How to Change the Address on Your Drivers License in Virginia
1. Get Started With Drivers License Address Change Assistance Online
You are required to change the address on your drivers license if you have recently moved within your state or changed your mailing address. Depending on your state and county of residence, this request can be filed online, by mail or in person. To do so online, you must fill out an electronic application form and pay for any applicable fees. Our guide contains everything you need to know to change your address on your drivers license. You will also learn how to complete other important drivers license services, such as renewal and replacement.
2. By Mail
Certain states allow you to change the address on your drivers license by mail. However, it is important to note that this method is not always available to all applicants. If eligible, motorists may change their drivers license addresses by filling out an application form and sending it to a specific DMV mailing address, along with identification documents and payment for the applicable fees. Because processing times are required, this option may take longer than others. To minimize this wait time, make sure to attach all the required paperwork to your application form.
3. In Person at a DMV Office
In order to update your drivers license address in person, you will need to fill out an address change application and submit it, along with documents that identify you as a state motorist. Then, you need to submit an acceptable payment method for the applicable fees, which will include the fee for a duplicate if you want an updated license. If you visit the DMV unprepared, you may not be able to update the address on your drivers license. To avoid long wait times or having to visit the DMV a second time, make sure that you have gathered sufficient proof of your identity and your address change before your visit.
The procedure to change drivers license address in Virginia is available through several methods offered by the state Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). Motorists must submit a VA drivers license change of address request after moving to a new place of residence or changing mailing address information.
Additionally, new residents should transfer their credentials and update credentials soon after establishing residency in Virginia. Updating your records helps the VA DMV keep accurate records for all services offered for drivers in the state. Residents may learn how and where to change drivers license address credentials by reviewing the sections below for more information.
Instances Where You Must Change Your Address on Your Virginia Drivers License
A Virginia driving license change of address is a necessary step when a driver makes changes to his or her residential and/or mailing address. New state residents will also complete the procedure to update credentials when they transfer their out-of-state license and apply for their first VA license to drive.
Get Help Changing Your Drivers License Address
Changing driving license address credentials is necessary if a driver’s DMV records and credentials reflect an incorrect address. Furthermore, while the state DMV requires drivers to provide a physical street address, residents may choose to display a residential or mailing address on their driving credentials.
Virginia Drivers License Address Change Time Limits
You must change a VA driving license address within a certain number of days after any changes to your residential or mailing address information. If you fail to complete the DMV license change of address within this time, you are at risk of certain penalties. For example, you may receive a citation for operating your vehicle with an invalid credential.
If you do not change the address on your DMV license in VA when required to do so, you may also not receive important letters regarding drivers license renewal and other DMV services. If you are a new VA resident, you must complete a drivers license change of address and transfer your out-of-state credentials about two months 60 days after establishing VA residency.
Note: If you change your address to a location outside of Virginia but fail to inform the DMV, the DMV may cancel your VA driving license.
Online Drivers License Address Changes in Virginia
Changing a driving license address in Virginia online is the fastest method to update your address information with the state DMV. You can complete the process via the department’s online services portal. Prior to initiating the procedure to change DMV license address online, you must obtain a unique PIN number and create an account for the DMV internet services.
To receive your PIN number, you need to enter your driver’s license number or Social Security Number (SSN) and your date of birth. You can access the DMV license change of address application by entering your DMV-assigned PIN number. The application process includes several steps, such as providing your new mailing and/or residential address and verifying the entered information.
After changing VA drivers license address information with the DMV, you can order a duplicate license to reflect this information update online or in person at a DMV service center.
How to Change Your Address on Your Virginia Drivers License in Person
If you are unable to complete the Virginia driving license change of address online, you can always do so by submitting your request in person at a DMV customer service center. Changing drivers license address records in person requires the submission of the appropriate form.
If you would like to receive an updated duplicate license, you need to apply and pay for a replacement license. After processing your request for a VA DMV license change of address and a replacement credential, the department will manufacture your new license and mail it to your new address on file.
How to Change Your Address on Your Virginia Drivers License by Mail
Another convenient method to change a driving license address in Virginia is to submit your request by mail. You can finalize the DMV license change of address procedure by mailing the request form to the DMV office in Richmond.
After receiving your mail-in application, the department will update your address information in its database. If you would like to change the address on a VA driving license and obtain a credential that will reflect the change, you must order a duplicate license online or in person at a DMV location.
How to Transfer Your Drivers License as a New Virginia Resident
New state residents will complete the Virginia drivers license change of address when they exchange their out-of-state license for an original DMV-issued credential. New-to-state motorists must obtain their first license to drive in Virginia completing the following steps:
- Visit a nearby DMV location to surrender the current credential.
- Fill out the standard driver’s license application form.
- Present proof of identity, legal U.S. presence, state residency and Social Security Number (SSN).
- Pass a vision screening, knowledge exam and driving skills test, when applicable.
- Pay the DMV licensing fees.
Note: New residents cannot transfer a suspended or revoked driving license until they clear the driving record in their former state.
Virginia DMV Address Change Fees
When changing drivers license addresses in Virginia, applicants do not need to submit payment to the DMV is they are simply changing their address on the DMV database. Drivers who change the address on driving license credentials and apply for duplicate license to drive must pay for a replacement credential.
Get Drivers License Address Change Assistance
New residents who would like to change a drivers license address in VA and transfer an out-of-state credential, must pay the standard licensing fee. A replacement license costs $20.
Sources
- Change of Address or Name from Virginia.gov