Virginia driver license and state ID — guide for immigrants

Virginia issues a Driver Privilege Card to non-citizen residents without requiring proof of legal presence, available since January 4, 2021 under Va. Code § 46.2-328.3. No Social Security number is required — but you do need to have filed Virginia taxes. Here is exactly who qualifies, the documents, what it costs, and the non-driver option.

Quick answer

  • Undocumented driver-license access: YES — Driver Privilege Card (since January 2021)
  • Social Security number required: No — provide an SSN or ITIN
  • Tax requirement: YES — you must have reported Virginia-source income (or be a dependent on a VA return)
  • Driver Privilege Card fee: $50 (first and renewal); combined card + permit $53
  • Card marking: “Federal Limits Apply” — not a REAL ID
  • Non-driver option: Identification Privilege Card (also for those without legal presence)
  • Agency: Virginia DMV · Website: dmv.virginia.gov

Who can apply

The Driver Privilege Card is for non-U.S.-citizen Virginia residents who cannot meet the standard legal-presence requirement. By law, “applicants for a driver privilege card or permit are not required to present proof of legal presence in the United States.” You must, however, have reported Virginia-source income (filed a Virginia tax return) for the prior year, or be claimed as a dependent on someone’s Virginia return. The DMV cannot waive this tax requirement.

Documents you need

  • Two proofs of identity — at least one from List A, which includes a foreign passport, a consular identification document (matrícula), or a foreign driver license/ID with a photo. The List A document must also show your date of birth.
  • Two proofs of Virginia residency.
  • Proof of your Social Security number or ITIN.
  • Your Virginia tax-return documentation.

All documents must be originals (no temporary documents or photocopies); foreign-language documents need a certified English translation.

What the card can and cannot do

The Driver Privilege Card is not REAL ID compliant and is marked “Federal Limits Apply.” That means:

  • You can legally drive and use the card as state identification.
  • You cannot use it to board a flight or enter a secure federal facility. Carry your passport for those.

The front of the card looks the same as a non-REAL ID license; the back carries the limited-duration restriction. You are not eligible for a commercial license (CDL) with it, and there is no waiver of the driver exam.

The non-driver option

Virginia also issues an Identification Privilege Card to non-citizens who cannot meet the legal-presence requirements — the ID-card equivalent of the Driver Privilege Card.

How to apply

  1. File your Virginia taxes (or confirm you are a dependent on a VA return) — required.
  2. Gather two identity documents, two VA residency proofs, your SSN or ITIN, and your tax documentation.
  3. Apply in person at a Virginia DMV office with the original documents.
  4. Pass the knowledge and road tests (first-time drivers — no exam waiver).
  5. Pay the $50 fee. The first card expires on your birthday in the second year.

Last verified: 2026-06-28. Sources: Virginia DMV — Driver Privilege Card and Identification Privilege Card; Va. Code § 46.2-328.3.

General procedural information. DMV policies, fees, and document requirements change frequently — verify with the Virginia DMV before visiting. Not legal or immigration advice. For case-specific guidance, consult a licensed immigration attorney.