Obtain a Driver's License Extension - Diplomat

If you are either a member of the diplomatic service of the United States, appointed under the Foreign Service Act of 1946, or a spouse or dependent accompanying any such diplomat serving abroad (active principals only), you may apply for a diplomatic extension of your driver's license by mail.

1. You may request a diplomat/foreign service extension packet that will include:
   • the Driver's License and Identification Card Application (form DL 1P)
   • a copy of Re-Establishing your Virginia Residency or Qualifying for a Virginia Address Requirement Exception (DMV 143)
   • a return envelope
2. Complete and sign the application enclosed in the packet. For your convenience, you may apply to register to vote by mail when you complete the application form. If you initial the YES box on the DL 1P indicating the desire to apply to register to vote, DMV will mail you a voter application.
3. Using the return envelope, return the following:
   • A completed Driver's License and Identification Card Application (form DL 1P).
   • A copy of your passport indicating diplomatic status OR a copy of your employee ID card.
   • Either your current diplomatic orders OR a certification letter, on U.S. government letterhead, signed by your supervisor. This letter should include your name and indicate that you are serving in a diplomatic capacity outside of the United States.
4. If you are a spouse or dependent of a member of the U.S. diplomatic service, return the following:
   • A completed Driver's License and Identification Card Application (form DL 1P).
   • A copy of your passport.
   • Either current diplomatic orders listing your name OR a certification letter, on U.S. government letterhead, signed by the supervisor of your family member who is a member of the diplomatic service. This letter should include your name and should indicate that your family member is serving in a diplomatic capacity outside of the United States.
5. DMV will accept photocopies of your documents if you are a member of the diplomatic service of the U.S., or a spouse or dependent accompanying any such diplomat.
6. Once DMV receives these documents, we will issue an extension card for you to carry with your expired license. If the expired license has been lost, stolen, damaged or mutilated, a duplicate license can be issued for a fee if your digital image is on file with DMV. Within 180 days of returning to Virginia, you must visit a DMV customer service center to renew your driver license and, if required, to present proof of legal presence.