Exchanging a Foreign Driver's License
Background
Virginia law allows DMV to enter into reciprocal arrangements with foreign countries for the purpose of issuing driver's licenses without requiring knowledge and road skills testing. These arrangements can only be entered into with the approval of the Governor, provided the foreign country’s driver licensing standards and requirements meet or exceed Virginia's.
Eligibility
For applicants 18 years and older, Virginia DMV has reciprocal arrangements with the following countries:
- Canada*
- France
- Germany
- South Korea
- Taiwan (knowledge test required)
- Japan
If you are exchanging a foreign driver's license from a country listed above and you are at least 18 years of age, you may not be required to complete the knowledge and road skills tests; however, DMV must first verify the validity of your driver's license and confirm that it is in good standing with the foreign country prior to issuing you a Virginia driver's license. To start the application process, you will need to complete an "Exchanging a Driver's License from A foreign Country" application (DL 7) and submit it to DMV with a legible copy of your foreign license.
*If you hold a license issued by Canada, you do not need to provide an "Exchanging a Driver's License from A foreign Country" application (DL 7). The validity of your license will be verified electronically at the DMV customer service center. Make an appointment for in-person service by visiting www.dmvNOW.com/appt and present your Canadian driver's license along with all other required identity and residency documents.
If you do not hold a driver's license from a country listed above, you must meet all knowledge and road skills testing requirements. If you can prove that you held a driver's license, you may not be required to hold a learner's permit.
Testing Requirements
- If you are age 18 or older and you 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 the road skills test
- show proof of successful completion of a driver education course or hold a learner's permit for 60 days.
- If you are age 18 or older and you hold a valid driver's license issued by
Taiwan, you must pass a vision screening. However, you may not be required to:
- take the road skills test
- show proof of successful completion of a driver education course or hold a learner's permit for 60 days.
- 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 must pass the two-part
knowledge exam, road skills test and a vision screening. However, you may not be required to show proof of successful completion of driver education or hold a learner's permit for 60 days.
See How to Schedule a Knowledge Test for instructions on how to schedule an appointment online.
If you choose not to take advantage of this driver's license reciprocity program, you must pass the two-part knowledge exam and road skills test. However, you may not be required to show proof of successful completion of driver education or hold a learner's permit for 60 days if you provide satisfactory evidence that you hold a foreign license.
If you attempt the knowledge and/or road skills tests and fail, you are no longer eligible to have your tests waived. You will be required to successfully complete the knowledge and road skills exams prior to being issued a Virginia driver’s license.
Submitting Your Documents
Your first step is to complete the "Exchanging a Driver's License from A foreign Country" application (DL 7) and submit it to DMV with a legible copy of your foreign license.
The fastest and easiest way to have your document(s) processed is by submitting them online. Click the “UPLOAD ONLINE” link below to submit your documents. It's fast, easy and secure! If you are unable to upload your documents online, DMV can still accept them by one of the other methods listed below:
- UPLOAD ONLINE
- Mail
Department of Motor Vehicles
DL/ID Work Center, room 419
P.O. Box 27412
Richmond, Virginia 23269 - In Person
Make an appointment and visit any Customer Service Center (CSC)
If you prefer to submit your DL7 application and a copy of your foreign license in person at a DMV office, see How to Schedule a Driver License Service Appointment for instructions on how to schedule an appointment online to submit these documents in person. Once you submit your application and a copy of your foreign driver's license, DMV will verify it with the issuing country. If your license is verified and is in good standing, you will receive an approval letter.
Next Steps
Allow 15 days for processing. DMV will notify you by mail after your driver's license has been verified and provide you with instructions about scheduling an appointment for in person service at a DMV office.
Before visiting DMV, ensure that you have met all of the requirements for obtaining a Virginia driver's license or driver privilege card.
If you choose not to take advantage of this driver's license reciprocity program, you must pass the two-part knowledge exam and road skills test. However, you may not be required to show proof of successful completion of driver education or hold a learner's permit for 60 days if you provide satisfactory evidence that you held a foreign license.