Where to get your Arlington driver's license

In Arlington, you get your driver's license from the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). There is one DMV office in Arlington County, located at 2100 Clarendon Boulevard in Arlington. You cannot get a license at a local courthouse or police station — only at the DMV office itself or through certain online services for renewals.

Before you go in person, check the DMV website to see current wait times and whether you need an appointment. Walk-ins are accepted, but appointment slots often fill up weeks in advance, especially on weekends and after 3 p.m. on weekdays. Booking an appointment online takes about five minutes and can save you an hour or more of waiting.

If you are renewing an existing Virginia license, you may be able to do this by mail or online without visiting the office. New drivers and out-of-state applicants must come in person at least once.

Key Takeaways

  • The Arlington DMV office is at 2100 Clarendon Boulevard, and you must visit in person to get your first Virginia driver's license.
  • You need a valid form of identification, proof of Virginia residency, and your Social Security number before you arrive.
  • New drivers under 18 must first pass a written test for a learner's permit, then a road test, before receiving a full license.
  • Appointment slots book up quickly; reserving one online usually takes less time than waiting for a walk-in slot.
  • The fee for a standard driver's license in Virginia is set by the state and does not vary by location.

Documents you need to bring

Bring originals or certified copies — photocopies alone will not work. You need one document from each of these three categories: proof of identity, proof of Virginia residency, and your Social Security number (or a letter from Social Security if you do not have a card).

For proof of identity, the DMV accepts a valid passport, military ID, or an out-of-state driver's license. A birth certificate alone is not enough. If you are under 18, a parent or guardian must come with you and bring their own ID.

For proof of Virginia residency, bring a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or property tax bill in your name with your Arlington address. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. A bank statement or insurance bill also works. If you just moved and do not have a document yet, you can bring a signed letter from your landlord or a utility company confirmation.

If you do not have a Social Security card, bring a letter from the Social Security Administration or a tax return showing your number. You will also need to fill out Form DL-44 (process for Driver's License or Permit) before you arrive or at the office.

The path from learner's permit to full license

If you are under 18, you cannot walk out with a full driver's license on your first visit. Virginia requires a two-step process: first a learner's permit, then a road test.

To get a learner's permit, you take a written test at the DMV office covering road signs, traffic laws, and safe driving. You can study using the Virginia DMV's free online manual or take a practice test on their website. The test is 35 questions, and you must answer at least 28 correctly to pass. Once you pass, you get your permit the same day.

With a learner's permit, you can drive only with a licensed adult (21 or older) in the front passenger seat. You cannot drive alone, and you must follow all traffic laws exactly — any violation can delay your road test. You must hold the permit for at least 90 days before you can take the road test.

The road test happens at the DMV office and lasts about 20 minutes. A DMV examiner sits in the car with you and watches you drive through Arlington streets, park, and handle turns and stops. You must pass this test to get your full license. If you fail, you can retake it, but you must wait at least 10 days before your next attempt.

If you are 18 or older and have never had a license, you still take the written test, but you do not need a learner's permit or a waiting period. You can take the road test the same day you pass the written test if a slot is open.

Fees and how long it takes

A standard Virginia driver's license costs $70 for an eight-year license. If you are under 21, the fee is $35 for a five-year license. These fees are set by the state and are the same whether you explore in Arlington, Richmond, or anywhere else in Virginia.

The DMV accepts cash, debit, and credit cards. Bring your payment method with you; you cannot pay online before your visit.

The written test results come back the same day. If you pass, you get your learner's permit when ready. For a road test, you typically receive your license the same day you pass, though the physical card may take one to two weeks to arrive by mail. You can drive with a temporary paper license in the meantime.

The entire process from first visit to full license usually takes two to four months for drivers under 18 (because of the 90-day permit waiting period) and one to two weeks for drivers 18 and older.

What happens if you move to Arlington from another state

If you already have a valid driver's license from another state, you do not have to take the written or road test again. You can exchange it for a Virginia license by bringing your out-of-state license, proof of residency in Arlington, and your Social Security number to the DMV office. The fee is still $70 for a standard license.

Your new Virginia license will have an expiration date eight years from the date you get it, not based on when your old license expired. If your out-of-state license is expired, you will need to take the written test to get a Virginia license.

If you are moving to Arlington and do not yet have a license, follow the same steps as a new driver: written test, learner's permit (if under 18), 90-day wait, then road test.

Renewing or replacing your license

If your Virginia license is expiring soon, you can renew it online or by mail without visiting the DMV office. Go to the Virginia DMV website, enter your license number and date of birth, and pay the renewal fee online. Your new license arrives by mail in about two weeks.

If your license is lost, stolen, or damaged, you must visit the DMV office in person. Bring your proof of identity and residency, and the fee for a replacement is $20. You will get a temporary paper license to use while your card is being made.

Preparing for your visit

Gather all your documents at least one day before your appointment. Check the DMV website to confirm the office hours — they sometimes close for holidays or staff training. If you are taking the written test, spend 20 to 30 minutes reviewing the Virginia DMV manual online the night before; most people pass on their first try.

Arrive 10 to 15 minutes early, even with an appointment. Bring a pen in case you need to fill out forms by hand. If you are under 18, make sure your parent or guardian is with you and has their ID ready.

If you are taking the road test, make sure the car you will use is registered, insured, and in working condition. The examiner will check that the brakes, lights, and windshield wipers work before you start driving.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take the written test online from home?

No. The written test must be taken at the DMV office in person. However, you can study the material online using Virginia's free practice tests and manual before you go. This preparation usually takes a few hours and significantly improves your chances of passing on the first try.

What if I fail the road test?

You can retake it after waiting at least 10 days. There is no limit to how many times you can try. Many people pass on their second or third attempt. The fee to retake the test is $15. Between attempts, practice the skills the examiner noted — usually parking, lane changes, or stopping smoothly.

Do I need a Social Security number to get a Virginia license?

Yes, Virginia requires it. If you do not have a Social Security card, bring a letter from the Social Security Administration or a tax return showing your number. If you are not may be able to access for a Social Security number, ask the DMV about alternative documents when you call ahead.

How long is a Virginia driver's license valid?

A standard license is valid for eight years. If you are under 21, your first license is valid for five years. After that, renewals are eight years. You can renew up to one year before it expires.

What if I cannot get to the Arlington office during business hours?

The Arlington DMV office is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturday mornings. If you cannot make these hours, you may be able to visit a different Virginia DMV office — there are locations throughout Northern Virginia. Call ahead to confirm they offer the service you need, as some smaller offices do not administer road tests.