Skip to main content
Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles

Utility menu

  • Online Services
  • Locations
  • Moving
  • Forms
  • My Account

Main menu

  • Licenses & IDs

    • Driver's License
    • REAL ID
    • Learner's Permits
    • ID Cards
    • Commercial Driver's Licenses
    • Motorcycle License
    • Exams & Study Materials
    • Driver Training
    • Driver Improvement
    • Disability Programs
    • Payment Plan Program
    • Organ Donation
    • License Extension
    • Military Personnel
    • Moving
    • No-Cost Credentials and Vital Records for Homeless Youth

    Document Guide

    Know which documents are required for your driver application before you head to DMV.
    Access Guide
  • Vehicles

    • Title Your Vehicle or Trailer
    • Registration
    • License Plates
    • Buying/Selling a Vehicle
    • Insurance Coverage Verification
    • Taxes & Fees
    • E-ZPass at DMV
    • Insurance Requirements
    • General Information
    • National Motor Vehicle Titling Information System (NMVTIS)
    • Abandoned Vehicle Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
    • Abandoned Vehicles/ Mechanics & Storage Lien (MSL) Vehicles
    • Download Vehicle Forms

    Registration Renewal

    Renew your vehicle registration before it expires to avoid a late fee.
    Renew Registration
  • Businesses

    • Motor Carriers
    • Hauling Permits
    • Insurance Services
    • Electronic Lien Program
    • Virginia Motor Fuels Tax Programs
    • Business Opportunities
    • How to Become a DMV Select Partner
    • Online Fleet
    • Dealer Services
    • Online Dealers
    • Rental Tax
    • Transportation Network Companies (TNC)

    VirginiaMCS

    Access VirginiaMCS to conduct your Virginia IRP and/or IFTA transactions online.
    Access VirginiaMCS
  • Records

    • Driver Alert Voluntary Driving Record Monitoring Program
    • Request a Copy of Your Driver or Vehicle Record
    • Request a Police Crash Report from DMV
    • Obtain Vehicle History
    • Change Address, Name or Sex Designation
    • Non-Governmental Access to DMV Records
    • Governmental Access to DMV Records
    • Resources for Family of Deceased
    • Emergency Contact Information
    • Vital Records at DMV
    • Prospective Purchaser Inquiry (PPI)
    • Release of DMV Information
    • Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) Rights and Responsibilities
    • Register to Vote

    Driving & Vehicle Records

    Purchase a copy of your driver or vehicle record online.
    View Records
  • Safety

    • Statewide Crash Data
    • Grants Management
    • Safety Programs
    • Safety Resources

    Points Balance

    Check your points balance to see where your record stands.
    Check Balance
Reserve Your Spot

Breadcrumb

  1. Home
  2. Licenses & IDs

No-Cost Credentials and Vital Records for Homeless Youth

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.

About Us

Through our mission purpose, the DMV aims to be Virginia's most trusted service provider.

  • About DMV
  • Careers
  • Procurement

Resources

  • Online Services
  • How Do I?
  • Forms
  • News
  • Policies & Regulations
  • Fee Chart
  • ¿Habla Español?

Contact

  • Locations
  • Contact Us
  • Media

Stay Connected

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • LinkedIn
  • Twitter
  • Youtube
Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (Superior Service | Secure Credentials | Saving Lives)

©2025 Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policy.

Back to top