How To Do a Virginia DMV Change of Address

If you’re planning on moving to, from, or within the state of Virginia then you’re going to want to make sure that you know exactly what’s expected of you in terms of DMV paperwork. Like all states, you’ll be required to get your Virginia DMV Change of Address forms in order before you can truly settle in as a resident—including your address on your driver’s license and your vehicle’s registration, if applicable.

It’s good practice to take care of all of your paperwork as early as possible, especially if you’re going to be driving in the state or want to start applying for jobs. And since Virginia requires you to file your change of address paperwork within 60 days of becoming a new resident, there really isn’t a ton of time to waste.

Not sure where you should start? That’s where we come in. We’ve put together all of the information that you’ll need to complete your Virginia DMV change of address and vehicle registration forms, so read through the information below and then make your way to a Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles office to get started.

If You’re Moving to Virginia from Another State

Will you need to get a new driver’s license if moving to Virginia from another state?

How do you get one?

To get a Virginia driver’s license as a formerly out-of-state resident you’ll have to go to a Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles office in person to apply. Unfortunately you can’t do a Virginia DMV change of address online or over the phone.

Per the rules in most states, expect that Virginia driver’s licenses for new residents to the state are only available to those who do not have any outstanding suspensions, revocations, or cancellations on their out of state driver’s license and who have not been previously deemed unfit or unsafe to drive by the VA DMV or an outside court.

You will need to bring along the following documentation when you visit the VA DMV:

    • Proof of identity
    • Proof of legal presence in the U.S.
    • Proof of Virginia residency (2 documents required)
    • Proof of social security number
    • Current and valid driver’s license from your previous state, if applicable

    Note that if your name on your proof of identity does not match the name on your current driver’s license you will also have to bring along proof of name change, such as your marriage license, divorce decree, or court order for a legal name change.

    Is there a fee?

    Yes. The fee for a non-commercial Virginia driver’s license is $32.

    Does a Virginia DMV change of address require a driving test?

    No, just a vision test.

    How long do you have to get a Virginia driver’s license or ID card?

    Virginia requires new residents to get a state driver’s license within 60 days of your move, which can go by quickly, so act fast!

    How long do you have to update your vehicle’s registration?

    Within 30 days of your move.

    How do you update your vehicle’s registration as a new resident of Virginia?

    You’ll need to head to a Virginia DMV office in person to update your vehicle’s registration. Make sure to bring along the following required documents:

      • Application for Certificate of Title and Registration
      • Current out-of-state title certificate
      • Proof of address
      • Current odometer reading (an image should suffice)

      What is the registration fee?

      The fee to register a standard non-commercial vehicle in Virginia is $40.75 for vehicles under 4,000 pounds and $45.75 for larger vehicles.

      If You’re Moving Within Virginia

      You have 30 days after your move to update your Virginia driver’s license with your new address when moving within the state (and no, changing your address with the post office doesn’t cut it).

      You have four options for updating your address on your Virginia driver’s license.

      1. Fill out a Virginia DMV change of address form online. You can do so here. Be sure to have your current Virginia driver’s license number handy, as well as the last four digits of your social security number.

      2. Go to a Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles office in person. Find a Virginia driver’s license office near you and fill out a Virginia DMV change of address form in person.

      3. Call the DMV directly. Reach out to (804) 497-7100 if you want to do a Virginia DMV change of address over the phone.

      4. Mail it in. Print and fill out a Virginia Address Change Request and mail it to Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles, P.O. Box 27412, Richmond, VA 23269.

      How much does a Virginia change of address cost?

      An update to your Virginia address with the DMV is free, but you’ll need to pay a fee if you want replacement documents.

      What information do you need to provide to update your address on your driver’s license?

      To change your address on your Virginia driver’s license or identification card, you will need to provide:

        • Your current and valid Virginia driver’s license number
        • Your birthday

        What information do you need to provide to update your vehicle registration?

        As for updating your vehicle’s registration, you’ll need to provide the following documents:

          • Your title number
          • Your VIN number

          You can change the address on your vehicle’s registration online or in person at a Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles office. Do keep in mind that you will need to complete this within 30 days of your move, so time is of the essence.

          Will Virginia issue you a new driver’s license if you’re moving within the state?

          If You’re Moving From Virginia to Another State

          Do you need to notify the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles if you’re moving to another state without a registered car?

          Do you need to notify the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles if you’re moving to another state with your registered vehicle?

          Yes. Filling out a post office change of address form will not update your vehicle’s registration, so it’s important that you let the Virginia DMV know otherwise you will still get charged property taxes in the state. To do so, contact the Commissioner of the Revenue or Director of Finance from the Virginia locality you are moving from. Have your title number and the last four digits of your VIN handy.

          Do you need to return your Virginia license plates?

          While not required, it is encouraged that you return your Virginia plates. Return them by mail to the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles, P.O. Box 27412, Richmond, VA 23269.

          Have any questions?

          If you have any questions about changing your address on your driver’s license and/or vehicle’s registration when moving to, from, or within the state of Virginia, contact the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles directly at (804) 497-7100 weekdays from 8am to 5pm or on Saturdays from 8am to noon.

          Need to hire movers for your move to, from, or within the state of Virginia?

          We can help you out with that! Use Moving.com to quickly and easily search for reputable interstate movers in your area. Because moving out of state can be costly, we recommend reaching out to at least three different interstate moving companies to get quotes so that you can ensure you are getting the best price possible. Use our moving cost calculator to get an estimate on how much your Virginia move will cost.