Virginia DMV address changes happen online, by mail, or in person — and the fastest route depends on what document you're updating

Virginia lets you change your address for a driver's license or ID card through the DMV website without visiting an office or paying a fee. You can also mail in a form or go to a DMV location in person. The online method takes minutes and updates your record when ready. Mail takes one to two weeks. In-person visits are useful if you need to update multiple documents at once or if you have questions about what counts as proof of residency.

Your address change applies only to the specific document you update. If you hold both a Virginia driver's license and a Virginia ID card, you must change the address on each one separately — updating your license does not automatically update your ID card. The same is true if you have a commercial driver's license (CDL) or a learner's permit.

Key Takeaways

  • The Virginia DMV online portal at dmvnow.com lets you change your address in minutes without a fee or appointment.
  • You need your driver's license or ID number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your new address to use the online method.
  • Mailed forms take one to two weeks to process and require a completed DL 43 form plus proof of your new address.
  • In-person visits at any Virginia DMV office work for address changes, but you must bring an acceptable proof of residency document.
  • Address changes do not renew your license or ID — they update only the address on your current card, which keeps its original expiration date.

Changing your address online through DMVnow

The Virginia DMV's online system, DMVnow.com, is the fastest way to change your address. You do not need an appointment, and the change takes effect when ready. Go to the DMVnow website, select "Change Address" from the menu, and log in or create an account using your driver's license or ID number and the last four digits of your Social Security number.

After you log in, enter your new address exactly as you want it to appear on your card. Review the information for accuracy, then submit. You will receive a confirmation number on screen and by email. Your updated card will arrive by mail within seven to ten business days. You can continue to use your old card with the old address until the new one arrives — Virginia does not invalidate your card when you change the address online.

The online method works for driver's licenses, ID cards, and learner's permits. It does not work for commercial driver's licenses (CDLs). If you hold a CDL, you must change your address by mail or in person.

Mailing a form to the Virginia DMV

To change your address by mail, read and complete the DL 43 form (process for Duplicate Driver's License or Identification Card) from the Virginia DMV website. You do not need to fill in every field — focus on your name, current license or ID number, and your new address. Include one document that proves your new address, such as a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. A government-issued document with your new address (like a voter registration card or tax return) also works.

Mail the completed form and proof of address to the address listed on the DMV website. Include a check or money order for $10 if you are requesting a replacement card with your new address. Processing takes one to two weeks from the date the DMV receives your form. You can track your process status on DMVnow.com using your confirmation number if you received one, or call the DMV customer service line.

If you are changing your address for a commercial driver's license, use the same DL 43 form but mail it to the CDL section address, which is listed separately on the DMV website. CDL address changes may take longer to process.

Changing your address in person at a Virginia DMV office

Walk-in visits to any Virginia DMV location work for address changes. Bring your current driver's license or ID card and one document that proves your new address. Acceptable proof includes a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government-issued document dated within the last 60 days. The DMV staff will verify your identity, update your address in the system, and issue a new card on the spot or mail it to you within seven to ten business days, depending on the office's equipment.

In-person visits are useful if you have questions about what documents count as proof of residency, if you need to update multiple documents at once, or if you prefer to handle the change face-to-face. Virginia DMV offices do not require appointments for address changes, but wait times vary by location and time of day. Visiting early in the morning or on weekdays typically means shorter waits.

There is no fee for an address change at a DMV office. If you are also renewing your license or ID at the same time, you will pay the renewal fee (currently $36 for a driver's license or $24 for an ID card), but an address-only change costs nothing.

What counts as proof of your new address

Virginia accepts a narrow list of documents as proof of residency. The document must show your name and your new address, and it must be dated within the last 60 days. Acceptable documents include utility bills (electric, gas, water, internet, or phone), lease agreements, mortgage statements, bank or credit card statements, government tax documents, voter registration cards, and vehicle registration documents. Some offices also accept insurance documents or medical bills.

Documents that do not work include printed bank statements from online banking (unless they are official statements from the bank), emails, or documents that show only a partial address. If your name does not match exactly on your proof document and your license (for example, you use a middle initial on one but not the other), bring a second document that shows both versions of your name, or bring a marriage certificate or court order if your name has legally changed.

If you do not have a document dated within the last 60 days, ask the DMV staff whether they will accept an older document with a letter from your landlord or utility company confirming your current address. Policies vary slightly by office, so calling ahead can save a trip.

How address changes affect your license or ID expiration date

Changing your address does not renew your driver's license or ID card. Your card keeps its original expiration date, whether you change the address online, by mail, or in person. If your license expires in six months, it will still expire in six months after you update the address. You will need to renew separately when the expiration date arrives.

The new card you receive after an address change will have your updated address printed on it, but the expiration date remains the same. If you want to renew your license or ID at the same time you change your address, you can do so in person at a DMV office or online through DMVnow, but you will pay the renewal fee in addition to any other costs.

Updating a commercial driver's license address

Commercial driver's license (CDL) holders cannot change their address online. You must either mail the DL 43 form to the CDL section of the Virginia DMV or visit a DMV office in person. The process is the same as for a regular driver's license — bring proof of your new address dated within the last 60 days, and there is no fee for an address-only change.

CDL address changes may take longer to process than regular license changes because they require additional verification. If you are also renewing your CDL, you will need to pass the written and skills tests again, which cannot be done at the same time as an address change. Plan to handle the address change first, then schedule your renewal separately.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

The Virginia DMV typically mails your new card within seven to ten business days after you submit your address change online. You can use your old card with the old address until the new one arrives. If more than two weeks pass and you have not received your card, contact the DMV customer service line with your confirmation number.

Do I need to change my address with the DMV if I already changed it with the post office?

Yes. A post office address change does not update your DMV records. You must notify the DMV separately to change the address on your driver's license or ID card. The post office forwards mail, but your official identification document will still show your old address.

What if my proof of address document is older than 60 days?

Call the DMV office where you plan to visit or mail your form and ask whether they will accept an older document. Some offices may accept documents outside the 60-day window if you provide a letter from your landlord or utility company confirming your current address. Policies vary by location.

Can I change my address if my license is suspended or revoked?

You can change your address online or by mail even if your license is suspended or revoked. The address change does not affect the suspension or revocation status. However, if you visit a DMV office in person, staff may ask about the suspension or revocation and may not issue a new card on the spot.

Do I have to pay a fee to change my address?

No. Address-only changes are free through all three methods — online, by mail, or in person. If you mail your form, you pay only if you want a replacement card issued when ready (currently $10). If you visit an office in person, there is no fee unless you are also renewing your license or ID.