Virginia lets you change your address online, by mail, or in person at a DMV office
The fastest way to update your Virginia driver's license address is through the DMV website at dmvnow.com. You can change your address without renewing your license, and you do not need to take a new photo or pass a test. The change takes effect when ready online, though your physical card will still show the old address until it expires and you renew.
If you prefer not to use the website, you can mail a form to the DMV or walk into any Virginia DMV office with proof of your new address. Each method takes different amounts of time and requires different documents, so the right choice depends on how soon you need the change recorded and whether you have the documents ready.
Key Takeaways
- The DMV website (dmvnow.com) is the fastest option and requires only your driver's license number, Social Security number, and date of birth to verify your identity.
- An in-person visit to a DMV office requires one document proving your new address, such as a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days.
- Mailing in a form (DL 43) takes longer but works if you cannot visit an office or use the website, and you still need proof of your new address.
- Your physical license card will continue to show your old address until you renew it, even after you change your address in the system.
- You do not need to change your address before renewing your license — you can do both at the same time during renewal.
Changing your address online through dmvnow.com
Go to dmvnow.com and select "Change Address" from the menu. You will need your Virginia driver's license number, your Social Security number, and your date of birth to log in. The site will ask you to enter your new address and confirm it. Once you submit, the change is recorded in the DMV system right away.
The online method works best if you have your license number handy and your address change is not urgent. There is no fee to change your address this way. Your new address will show up in DMV records when ready, which matters if you need proof of your current address for a job, apartment, or bank account. However, the physical card in your wallet will still print your old address until you renew your license at its expiration date.
Changing your address in person at a DMV office
Walk into any Virginia DMV office with your driver's license and one document that proves your new address. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, property tax bill, or bank statement — the document must be dated within the last 60 days and show your name and new address. You do not need an appointment at most offices, but you can check wait times on dmvnow.com before you go.
The in-person visit usually takes 15 to 30 minutes, depending on how busy the office is. There is no fee. The DMV will update your address in the system when ready, and you will receive a receipt showing the change. Like the online method, your physical license will still show the old address until renewal, but your official record is updated right away.
Mailing in a form to change your address
If you cannot visit an office or use the website, you can mail form DL 43 (Address Change Request) to the Virginia DMV. You can read the form from dmvnow.com or call the DMV at 804-367-0538 to request it by mail. Fill out the form with your name, license number, old address, and new address. Include one document proving your new address (dated within 60 days) and mail everything to the address listed on the form.
Processing by mail takes 7 to 10 business days after the DMV receives your envelope. There is no fee. You will not receive a confirmation letter, so if you need proof that your address changed, the online method or an in-person visit is more reliable because you get when ready confirmation. Keep a copy of the form and your proof of address for your records in case you need to follow up.
What counts as proof of your new address
Virginia accepts these documents as proof of address: utility bills (electric, gas, water, internet, or phone), lease agreements, mortgage statements, property tax bills, bank statements, insurance policies, or government mail addressed to you. The document must show your name and new address, and it must be dated within the last 60 days. A post office change of address form does not count as proof.
If you do not have any of these documents yet — for example, if you just moved and have not received a utility bill at the new place — you can use a lease or rental agreement signed by both you and your landlord, even if it is not dated recently. If you are staying with family or friends and do not have a document in your name, ask if you can use a utility bill or property tax bill in their name along with a signed letter from them confirming you live there. The DMV office staff can tell you whether a specific document will work before you submit it.
When to change your address before renewing your license
You do not have to change your address before your license expires. When you renew your license — whether online, by mail, or in person — you can update your address at the same time. If you renew online through dmvnow.com, you will be asked to confirm or change your address as part of the renewal process.
However, if you need your address changed in the DMV system before your renewal date, change it now using one of the three methods above. This matters if you are moving for a job, explore for housing, or need proof of your current address for any reason. Changing your address does not affect when your license expires — your renewal date stays the same.
How address changes affect your insurance and vehicle registration
Changing your driver's license address does not automatically update your car insurance or vehicle registration. You must contact your insurance company separately to update your address, because they keep their own records. Most insurers let you change your address online, by phone, or through your agent. Updating your insurance address is important because some insurers use it to calculate your premium — moving to a different city or county can change your rate.
Your vehicle registration is tied to your address as well. When you renew your vehicle registration with the DMV, you will be asked to confirm your address. If you have moved, update your registration at the same time you renew it, or contact the DMV separately to change it. You can update your vehicle registration address online through dmvnow.com, by mail, or in person at a DMV office using the same proof of address documents that work for your driver's license.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to get a new license card after I change my address?
No. Your address change is recorded in the DMV system when ready, but your physical license card will still show your old address until you renew it at expiration. If you need a card with your new address before then, you can renew your license early, but there is a fee for early renewal. For most situations, the system update is enough.
How long does it take to change my address online?
The online change takes a few minutes to complete and is recorded in the DMV system right away. You do not have to wait for anything to arrive in the mail or for processing time. This is the fastest method if you have your license number and Social Security number available.
What if I moved out of state — do I still change my Virginia address?
If you have moved out of Virginia, you should get a driver's license in your new state instead of changing your Virginia address. Virginia will eventually suspend your license if you do not renew it, and most states require you to get a license there within 30 to 60 days of moving. Contact your new state's DMV to find out what documents you need.
Can I change my address if my license is suspended or expired?
You can change your address online or by mail even if your license is suspended or expired. However, if you are changing your address in person at a DMV office, staff may ask you to renew your license at the same time if it is expired. If your license is suspended, ask the DMV office whether you can change your address without renewing.
What if the DMV rejects my proof of address document?
If your document does not meet the 60-day requirement or does not show your name clearly, the DMV will ask for a different one. If you are changing your address by mail and your document is rejected, the DMV will send it back with an explanation. Call 804-367-0538 to ask which documents the DMV will accept for your situation before you submit anything.