VA Driving Requirements: What Every Virginia Driver Must Know

If you live in Virginia or are planning to move here, getting the basics right can save you time, money, and a trip to the DMV. Below is a straight‑forward guide covering licenses, registration, inspections, insurance and renewals. No jargon, just the facts you need to stay legal on the road.

Getting Your Virginia Driver's License

First you need a learner’s permit if you’re under 18. Visit a Virginia DMV office with proof of identity, a Social Security number, and two documents proving Virginia residency. You’ll also have to pass a vision test and a written knowledge exam. After you’ve held the permit for at least nine months and completed at least 45 hours of supervised driving (including 15 at night), you can schedule the road skills test.

If you’re 18 or older, you can skip the permit and go straight to the road test, but you still need to pass the written exam. The road test evaluates basic control, parking, turning, and obeying traffic signs. Once you pass, you’ll receive a Class D driver’s license. Remember, you must also provide proof of insurance before the DMV hands over the license.

Vehicle Registration and Inspection Rules

Virginia requires you to register any vehicle you own within 30 days of purchase. Registration is tied to your license plates and costs vary by vehicle weight and tax district. You’ll receive a registration card and a sticker to place on your rear plate. The sticker shows the month and year your registration expires.

Driving with expired registration can lead to fines ranging from $25 to $100, plus possible court fees. If you’re caught, the officer will usually issue a citation and you’ll have a short window to renew.

Virginia is also known for its vehicle inspection program. As of 2025, most passenger vehicles need an annual safety inspection, while emissions testing is required in certain counties. The DMV has been discussing the removal of emissions checks, but safety inspections remain mandatory. You can get your inspection done at any licensed Virginia inspection station.

Keep your proof of inspection with the registration sticker – the inspector marks the sticker with a small check. If you fail the inspection, you’ll have 15 days to make repairs and return for a re‑inspection.

Alongside registration, you must carry valid auto insurance. Virginia law requires at least $25,000 bodily injury per person, $50,000 total for bodily injury, and $20,000 property damage. Most insurers will provide an insurance card that you should keep in your vehicle.

When it’s time to renew your driver’s license or state ID, you’ll pay a fee that changes each year. In 2025 the renewal fee for a standard driver’s license is $32, while a state ID costs $15. Renewals can be done online, by mail, or in person. If your license has been expired for more than two years, you may need to retake the written test.

Staying on top of these requirements helps you avoid tickets, extra fees, and the hassle of being pulled over for something you could have prevented. Keep your documents organized, mark renewal dates on your calendar, and set reminders a month before anything expires.

Got a question about a specific situation? The Virginia DMV website has a handy FAQ, and many local libraries offer free DMV guides. Take a few minutes each year to check for updates, especially if new laws roll out. Driving in Virginia is straightforward once you know the rules – stick to them and you’ll enjoy the road without surprises.