Eligibility
Driver's Licenses and state identification (ID) cards are issued by the state in which you reside. You may obtain a Virginia driver's license or state ID card from The Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) of the Commonwealth of Virginia.
Full-time F-1/J-1 Students: If you are enrolled as a full-time student at ODU and not employed, you may drive in Virginia with a valid out-of-state (or another country) driver's license. If you are employed within the Commonwealth of Virginia, you must obtain a Virginia driver's license within 60 days.
J-1 Visiting Scholars: You may drive with your home state or country driver's license and license plates for no more than six months. After six months, you must apply for a Virginia driver's license. Once you become employed, you are required to obtain a Virginia driver's license within 60 days.
Dependents: You may drive with your home state or country driver's license and license plates for no more than six months. If you become employed, you are required to hold a Virginia driver's license.
Employees: Within 60 days of moving here, you must obtain a Virginia driver's license.
Timeline: The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) recommends waiting at least 10 business days after arriving in the U.S. and at least two federal business days from the validation of the SEVIS record (i.e. two days after checking in with the VISA office.) This is to allow arrival data processing, as Virginia uses the Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements (SAVE) Program to determine a non-citizen's eligibility for a Social Security Number (SSN), a driver's license, and other public benefits. You can use SAVE CaseCheck to track the status of your case online.
Required Documentation
You must show one proof of identity document, one proof of legal presence and two proofs of Virginia residency (please see page 3 of this attached document), and a social security number (if you have one). All documents must be originals.
To determine which documents to bring to DMV when you apply, use the interactive Document Guide, or review the DMV publication Obtaining a Driver's License or ID Card (DMV 141).
Testing
If you are a first time driver, you will be able to obtain a learner's permit.
If you have a valid driver's license from your home country, you will be required to pass a two-part knowledge exam, a road skills test and a vision screening.
If you have a valid driver's license from Taiwan, you will be required to take only the road skills test.
If you already have a valid driver's license issued by a US state or territory, a Canadian province, France, Germany, or South Korea, you will not be required to take the two-part knowledge exam or the road test.
A DMV representative will tell you which tests you need to take.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I am turned away or am unable to provide all the necessary documents?
You should be able to obtain a license or ID by presenting your visa, passport, I-94 card, I-20 form, and proof of Virginia residency. If the DMV personnel asks for another document or is unable to verity your documentation, please politely ask for their name and contact the VISA office. We may be able to resolve the matter quickly.
Can I extend my driver's license while I am on my grace period (60 days for F visa holders and 30 days for J visa holders)?
If you have graduated and want to remain in the US for your grace period (60 days for Fs and 30 days for Js) and be able to drive, please request a letter from VISA. This letter is required for F1 students by DMV as a supporting document that you have completed your studies. DMV does not require a letter of completion for the J exchange students and scholars. DMV can extend your DL for 60 days for F1 visa holders and 30 days for J1 visa holders. DMV can only issue DLs for a minimum 30 days; therefore, please apply for the driver's license extension before your grade period begins.
What documentation should I provide to extend my Driver's License while on OPT/STEM OPT Extension?
If you are on OPT, you need to provide your valid passport, visa stamp on your passport, OPT/STEM OPT/Cap Gap I-20 and Employment Authorization cards. If you have not received the new employment authorization card yet, the DMV would give you a 60 day extension until the new card is received. Once you receive the new card, you will need to take it back in to receive the duration of time of the new OPT. You can request a letter from VISA as a supporting document.
For more information, please visit:
Applying for a Driver's License or State Identification Card (SEVP fact sheet by USCIS)
The Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) of the Commonwealth of Virginia