Transferring Your Driver’s License to Virginia: A Complete Guide

Transferring your driver’s license when moving to Virginia can feel like a daunting task, but it’s something you will have to do if you want to continue driving in your new state. However, there’s no need to worry, in this guide we will go through everything you need to know to complete the process.

When Do You Need to Transfer Your Driver’s License to Virginia?

When you move from out of state, you must transfer your license to Virginia within 60 days of becoming a resident. You are considered a resident if:

• You maintain a place of abode in Virginia for 183 days of the tax year OR
• You are a legal resident of the Commonwealth

What if You Don’t Transfer in Time?

If you don’t transfer your license in time, it will no longer be valid. If you are caught driving with an invalid license, it is a Class 2 misdemeanor. This carries a fine of up to $1000, up to six months in jail, demerit points on your driving record, and suspension of your license for up to 90 days.

In case of a second violation, the penalty rises to a Class 1 misdemeanor. You can avoid all of this by simply transferring your license on time!

How to Transfer Your Out-of-State Driver’s License to Virginia

First, Gather your documents. You will need to submit the following:

• Application Form DL-1P
• Your Social Security Number (SSN)
• Proof of Citizenship/Lawful Presence
• Proof of Residency
• Proof of Identity
• Your old driver’s license
• If you are under 18, you must also:
  • Attain parental consent with the Virginia DMV
  • Provide proof you have completed Virginia’s driver’s education requirements, including taking an approved driver’s education course.

Got your document? Good. Follow these steps to complete the license transfer.

1. Find a Virginia DMV Customer Service Center. You may need to book an appointment with your location.
2. Submit your Application form and Approved proof documents.
3. If applicable, take the written exam.
4. If applicable, take the skills test
5. Take a Vision Screening
6. Turn in your out-of-state driver’s license
7. Verify your new address and information are correct
8. Pay the required fees
9. You will receive a temporary paper license in place of your old licence. Your new Virginia driver’s license to the residential address on record within 15 days. The post office will not forward your mail to a PO box or another address, so make sure they have the right one in the system.

We provide state-of-the-art courses to help you quickly prepare for any exam you may come across using practice tests, a summarized handbook, and much more. Even if you don’t need to take any knowledge exams, we recommend that you learn the specific traffic laws for your new state as it will save you a lot of headaches (and maybe even tickets) in the future.

How Much Does It Cost to Transfer Your License to Virginia?

At the time of writing, transferring your license to Virginia costs $4 for each year it’s valid (Minimum $20). If you receive an eight-year license, it would be a base cost of $32. Add an additional $2 if you also need a motorcycle endorsement.

If you are applying for a REAL-ID for the first time, add another $10 to your expected fees. You can find a full list of possible fees to expect as a new Virginia resident on the DMV website.

Remember to bring a valid form of payment. Most locations accept a credit/debit card, checkbook, money order, or cash. Call ahead to make sure you know which ones your Virginia DMV location will accept.

That’s It!

You should now be prepared to transfer your license to Virginia! All the steps involved are fairly straightforward. If you found this helpful and need to know anything about Driver’s Licenses and similar, such as obtaining them for the first time, keep us here at Zutobi in your mind!

We highly recommend that you take a refresher course to learn about the specific driving laws throughout your new state. A great way to do that is through our popular course which goes through everything you need to know.