Obtaining an Identification Card

Use our online document guide to make your DMV visit a breeze!

You must be a resident of Virginia to get an ID card.

Virginia residents of any age who do not already hold a learner's permit or driver's license issued within the United States may apply for a Virginia ID card.

If you already hold a valid Virginia driver's license, you may exchange your driver's license for an ID card. You may hold either a driver's license, or ID card, but not both. If you hold a license of any kind, you must surrender it before applying for an ID card.

What is REAL ID?

Beginning May 7, 2025, the federal government will require you to present a REAL ID compliant credential, or another federally approved form of ID, in order to board a domestic flight or enter a secure federal facility.

All applicants for a REAL ID compliant credential, including current Virginia credential holders, must visit DMV in-person to provide physical documentation. As the May 2025 enforcement deadline for REAL ID approaches, DMV offices are expected to become increasingly busy, so beat the rush and upgrade now. For more information, visit REAL ID or REAL ID: You Have a REAL Choice.

Required Documents

If you are applying for an ID card and do not hold a valid Virginia driver's license, you must present the following documents proving your eligibility:

  • One proof of identity
  • One proof of legal presence
  • Two proofs of Virginia residency
  • One proof of your Social Security number, if you have been issued one
  • Proof of name change if your name appears differently on your proof documents

To determine which documents to bring to DMV when you apply, use the interactive Document Guide, or review the DMV publication Obtaining a Driver's License or ID Card (DMV 141) (en Español).

Proof of your Social Security number is not required if you know the number and DMV is able to electronically verify it.

Your name must appear the same on all proof documents. Nicknames will NOT be accepted. If your name appears differently on your proof documents, you will need to present additional documentation.

All documents must be originals and will be subject to verification; however, print-outs of online residency documents that are listed on Form DMV 141 are acceptable as proof of residency. Temporary documents and photocopies of documents will not be accepted. DMV will not accept a document when there’s reason to believe it is not legitimate. DMV may require additional documents or change which documents are accepted without prior notice.

Completing the Application

If you are applying for an adult ID card or a hearing-impaired ID card, you must complete the Driver's License or Identification Card Application (Form DL 1P) online or on paper.

For a child ID card (under age 15), complete the Application for an Identification Card for Minors Under 15 (form DL 5).

Use your full legal name on the application. Abbreviations and nicknames will not be accepted. You may also apply to register to vote, change your voter registration address or change your organ donor status.

Fee

$2 per year (minimum $10; maximum $16)

You may pay your fees with cash, money order, check, check card or major credit card.

How Long Your ID Card Is Valid

Adult ID cards expire on your birthday at the end of the period of years which the card has been issued. ID cards are valid for a maximum of eight years.

Child ID cards will expire on the last day of the customer’s month of birth in a year when they reach an age divisible by 5 (such as 5, 10, 15.)

If you are authorized to be in the U.S. temporarily, you will be issued an ID card valid only for the amount of time that you are legally permitted to stay in the U.S. You will not be eligible to receive a limited duration ID card if your authorized stay in the U.S. is less than 30 days from the date of your application. The expiration of the ID card will be the same as the expiration date shown on the document used to prove legal presence. If the document does not show an expiration date, the ID card will be valid for one year.

Individuals required to register with the Virginia State Police Sex Offender and Crimes Against Children registry (Va. Code § 9.1) will be issued ID cards valid for five years.

Getting Your ID Card

Your ID card will be securely mailed to your address on file. If you have moved, notify DMV right away, as the U.S. Postal Service does not forward IDs. If you have renewed your ID card, continue to carry your old ID card with your receipt until you receive your new ID card.

Additional Information

See our Photograph Policy.

See Selective Service registration information.

Medical Indicators

An applicant, or parent or legal guardian if the applicant is under 18, may request indicators be placed on their learner’s permit to identify their disability to law enforcement. See Disability Programs for more information.

Blood Type Designation

Consider displaying your blood type on your identification card.

Resources