How to Change Your Address with the Virginia DMV

You can change your Virginia DMV address online, by mail, or in person at a DMV office

The Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles lets you update your address for your driver's license and vehicle registration separately or together. The fastest route is the online system if you have a valid Virginia driver's license and a vehicle registered in Virginia — you can finish in minutes without leaving home. If you do not have internet access or your situation is more complex (name change, address outside the US, or a commercial vehicle), you will need to visit a DMV office or mail in a form.

Your address on file matters because the DMV uses it to send registration renewal notices, and law enforcement can see it during a traffic stop. If you move and do not update it, you may miss renewal important date or receive tickets for driving with an expired registration you never knew was due.

Key Takeaways

The Virginia DMV online system at dmvnow.com lets you change your address for your driver's license and registration in one session if both are current.
You can change your address by mail using Form DL 43 for your driver's license or Form VSA 14 for vehicle registration, mailed to the DMV office that serves your area.
In-person visits to a DMV office require an appointment booked through dmvnow.com; walk-ins are not accepted at most locations.
Address changes for driver's licenses take effect when ready online but may take five to seven business days by mail.
Vehicle registration address changes must be completed before your registration expires, or you risk driving with an invalid registration.

Changing your address online through DMVnow

The Virginia DMV's online portal, dmvnow.com, is the quickest option if you have a current Virginia driver's license and at least one vehicle registered in Virginia. Log in with your driver's license number and date of birth, then select "Change Address" from the menu. You will enter your new address and confirm it matches your records. The system accepts the change when ready for your driver's license, and your registration address updates within one business day.

You will need to know your Virginia driver's license number and have access to the email or phone number on file with the DMV. If you have moved out of state or your license is expired, the online system will not let you proceed — you will need to use the mail or in-person route instead.

Mailing a form to the DMV

If you prefer not to use the online system or cannot access it, you can mail a form to your regional DMV office. For a driver's license address change, use Form DL 43 (Change of Address). For vehicle registration, use Form VSA 14 (process for Vehicle Registration). Both forms are available on the Virginia DMV website under "Forms" or you can request them by phone at 804-367-0538.

Fill out the form with your current information and new address, sign it, and mail it to the DMV office that serves your county or city. You can find the correct mailing address on the DMV website by entering your locality. Processing by mail typically takes five to seven business days for a driver's license and up to two weeks for vehicle registration. Include a copy of proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days) if this is your first time registering at this address.

Visiting a DMV office in person

You can change your address at any Virginia DMV office, but you must book an appointment first through dmvnow.com. Walk-ins are not accepted at most locations. Go to the website, select "Schedule an Appointment," choose "Address Change" as your transaction type, and pick a date and time that works for you. Bring your current driver's license or ID, proof of your new address (utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement), and your vehicle registration card if you are updating registration as well.

Address changes completed in person take effect when ready. The DMV office will print a temporary document showing your new address while your official card is mailed to you, which arrives within seven to ten business days. If you need to change your address for multiple vehicles, you can do that in one visit by bringing all registration cards.

What counts as proof of residency

The Virginia DMV accepts several documents as proof of your new address. A utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet) dated within the last 60 days is the most common. A lease agreement or mortgage statement also works. A bank or credit card statement, insurance policy, or government mail addressed to you at the new address will work if it is dated within the last 60 days.

The document must show your full name and the complete address you are registering. A PO box does not count as a residential address for registration purposes. If you have just moved and do not yet have a utility bill in your name, a signed lease or a letter from your landlord on letterhead confirming your occupancy and move-in date can substitute.

Changing your address when you move out of state

If you are moving out of Virginia, you do not have to update your Virginia address with the DMV before you leave. However, once you establish residency in your new state, you will need to get a driver's license and register your vehicle there instead. Virginia will not renew your license or registration once they know you live elsewhere.

If you are keeping a vehicle registered in Virginia while living out of state (for example, if a family member still lives there), you can update the address to theirs through dmvnow.com or by mail. If you are moving temporarily and plan to return, update your address to your new location so renewal notices reach you. The DMV does not require you to notify them of a temporary move, but keeping your address current prevents missed important date.

What happens if you do not update your address

Driving with an outdated address on your license or registration does not automatically make either invalid, but it creates real problems. If you are pulled over, an officer can see the mismatch and may question whether you still own the vehicle or live where you claim. More importantly, the DMV sends registration renewal notices to your old address, so you may not receive them. If your registration expires and you do not renew it, you are driving with an invalid registration — a violation that can result in a fine.

An outdated address also delays important mail from the DMV, insurance companies, and law enforcement. If you receive a traffic ticket or a recall notice for your vehicle, it may go to your old address and you will not know about it until it is too late. Updating your address takes minutes and prevents these headaches.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my address online if my driver's license is expired?

No. The dmvnow.com system requires a current, valid Virginia driver's license to log in. If your license is expired, you must renew it first or use the mail or in-person route to change your address. You can renew your license and change your address in the same visit to a DMV office.

How long does it take to receive my new registration card after changing my address?

If you change your address online or in person, your registration address updates within one business day, but your physical card is mailed to you and arrives within seven to ten business days. You can drive legally with your old card during this time. If you change your address by mail, allow two to three weeks total for processing and delivery.

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

Yes. Even if you stay in Virginia, you must update your address with the DMV for both your driver's license and vehicle registration. The DMV uses your address to send renewal notices and to contact you if there is a problem with your registration or license.

What if I share a vehicle with someone else who lives at a different address?

Only one address can be registered for a vehicle. If you and another person own the vehicle together, you must choose one address for the registration. The person whose name appears first on the title is usually the registered owner, and that is the address the DMV uses. If you need to change the registered owner, you will need to complete a title transfer, which is a separate process.

Can I change my address by phone?

No. The Virginia DMV does not accept address changes by phone. You must use dmvnow.com, mail a form, or visit an office in person. Phone lines are available to answer questions about the process, but not to process changes directly.

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.