How Much Does a Virginia
Driver's License Cost?
A Virginia driver's license costs $32 and lasts 8 years. Below are all 5 official fees from the Virginia DMV.
Virginia License Costs at a Glance
- Permit + first license (approx.)
- $35
- License valid for
- 8 years
- About $4 per year
At $32, Virginia's license fee is lower than in 27 other states. The national median is $34.
📊Official Virginia DMV Fees
From the Virginia DMV fee schedule. Verify current amounts before paying.
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Learner's Permit (plus the per-year license fee) | $3.00 (verify at dmv.virginia.gov) |
| Driver's License (8 years, age 21+) | $32 (verify at dmv.virginia.gov) |
| Driver's License (under 21, expires at age 21) | $2/year until age 21 (verify) |
| Knowledge test (failed) | $2 retest fee (verify) |
| Road skills test (failed) | $2 retest fee (verify) |
🗓️When You Pay Each Fee in Virginia
- 1
Convert to a Full Driver's License at Age 18
The standard 8-year Virginia driver's license costs $32. A REAL ID-compliant license requires additional documentation and a $10 one-time fee.
How much does a Virginia driver's license cost?
A standard 8-year Virginia driver's license for adults 21+ costs about $32. Licenses for drivers under 21 cost $2 per year and expire at age 21. The learner's permit fee is about $3 plus $2/year. Verify current fees at dmv.virginia.gov.
🗺️Virginia Compared With Neighboring States
You must be a resident to get a state's license, but if you live near a border, here is how Virginia's fees compare.
| State | License | Permit |
|---|---|---|
| Virginia | $32 | $3 |
| Maryland | — | $65 |
| District of Columbia | $47 | $20 |
| West Virginia | $25 | $7.50 |
| Kentucky | $43–$48 | $15 |
| Tennessee | $28 | $28–$33 |
| North Carolina | $52 | $25.50 |
Budgeting Beyond the DMV Fee
The figures above are Virginia's official fees. Driver education, behind-the-wheel lessons, and insurance can cost more than the license itself.
Estimate your total Virginia cost
The official fees above are only part of the bill. Add your age, REAL ID, driver education and retests to see a realistic total for Virginia.
Required to board domestic US flights starting May 7, 2025.
Most states charge $5–$35 per failed road-test attempt. Optimistic? First-try pass rates run 50–60% in most states.
Estimates use the fees listed on this page. Open the full calculator to compare other states.
Fees change. Always confirm the amount on the official Virginia DMV website before paying. US Driver Guide is not affiliated with any government agency.