, you can change your Virginia driver’s license by paying a visit to your local DMV location. If you’re moving within the state, you can update your address online or in person. If you’re moving to Virginia from out-of-state, you’ll need to visit the DMV in person.

Moving can be a real headache, and it’s easy for stuff to get lost in the shuffle. Whether you forget to empty the fridge, or tip your movers, or remove every piece of sports memorabilia from your not-soon-to-be-forgotten man cave, it’s just exhausting. Once you move into your new place, you might want to sleep for a month!

But before you hit the hay in your new home, be sure to change your address on your Virginia driver’s license. This means you’ll need to head over to your local DMV branch (or change it online), as well as notifying your

car insurance

company about the change in order to avoid a coverage lapse.

We've put together this quick guide on everything you need to know about updating your Virginia driver’s license after you move.

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How to change your address on a Virginia driver’s license

If you’re moving to Virginia, you can change the address on your driver’s license by visiting a DMV location in person or making the change online. However, if you are moving to Virginia from out-of-state, you’ll need to get your new Virginia driver’s license by visiting the DMV in-person.

MORE:

Virginia driver's license requirements

If you’re moving within Virginia

Whether you’re moving from one Virginia town to another, or if you’re moving just a few blocks within Richmond, you’ll need to update your address on your driver’s license. For those moving in-state, the process is pretty simple.

DMV page

and update your address online

Visit the closest

DMV location

to you and update your address in-person

Updating the address on your Virginia driver’s license is free. However, if you need replacement documents, there is a $20 fee.

You’ll need to supply the following information when updating the address on a Virginia driver’s license:

Your full name and

customer number

Your title number, the last 4 digits of your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) for every vehicle you own

Return your old decal to the Commissioner of Revenue of your old locality, and request a new decal from the Commissioner of Revenue in your new locality

As a Virginia resident, you must change the address on your driver’s license within 30 days of moving to your new residence.

MORE:

Does my car insurance cover me if I move to a new city?

If you’re moving to Virginia from another state

If you’re moving to Virginia from another state, you’ll need to visit the DMV in-person in order to exchange your old state license for a new Virginia driver’s license. New Virginia residents must apply for a Virginia driver’s license within 60 days of establishing residency in the state.

In order to apply for your Virginia driver’s license, you’ll have to gather a few

documents

before heading to the DMV. Make sure you have the following:

Proof of ID

One proof of legal status in the US (can be a passport, birth certificate, or a green card)

Two proofs of your

Virginia residency

Your Social Security Number

Your current driver’s license if you are applying to exchange it for a Virginia driver’s license

Proof of name change if your name appears differently on any of the above “proof of” documents

When applying for a Virginia driver’s license, you may want to consider a REAL ID-compliant license.As of May 3, 2023, a

REAL ID

-compliant driver's license or identification card will be required to board a domestic flight as well as to gain access to most secure federal facilities.

If you are a licensed driver moving from Canada, Germany, France, Japan, or South Korea, you may have to take a vision test, but it is unlikely that you’ll have to take a road test.

Once you have all documents gathered, head over to the closest DMV location to begin the process of applying for your Virginia driver’s license. The fee for a non-commercial Virginia driver’s license is $32.

MORE:

How to switch car insurance companies when you move to a new state

Other steps for a Virginia change of address

When moving to Virginia, don’t forget to notify the US Postal Service about your move. Fill out this

change of address form

to ensure you don’t miss any important mail or packages.

When updating your mailing address with the USPS, you’ll also be able to update your voter registration, as well as become eligible for up to $750 worth of coupons!

How to notify your insurance company of your Virginia change of address

You’ll want to notify your insurance company about your move to ensure you don’t have any lapses in coverage.

Usually, all you’ll have to do is call up your insurance agent and let them know about your move. Also, you can check with your provider to see if you can update your address via the insurer’s web portal or smartphone app. If in doubt, check your policy.

MORE:

What is the penalty for not having car insurance in Virginia?

Why notifying your insurance company of a change of address is so important

After your move, you don’t want to suddenly realize that you don’t have any insurance—this can happen if you forget to notify your insurers about your move! While you don’t technically require

insurance

to register and operate a vehicle in Virginia, it is highly recommended to carry liability insurance that exceeds the state’s suggested minimums. As well, you might have a lienholder that requires you carry insurance in order to drive the vehicle.

Also, if you don’t notify your insurer about your address change, and they continue assessing you with your old address on file, you could find yourself in serious trouble. Insurers use your address to determine the premium you pay, based on your ZIP code. If the insurer finds out you’ve been paying a rate based on an address you don’t reside at anymore? That could be considered insurance fraud.

Be sure to protect yourself so you don’t have a lapse in coverage by notifying your insurer about your address change, and when that change will take effect.

MORE:

The 8 places you need to notify when you’re moving

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FAQs

Can you change your address online in Virginia?

If you are already a Virginia resident, you can change your address on your driver’s license online. If you’re moving to Virginia from out-of-state, you’ll need to visit a DMV location in person to apply for a Virginia driver’s license.

Do I have to get a new license when I move to Virginia?

Yes—you’ll need to get a new Virginia driver’s license within 60 days of establishing Virginia residency.

Can you change your address online in Virginia?

Do I have to get a new license when I move to Virginia?

Yes—you’ll need to get a new Virginia driver’s license within 60 days of establishing Virginia residency.

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