Change your Virginia driver's license address online, by mail, or in person

You can update your address on your Virginia driver's license without getting a new license photo or paying a fee. Virginia's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) lets you change your address through its website, by mail, or at a DMV office. The online method is fastest — it takes about 10 minutes and your record updates within one business day. If you prefer not to go online, you can mail a form or visit a DMV location in person.

You do not need to renew your license to change the address. Your current license remains valid; the DMV straightforward updates your record. This matters because you may need proof of your new address for other purposes — a bank account, voter registration, or insurance — and the updated DMV record serves that purpose even if your physical license card still shows the old address.

Key Takeaways

  • The Virginia DMV website lets you change your address in about 10 minutes without visiting an office or paying a fee.
  • You will need your driver's license number, Social Security number, and date of birth to change your address online.
  • If you mail the change, use Form DL-43 and send it to the address listed on the form; processing takes about two weeks.
  • You can also visit any DMV office with a completed Form DL-43 and your current license to change your address in person.
  • Your physical license card will still show your old address until you renew it, but your DMV record updates when ready.

Change your address online through the Virginia DMV website

Go to dmvnow.com, the official Virginia DMV website. Click "Address Change" under the "License" section. You will be asked to log in or create an account. If you do not have an account, select "Create Account" and enter your email address, driver's license number, Social Security number, and date of birth. The system will verify this information against DMV records.

Once you are logged in, select "Change Address" and enter your new Virginia address. Double-check the spelling and zip code — errors here can cause mail to be sent to the wrong place. Review the information on the confirmation screen, then submit. You will receive an email confirmation when ready. Your DMV record updates within one business day, though you may not see the change reflected online for a few days.

This method works only if you are changing to a Virginia address. If you are moving out of state, you will need to use the mail or in-person method.

Mail the address change form to the DMV

read or request Form DL-43 (process for Duplicate License/Permit or Address Change) from dmvnow.com or pick one up at any DMV office. Fill in your name, driver's license number, and new address. Sign and date the form. You do not need to include your current license or any other documents.

Mail the completed form to the address printed on the form itself. Processing takes about two weeks from the date the DMV receives it. Mail can take several days to arrive, so send it at least three weeks before you need the change recorded. Include a return address on the envelope so the DMV can contact you if there are questions.

Keep a copy of the form for your records. If you want to track whether the DMV received it, consider using certified mail or a service that provides tracking.

Change your address in person at a DMV office

Bring your current driver's license and a completed Form DL-43 to any Virginia DMV office. You can find office locations and hours at dmvnow.com. Walk-in service is available, but wait times vary by location and time of day. Some offices accept appointments through the website, which can reduce your wait.

The DMV staff member will verify your information, process the form, and update your record on the spot. Your DMV record changes when ready, though your physical license card will still show the old address until you renew it. The in-person method is useful if you want confirmation that the change was processed or if you have questions the staff can answer directly.

What happens to your physical license card

Your driver's license card itself will continue to show your old address until you renew your license. Renewal happens every eight years for most drivers, or every five years if you are over 70. You do not need to do anything — when renewal time comes, you will receive a notice in the mail at your new address (because the DMV record is updated), and you can renew online, by mail, or in person.

If you need a license card that shows your new address before your renewal date, you can request a duplicate license. This costs a fee and requires visiting a DMV office or mailing Form DL-43 with a request for a duplicate. Most people do not do this unless they need the card for identification purposes that require the current address to match.

Address changes for commercial driver's licenses

If you hold a Commercial Driver's License (CDL), you must change your address within 30 days of moving. Use the same methods — online through dmvnow.com, by mail with Form DL-43, or in person at a DMV office. The 30-day requirement is federal law, so do not delay.

If you are moving out of state, you will need to obtain a CDL from your new state within 30 days as well. Contact the DMV in your new state for their requirements.

If you are moving out of Virginia

The online address change tool only works for Virginia addresses. If you are moving to another state, use the mail or in-person method with Form DL-43 and your new out-of-state address. The DMV will update your record, and your license remains valid in your new state for identification purposes.

However, you will eventually need to obtain a driver's license from your new state. Most states require you to do this within 30 to 60 days of establishing residency. Check your new state's DMV website for their specific timeline and requirements. Your Virginia license will remain valid until it expires, but you should not use it as your primary ID once you have moved.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take for the address change to show up?

Online changes update within one business day. Mail takes about two weeks from the date the DMV receives it. In-person changes are when ready. Your physical license card will still show the old address until you renew your license.

Do I have to pay a fee to change my address?

No. Changing your address is free whether you do it online, by mail, or in person. You only pay a fee if you request a duplicate license card that shows your new address.

What if I move and do not update my address?

Your license remains valid for identification, but important DMV notices — including renewal reminders — will go to your old address. You may miss renewal important date or not receive notices about violations or holds on your license. Update your address as soon as you move.

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

Yes. Address changes are processed regardless of the status of your license. However, if your license is suspended or revoked, you cannot legally drive. Contact the DMV about the suspension or revocation separately.

What if I made a mistake on the address change form?

If you submitted online and made an error, log back into dmvnow.com and submit a new address change with the correct information. If you mailed the form, contact the DMV at the phone number on dmvnow.com to report the error. If you changed your address in person, return to the DMV office with your license and Form DL-43 to correct it.