How to Change Your Address with the Virginia DMV

What You Need to Do to Change Your Address in Virginia

The Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles lets you change your address online, by mail, or in person at a 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 mail or in-person service, both take longer but work just as well. You do not need to renew your license early or pay a fee to change your address.

Virginia requires you to notify the DMV within a reasonable time after you move. The state does not specify an exact important date in days, but waiting more than 30 days risks problems if you are stopped by police or need to use your ID for official purposes. Your vehicle registration must also match your current address, and the DMV handles both at the same time if you own a car.

Key Takeaways

You can change your address online through the Virginia DMV website in minutes, or by mail or in person if you prefer.
Changing your address is free and does not require you to renew your license or pay any fees.
You will need your driver's license or ID number, your new address, and proof of residency if you are changing your address in person.
If you own a vehicle, your registration address updates at the same time as your license address through the online system.
The DMV does not set a hard important date, but updating your address within 30 days of moving protects you from problems with law enforcement or official ID use.

Changing Your Address Online

The online method is the fastest route. Go to the Virginia DMV website and look for the "Change of Address" option in the driver services section. You will need your driver's license or ID number, your Social Security number, and your date of birth. The system will ask you to enter your new address and confirm it. The whole process takes about five minutes.

After you submit your change online, the DMV mails you a new license or ID card with your updated address. This usually arrives within 7 to 10 business days. Your old card remains valid until the new one arrives. If you need to prove your new address before the card arrives — for example, to open a bank account or sign a lease — you can print a confirmation from the DMV website showing your address change was processed.

Online changes work for driver's licenses and ID cards. If you also own a vehicle registered in Virginia, the registration address updates automatically when you change your license address online. You do not need to file a separate form for your car.

Changing Your Address by Mail

To change your address by mail, read the process for Virginia Driver's License or Identification Card (Form DL 43) from the Virginia DMV website, or call 804-367-0538 to request it. Fill in your new address on the form and mail it to the address listed on the form — usually the DMV's Richmond office. Include a copy of proof of residency, such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement showing your name and new address.

Mail processing takes 2 to 3 weeks from the time the DMV receives your form. Your new card arrives separately, usually within 7 to 10 business days after processing. During this time, your old card is still valid. If you own a vehicle, include a note with your mailed form asking the DMV to update your registration address as well, or file a separate vehicle registration change.

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 or ID card, proof of residency (utility bill, lease, bank statement, or mortgage statement with your name and new address), and your Social Security number. The staff will update your record and take a new photo if your card has expired or is damaged. If your card is still valid, you may be able to keep it and receive an address-only update by mail instead.

In-person service is when ready for the record update, but you still receive your new card by mail within 7 to 10 business days. Some DMV offices are busier than others — you can check wait times on the Virginia DMV website before you go. If you own a vehicle, tell the staff member and they will update your registration address at the same time.

What Counts as Proof of Residency

Virginia accepts several documents as proof of your new address. A utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet) in your name dated within the last 60 days is the most common choice. A lease agreement, mortgage statement, property tax bill, or bank statement with your name and new address also works. Some people use a letter from their employer or school showing their address, though this is less common.

The document must show your full name and your new street address. A PO box does not count as a residential address. If you recently moved and do not yet have a utility bill or lease in your name, ask your landlord or utility company for a letter confirming your move-in date, or bring multiple documents together (such as a lease plus a bank statement) to show your address change.

Scams and Safety Alerts

Do not use third-party websites that claim to process your address change for a fee. The Virginia DMV does not charge for address changes, and paying a middleman wastes money and delays your update. The official Virginia DMV website is dmvnow.com — bookmark it and go there directly.

Be cautious of emails or texts claiming to be from the DMV asking you to verify your address or personal information. The DMV does not contact you by email or text to ask for your Social Security number, driver's license number, or date of birth. If you receive such a message, do not click any links or reply. Report it to the Virginia DMV by forwarding it to the address on the official website.

If you move frequently or have concerns about your address being public, you can request a confidential address through the Virginia DMV. This is available to people who are victims of domestic violence, stalking, or trafficking. Contact the DMV directly to learn about this option.

What Happens to Your Vehicle Registration

When you change your driver's license address online, your vehicle registration address updates automatically if your car is registered in Virginia. You do not need to file a separate form. If you change your address by mail or in person, tell the DMV staff or include a note with your form so they update your registration at the same time.

Your vehicle registration renewal notice will be mailed to your new address going forward. If you do not receive a renewal notice within a few weeks of moving, contact the DMV to confirm your registration address was updated. Driving with an out-of-date registration address can result in a traffic stop, though it is usually a minor issue if you can show proof of your move.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to get a new license photo when I change my address?

Not necessarily. If your license is still valid and not damaged, you can often receive an address-only update by mail without a new photo. If you change your address in person and your license has expired or is damaged, the DMV will take a new photo. If you change your address online, no new photo is taken.

How long does it take to receive my new card in the mail?

The new card usually arrives within 7 to 10 business days after the DMV processes your change. Online changes are processed when ready, while mail and in-person changes may take a few days to process first. Your old card remains valid until the new one arrives.

What if I move again before my new card arrives?

You can file another address change right away. If you change your address online again, the new card will reflect your most recent address. If you prefer to wait, you can update your address again once you receive the first card and have settled into your new home.

Can I change my address if my license is expired?

Yes. You can change your address online or by mail even if your license is expired. If you change your address in person, the DMV may ask you to renew your license at the same time, which involves a fee and a new photo. Renewing and changing your address together takes longer than an address-only change.

Do I need to change my address with the DMV if I only moved within the same city?

Yes. Any change to your street address, even within the same city, must be reported to the DMV. This includes moving to a different apartment in the same building or a different house on the same street.

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.