How to Change Your Address on a Virginia Driver's License

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

Virginia allows you to update your driver's license address without renewing your license itself. The fastest route is the online system if you have a valid Virginia license and a current mailing address on file. If you cannot use the online portal, you can mail a form to DMV or visit a customer service center in person. The address change takes effect when ready online or by mail; in-person changes are processed the same day.

You do not need a new photo or to retake a vision test for an address change alone. Your license number and expiration date stay the same. However, if your license is expired or will expire within 30 days, DMV will require you to renew it instead of straightforward changing the address.

Key Takeaways

The Virginia DMV online portal at dmvnow.com is the fastest way to change your address if your license is current and you have an email address on file.
If you cannot use the online system, mail Form DL-43 (Address Change) to the DMV address listed on the form, and the change takes 5 to 10 business days.
You can also visit any DMV customer service center with your current license and proof of your new address, and the change is processed when ready.
Proof of address must be a recent document in your name — a utility bill, lease, bank statement, or government mail dated within the last 60 days works.
If your license expires within 30 days, you must renew it instead of changing the address; renewal and address change happen together.

Change your address online through DMVNow

The Virginia DMV online portal, DMVNow, is available at dmvnow.com. To use it, you need your current Virginia driver's license number, your Social Security number, and your date of birth. You will also need an email address where DMV can send confirmation.

Log in to your DMVNow account or create one if you do not have one yet. Select "Change Address" from the menu. Enter your new address exactly as it should appear on your license. Review the information for accuracy, then submit. You will receive a confirmation email when ready. The address change is active right away, though your physical license will still show the old address until you renew it.

The online system works only if your current license is valid and not expiring within 30 days. If your license is expired or will expire soon, you must renew instead. The online portal is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Mail Form DL-43 to the DMV

Form DL-43 is the official Virginia address change form. You can read it from the Virginia DMV website (dmv.virginia.gov) or request it by mail. Fill out the form with your current license number, your new address, and your signature. Do not leave any required fields blank.

Include a copy of proof of your new address. Acceptable documents are dated within the last 60 days and must be in your name. A utility bill, lease agreement, bank statement, insurance policy, or government mail all work. Do not send your original license.

Mail the completed form and proof of address to the address printed on the form itself. Processing takes 5 to 10 business days from the date DMV receives it. You will receive a confirmation letter by mail. Your physical license will still show the old address, but your record in the DMV system will be updated.

Update your address in person at a DMV office

You can visit any Virginia DMV customer service center to change your address. Bring your current driver's license and one document proving your new address (dated within the last 60 days and in your name). No appointment is required, though wait times vary by location and time of day.

Tell the staff member you need an address change only. They will verify your identity using your license, confirm your new address, and update your record on the spot. The change is complete when ready, and you will receive a receipt. Your physical license will still show the old address until renewal, but your DMV record is current.

Customer service centers are open Monday through Friday during standard business hours. Some locations have extended hours or Saturday hours. Check dmv.virginia.gov for the location nearest you and its hours before you go.

What counts as proof of your new address

Virginia requires proof that is dated within the last 60 days, is in your name, and shows your new address clearly. The following documents are accepted:

Utility bill (electric, gas, water, internet, or phone)
Lease agreement or rental agreement
Bank or credit card statement
Insurance policy (auto, home, or renter's)
Government mail (tax notice, voter registration, court document)
Mortgage statement or property tax bill
Pay stub with your address

The document must show your full name and the complete new address. If a document shows only a partial address or a nickname, it will not be accepted. If you have just moved and do not yet have a document in your name at the new address, ask your landlord, utility company, or bank for a letter on their letterhead confirming your new address and move-in date.

Timeline and what to expect after you change your address

If you change your address online or in person, the update is active when ready in the DMV system. If you mail the form, expect 5 to 10 business days. Your physical license card will continue to show your old address until you renew your license, which happens on your renewal date or when you choose to renew early.

Your updated address will appear on any documents DMV sends you by mail, such as renewal notices or registration materials. Law enforcement and other agencies that check your license will see the address in the DMV database, not the address printed on the card itself. If you need your license to show the new address when ready (for example, for a job or housing verification), you can renew your license early, though that costs the full renewal fee.

Keep your proof of address document in case DMV contacts you to verify the change. If you move again, you can change your address as many times as needed using the same process.

What to do if your license is expiring soon

If your Virginia driver's license expires within 30 days, you cannot use the address-change-only process. Instead, you must renew your license, and the address change happens as part of the renewal. You can renew online through DMVNow, by mail using Form DL-44, or in person at a customer service center.

Renewal by mail or online takes 2 to 4 weeks. In person, it is processed the same day. You will need your current license, proof of your new address, and the renewal fee. Your new license will show both your updated address and your new expiration date. If you renew early (before your license expires), you pay the full renewal fee and your new expiration date is calculated from the renewal date, not from your old expiration date.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to change my address on my vehicle registration too?

Yes. Your vehicle registration is separate from your driver's license. You must update your registration address with the DMV as well. You can do this online through DMVNow, by mail using Form VSA, or in person. Virginia law requires you to notify DMV of an address change within 30 days.

What if I moved out of state but still have a Virginia license?

You can change your address to an out-of-state address online or by mail using the same process. However, if you now live in another state, you should obtain a driver's license from that state. Holding a valid license from another state while living there is usually required by law.

Can I change my address if my license is suspended or revoked?

No. You cannot change your address while your license is suspended or revoked. You must first resolve the suspension or revocation with the DMV. Once your license is valid again, you can change your address using any of the methods described.

How long does my old address stay in the DMV system?

Once you change your address, the old address is replaced in the active DMV record. However, DMV keeps historical records for administrative purposes. If you need documentation of your old address for a background check or other reason, contact the DMV directly.

What if I made a mistake when I changed my address online?

Log back into DMVNow and select "Change Address" again. Enter the correct address and submit. The new submission will override the previous one. If you mailed a form with an error, contact the DMV customer service line to request a correction before the form is processed.

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.