Helpful Tips for Your DMV Visit

Planning a trip to DMV? We've got you covered.

If you can’t get it done online, make an appointment or stop by the office nearest you any day we’re open.

Coming to DMV with all of the right documents and a completed application will help your visit go smoothly. How do you know what to bring? There’s a ton of information on our website, but this page covers the basics for our most popular services.

Driver

First-time Virginia driver’s license (includes REAL ID)

1. Use our online document guide to select your documents.
2. Start your application online in advance of your visit or complete and print a DL 1P.

• See also Apply for a Driver’s License.

Current Virginia driver’s license holder applying for a REAL ID

1. Use our online document guide to select your documents.
2. Fill out your application online in advance of your visit or complete and print a DL 1P.

• See also REAL ID.

Renew your existing Virginia driver’s license

1. Bring your current driver’s license.
2. Complete and print a DL 1P or bring the renewal form you received in the mail.

• See also Renew your Driver’s License.

Out-of-state driver applying for Virginia driver’s license

1. Use our online document guide to select your documents.
2. Complete and print a DL 1P.

• See also Apply for a Driver’s License.

Original learner’s permit

1. Use our online document guide to select your documents.
2. Complete and print a DL 1P.

• See also Learner's Permit.

Original adult ID card

1. Use our online document guide to select your documents.
2. Complete and print a DL 1P.

• See also Getting an ID Card.

Name change

1. Bring your current driver’s license or ID, your confirmation email for your online application and one of the following:
   • marriage certificate or civil union documents filed with a government agency or court
   • divorce decree if the decree states the change from married name to maiden name
   • court order granting the name change
2. Start your application online or complete and print a DL 1P.

• Bring Proof. See Name Change for details.

Vehicle

Renew your vehicle registration

1. Vehicle registration renewal notice or registration card
2. Renew online, receive a $1 discount.

• See also Registration Renewal.

Original title and registration

1. Documents: Review Title Your Vehicle or Trailer and Register Your Vehicle for your situation.
2. Application(s): Review Title Your Vehicle or Trailer and Register Your Vehicle for your situation.

Replacement title

1. Current registration card and driver’s license or ID
2. Obtain a replacement title online or complete and print a VSA 67.

• See also Replacement Titles.

Substitute title

1. Review Substitute Titles to determine the documents needed based on your situation.
2. Complete and print a VSA 67.

• See also Substitute Titles.

Vital records

1. Review acceptable documents.
2. Birth Certificates: Complete and print a DL 81.
3. All Others: Complete and print a DL 82.

• See also Vital Records at DMV.

If you have further questions about documents and applications for your DMV visit, contact us.