You must know your driving license number after having it issued by the Virginia department of motor vehicles. If you do not know where it is, then you must read forward and add this information to your knowledge.

The driver’s license number, Virginia, is written on the top left side of the license card just near the photograph of the license holder on both old and new license cards. The driving license begins with one alphabet, and then a series of eight numbers are selected randomly to complete the license number. In the old licenses, the number format is X99-99-9999 whereas, in new licenses, it is written like X99999999. New revised security features were introduced in the latest driving license effective after March 2009 to fight against fraud identity with engraved laser and ultraviolet security printed design.

Driver’s License, Virginia

The Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles issues driver’s licenses, which conform to federal laws. This license ensures the accuracy of state drivers and their Identification Cards as well. 

You can have a driving license when you move to Virginia, but you should have it within sixty days of your move to Virginia. If you already have a commercial driving license, then you must grab a hand on Virginia’s commercial driving license thirty days after moving to Virginia.

The new licenses are valid for eight years and expire on your birthday if you are above twenty-one years. If you are above seventy-five years, your license expires in five years.

Where Is The Driver’s License Number, Virginia?

Old and New Format

The driving license number, Virginia, is found on the same spot in both old and new licenses.

The driver’s license number, Virginia, is clearly visible on the front left side of the license card, just near the applicant’s photograph. The license number consists of nine characters in which the first character is an alphabet, and the rest of the eight characters are random machine-generated numbers to complete the nine characters license number for the holder.

In the old licenses, the number format is X99-99-9999 whereas, in new licenses, it is written like X99999999. It is found on field 5 of the paper driving license or 4d field of the plastic card driving license. This number stays with you all your life.

Old License Features

The new driving licenses with enhanced security features were introduced in March 2009.  

Old licenses were issued over the counter, every motor vehicle department office had their printing responsibility, card materials were manufactured there as well, and there was no after-hours onsite security. Old driver’s licenses have a reflective design of security, personal data with barcodes which are 1D and 2D, and contain deliberate error microprint borders.

New License Features

New driving licenses were centrally issued, card production took place at the manufacturer, cards were personalized at the production centre, and there were twenty-four hours of armed security onsite. New Driver’s licenses have laser engravings, grayscale photos which are laser engraved, graphic designs that are security printed, printing features are a variable wave, printed designs with ultra-violet security, personal data 2D bar code, and individual card serial number with 2D barcode. Personal data is available on cards, front and back both. A clear window secondary photo is issued to the cardholder in the new license. Black engraving is raised because of tactile. Underage dates and organ donor symbol pictures are printed in black. Variable wave data and redundant data can also be found on the license card. An example is the cardholder’s name floating on the top right side of the card. Variable data micro lettering is another feature added which can be seen below the laser engraved tactile signature. A secondary photo image is also added in a small window near the main photo of the cardholder. Black printing of underage dates and donors of the organ is also printed in black. Court restrictions with the Red colour “R” are not mentioned anymore. If a person cannot sign, then “Unable to sign” is written on the card.

Conclusion

Everyone must be aware of the position of their driving license number and remember it too for any future documentation purposes. This article made it clear that from where it can be located. The driver’s license number in Virginia is easy to locate, identify and remember for the license holders. It can be found and read from the front of the card, on the right side of the cardholder’s photograph. 

The specific identity of an alphabet with other random eight numbers makes it easier to find. It is also easier to issue and maintain for the department of motor vehicles, Virginia as well because of its enhanced security features. 

Driving licenses are valid for how long in Virginia?

Driving licenses in Virginia are valid for up to five years for under 65 years of age individuals in the case of trucks and buses. Ten years license is valid for cars and motorbike riders.

Can the license be renewed before the expiry date?

Yes. It can be renewed within three months of the expiry date.

What is the starting date of the driving license?

The starting date of the license is the date when the application for new card issuance or its renewal is filed.