Starting July 1, 2025, the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) will offer select documents at no charge to eligible homeless youth, as outlined in the Code of Virginia.
Who Is Eligible?
To be eligible, applicants must meet all of the following requirements:
- Be under the age of 21
- Reside in Virginia
- Lack a fixed, regular and adequate nighttime residence
- Fall into one of the following categories:
- A migratory child as defined in the federal Elementary and Secondary Education Act
- An accompanied or unaccompanied minor living in qualifying circumstances under § 22.1-3(A)(7) of the Code of Virginia
Residency circumstances may include:
- Sharing housing due to loss of housing or economic hardship
- Living in motels, hotels, trailer parks, shelters or similar accommodations
- Staying in places not meant for habitation (e.g., vehicles, parks, public spaces)
- Residing in substandard housing or abandoned buildings
Documents Available at No Charge
- Identification Cards and Identification Privilege Cards (original, renewal or reissue)
- Driver’s Licenses (original, renewal or reissue)
- Driver Privilege Cards (original only)
- Learner’s Permits (including motorcycle)
Note: Commercial Driver’s Licenses (CDL) and Commercial Learner’s Permits (CLP) are not eligible.
How to Apply
Step 1: Complete the Required Affidavit
Applicants must complete and submit a Virginia Affidavit Certifying Homeless Youth Status, valid for 90 days from the certifier’s signature.
Step 2: Submit Application Forms and Required Documents
Visit the following pages for a complete list of documents required, in addition to the Virginia Affidavit Certifying Homeless Youth Status:
- Vital Records
- Identification Card
- Identification Privilege Card
- Driver’s License or Learner's Permit
- Driver Privilege Card or Permit
Step 3: Appear In Person
Visit a DMV customer service center for DMV credentials.
Who Can Certify the Affidavit?
Affidavits may be signed by:
- Government or nonprofit agencies receiving public funds or recognized by a local homeless continuum of care
- Licensed attorneys representing the applicant
- Local education agency liaisons for homeless youth
- State-funded human or social service providers
- Law enforcement officers designated as homeless liaisons
DMV reserves the right to verify the credentials of the individual providing the certification and may accept affidavits certificated by individuals or organizations not listed above, on a case-by-case basis.