You can change your Virginia address online, by mail, or in person at a DMV office
Virginia offers three routes to update your driver's license address: the fastest is online through the DMV website if you have a valid Virginia license and a recent address change. By mail, you send a completed form and proof of your new address to the DMV processing center. In person, you visit a local DMV office with your license and address documentation. All three methods are free, and you do not need to pay a fee or get a new photo unless you choose to renew your license at the same time.
The address change itself does not require a new license number or expiration date — your current license remains valid, only the address printed on it changes. Processing times vary: online changes show up within days, mail submissions take two to four weeks, and in-person changes are usually complete the same day.
Key Takeaways
- The Virginia DMV online portal lets you change your address in minutes if your license is current and you have a valid email address.
- By mail, you need form DL-43 (Address Change), a copy of your license, and proof of your new address such as a utility bill or lease.
- In-person visits to any DMV office require your current license and one document showing your new address.
- Address changes are free and do not alter your license number, expiration date, or require a new photo.
- If you move out of state or your license is expired, you must renew rather than straightforward change the address.
Changing your address online through the DMV website
The Virginia DMV online system is the fastest option if your license is valid and not expired. Go to dmvnow.com, select "Address Change" from the menu, and log in with your driver's license number and date of birth. You will enter your new address and confirm it matches your records. The system accepts the change when ready, and the DMV mails you a corrected license within five to seven business days.
Online changes work only if your license has not expired and you have not had any violations or holds on your record. If your license expired more than a year ago, or if you have an active suspension, you cannot use the online portal and must visit an office or mail in a form.
Mailing in an address change form and proof
To change your address by mail, read or request form DL-43 (Address Change) from the DMV website or any DMV office. Fill in your current license number, name, and new address. Include a photocopy of your driver's license (front and back) and one document proving your new address dated within the last 60 days.
Acceptable proof of address includes a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, insurance policy, or government mail with your name and new address. Mail the completed form, license copy, and proof to the DMV Processing Center, P.O. Box 27412, Richmond, VA 23269. Processing takes two to four weeks. You do not need to include payment — address changes are free.
Visiting a DMV office in person
Walk-in address changes at any Virginia DMV office are usually the fastest in-person option. Bring your current driver's license and one document showing your new address (utility bill, lease, bank statement, or similar). Hand these to the clerk, and they will process the change on the spot. You will receive a corrected license the same day or within a few days by mail, depending on the office's equipment.
DMV offices are open Monday through Friday, and some locations have extended hours or Saturday appointments. Check dmvnow.com for your nearest office and current wait times before you go. Bring your license and address proof — no appointment is needed for an address change at most locations, though calling ahead can save you a trip if your local office is particularly busy.
What counts as proof of your new address
Virginia accepts a wide range of documents to prove you live at your new address. The document must be dated within the last 60 days and show your name and full address. Utility bills (electric, gas, water, internet), lease agreements, mortgage statements, property tax bills, and homeowner's or renter's insurance policies all work. Bank statements, credit card statements, and government mail such as tax forms or voter registration cards are also acceptable.
A handwritten note or a letter from a friend does not count. If you recently moved and do not yet have a bill or lease in your name at the new address, ask your landlord or property manager for a signed letter on their letterhead stating your name, move-in date, and the property address. Some DMV offices will accept this if it is dated recently and includes contact information for the landlord.
When you cannot straightforward change your address
If your Virginia driver's license has been expired for more than one year, you cannot change the address alone — you must renew the license. The same applies if you moved out of Virginia and now live in another state: you need to obtain a license from your new state rather than update a Virginia address. If your license is suspended or revoked, you must resolve that issue before any address change will be processed.
If you want a new photo at the same time you change your address, you can request that during an in-person visit or when you renew. Renewal requires a fee (currently $24 for an eight-year license), but an address change alone does not.
Timeline and what to expect after you submit
Online changes are reflected in the DMV system within hours, and your corrected license arrives by mail in five to seven business days. Mail submissions take two to four weeks from the date the DMV receives your envelope — add a few days for postal delivery. In-person changes at an office are complete the same day if the office has a printer on site, or within a few days if the license is mailed to you afterward.
You can use your current license with the old address while you wait for the corrected one to arrive. The address change is recorded in the DMV system when ready (online) or upon receipt (mail or in-person), so if you are stopped by police or need to verify your address with another agency, the DMV's records will show your new address even if your physical license still shows the old one.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to change my address if I move within Virginia?
Yes. Virginia law requires you to notify the DMV of any address change within 30 days. Failing to do so can result in a fine, and it may cause problems if you receive a traffic ticket or need to renew your license. The change itself is free and takes only a few minutes online or in person.
Can I change my address without getting a new license photo?
Yes. An address change does not require a new photo. Your current license photo remains valid. If you want a new photo, you can request one during an in-person visit, but it is optional and may involve a small fee depending on your situation.
What if I do not have a utility bill or lease to prove my new address?
Bank statements, credit card statements, insurance policies, and mortgage documents all count if they are dated within 60 days and show your name and address. If you have none of these, ask your landlord or property manager for a signed letter on their letterhead confirming your move-in date and address. Some offices will accept this in place of a formal document.
How long does it take to get my corrected license in the mail?
Online changes take five to seven business days. Mail submissions take two to four weeks from the date the DMV receives your envelope. In-person changes are usually complete the same day if the office prints licenses on site, or within a few days if mailed afterward. You can check the status of your license on dmvnow.com using your license number.
Can I change my address if my license is expired?
If your license expired less than one year ago, you can change the address. If it expired more than one year ago, you must renew the license instead of straightforward changing the address. Renewal requires a fee and may require a new photo and vision test depending on how long it has been expired.