How to Change Your Address with the Virginia DMV

Virginia DMV Address Changes: What You Need to Do

The Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles lets you change your address online, by mail, or in person at a local DMV office. The online method is fastest — you can update your driver's license or ID card address in minutes without leaving home. If you prefer to go in person or mail your request, both options work, but they take longer and require you to bring or send original documents.

You must report an address change within a certain timeframe after you move. Virginia law requires you to notify the DMV of your new address, and doing it promptly keeps your license valid and prevents penalties. The method you choose depends on whether you have a current Virginia driver's license or ID card, whether you want to renew at the same time, and how quickly you need the change processed.

Key Takeaways

Virginia's online address change tool is the fastest option and works for driver's licenses and ID cards issued within the last 10 years.
You can change your address in person at any Virginia DMV office by bringing your current license, proof of residency, and proof of identity.
Mailing in an address change requires a completed form, your current license, and proof of your new address — processing takes several weeks.
Proof of residency can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days and showing your new address.
If your license is expired or will expire soon, you may want to renew it at the same time you change your address to avoid a second trip.

Changing Your Address Online

The Virginia DMV online address change tool is available through the DMV website at dmvnow.com. You will need your current Virginia driver's license or ID card number, your Social Security number, and your date of birth to log in. The system will ask you to enter your new address and confirm it, then you will receive a confirmation number.

Online changes work only if your license or ID card was issued within the last 10 years and is not expired. If your license expired more than a year ago or was issued before 2014, you will need to renew it in person or by mail instead of just changing the address. The online tool does not work for commercial driver's licenses (CDLs) — those require an in-person visit.

After you submit your address change online, the DMV will mail you an updated license or ID card to your new address within 7 to 10 business days. You do not need to visit an office, and there is no fee for the address change itself. Your old card remains valid until the new one arrives.

Changing Your Address in Person at a DMV Office

You can walk into any Virginia DMV office and request an address change without an appointment. Bring your current driver's license or ID card, proof of your identity, and proof of your new address. Proof of identity can be a passport, military ID, birth certificate, or Social Security card. Proof of residency must show your name and new address and be dated within the last 60 days — a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement all work.

The DMV office will update your address on the spot and issue you a new card before you leave. There is no fee for an address change. If you are also renewing your license or ID card at the same time, you will pay the renewal fee (currently $36 for a driver's license valid for eight years, or $24 for a four-year license). The new card is printed at the office and given to you when ready.

Wait times at Virginia DMV offices vary by location and time of day. Offices in urban areas like Richmond, Arlington, and Virginia Beach tend to be busier during lunch hours and late afternoon. Visiting early in the morning or on a weekday afternoon often means a shorter wait.

Changing Your Address by Mail

You can mail in an address change using Form DL-43, which is available on the Virginia DMV website. Fill out the form with your current information and your new address, then mail it along with your current driver's license or ID card and proof of your new address. Send everything to the address listed on the form — currently the DMV's Richmond office.

Processing a mailed address change takes 2 to 4 weeks after the DMV receives it. Your old card remains valid during this time. The DMV will mail your updated card to your new address once the change is processed. There is no fee for the address change.

Mailing is the slowest option and carries a small risk that documents could be lost in transit. If you need your address changed quickly or want to avoid mailing original documents, the online method or an in-person visit is safer and faster.

What Counts as Proof of Residency in Virginia

Virginia accepts several documents as proof of your new address. The document must show your name and your new street address and be dated within the last 60 days. Utility bills (electric, gas, water, internet), lease agreements, mortgage statements, property tax bills, and bank or credit card statements all count. A letter from your landlord or property manager on official letterhead also works if it includes your name, new address, and the date.

Documents that do not work include cell phone bills (unless they show your street address, not just a billing address), insurance documents without a street address, or anything older than 60 days. If you are staying with family or in temporary housing and do not have a document in your name, contact your local DMV office to ask about alternatives — some offices can accept a signed statement from the property owner in certain situations.

Address Changes for Commercial Driver's Licenses (CDLs)

If you hold a commercial driver's license, you cannot change your address online. You must visit a Virginia DMV office in person and bring your current CDL, proof of identity, and proof of your new address. The process is the same as for a regular driver's license, but you must do it at an office rather than online or by mail.

CDL address changes are processed when ready at the office, and you will receive your updated card before you leave. There is no fee for the address change alone, but if your CDL is expiring soon and you want to renew it at the same time, you will pay the renewal fee.

Timing and When to Change Your Address

Virginia law requires you to report an address change to the DMV within a reasonable time after you move. While there is no specific important date written into statute, the DMV recommends doing it as soon as possible after you relocate. Changing your address promptly ensures your license stays valid and helps the DMV reach you if there are any issues with your driving record or vehicle registration.

If you are moving out of state, you do not need to notify the Virginia DMV — your Virginia license remains valid until it expires. However, if you are moving to another state and plan to get a license there, that state's DMV will require you to surrender your Virginia license when you explore.

If you are also renewing your license or ID card, you can do both at the same time. This is often convenient because you will not need to make a second trip to the DMV later. Check your license expiration date before you visit or submit your request online.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get my new card after I change my address?

If you change your address online, the DMV mails your new card within 7 to 10 business days. If you change it in person at an office, you receive your new card when ready before you leave. If you mail in the change, processing takes 2 to 4 weeks after the DMV receives your request.

Do I have to change my address if I move within Virginia?

Yes, Virginia law requires you to notify the DMV of any address change. The DMV recommends doing this as soon as possible after you move to keep your license current and may support you receive any official correspondence.

Can I change my address if my license is expired?

If your license expired within the last year, you can renew it and change your address at the same time. If it expired more than a year ago, you will need to renew it in person at a DMV office, which includes an address change. The online tool does not work for expired licenses.

What if I do not have a utility bill or lease to prove my new address?

Bank statements, credit card statements, mortgage statements, and property tax bills all count as proof of residency if they show your name and new address and are dated within 60 days. If you have none of these, contact your local DMV office — some can accept a signed letter from your landlord or property owner in certain situations.

Is there a fee to change my address with the Virginia DMV?

No, changing your address is free. You only pay a fee if you are renewing your license or ID card at the same time — a renewal costs $36 for an eight-year license or $24 for a four-year license.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.