Images of Driver's Licenses and Identification Cards

Virginia began issuing driver's licenses and ID cards using a new format in April, 1999.

All photographs are taken full faced.
Licenses and ID cards for minors show the date that the individual turns 18 and the date he turns 21. The messages are printed in red beside the photograph.
Photographs are displayed in the lower left corner on driver’s licenses, and in the lower right corner of ID 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

Gradated color bands across the top of each card distinguish the different types of cards.

Blue – driver’s licenses
Yellow – children’s ID cards
Plum – all other ID cards

The security laminate contains small outlines of the state and the word Virginia. The images change color, depending on the angle from which they are viewed.
The Virginia seal is placed near the center of the card.
Bar coding 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 red heart followed by the black text "Organ Donor.".
Virginia driver’s licenses and ID cards issued prior to implementation of the new format remain valid until the expiration date on each card.

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 which cover or partially cover the face may be worn; however, they must be adjusted to allow a full-faced photograph.

Sample images of new driver's licenses and ID cards.
Sample images of previously-issued driver's licenses and ID cards.