Virginia Permit Fee Waivers: Homeless Youth and Foster Care Assistance

Virginia does not offer a blanket permit fee waiver based on income or SNAP participation.

Are Virginia Permit Fee Waivers Available for Low-Income Families?

Virginia does not offer a general learner's permit fee waiver simply because a household receives SNAP, Medicaid, or has low income. Most applicants pay the standard DMV credential fees unless they qualify for a specific program.

One specific DMV program provides eligible homeless youth with qualifying credentials at no cost.

Does SNAP or Medicaid Automatically Waive Virginia Learner's Permit Fees?

No. Virginia does not provide a general learner's permit fee waiver simply because an applicant receives SNAP, Medicaid, or other income-based benefits. A specific no-cost or assistance program must apply.

Who Qualifies for Virginia's Homeless Youth Fee Waiver?

Eligible applicants must be under 21, reside in Virginia, lack a fixed, regular and adequate nighttime residence, and meet the program's qualifying circumstances.

How to apply:

• Complete Form DL 60, Virginia Affidavit Certifying Homeless Youth Status.
• Have an eligible certifier sign it. The affidavit is valid for 90 days from the certifier's signature.
• Bring the DL 60 to a DMV customer service center with the other documents required for the learner's permit or credential.

The DL 60 establishes eligibility for the no-cost credential program. It does not replace all other identity, legal-presence, Social Security, or residency documentation requirements.

Does Form DL 60 Replace the Normal Learner's Permit Documents?

No. DL 60 certifies eligibility for the homeless-youth no-cost credential program. The applicant must still provide the other documents Virginia DMV requires for the learner's permit or credential.

Does the Homeless-Youth Program Cover a Replacement Learner's Permit?

Virginia DMV lists learner's permits among the credentials available at no charge to eligible homeless youth. Its public page does not separately state whether every replacement or reissue permit is covered, so confirm the no-cost treatment with DMV before paying for a replacement.

What Other Assistance Programs Help with Virginia Permit Costs?

Public-school driver education and local workforce programs may also reduce training costs for some applicants, but they are separate from DMV's no-cost credential program.

What Is the Difference Between Virginia's Homeless-Youth Fee Waiver and Drive to Thrive?

The homeless-youth program is a DMV no-cost credential program for eligible applicants. Drive to Thrive is separate foster-youth assistance that can help with approved driving-related costs through the foster-care support system.

Foster Youth Driving Assistance in Virginia: What's Covered

Yes. Foster youth get permit fees covered through the Virginia Department of Social Services, not a DMV waiver. The Drive to Thrive program and Chafee funds handle these costs directly.

Who Qualifies for Foster Youth Driving Assistance in Virginia?

The funding source depends on age and foster-care status. Current program guidance separates Drive to Thrive for youth ages 15.5-17, Fostering Futures for ages 18-21, and Chafee assistance that may remain available to eligible former foster youth through age 23.

Applying for Foster-Youth Permit Fee Coverage

Contact the caseworker, Local Department of Social Services worker, or Independent Living Coordinator before paying. The worker can confirm eligibility, the correct funding source, and what documentation or cost estimate is required.

Driving Costs Covered by Drive to Thrive

Coverage can extend beyond the learner's permit itself and may include approved driver education, licensing, insurance, or other driving-related costs depending on the program and the youth's eligibility. Confirm the approved expense with the caseworker before paying.

Alternative Programs for Virginia Foster Youth Driving Costs

Chafee and other approved transition programs may help when Drive to Thrive or Fostering Futures does not apply. A youth who separately qualifies as homeless may also use the DMV no-cost credential program, but Form DL 60 does not automatically replace the normal credential-document requirements.