Driver and vehicle licensing and registration

/ Potomac News
Published: July 31, 2008

DRIVER’S LICENSE
Within 30 days of establishing residency in Virginia, you must obtain a Virginia driver’s license, register your vehicle in Virginia and take your vehicle for a state inspection and emissions test. Vehicles must meet state insurance requirements.

Virginia drivers must pass written and behind-the-wheel tests, which may be waived for some people presenting a valid driver’s license from another state.

All applicants also must pass a vision exam.

VEHICLE INSPECTIONS
The state requires annual safety inspections to register a vehicle or to renew a registration. Emissions tests are required every two years.

Many service stations and garages are authorized to perform the tests. They post signs to indicate that they are state-approved.

VEHICLE REGISTRATION
Vehicle registration costs range from $39.50 to $44.50, depending on weight.

Both vehicle registration and driver’s licenses can be obtained at any Department of Motor Vehicles office.

Western Prince William, Manassas and Manassas Park: 9800 Godwin Drive, Manassas. Phone 866-368-5463.

Eastern Prince William: 2731 Caton Hill Road, Woodbridge.

Call 800-435-5137 for recorded information on branch office hours and locations, obtaining a driver’s license, identification card or a copy of driving records, registering or titling a vehicle, emissions or state inspections and insurance requirements.

Note the line is often busy, especially at the end of the month.

The same information can be found on the Department of Motor Vehicles Web site at http://www.dmv.state.va.us.

Local Department of Motor Vehicles office hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturday, 8 a.m. to noon.