Quick Answer
Yes — Virginia issues a Driver Privilege Card under SB 34 and HB 1211 (2020) to non-citizen residents who can't prove legal presence. To get one:
- Report Virginia-source income on a Virginia tax return, or be claimed as a dependent, within the past 12 months.
- Bring 2 proofs of identity, 2 proofs of Virginia residency, and your SSN or ITIN.
- Pass any required tests and pay $50.
The card is not REAL ID, so it can't be used to board a flight.
Can You Get a Driver's License in Virginia Without an SSN?
Yes. Virginia has issued Driver Privilege Cards since January 1, 2021, under SB 34 and HB 1211, signed in 2020. Any non-U.S. citizen living in Virginia can apply without proof of legal presence if they meet the state tax-filing rule, are at least 16 years and 3 months old, and have no suspended license or insurance-related violations.
Virginia also offers an ID privilege card for residents who need identification but don't drive. Eligibility rules are on the Virginia DMV's Driver Privilege Card page, and the DMV's report on implementing the program describes how the law was put in place.
Do You Need to File Virginia Taxes to Qualify?
Yes. You must have reported income from Virginia sources, or been claimed as a dependent, on a Virginia tax return in the past 12 months. Your most recent return must have been accepted by the Virginia Department of Taxation within 1 year of your application date, and the DMV verifies it electronically before issuing the card.
- Example from the DMV: an application on January 2, 2025 needed a return accepted on or after January 2, 2024.
- Filing information is on the Virginia Department of Taxation website. No SSN? File with an ITIN — see how to file taxes with an ITIN.
What Documents Does Virginia Require?
Virginia requires 4 kinds of proof: 2 proofs of identity, 2 proofs of Virginia residency, your Social Security number if one was issued or else your ITIN, and tax return documentation. You also complete Form DL 10. Every document must be an original, and foreign-language documents need a certified English translation from a professional translator.
- 1Identity — 2 documents from the DMV's accepted list
- 2Virginia residency — 2 documents showing your Virginia address
- 3Taxpayer number — your SSN if one was ever issued, otherwise your ITIN
- 4Tax return documentation — verified electronically with the Department of Taxation
- 5Form DL 10 — the driver's license application
Temporary documents and photocopies are not accepted, and the DMV notes its accepted-document lists can change without notice — check the DMV's document guidance before you go.
How Much Does a Virginia Driver Privilege Card Cost?
A Virginia Driver Privilege Card costs $50, and each renewal also costs $50. A combined learner's permit and privilege card costs $53. The card can be valid for up to 8 years, or 5 years for applicants 75 and older, and your first card expires on your birthday. You may renew up to 1 year early.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Driver Privilege Card (first card) | $50 |
| Renewal | $50 |
| Combined learner's permit + card | $53 |
| Maximum term | 8 years (5 if 75+) |
How Do I Apply Step by Step?
Applying for a Virginia Driver Privilege Card takes 4 steps: confirm your Virginia tax return was accepted in the past year, collect your documents and Form DL 10, visit a DMV customer service center, and pass any required tests. Appointments are optional — you can book one online for Monday through Friday or walk in during open hours.
- Step 1: File your Virginia return and make sure it was accepted within the last 12 months.
- Step 2: Gather original identity, residency, taxpayer-number, and tax documents, and complete Form DL 10.
- Step 3: Visit a Virginia DMV customer service center, with or without an appointment.
- Step 4: If you have never been licensed, pass the two-part knowledge exam and road skills test (or complete approved driver education that includes the road test). Previously licensed drivers usually need only a vision screening.
New driver training and licensing age rules take effect January 1, 2027, so check the DMV page if you apply after that date.
What Can You Do With a Virginia Driver Privilege Card?
A Virginia Driver Privilege Card lets you legally drive passenger vehicles as a Class D operator. It carries restriction code 9, meaning limited duration, and it is not REAL ID compliant, so it cannot be used to board a flight or enter a secure federal facility. Virginia law also says it confers no voting privileges.
- Drive legally in Virginia and buy auto insurance — see car insurance without an SSN
- Restriction code 9 on the back reads "Limited duration (See expiration date on front)"
You cannot use it to board a domestic flight, enter a secure federal building, or vote. See our guide to flying with an ITIN.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does restriction code 9 mean on a Virginia Driver Privilege Card?
Restriction code 9 means limited duration — check the expiration date on the front. For drivers under 18, a 9 can also indicate a medical condition, which is explained on the back of the card.
Do I need an appointment at the Virginia DMV?
No. Appointments are optional. You can book one online for Monday through Friday or visit a DMV customer service center any day it is open.
Can I use an ITIN instead of an SSN in Virginia?
Yes. You must show your Social Security number if one was ever issued to you; otherwise you provide your individual taxpayer identification number (ITIN).
Do foreign documents need to be translated in Virginia?
Yes. Documents in a foreign language must come with a certified English translation by a professional translator. Photocopies and temporary documents are not accepted.
Do I need to renew in person if my card was issued before July 1, 2026?
Yes. Cards issued before July 1, 2026 must be renewed in person so the DMV can take a new photo and, if applicable, complete a vision screening.
Which Nearby States Also Issue Licenses Without an SSN?
Virginia is one of 19 states, plus Washington, D.C., that license drivers without proof of lawful status, and the southernmost of them on the East Coast. Neighboring Maryland and D.C. also issue them, while North Carolina, Tennessee, Kentucky, and West Virginia do not. Like Maryland, Virginia ties eligibility to state tax filing.
Compare every state's law, documents, and limits in the full driver's license guide →