|
Driver Services: Applying for a Learner's Permit
Application
To apply for a learner's permit, you must show two proofs of identity and one proof of Virginia residency and proof of your social security number (SSN) or a letter from the Social Security Administration stating that you do not have a SSN.
Photocopies will not be accepted. All documents must be originals and all documents may be subject to verification with the issuing authority prior to acceptance.
Be sure to refer to "Acceptable Documents for Obtaining a Driver's License or Photo ID Card." (DMV 141) for a list of acceptable documents.
You cannot hold any type of driver's license while simultaneously holding a photo ID card. If you hold a learner's permit, photo ID card or commercial driver's license (CDL) you cannot hold a Virginia driver's license.
When you apply for a Virginia learner's permit, you will also complete the application process for your driver's license and pay the fees for both the permit and license.
Your learner's permit always expires on the last day of your birth month and will expire when you reach an age that is divisible by five -- 20, 25, 30, 35, etc. Your first driver's license will be valid for three to seven years, depending on your age when the license is issued. When you renew your license, it will be valid for five years.
Proof of Identity
Documents submitted as primary proof of identity must show your full legal name and date of birth. Nicknames and abbreviations will not be accepted. You must present at least one document from the primary list of documents. The second proof of identity may come from either the primary list or the secondary list. If two of your proofs of identity are issued by the same entity, such as the same state agency, DMV may require additional proof of identity documents.
If you are under age 19, only one identity document is required.
Social Security Number
You will be required to provide your social security number (SSN). If you do not have an SSN, you will be required to provide a letter from the Social Security Administration stating this.
DMV will verify all SSNs with the Social Security Administration. If the SSN you present does not match the SSN on file at the Social Security Administration, DMV will not issue you a learner's permit.
DMV will assign you a customer number which will display on your learner's permit. At your request, your SSN will be displayed on your learner's permit. If you wish to change your DMV-assigned number in the future, you may be required to present documentation from law enforcement or the courts indicating that you may be a victim of identity theft.
Proof of Virginia Residency
You must provide one proof of Virginia residency and you must provide DMV with the street address of your principal Virginia residence.
If you are under age 19, your parent or legal guardian may certify your Virginia residency.
All documents must show your name and the address of your principal residence as it appears on your application. A post office box or business address is not acceptable. However, if you do not want your residence address to appear on your learner's permit, you may provide DMV with an alternate address in addition to your residence address. This alternate address must also be in Virginia.
If you change your residence or alternate address to a location outside Virginia, your learner's permit will be cancelled.
Exceptions may be made for some individuals such as active military duty personnel and Virginia residents employed outside the U.S.
Completed Application
If you are under age 18, your parent, custodial parent or legal guardian must provide written consent by signing your application. A court order showing that you are an emancipated minor is acceptable in lieu of written consent. You must provide a driver education completion certificate or show proof of your successful completion of a state-approved driver education program. Plus, your parent or guardian must certify that you have received at least 40 hours of driving practice, 10 of which must be completed after sunset.
If you previously have been found not innocent of any offense by a juvenile and domestic relations court in Virginia or any other state, you must obtain approval to be licensed from that court or a court in the city or county where you live.
Selective Service Registration
Generally, males under age 26 must register with the Selective Service. If you are required by federal law to register with Selective Service, you must authorize DMV to send your personal information to Selective Service unless you have already registered. If you are under age 18, your parent or guardian must sign your application authorizing the Selective Service to register you when you turn 18. Law prohibits DMV from issuing any type of driver's license or photo ID card to an applicant who is required by federal law to register with the Selective Service but who refuses to authorize DMV to send his information to the Selective Service. If you have questions about Selective Service registration, visit the Selective Service online or call 847-688-6888, TTY: 847-688-2567.
When applying for an original learner's permit, you must complete an application for a Virginia license (form DL 1M). You may also apply to register to vote or change your voter registration address. You may also indicate your desire to become an organ donor when you complete this form.
You may complete this form before or after coming to DMV. Use your full legal name. Abbreviations and nicknames will not be accepted.
Payment
You may pay the licensing fee with cash, money order, check or major credit card. Driver's licenses are valid for three to seven years, depending on the number of years it takes you to reach an age divisible by five. The licensing fee is $3.00 per year; so, your fee will range from $9.00 to $21.00. A learner's permit costs $3.00 plus the yearly cost of a driver's license.
Testing
The tests you need to take are a vision screening and a two-part knowledge exam.
Issuance
Once you pass your required testing, a DMV representative will take your photograph and ask you to sign a signature pad.
In most circumstances, your photograph and information will be processed while you wait. Your name will be called when your learner's permit is ready.
If you are under age 19, you must hold your learner's permit for at least 9 months before you can receive a driver's license. (This requirement does not apply if you were age 18 and your learner's permit was issued prior to July 1, 2002.)
Applicants under age 18
All first-time driver's licenses issued to persons under age 18 are sent to the judge of your local juvenile and domestic relations court. The court will notify you by mail about when and where you and your parent, custodial parent or legal guardian must appear to receive your license.
See also:
Learner's Permit Information
Special Restrictions
For driver's license and learner's permit examples, refer to
images of driver's licenses and identification cards
Persons convicted of certain sexual offenses (as listed in Va. Code § (46.2-323) must register with the Virginia Department of State Police as provided in § 19.2-298.1.
|
