What to Bring to the Virginia DMV for Your Permit Test
Don't get sent home. Here's the complete checklist — documents, fees, forms, and what to leave at home.
Before You Go
- →Schedule an appointment online to skip the long lines
- →Complete the DL-180 form online beforehand
- →Arrive at least 15 minutes early to check in
- →Study the Virginia Driver's Manual thoroughly before going
- →Make sure your parent/guardian knows the exact time and has their ID ready
- →Get a good night's sleep so you are sharp for the test
- →Double-check that all your documents are originals, not copies
Required Documents
Proof of Identity (Primary Document)
- ✓U.S. Passport or Passport Card
- ✓Certified U.S. Birth Certificate
- ✓Permanent Resident Card (Green Card)
- ✓Certificate of Citizenship or Naturalization
- ✓Valid Foreign Passport with I-94 and Visa
You must bring the original document; photocopies or photos of documents on your phone will not be accepted.
Proof of Social Security Number
- ✓Social Security Card
- ✓W-2 Form
- ✓SSA-1099 Form
- ✓Paystub with full SSN
- ✓Military ID with SSN
Virginia requires proof of your SSN. If you don't have a card, you must bring a document showing your number; if you are not eligible for an SSN, you must complete a specific affidavit at the DMV.
Proof of Virginia Residency
Bring 2 of these:
- ✓Utility bill (electric, water, gas) in parent's name
- ✓Bank statement
- ✓School report card or transcript
- ✓Lease or mortgage agreement
- ✓Parent's Virginia driver's license (if they live at the same address)
For a REAL ID, you need two different documents proving you live in Virginia. If you are applying for a standard license, one is usually enough, but bringing two is safer.
Parental / Guardian Consent (applicants under 18)
- ✓Parent or guardian must sign the application in person at the DMV
- ✓Parent must bring their own valid ID
- ✓If parents are divorced, the custodial parent usually signs
- ✓Legal guardians must bring court documents proving guardianship
If a parent cannot come in person, they must sign a notarized consent form (DL-180TD) ahead of time, but bringing them is the easiest way to avoid delays.
Proof of Driver's Education
- ✓Certificate of Completion from a state-approved driver education course
- ✓School-issued driver education completion form
In Virginia, teens under 18 MUST complete a state-approved driver education course (classroom + behind-the-wheel) before getting their permit. You cannot skip this.
Fees & Payment
$5
This $5 fee covers the learner's permit application. If you fail the vision or knowledge test, you may need to pay a small retest fee, and the permit is valid for 2 years.
Accepted payment:
Forms
Application for Driver's License (DL-180)
Available at: Virginia DMV website or DMV office
You can fill this out online to save time, but do NOT sign it until you are in front of the DMV employee.
What NOT to Bring
- ✗Large backpacks or bags (you may have to check them)
- ✗Friends or siblings who aren't applying (they can't wait inside)
- ✗Food or drinks
- ✗Your cell phone (use it only for the test if allowed, otherwise put it away)
- ✗Photocopies of your documents (bring originals only)
- ✗Pets
- ✗Expensive jewelry or watches
At the Office
- →The knowledge test is computer-based and multiple choice
- →You must pass a vision screening first
- →If you fail the test, you can usually retake it the same day for a small fee
- →Once you pass, you get an interim paper permit immediately; the real card arrives by mail in a few weeks
- →Listen carefully to the instructions on the screen before starting the test
Official Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles info: www.dmv.virginia.gov
Take the Free Virginia Practice Quiz →