Virginia DMV Address Change: Online, by Mail, or In Person

You can change your Virginia driver's license or vehicle registration address through the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles in three ways: online through the DMV website, by mail with a completed form, or in person at a DMV office. The online method is fastest and available 24/7. If you cannot use the online system, mail and in-person visits both work, though mail takes longer to process.

Virginia does not require you to change your address when ready after moving, but doing so keeps your license and registration current with your actual residence. Your vehicle registration must match your address for insurance purposes, and your license address affects where traffic citations and legal notices are sent.

Key Takeaways

  • The Virginia DMV online system lets you change your address without visiting an office or mailing documents, and the change takes effect when ready.
  • You will need your driver's license number, Social Security number, and date of birth to use the online system.
  • If you are changing your vehicle registration address only, you can do this separately from your driver's license through the same online portal.
  • Mail-in address changes require form DL 43 for your license or form VSA 17 for vehicle registration, and processing takes 7 to 10 business days.
  • In-person visits at a DMV office are fastest for same-day processing but require an appointment or a wait in line.

Changing Your Address Online Through the Virginia DMV Portal

The Virginia DMV website allows you to change your driver's license address, vehicle registration address, or both at the same time. Go to dmvnow.com, select "Address Change" from the menu, and log in with your driver's license number and Social Security number. You will need to verify your identity by answering security questions based on your DMV records.

After you log in and confirm your new address, the system will show you a summary of what will change. Review it carefully — the address you enter will appear on your next license or registration renewal, and it will be used for all DMV correspondence when ready. Once you submit, you receive a confirmation number on screen. Your address change takes effect right away in the DMV system, even though your physical license or registration card will not reflect the new address until you renew.

The online system is open every day and does not require an appointment. You do not need to bring documents or visit an office. If you cannot remember your Social Security number or date of birth, you will need to use the mail or in-person method instead.

Mailing an Address Change Form to the DMV

If you prefer to mail your address change, you will use different forms depending on what you are changing. For your driver's license, use form DL 43 (process for Duplicate License/Permit or Address Change). For vehicle registration, use form VSA 17 (process for Registration/Title). Both forms are available on the DMV website as PDFs that you can print and fill out by hand.

Fill out the form completely with your current information and your new address. Sign and date it. Mail it to the address listed on the form — the DMV has a specific mailing address for address changes. Include a copy of a document showing your new address, such as a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days. Processing takes 7 to 10 business days after the DMV receives your envelope.

Keep a copy of what you mailed for your records. If you do not receive confirmation within two weeks, contact the DMV to confirm they received it. Mailing is slower than the online method but works if you do not have internet access or prefer a paper trail.

Changing Your Address In Person at a DMV Office

You can walk into any Virginia DMV office and change your address on the spot. Bring your current driver's license and proof of your new address — a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days all work. If you are changing your vehicle registration address, bring your current registration card as well.

Most DMV offices now require you to book an appointment online through dmvnow.com before you arrive. Select "Address Change" as your transaction type and pick a date and time. Walk-ins without appointments may be turned away or face a long wait. Processing at the office takes about 15 minutes once you are called. Your address change is recorded when ready, and you will receive a receipt confirming the change.

If you need a new license or registration card with your updated address right away, you can request one at the office for an additional fee. Otherwise, the new address will appear on your next renewal. In-person visits are useful if you want same-day confirmation or if you have questions about your specific situation that the online system cannot handle.

What Counts as Proof of Your New Address

The Virginia DMV accepts several documents as proof that you live at your new address. A utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet) in your name dated within 60 days is the most common. A lease agreement or mortgage statement also works. Bank or credit card statements, insurance documents, and government mail addressed to you at the new address are also acceptable.

The document must show your full name and the complete new address. A post office change-of-address form does not count as proof of residence. If you have just moved and do not yet have a utility bill or lease in your name, bring whatever document you have that shows your new address and explain your situation to the DMV staff — they may accept it or ask for an alternative.

Changing Your Vehicle Registration Address Separately

Your vehicle registration address does not have to match your driver's license address, though most people keep them the same. If you want to change only your registration address — for example, if you moved but are keeping your license address the same for insurance reasons — you can do this separately through dmvnow.com.

Log in to the online portal and select "Vehicle Registration" instead of "Driver License." Enter your vehicle identification number (VIN) and registration number, then update the address. You will need proof of your new address if you are doing this in person or by mail, just as you would for a license change. By mail, use form VSA 17 and send it to the address listed on the form.

Timeline and What to Expect After Your Change

If you change your address online, the change is active when ready in the DMV system. You will receive a confirmation number on screen, and you can print it if you want a record. Your next piece of DMV mail — a renewal notice, registration renewal, or citation — will go to your new address.

If you change your address by mail, allow 7 to 10 business days for processing after the DMV receives your form. If you change it in person, it is recorded the same day. In all cases, your physical license or registration card will still show your old address until you renew. When you renew your license or registration, the new address will be printed on the card.

If you move again before your renewal, you can change your address as many times as you need. There is no limit to how often you can update it. Each change overwrites the previous one in the DMV system.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to change my address with the Virginia DMV when I move?

Virginia does not legally require you to change your address when ready, but it is strongly recommended. Your registration address must match your insurance information, and your license address determines where the DMV sends notices and citations. Keeping your address current prevents mail from going to the wrong place.

Can I change my address if my license or registration is expired?

Yes. You can change your address online or by mail even if your license or registration has expired. However, if you are changing your address in person at a DMV office, you may be asked to renew at the same time. Check with your local office first if your documents are significantly expired.

What if I do not have proof of my new address yet?

If you have just moved and do not have a utility bill or lease in your name, bring whatever document you have that shows your new address — a signed lease, a letter from your landlord, or a moving company receipt. Explain your situation to the DMV staff. They may accept it or suggest alternatives. Avoid waiting too long; most documents must be dated within 60 days.

Will changing my address affect my driver's license number or vehicle registration number?

No. Your license number and registration number stay the same when you change your address. Only the address portion of your record is updated. You do not need a new number, and your insurance and other records tied to these numbers remain valid.

How long does it take to receive a new license or registration card with my updated address?

If you change your address online or by mail, you will not receive a new card unless you request one or renew. Your current card will still show the old address, but the DMV system will have your new address. When you renew your license or registration, the new card will be printed with your current address. If you want a new card when ready, you can request one in person at a DMV office for an additional fee.