Exchange a Foreign Driver's License

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 with a reciprocal status include:

  • Canada
  • France
  • Germany
  • South Korea
  • Taiwan (knowledge test required)
  • Japan

Exchange a Foreign License from a Reciprocal Country

Step 1: Verify Your License

To verify your foreign license, submit the following to DMV:

  1. A completed Exchanging a Driver's License from a Foreign Country (DL 7)
  2. A legible copy of your foreign license

Upload Online

The fastest and easiest way to have your documents verified: submit them online.

NOTICE AND WARNING: This computer system is the property of the Commonwealth of Virginia and is intended for authorized users only. By accessing and using this system you are consenting to system monitoring for law enforcement and other purposes. Unauthorized use of this system may subject you to State or Federal criminal prosecution and penalties.

If you are age 18 or older and exchanging a foreign driver's license from France, Germany, Japan, Taiwan or South Korea, DMV must first verify the validity of your driver’s license with the foreign country prior to issuing you a Virginia driver's license. You will need to complete the "Exchanging a Driver's License from a Foreign Country" application (DL 7) and submit it below with a copy of your foreign license. DMV will notify you by mail after your driver's license has been verified. You do not need to complete this process if you hold a license issued by Canada. If you hold a license issued by Canada, make an appointment for in-person service by visiting https://www.dmv.virginia.gov/appointments and present your Canadian driver’s license along with all other required identity and residency documents.

If you are age 18 or older and you hold a valid driver's license issued by a country other than Canada, France, Germany, Japan, South Korea, or Taiwan, you are not eligible for foreign reciprocity and must pass the two-part knowledge exam, road skills test and a vision screening. However, you may not be required to hold a learner's permit for 60 days. Make an appointment for in-person service by visiting https://www.dmv.virginia.gov/appointments and present your foreign driver’s license along with all other required identity and residency documents.

Applicants under age 18 are NOT eligible to exchange a foreign license for a Virginia driver’s license and therefore must complete all testing and licensing requirements.

For more information about the requirements above, visit https://www.dmv.virginia.gov/licenses-ids/license/applying/eligibility.

Please submit legible images of your DL7 Application and your foreign driver’s license. If the images you submit are not legible, we will not be able to process your transaction.

 

If you're 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

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've been issued one
  • Your current driver's license
  • Proof of name change, if your name appears differently on your proof documents

See Apply for a Driver’s License for more information on these requirements.

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:

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:

Schedule Appointment

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 Appointment

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
  • Proof of name change, if your name appears differently on your proof documents 

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:

  1. Two-part knowledge exam
  2. Road skills test
  3. Vision screening

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 Apply for a Driver’s License for more information about requirements.