New to Virginia? How to Exchange Your Foreign Driver's License in 2025

Welcome to the Old Dominion! As you settle into your new life in Virginia, one of the most important practical steps you'll take is obtaining a local driver's license. While you can drive with a valid foreign license as a visitor, state law requires you to get a Virginia license once you establish residency.

The process of transferring a foreign license at the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) can seem complex, but this guide will break it down into simple, actionable steps. We will cover residency rules, crucial reciprocity agreements that can save you time and effort, all the necessary documentation, and the tests you will need to take to drive legally in your new home state.

Step 1: Understand Residency and Reciprocity

The first thing to determine is how Virginia's laws apply to your specific situation, which largely depends on your country of origin.

Establishing Virginia Residency

If you move to Virginia and establish residency (by accepting employment, enrolling children in school, or registering to vote), you have 60 days to obtain a Virginia driver's license. You may operate a vehicle with a valid foreign license during this time, provided you are at least 16 years and 3 months old.

Reciprocity Agreements: The Key to Waiving Tests

This is the most critical piece of information for many international newcomers. A reciprocity agreement means the Virginia DMV has an understanding with another country to recognize its licensing standards, which significantly simplifies the process for you.

• Countries with Reciprocity: Virginia has driver's license reciprocity agreements with Canada, France, Germany, South Korea, and Taiwan.
• What This Means for You: If you hold a valid, unexpired non-commercial driver's license from one of these five countries, the state will waive the road skills test.
• What is NOT Waived: You will still be required to pass the vision screening and the two-part written knowledge exam. This is a key point: reciprocity in Virginia does not exempt you from the written exam.
• All Other Countries: If your driver's license is from any country not on this list, you must complete the entire licensing process as if you were a brand-new driver. This includes passing the vision, knowledge, and full on-road skills tests.

Step 2: Assemble Your Essential Documents

The Virginia DMV has very strict documentation requirements. All documents must be originals or certified copies. No photocopies will be accepted.

Required Documentation Checklist:

1. Your Valid Foreign Driver's License: You must present your physical, valid license. If you want to keep it, the DMV may perforate it to show you've been issued a VA license.
   • Certified Translation: If your license is not in English, you MUST provide a certified translation. An International Driving Permit (IDP) can serve this purpose but must be accompanied by your actual license.
2. Proof of Identity and Legal Presence: This is a crucial step. For non-U.S. citizens, you will typically need a combination of the following:
   • A valid, unexpired Foreign Passport.
   • A valid, unexpired U.S. Visa and your I-94 Arrival/Departure Record.
   • A valid, unexpired Permanent Resident Card (Green Card) or Employment Authorization Document (EAD).
3. Proof of Social Security Number: You must present your original Social Security card or other acceptable proof (like a W-2 form). If you are not eligible for a Social Security Number, you must provide documentation from the SSA confirming your ineligibility.
4. Two Proofs of Virginia Residency: You must provide two separate documents from different sources that show your name and current physical Virginia address (PO Boxes are not accepted). Examples include:
   • Utility bills (electric, gas, water) that are less than 60 days old.
   • A current, signed lease or rental agreement.
   • Bank or credit card statements mailed to your VA address.
   • A recent payroll stub.
5. Completed Application Form (DL 1P): You can get this "Application for a Virginia Driver's License or ID Card" form at the DMV or download it from their website to fill out in advance.

Step 3: The Licensing and Testing Process

With your documents in hand, you must make an appointment to visit a DMV Customer Service Center.

For Reciprocal Countries (Canada, France, Germany, S. Korea, Taiwan):

1. Make a DMV Appointment: Schedule your visit online.
2. Present Documents: Provide all the required documentation from the checklist above.
3. Pass the Vision Test: An examiner will check your eyesight to ensure it meets state safety standards.
4. Pass the Two-Part Written Knowledge Exam: You must pass both parts of the computer-based test. Part One covers traffic signs (you must get all 10 correct), and Part Two covers general knowledge of traffic laws and safe driving (you must get at least 80% correct). The Virginia Driver's Manual is your essential study guide.
5. Pay Fees and Get Your License: Once you pass the tests, you will pay the required fees. You may be required to surrender your foreign license.
6. Receive Your License: You will receive a temporary paper license, and your permanent photo license will be mailed to you.

For All Other (Non-Reciprocal) Countries:

1. Apply for a Learner's Permit: You must first pass the vision test and the two-part written knowledge exam. Upon passing, you will be issued a Virginia Learner's Permit.
2. Schedule a Road Skills Test: With your permit, you can now schedule your on-road driving skills test for a future date, either with the DMV or an approved third-party tester.
3. Pass the Road Skills Test: You must successfully pass the practical road test.
4. Get Your License: After passing the skills test, you will surrender your learner's permit, pay the fees, and be issued your full Virginia driver's license.

By meticulously gathering your documents and understanding the process for your specific situation, you can confidently navigate the steps to becoming a legally licensed driver in your new home state.