the written exam in Virginia. The first part of the written exam consists of identifying 10 road signs. Keep in mind, you need to be able to recognize the road signs by their color, shape, symbol, or messages. You are required to answer 10 questions correct before you can move on to the second part of the Virginia written exam.
The other part of the written exam consists of 25 multiple-choice questions regarding common road rules, traffic laws in Virginia, and safe driving. This part of the written Virginia driving exam requires you to pass the test with a score of 80%, which means you can only miss 5 questions and have 20 correct answers. The Virginia written exam is available in different languages.
Virginia Vision Screening
The state of Virginia also performs a vision screening to ensure you can safely operate a motor vehicle. When you are getting your new VA driver’s license, you need to have a vision score of 20/40 or better in one or both eyes and 110 degrees or better, horizontal vision in one or both eyes.
If you are restricted to driving during daylight hours only, you need to have a vision score of 20/70 or better in one or both eyes, and 70 degrees, or better, horizontal vision.
How Much Does It Cost to Transfer Your License to Virginia?
To transfer your out-of-state driver’s license to the state of Virginia, you must pay $4 for each year it’s valid. There is a minimum of $20 you will pay. If you obtain an 8-year license, the base price for this type of driver’s license is $32. If you require motorcycle endorsement, add another $2. If this is your first time applying for a REAL-ID, add another $10 to your expected fees.
Now that you know exactly what you need to do to transfer your out-of-state driver’s license, we can move on to registering your vehicle in the state of Virginia.
Registering a Vehicle In Virginia
Before you can operate your motor vehicle on the Virginia highways and roadways, you must register and title your vehicle with the VA DMV. The good news is, you can register and title your vehicle with the state of Virginia simultaneously.
Be advised, if you need to register a custom-built vehicle or trailers, there are different registration requirements for these vehicles. Click here for more information.
Registering Your Out-of-State Vehicle In Virginia
As a new resident of Virginia, once you establish residency in the state, you have 30 days to complete your vehicle registration and vehicle titling with the VA DMV.
Before you are allowed to register your vehicle as a new resident of Virginia, you must:
Obtain a valid VA auto insurance policy or be prepared to pay the uninsured motorist fee
Complete a vehicle safety inspection and an emissions and smog check (if applicable) If you possess a valid emissions sticker from one of Virginia’s list of eligible exemptions, you are not required to have an emissions inspection up registering your vehicle in Virginia. Once your out-of-state vehicle registration sticker expires, if you live in a county where emission and smog checks are required, you must obtain a new registration sticker. Here is a list of eligible exemptions for smog and emissions checks in Virginia.
Transfer your vehicle title to the state of Virginia (this step can be performed at the same time you register your vehicle)
In order to successfully register your vehicle in the state of Virginia, you are required to appear at your county VA DMV office and present the following:
A completed Application for Registration (Form VSA 14) or a completed Application for Certificate of Title and Registration (Form VSA 17A) if your vehicle was not previously titled in the state of Virginia
Proof of identity and address
Vehicle’s inspection certificate
Proof of insurance or payment for the $500 uninsured motorist fee
Payment for all applicable vehicle registration fees
Documentation and payment for the VA vehicle titling process
Once the VA registration process is complete, you will be given a VA vehicle registration card. This card must be kept in your vehicle at all times. You will also be given VA license plates.
Be advised, you need to renew your vehicle registration either every 1 or 2 years, depending on the option you choose.
Leased Vehicle Registration
You are allowed to register a vehicle in your name with the VA DMV as long as the lessor (owner) of the vehicle permits the DMV in Virginia to add your name and address to the vehicle registration and vehicle title.
If your name and address appear on the vehicle title, you can register your vehicle according to the steps described above, and complete all other vehicle registration transactions, such as ordering specialty plates.
If your name and address is not on the vehicle title, you are required to get a power of attorney from the lessor of your vehicle before you can complete any vehicle registration transactions with the VA DMV. Be advised, if you keep the vehicle once your lease is up, you must re-title the vehicle in your name without the lessor’s information on the vehicle title.
Trip Permit
If you need to move a vehicle that is not registered, you need to take it to your local VA DMV office and register it or take it to an inspection station to apply for a trip permit. The permit is valid for 3 days. Keep in mind, the vehicle must be insured before it can be driven. To obtain a trip permit, you can apply online or visit your local VA DMV office.
To obtain a VA trip permit, you need to provide:
Proof of ownership, such as a valid, assignable vehicle title or bill of sale
If you don’t own the vehicle, but plan to purchase it within 15 days, you only need to make note of the vehicle’s year, model, and make.
Information listing your vehicle’s current location (your address or other location) and the location where you will be moving it
Dates when the vehicle will be moved
Proof of a valid VA auto insurance policy or payment for 1 ½ of the $500 uninsured motorist fee
$5 permit fee
Make sure you have the necessary documents and payment(s) to ensure there are no delays with obtaining the VA trip permit.
Virginia Vehicle Registration Fees
Virginia vehicle registration fees are based on a few different factors. These factors include the gross weight of your vehicle, the type of license plate you purchase, such as a standard license plate or specialty license plate, and the length of time you choose to register your vehicle, whether it’s 1 year, 2 years, or 3 years.
Virginia DMV Locations
There are different DMV locations that allow you to transfer your out-of-state driver’s license and out-of-state vehicle registration.
Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles - Richmond Office
9237 Quioccasin Road
Richmond, VA 23229
(804) 497-7100
Monday - Friday (8AM to 5 PM)
Saturday (8 AM to 12 PM)
Sunday (Closed)
Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles - Alexandria Office
6306 Grovedale Dr.
Alexandria, VA 22310
(804) 497-7100
Monday - Friday (8 AM to 5 PM)
Saturday and Sunday (Closed)
Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles - Richmond Office
2300 W Broad St.
Richmond, VA 23269
(804) 497-7100
Monday - Friday (8 AM to 5 PM)
Saturday and Sunday (Closed)
