Getting a Driver's License on STT

Great post offrdfun73!

🙂

It is so much easier to get your V.I. license with a valid state license. Mine had expired so it is a much more difficult process. Don't let your stateside expire! Also, just to note, if you are only living in the V.I. temporarily, when you go back to the states, they don't except the V.I. license so you have to go thru the tests again to get your license stateside. Some people try to keep both a stateside license and V.I. license. I don't recommend it. Do one or the other.

Just some food for thought.

Teresa

just out of curiosity, how much did it cost?

Interesting. I stopped by to ask what documents were needed and was told that with my valid stateside DL I wouldn't need a medical exam. I went back to get my license and saw a different person who told me I DID have to have a medical exam. And they charged me a buck or two for the fifth generation off-center xeroxed medical exam form!

Hello,

offrdfun73, thanks for sharing your experience. I think that is how its suppose to work now. But it used to be that they required even those with valid stateside licenses to fill out the medical form etc. and I think some folks either aren't up and up with the new policies or are messing with people... either way :X. Do you remember who helped you? Perhaps Jules needs to go look for them. 😉

A good note posted by Teresa as far as having possible problems changing the VI license to a stateside license. I have heard such accounts from a couple people on this board, however I don't think it applies to all states. In any case its likely a good idea for those moving temporarily to the USVI to check with their local DMV just to see what their policies are regarding trading in licenses from US territories.

--Islander

Unfortunately, I didn't catch her name, but she was a young woman approximately 25 years old.

Maybe try on Mondays?

I think it helped that I acted like I knew what I was doing, even if I didn't. My advice is don't ask questions; just give them your stuff and act like it is done this way all the time.

As some of you may recall my question was posed after my husband stopped by to inquire on a Friday and the woman told him to the read the sign that is posted by the window, which lists items for a VI driver's license including medical exam. She provided no further information.

I was told that it once was very difficult to get a driver's license, but it obviously is getting somewhat easier.

Good luck and my husband hasn't gotten his yet. I'm hoping he has a good experience, too.

A very important question - is it just as easy to get a drivers license on St. Johns as it is on St. Thomas. Can anyone recomend a good lawyer - my stateside license is suspended and I wan to start from scratch in June during my honeymoon.? does anyone know a lawyer that can advise me?

Thanks

Since the original post is 4 years old - some requirements have changed due to the Federal rules that have affected the drivers license issue - but why not try starting from scratch in a state nearby you - I suspect in all cases there is a place on the forms that ask about your previous licenses,suspensions,convictions etc. - if you are only on your honeymoon here you will not be able to claim residency and provide adequate proof of residency without committing some level of fraud - no lawyer will help you with that - and many states do not recognize a USVI license for very long in their system, depending on where you live.
There is no "S" in St John as any resident would immediately realize.

Oh thanks for your comment. I spoke with BMV in St. Thomas today ( Ms. Parrot) and she did not mention proof of permanent residence as sonmething i would need to start the process. Do you know what they might require? Also - do you know how I can get my hands on a Driver's manuel so that I can begin to study prior to the trip/

Dana

Dana - I'm confused, are you moving here or are you trying to just get a DL when you are visiting on your honeymoon because your license is suspended stateside? When I received my DL on St John I needed to take the eye exam etc, proof of residency and also go to the police station and get a copy of my driving record (don't know if that is still the case or not) proof of insurance on the vehicle etc.

Pia

In order to get the driver's manual you must go to BMV in person and check out a copy.

Not really.

http://www.stx.k12.vi/pdf/VIRGIN_ISLANDS_DRIVERS_MANUAL.pdf

Wow - where were you when I needed it 9 years ago?! 😛

It probably wasn't online in those days.

Actually I am coming specifically to get a driver's license. Also will be on my honeymoon. I am suspended for 3 years to life in VT and in my case can not get reinstated for DUI 3 (5 years ago) I am moving to Boston following trip to St. John? St.Thomas and am informed by lawyers that USVI license is okay in states. I have printed out the Drivers Manuel on line, will pick up forms day one of trip for blood, eye and medical tests - take written and medical day one - then sign up for driving test which I will take in our rental car. I have spoken to BMV three or four times and the woman tells me that I can indeed start from scratch. Two questions - 1) insurance - what type do I need - you mean for the rental car or an SR22. 2) BMV during my several calls this week AND reading the manuel never mentions proof of residency. Please explain. I REALLY appreciate your help as i have been waiting 5 years for this opportunity and want to have it all figured out.

