If you are at least 18 years old and meet the requirements for getting a Virginia driver's license or driver privilege card, your valid foreign driver's license may help you meet Virginia's licensing requirements.
The steps you need to follow vary depending on the country that issued your license.
Reciprocal Countries
Virginia has agreements with some countries that allow holders of those licenses to skip certain steps in the process. These countries have proven to Virginia that their license was issued according to a process similar to Virginia’s secure licensing process. This is called “reciprocal” status.
Countries that hold reciprocal status include:
- Canada
- France
- Germany
- South Korea
- Taiwan (knowledge test required)
- Japan
Steps You May Skip
For applicants 18 years and older who are exchanging a license from one of the reciprocal countries listed above, you may not be required to complete the knowledge or road skills tests.
For applicants 18 years and older who hold a license from a country other than those listed above, you will need to complete both the knowledge and the road skills test, but may not need to get a learner’s permit and hold it for 60 days before taking the road skills test.
How To Exchange a Foreign License from a Reciprocal Country
Step 1: Verify Your License
To verify your foreign license, submit the following to DMV:
- A completed Exchanging a Driver's License from a Foreign Country (DL 7)
- A legible copy of your foreign license
Canadians Can Skip This Step
Canadian license holders don’t need a DL 7. Just skip to Step 2 and present your Canadian driver's license with all other required documents.
Upload Online
The fastest and easiest way to have your documents verified is by submitting them online.
If you are unable to upload your documents online, DMV can still accept them by one of the following methods:
Mail
Department of Motor Vehicles
License and ID Card Work Center, Room 420
P.O. Box 27412
Richmond, Virginia 23269
- Fax
804-367-1112 - In Person
Make an appointment to visit any customer service center or stop by any day we’re open.
Once you submit your application and a copy of your foreign driver's license, DMV will verify it with the issuing country. This could take up to 15 days. If your license is verified and is in good standing, you will receive an approval letter.
Step 2: Verify Your Identity
Once you receive an approval letter, visit any DMV customer service center, and bring the following documents:
- 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
- Your current driver's license
- If your name appears differently on your proof documents: Proof of name change
See Applying for a Driver’s License for more information on these requirements.
Prepare Your Documents With Confidence
Use our Online Document Guide to walk through what you need to bring and what information to include.
Step 3: Complete Any Testing Requirements
If you are age 18 or older and hold a valid driver's license issued by a U.S. state or territory, a Canadian province, France, Germany, Japan, or South Korea, you must pass a vision screening. However, you may not be required to:
- Take the two-part knowledge exam or road skills test
- Show proof of successful completion of a driver education course
- Hold a learner's permit for 60 days
Schedule an Appointment Online
If you are age 18 or older and hold a valid driver's license issued by Taiwan, you must pass a vision screening and the two-part knowledge exam. However, you may not be required to:
- Take the road skills test
- Show proof of successful completion of a driver education course
- Hold a learner's permit for 60 days
Schedule an Appointment Online
Opting Out of the Reciprocity Program
If you hold a foreign license from one of our reciprocal countries, but choose not to submit a DL7, you must meet all knowledge and road skills testing requirements. However, if you can prove that you held a foreign driver's license, you may not be required to hold a learner's permit.
If you fail the knowledge and/or road skills tests, you’re no longer eligible to have your tests waived. You must successfully complete both tests before being issued a Virginia driver’s license.
Schedule an Appointment Online
How To Exchange a Foreign License from a Non-Reciprocal Country
Step 1: Verify Your Identity
Visit any DMV customer service center and bring the following documents:
- 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
- Your current driver's license
- If your name appears differently on your proof documents: Proof of name change
See Applying for a Driver’s License for more information on these requirements.
Prepare Your Documents With Confidence
Use our Online Document Guide to walk through what you need to bring and what information to include.
Step 2: Complete Testing Requirements
If you hold a foreign driver’s license from any country not listed above, you must pass the:
However, if your foreign license is acceptable, you won’t be required to show proof of successful completion of driver education or hold a learner's permit for 60 days.
See Applying for a Driver’s License for more information about requirements.