Obtaining a Virgin Islands Driver’s License
If you are planning to relocate to St. Croix, one of the first things you may want to consider is obtaining a Virgin Islands (VI) driver’s license. Here on the island the Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) handles driver’s licenses and vehicle registrations, and process is similar to that used stateside. If you want to obtain a new driver’s license, you must provide the required identification and documentation and take both a written and a road test. Or, if you already have a valid U.S. driver’s license, you can transfer it to a VI driver’s license and avoid taking any tests. A foreign driver’s license can also be transferred, but requires a written test. Here is a brief description of the three different drivers license processes:
Transferring a U.S. Driver’s License
To obtain a VI driver’s license you must completely fill out the Bureau of Motor Vehicles US-VI Conversion – Drivers License Application Form. A valid, unexpired driver’s license from the U.S. (or a U.S. jurisdiction) must be surrendered when you apply for your VI driver’s license, and you must provide a copy of your official driving record from the previous state. You must also provide one valid document verifying your identity and legal status in the U.S., two documents proving your residential address, and a Social Security card or approved alternate. (A list of documents accepted by the BMV is included below for your reference, but please confirm the most currently list by checking with the BMV.) Once all of your documents have been submitted and verified, and you have paid all of the fees imposed by the BMV, a VI driver’s license will then be issued.
Transferring a Foreign Driver’s License
To obtain a VI driver’s license you must completely fill out the Bureau of Motor Vehicles Foreign-VI Conversion – Drivers License Application Form. A valid unexpired driver’s license must be presented, along with all legal source documents and Social Security requirements as noted in the process above. Foreign license holders must take a written test and surrender your license in order to be issued a VI driver’s license. You will also have to complete 1st Time VI Driver’s License Medical Form, and have the Medical/Vision portion completed (signed and stamped) by a local licensed certified physician. The BMV reserves the right to verify your foreign license and to check for any infractions on the license with its issuing country. Once all of your documents have been submitted and verified, the written test has been passed, and you have paid all of the fees imposed by the BMV, a VI driver’s license will then be issued.
Applying for a new VI Driver’s License
To obtain a VI driver’s license you will need to obtain an Application for First Time VI Driver’s License Medical Form and an application form from the BMV. You will need to have the medical form completed and signed by a licensed local physician. When you are ready to obtain your license you will need to bring the completed application form, signed medical form, one valid document verifying legal status in the U.S., two documents proving your residential address, and a Social Security card or approved alternate to the BMV. All new licensees are required to take a written test and a road test prior to the issuance of your license. Once your documents have been verified, all of your fees have been paid, and you have passed both the written and road tests, your driver’s license will be issued.
Please be aware that an appointment for the road test will only be made after successfully passing the written test, and you must present the completed medical/application package along with your learner’s permit when making the appointment. Also, the road text will only be administered if you are properly dressed; the BMV does not allow the following: short pants, skirts, slippers, extremely high heeled shoes, spaghetti strap tops and strapless tops.
Legal U.S. Status Documents (No Photocopies accepted):
- Certified U.S. birth certificate
- Valid, unexpired, U.S. passport
- Certificate of naturalization
- Certificate of Citizenship
- Consular proof of birth abroad
- Alien registration receipt card (green card, form I-551)
- Work Authorization Permit Card
Social Security Number (No Photocopies accepted):
- Social Security Card
- SSA-1099 Form
- Non SSA-1099 Form
- DD Form 214
- Stamped IRB Income Tax Return
Proof of Residential Address (Post Office Boxes are not accepted):
- Deed, mortgage, payment booklet, or rental agreement
- Utility bill or hookup/work order
- Property tax statement
- Home Owners Insurance Statement
- Notarized statement from person you live with along with one address document (see above) in that person’s name
Obviously, the requirements and process described above can change at any time; so, you will want to call the BMV before you go to make sure you have the most up to date forms, instructions, and fees. The St. Croix branch of the VI Bureau of Motor Vehicles is located on Industrial Road off the Melvin H. Evans Highway near the Patrick Sweeney Police Headquarters building at RR 02, St. Croix, VI 00851. The BMV is open Monday through Friday from 8:00am-3:00pm (Vehicle Inspection ends at 2:45pm). For additional information, please contact the St. Croix BMV at (340) 713-4268 or visit bmv.vi.gov.
