Virginia DMV Forms and Documents Checklist

Last verified: 2026-03

Here is what you need to bring to the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). This checklist covers new licenses, REAL ID, name changes, and address updates. Having the right documents saves you a wasted trip.

REAL ID in Virginia

Federal REAL ID enforcement began May 7, 2025. A REAL ID-compliant license or acceptable alternative is required for domestic air travel and federal facility access.

Virginia licenses are not automatically REAL ID-compliant. You must request a REAL ID when visiting the DMV.

Official REAL ID information from the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV)

New Driver's License or State ID

  • Proof of identity Required

    Birth certificate or passport

  • Social Security card Required
  • Two proofs of state residency Required

    Utility bill, bank statement, lease agreement

  • Previous state license (if transferring)

    Required only when transferring from another state

REAL ID-Compliant License or ID

  • Identity document Required

    U.S. passport or passport card, certified U.S. birth certificate, permanent resident card, employment authorization document

    Must be an original or certified copy

  • Social Security number document Required

    Social Security card, W-2 form, SSA-1099 form, pay stub showing full SSN

  • Two proofs of Virginia residency Required

    Utility bill (within 60 days), bank statement (within 60 days), mortgage or lease agreement, vehicle registration card, property tax bill

  • Proof of lawful status Required

    U.S. passport, certificate of naturalization, certificate of citizenship

    Required for non-U.S. citizens

Name Change on License

  • Certified marriage certificate

    Provide if name change is due to marriage

  • Court order for name change

    Provide if name change is court-ordered

  • Divorce decree with name change provision

    Provide if reverting to a prior name after divorce

Address Change on License

  • Two proofs of new address Required

    Utility bill, bank statement, lease agreement

Name Change Information

If your current legal name differs from your identity document, you must bring certified documents showing the name change history

Virginia uses electronic Social Security number verification.

Virginia-Specific Information

Virginia DMV was an early REAL ID adopter and has been issuing compliant credentials since 2009. Virginia requires a legal presence verification at first issuance and offers both in-person and online services for many transactions. The state requires proof of Virginia vehicle insurance to obtain a license if a vehicle is registered in the state.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Proof of identity
  • Social Security card
  • Two proofs of state residency
  • Previous state license (if transferring)
  • Identity document U.S. passport or passport card, certified U.S. birth certificate, permanent resident card, employment authorization document
  • Social Security number document Social Security card, W-2 form, SSA-1099 form, pay stub showing full SSN
  • Two proofs of Virginia residency Utility bill (within 60 days), bank statement (within 60 days), mortgage or lease agreement, vehicle registration card, property tax bill
  • Proof of lawful status U.S. passport, certificate of naturalization, certificate of citizenship

If your current legal name differs from your identity document, you must bring certified documents showing the name change history

  • Two proofs of new address (Utility bill, bank statement, lease agreement)

Need to Renew Your License?

Renewal requirements differ from new license requirements. See what you need to bring for a renewal.

Virginia license renewal requirements

Prefer to learn online?

Complete a state-approved driving course from home on your own schedule. Same certifications, same insurance discounts.

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This information is based on Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) guidelines. Requirements can change. Visit the official Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) website for the most current information.