The issue date on a Virginia driver's license is labeled ISS and printed on the front of the card. Virginia licenses are valid for 8 years for most adults, so there can be a long gap between the ISS date and the expiration date on a current card. Here is how to read every field on your Virginia license.

Where to find the issue date on a Virginia driver's license

On the current Virginia DMV license design, the issue date is labeled ISS and appears on the front of the card. ISS stands for Issue Date and shows when the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles issued your current card. Renewing your license resets the ISS date on the new card while keeping your license number the same.

Date fields on a Virginia driver's license

• ISS — Issue date. When your current card was printed.
• DOB — Date of birth. Your birthdate for identity and age verification.
• EXP — Expiration date. Virginia licenses are valid for 8 years for drivers under 75. Drivers 75 and older receive licenses valid for 4 years.

What does DD mean on a Virginia driver's license?

DD stands for Document Discriminator, a unique serial number for your specific physical card. It changes every time a new card is issued, even when your license number does not change. It is used by banks, rental agencies, and verification systems to confirm the card is authentic.

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Restrictions on a Virginia driver's license

Virginia licenses display restrictions in the RSTR field. Common codes:

• A — Corrective lenses required
• B — Daylight driving only
• C — No highway driving
• E — Automatic transmission only
• G — Outside mirror required on driver's side

Virginia REAL ID

Virginia offers both standard and REAL ID-compliant licenses. A REAL ID Virginia license has a gold star in the upper right corner. From May 7, 2025, a REAL ID or another accepted federal document is required to board domestic flights. To obtain a Virginia REAL ID, visit a Virginia DMV Customer Service Center in person with your identity documents, Social Security number, and two Virginia address documents.

Virginia DMV SELECT and alternative service options

Virginia has a network of DMV Select offices operated by local governments and businesses that handle routine DMV transactions including registration renewals and some license services. These offices often have shorter wait times than full-service DMV Customer Service Centers.

How to renew a Virginia driver's license

Virginia DMV offers online renewal at dmv.virginia.gov for eligible drivers who do not need a new photo and have no changes to their information. Virginia also offers renewal by mail for some license types. In-person renewal is required for first-time REAL ID, new photos, and CDL transactions.

How to find your original Virginia licensing date

The ISS date on your card is when your current card was issued, not when you first became a licensed driver in Virginia. To get your original licensing date, request a copy of your official Virginia driving record through the DMV website. Virginia offers both a 3-year and a 7-year driving record depending on your needs.