Laws and Benefits for Veterans and Military Drivers in Virginia

There are many different benefits for veterans and active duty military who are based in Virginia. There are also some laws and regulations that will be of interest to members of the military and former members of the state.

Registration of vehicles

When you reside in Virginia, you can title and register a vehicle that you purchase in your home state or Virginia. The choice is yours, and if the cost of registering in your home state is cheaper, it might be a good idea.

In Virginia, you can list on your registration application that you are a member of the military, which can help provide protection if your vehicle is under arrest. You will then need a court order to enforce the bond. This can be an important protection, especially for those who are deployed and away from their vehicle.

Veteran driver's license badge

To verify veteran status, the state of Virginia issues veteran identification cards. Many other states will print proof of status on licenses, but in Virginia you will get a veteran ID. You can apply for the card online or in person. You can also apply by mail by mailing the Virginia Veteran ID and Proof of Service Application Form to the following address.

Driver Support Work Center Room 419

PO Box 27412

Richmond, VA 23269-0001

The ID card costs $10 and does not have an expiration date.

Military badges

The state of Virginia offers many military honors. They have options for all of the following, as well as many more.

• 173rd Airborne
• Air Force Cross
• Air Force Reserve
• army
• Army Reserve
• Bronze star
• Bronze Star of Valor
• Chosin Reservoir Survivor
• Coast guard
• Auxiliary Coast Guard
• Coast Guard Reserve
• combat foot soldiers
• Desert Storm/Shield Veteran
• Disabled Veteran
• Distinguished Flying Cross
• A staunch veteran of liberty
• Former prisoner of war
• Golden Star
• Iraqi Freedom Veteran
• Veteran of the Korean War
• Legion of Merit
• US Legion of Valor
• Navy
• Naval Reserve
• Marines

Waiver of military skills exam

The state has a program called "Troops to Trucks" that aims to help service members transition to civilian life using their truck driving experience in the military. If you have at least two years of army truck driving experience, you can opt out of the Virginia skills test. This makes it much easier for people to get a commercial driver's license as they have one less hurdle to pass. They also offer in-class and behind the wheel training.

Military Commercial Driver's License Act of 2012

The Military Commercial Driver's License Act of 2012 allows active duty military personnel to obtain their commercial driver's license even if they are not residents of Virginia. However, they must be attached to a base in the state. It can be a permanent or temporary base. This applies to the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Reserves, National Guard, Coast Guard and Coast Guard Auxiliaries.

Driver's license and registration renewal

If you work outside of Virginia but plan to return to the state, you may be able to get a license renewal. The same is true for those who are a spouse or dependent. The extension is valid for three years. You will receive an expansion card which you will need to carry with an expired license.

You will not receive an extension upon renewal. You must ensure that you register your vehicle on time and that you pay the correct fees. The amount you will have to pay is determined by the weight of the vehicle, the license plate you purchase, and the number of years you register the vehicle. In Virginia, you can register for one or two years.

In the following counties/cities, you will have to pay an additional $2 emission fee.

• Arlington
• Fairfax
• lowdown
• Prince William
• Stafford
• Alexandria
• Fairfax
• Falls church
• Manassas
• Manassas Park

However, if you renew your registration online, you can get a $1 discount. If you renew your DMV registration, $5 will be added to your registration.

Driver's license and vehicle registration of non-resident military personnel

If you are an active duty member of the military and reside in Virginia, you, your spouse, and dependent children may drive with a license issued in your home state. You don't need to get a driver's license in Virginia. However, you can if you choose.

To learn more about the Virginia DMV and what it offers to veterans, visit their website.