Images of Driver's Licenses and Identification Cards

In 2009, Virginia began issuing newly designed, secure driver's licenses made of laser engraved polycarbonate. Driver's licenses and ID cards issued prior to implementation of the new format remain valid until expiration.

• All primary photographs are grayscale, full faced and displayed on the left side of the cards. Secondary photographs are grayscale, full faced and displayed in a clear window, visible from the front and back of the cards.
• The formats of licenses and ID cards are oriented as follows:

  Adults age 21 and over - Horizontal
  Minors age 15 to 21 - Vertical
  Minors under age 15 - Horizontal

• Driver's licenses banners have blue lettering; ID card banners have green lettering; and children's ID card banners have gold lettering.
• Cards for individuals age 21 and over bear an image of the Virginia state capitol building; cards for individuals under 21 bear images of the state flower, the dogwood, and show the dates that the individual turns 18 and 21.
• The 2-D bar code on the back of each card carries only information displayed on the front of the card; such as name, customer number, and birth date.
• Organ donation is denoted on driver's licenses and ID cards as a black heart followed by the text "Organ Donor."

The DMV reserves the right to refuse to issue a driver's license or identification card to any applicant who appears for photographing in a disguise or intentionally distorts their face to alter their appearance.

A disguise includes, but is not limited to, unusual makeup, paint, wig, sunglasses or false facial hair. Facial distortion includes, but is not limited to, deliberately crossing or squinting eyes, or opening or twisting mouth.

Caps, hats, turbans, et cetera, may be worn for religious or medical reasons only. Additionally, veils worn for religious reasons that cover or partially cover the face may be worn; however, they must be adjusted to allow a full-faced photograph.

Retailer Information
Sample Images of New Driver's Licenses and ID Cards
Sample Images of Previously Issued Driver's Licenses and ID Cards