THanks!!!!!!!

Residency is required. What are you going to do for your address? Put down the Westins? Your license was suspended for a reason, you were an unsafe and irresponsible driver. Driving is a privilege, not a right. Please don't try to use the VI government and services to help you skirt around the law.

Residency is required. What are you going to do for your address? Put down the Westins? Your license was suspended for a reason, you were an unsafe and irresponsible driver. Driving is a privilege, not a right. Please don't try to use the VI government and services to help you skirt around the law.

(tu)

So, Dana, you are asking all of us here on the forum for help in avoiding the appropriate laws that exist? Just trying to get clarity on what exactly you are asking...difficult, for me anyway, to want to assist when I have followed all of the laws here for driver's license, business license, taxes, etc.

Thanks Ronnie for the link - I am doubting you read it but here you go..........please note this......... "If you do not have your license in your possession or if it expired you will have to obtain written clearance from your previous state indicating that your license in that state has not been cancelled suspended or revoked".

Also to let you know I have informed via a printed out copy of this thread your intent to obtain a VI license while having 3 DUI's given to the Police Dept and the DL center.

Pia

1. 2.
Items Needed to Obtain a Driver License:
Two - (2) passport size photo
YouwillberequiredtoprovebothyouridentityanddateofbirthwhenyouapplyforaVirgin Islands Drivers License. You will have to provide two (2) original or certified copies (no photocopies) of documents indicating your legal name - and one of these must also state your date of birth.
• Birth Certificate - US. only • Passport - U. S or British • Naturalization Certificate • Alien Registration Card
• Social Security Card • Previous Driver License • Military Identification Card
PaVirgin Islands Drivers Manual

DRIVERS LICENSING INFORMATION
This manual is designed to help you obtain an operator's license. All manuals are available at the Motor Vehicle Bureau. The Motor Vehicle Bureau, also known as MVB, is the agency that issues driver's licenses in the Virgin Islands.

WHO NEEDS A VIRGIN ISLANDS DRIVER'S LICENSE?
In general, anyone operating a motor vehicle on the Virgin Islands streets or highways must have a valid driver's license.
Exception:
1. (ThereareafewspecificcasesinvolvingmovementofMilitaryvehicleswherealicenseisnot needed). If you are a resident of the Virgin Islands, you must possess a valid Virgin Islands operator license in order to drive a motor vehicle on the Virgin Islands streets and/or highways.

YOU ARE A RESIDENT OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS IF YOU:
• Live in the Virgin Islands for three months or more in a calendar year. An "out-of-state student" enrolled in the University of the Virgin Islands is NOT considered a resident.

New Resident:
You will be required to surrender your out-of-state driver's license when you apply for a Virgin Islands license. If you do not have your license in your possession or if it expired you will have to obtain written clearance from your previous state indicating that your license in that state has not been cancelled suspended or revoked.

If your Driver's license has been cancelled, suspended, or revoked...
Then you will need to complete a written and a road test. The term of your first Virgin Islands Driver's License is five (5) years. A person in possession of a valid license from a foreign country must obtain a thirty (30) day permit from the Motor Vehicle Bureau, providing that the person meet the requirement.

YOU ARE A RESIDENT OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS IF YOU:
• Live in the Virgin Islands for three months or more in a calendar year. An "out-of-state student" enrolled in the University of the Virgin Islands is NOT considered a resident.

Wow. So, snowbirds have to obtain a new drivers license every 6 months, every time they move to the USVI and to their home state?

YOU ARE A RESIDENT OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS IF YOU:
• Live in the Virgin Islands for three months or more in a calendar year. An "out-of-state student" enrolled in the University of the Virgin Islands is NOT considered a resident.

Wow. So, snowbirds have to obtain a new drivers license every 6 months, every time they move to the USVI and to their home state?

According to a VI Police Officer who pulled over a friend of mine using his MA license - yes. He was told that he should be getting a USVI license everytime he stays for 30 days or more. Ridiculous.

90 days. As in most all states of the union. The law I object to is the immediate registerng of an already registered vehicle. Most states in the union do allow you the same 90 days to get it registered and it should be the same here.

Anyone know if this information is still valid? Do I need to get a copy of my driving record from the state in which I have my license?

It is on STX. All you have to do is pull up your record online and print it out.