How to Change a Car Registration Address in Virginia
The Virginia address change on a car registration procedure can be completed through the state Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) by vehicle owners who need to make changes to their residential or mailing address. You can utilize several methods to complete the change.
Note that regardless of the chosen method of changing your car registration address in VA, the department will only update its database and may not automatically issue you a revised registration. If you would like to obtain an updated registration card, you will be required to complete the car registration replacement procedure. Get more information on how to update your registration information by reading the sections outlined below.
Instances Where You Must Change Your Address on Your Virginia Car Registration
Vehicle owners must complete the process of changing a vehicle registration address in Virginia whenever they make changes to their residential or mailing address. You must request an address change when you move to Virginia from out of the state.
Note that other circumstances may also require you to update your registration with the state DMV. For example, if the department issues you a registration certificate with an incorrect address, you will be required to report the typographical error and get a corrected registration card.
Virginia Address Change Time Limits for Updating Your Car Registration
The current time limit to change your vehicle registration address in Virginia with the state DMV is 30 days from the date of any address changes. Car owners who do not complete the update within the allotted timeframe are at risk of certain fines and penalties.
For example, if a police officer stops you and learns that you have failed to update your car registration address in VA, you may receive a traffic ticket for driving with an outdated DMV record. Another potential consequence of a failed address change procedure is a missed vehicle registration renewal deadline, since the state DMV will mail out your renewal reminder to the wrong address.
How to Change Your Address on Your Virginia Car Registration Online
Requesting an address change on car registration in Virginia via the internet is the best way of providing your new address information to the department. To successfully update your information, you will first have to create a MyDMV account in order to utilize the department’s online services. At this point, the system will ask you to enter your date of birth and your driver’s license number or Social Security Number (SSN), which are needed to create your account and obtain a unique PIN number.
Then, you can proceed with changing your vehicle registration address online by accessing the corresponding address change service with your PIN number. The system will process your request to update your registration as soon as you furnish several types of information, such as your personal data and your new address. After updating your records, you can obtain a replacement registration card via the same online services portal.
How to Change Your Address on Your Virginia Car Registration in Person
If you cannot change your car registration address in Virginia online, regardless of the reason, you can submit your request in person through a nearby DMV customer service center. To successfully finalize the change in person, you will be required to fill out a particular form.
When updating your vehicle registration address in VA with the form, you may also be required to present an official form of identification. Once the DMV agent verifies your identity and the correctness of the submitted application form, your request will be processed. You can also obtain a duplicate registration card with your new address during the same visit.
How to Change Your Address on Your Virginia Car Registration by Mail
Vehicle owners who would like to complete the registration update without making an office visit can mail the relevant form to the DMV P.O. box address in Richmond. To ensure that you update your vehicle registration address with the state DMV without any delays, check the accuracy of the information on your request form prior to mailing it. As soon as the state DMV receives your application, it will update its database correspondingly.
How to Change Your Address on Your Virginia Car Registration by Phone
Another convenient method to update a car registration address in Virginia is to call the DMV and provide the necessary information by phone. If you decide to complete the registration update by phone, you must be prepared to provide your full name, customer number, car title number and your vehicle identification number (VIN). After the DMV agent locates your records, it will forward your request for an address change.
When to Renew Instead of Update Your Registration in Virginia
Car owners also have the option to change car registration address in Virginia when finalizing the standard auto registration renewal transaction. The process of updating a vehicle registration address and renewing tags at the same time may vary depending on the chosen application method.
For instance, if you decide to update your registration and renew your documents online, you can first utilize the simple address change service mentioned above before accessing the online renewal application. To learn more about completing the address change on vehicle registration when renewing your license plates, contact the department.
Virginia DMV Address Change Fees
When changing a car registration address in Virginia, vehicle owners will be required to pay certain costs to the state DMV only under specific circumstances. For example, if you complete the address change on your car registration without ordering a duplicate registration card, you will not be required to pay any fee, since the state DMV only updates its database.
However, if you choose to get a registration document with your new address, you may be required to pay a nominal fee. If you are updating your vehicle registration address in VA and renewing your license plates at the same time, you will also have to pay the standard renewal fees. A replacement registration card costs $2.00 in Virginia.
Related Forms
Note: DMV forms change regularly. The forms provided above are current based on the date of writing.
Sources
- Vehicle Registration Information from DMV.Virginia.gov
- DMV Fees from DMV.Virginia.gov