Obtain a Driver's License Extension - Military

If you are active duty military personnel or a spouse or dependent accompanying any such member of the armed services and temporarily assigned outside of Virginia, you may apply for a military extension of your driver's license by mail.

1. You may request a military 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 copy of Obtaining a Virginia Driver's License or Identification (ID) Card (DMV 141)
   • 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 military identification card.
   • A copy of military orders or a certification letter, on U. S. government letterhead,
   signed by the commanding officer/supervisor, containing your name and stating that you are active duty military and stationed outside of the Commonwealth of Virginia.
   
   NOTE: Providing a photocopy of a military ID card to a government agency, such as DMV, for official use only is acceptable under U.S. Code Title 18 Section 701.
4. If you are a spouse or dependent of an active duty member of the U.S. armed forces, submit the following:
   • A completed Driver's License and Identification Card Application (form DL 1P).
   • A copy of the active duty member's military ID card.
   • A copy of your dependent military ID card.
   • Either current military orders listing your name OR a certification letter, on U.S. government letterhead, signed by the commanding officer of the active duty member, containing your name and indicating that your family member is active duty military serving outside of the Commonwealth of Virginia.
     
     NOTE: Providing a photocopy of a military ID card to a government agency, such as DMV, for official use only is acceptable under U.S. Code Title 18 Section 701.
5. 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.
6. 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.