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Moving to Virginia with a license from another state? The Code of Virginia lets you drive on your old license for the first 60 days of residency, so that is your deadline to get a Virginia driver’s license. Your car gets 30 days. If you are 18 or older with a valid US license, Virginia DMV says you generally pass a vision screening and skip the knowledge exam, road test and driver education. Here is the full process, including the different rules for teens.
Key facts (Virginia, as of November 2026)
- License: you may drive on a valid out-of-state license for the first 60 days of residency (Code of Virginia § 46.2-308).
- Vehicle: an out-of-state registered car may be driven for the first 30 days of residency (§ 46.2-662).
- Age 18+ with a valid US license: vision screening, with the knowledge exam, road test, driver education and learner’s permit usually not required (DMV).
- You must surrender your other state’s license (§ 46.2-323).
- Under 18 moving with a learner’s permit: the time you held it counts toward Virginia’s holding period (DMV).
The 60-day rule explained
Section 46.2-308 says a resident over 16 years and three months who is licensed in another state or country may drive in Virginia without a Virginia license for the first 60 days of residency. After day 60 you need a Virginia license to keep driving legally. The same 60 days applies to holders of a military privately owned vehicle license issued by the Department of Defense.
Visitors who keep their home in another state aren’t residents, so this rule doesn’t apply to them.
Tests: what’s waived and what isn’t
| You hold | Vision screening | Knowledge exam and road test |
|---|---|---|
| Valid license from a US state or territory, age 18+ | Yes | Usually not required |
| Valid license from Canada, France, Germany, Japan or South Korea, age 18+ | Yes | Usually not required |
| License from another country | Yes | Expect both; the learner’s permit step may be waived |
| Under 18 | Yes | Juvenile rules apply (see below) |
The table follows DMV’s current exchange guidance. An older DMV form (DMV 141) put the age line at 19 rather than 18, so confirm on DMV’s eligibility page if you are 18. If you do need to test, the Virginia knowledge exam guide and road skills test guide explain both.
Good to know: under § 46.2-325, if you fail the road test you wait two days before the next attempt, and after three failed attempts at either exam you must take a course before a fourth try.
How to switch to a Virginia license
- Book a DMV customer service center visit. A license exchange is done in person.
- Bring proof of identity, Virginia residency and your Social Security number. State law lets DMV require all three when you apply in person (§ 46.2-323). DMV publishes the accepted documents.
- Surrender your out-of-state license. Virginia won’t issue a license until you hand in any license from another state.
- Pass the vision screening and have your photo taken.
- Pay the fee. Check the current amount with DMV.
If you want your new card to be REAL ID compliant, bring the extra documents DMV lists. See REAL ID and your first US license.
Teens moving to Virginia
Virginia’s juvenile rules are strict, so check these points before the move.
With a learner’s permit
- DMV says that if you move from another US state or territory with a valid learner’s permit, the time you held it counts toward Virginia’s minimum holding period.
- Before a license, under-18s need 45 hours of supervised driving, 15 after sunset, certified by a parent or guardian (§ 46.2-335).
Driver education
- Section 46.2-323 requires every license applicant under 18 to show proof of completing a driver education program approved by the Virginia Department of Education.
- Ask DMV whether your out-of-state course will be accepted before you book a road test. See Virginia’s 45-hour log and driver education.
After you are licensed
Drivers under 18 face passenger and curfew limits. See Virginia provisional license rules for teen drivers.
Coming change for 18 to 20 year olds (January 1, 2027)
From January 1, 2027, first-time applicants aged 18 to 20 must complete driver education and hold a learner’s permit for 90 days. DMV says this applies to first-time applicants without a prior license, not to people transferring a valid out-of-state license. If you have never held a license anywhere, read Virginia license rules for new adult drivers.
Registering your car in Virginia
- 30 days: under § 46.2-662, a car currently registered in another state may be driven for the first 30 days of residency without Virginia registration.
- Local penalty: after 30 days, a city or county may charge up to $250 a year for a car that should be registered in Virginia but isn’t.
- Insurance: Virginia’s minimums for policies from January 1, 2025 are $50,000 / $100,000 bodily injury and $25,000 property damage (§ 46.2-472). See minimum car insurance by state.
Virginia also has a vehicle safety inspection law (Code § 46.2-1157). Ask DMV or an inspection station when your newly registered car needs its sticker, and see title, registration and inspection in the US.
Common questions
How long do I have to get a Virginia license after moving?
You may drive on your valid out-of-state license for the first 60 days of residency.
Do I have to take the written test to transfer my license to Virginia?
Usually not, if you are 18 or older with a valid license from a US state or territory. DMV says you must pass a vision screening.
How long do I have to register my car in Virginia?
30 days from becoming a resident.
I’m 17 and already have a license from Maryland. What happens?
Virginia’s juvenile rules apply, including proof of driver education. Ask DMV how your Maryland license and training will be treated before your visit.
Does the 2027 driver ed rule affect me if I’m 19 and licensed in another state?
According to DMV, no: it targets first-time applicants without a prior license.
Can I keep my old license as a souvenir?
No. Virginia law requires you to surrender any other state’s license.
Moving between other states? See moving to a new state: transferring your license, or the full Virginia license guide.
Sources
- Virginia General Assembly, “Code of Virginia § 46.2-308: Temporary exemption for new resident licensed under laws of another state” (law.lis.virginia.gov)
- Virginia General Assembly, “Code of Virginia § 46.2-662: Temporary exemption for new resident operating vehicle registered in another state or country” (law.lis.virginia.gov)
- Virginia General Assembly, “Code of Virginia § 46.2-323: Application for driver’s license” (law.lis.virginia.gov)
- Virginia General Assembly, “Code of Virginia § 46.2-325: Examination of applicants” (law.lis.virginia.gov)
- Virginia General Assembly, “Code of Virginia § 46.2-335: Learner’s permits” (law.lis.virginia.gov)
- Virginia General Assembly, “Code of Virginia § 46.2-472: Proof of financial responsibility” (law.lis.virginia.gov)
- Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles, “Driver License Eligibility Requirements” and “Exchange a Foreign Driver’s License” (dmv.virginia.gov)
- Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles, “Obtaining a Virginia Driver’s License or Identification (ID) Card” DMV 141 (dmv.virginia.gov)