ISSS: Driver's License Requirements

The Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) issues Virginia State identification cards to individuals age 15 and above who do not hold a learner’s permit or driver’s licenses issued by another state within the United States. The ID card looks like a driver’s license, but is used for identification purposes only. You will need to provide the same documents that are listed below.

Required Documentation: 

Proof of Identity & Residency

• Passport with F-1, F-2, J-1 or J-2 visa.
• I-20 or DS-2019 form.
• I-94 document: (obtain I-94 document, click on "Get Most Recent I-94").

2 proofs of Virginia residency

• If you are living On-Campus, bring a(n):
  • Enrollment/Degree Verification Letter (request it via MyMadison)
  • recent bank or credit card statement (print it from your online banking account)
  • payroll document with your JMU address.
• If you are living Off-Campus, bring a(n)
  • lease or rental agreement
  • recent bank statement (print it from your online banking account)
  • payroll document
  • utility bill

If applicable:

• Employment Authorization Document (EAD) and original form I-797 (Approval Notice)
• Social Security card, if you have one

Process for obtaining a driver’s license:

• a computer knowledge test,
• a machine vision screening test,
• a road skills test, unless you are a resident of these specific countries:
  • Canada*
  • France
  • Germany
  • South Korea
  • Taiwan
  • Japan

The Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles offers online resources to assist in the process of obtaining a driver's license. One such resource is online practice tests for the knowledge portion of the driving test. You may use this resource to practice prior to taking the test in person.

DMV-Permit-Test.com provides free access to a wealth of driver-related resources, including:

•  Free online permit practice tests based on the actual contents of each State’s Driver Manual.
•  Driver's training.
•  Frequently asked questions.
•  Latest official Driver’s Manuals.

Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) Office

Harrisonburg: Customer Service Center
3281 Peoples Drive
Harrisonburg, VA 22801
Phone: 804-497-7100