Popularly known as ‘the birthplace of a nation’, the state of Virginia is rich in history and has a lot to offer to anyone who calls it home. From top notch education systems to growing employment opportunities, you could move to the birth land of 8 US Presidents, for anything that you are looking for. But, let’s not forget – with moving comes a range of formalities to be completed.
And some of these are really time bound, including changing the address on your driver’s license and vehicle registration records. While you may get busy with all the unpacking and stuff, do remember to plan your timeline in a way that gets your documents updated in time. To get you started, we’ve put down a step by step guide, which shall help you sail through the process.
Obtaining A Driver’s License When Moving to Virginia From Another State
Firstly, the state of Virginia expects all its new residents to get themselves a new Virginia driver’s license and also register their vehicle, if they plan on residing in Virginia for a long time. And to do so, you have a period of 60 days allotted, starting right from the day you move. So, it is better to read through all details properly and keep all the necessary documentation ready. Here’s everything you would need to know
1. Apply For A Change Of Address (Getting A New License)
You need to get yourself a new driver license if you see yourself driving on the long roads of Virginia. Yes, the Virginia DMV has a 60 days period for all the new residents of the state to get themselves a driver’s license. As mentioned before, you will have to go to a Virginia DMV office in-person to apply for your new driver’s license. Remember to carry all the required documents given below:
- Proof of Identification (US Passport or Birth certificate would work).
- Social security number proof.
- Proof of legal presence in the United States (US Passport, Birth Certificate, Certificate of Citizenship are some of the accepted documents among others).
- Proof of Virginia residency (At least 2 documents – Your Current Bank Statement, Utility Bill, or Pay Stub from a new North Carolina address, etc).
- Completed Driver’s License and Identification Card Application (Form DL 1P).
- Your current and valid driver’s license.
Your written test and road test would be waived off if you still hold a currently valid, out of state license, but you will have to pass a vision test. However, you will be required to give all these tests if your current out of state license has expired.
When it comes to costs, you’ll be charged $32 for your non-commercial Virginia driver’s license, which would be valid for a period of 8 years. The state website also has details for other types of costs, so you could check that out too.
Also Read: Moving To Virginia – Relocation Guide | Cost to Move States
2. Register Your Vehicle In Virginia
The Virginia DMV gives you a period of 30 days to register your vehicle as a new resident of the state. Since you cannot always guarantee the amount of time you would take while working with state administrations, it is better than you start the process as soon as possible, with some buffer time at hand.
You will have to go to your nearest Virginia DMV office and register your vehicle in-person. Remember to carry the following documents with you:
- Application for Certificate of Title and Registration.
- Proof of Identity.
- Proof of Address.
- Proof of your current odometer reading.
- Inspection certificate/Emissions test (only required in a few counties).
- Your current out-of-state vehicle title certificate.
- Proof of in-state Insurance.
Registration fee: When it comes to fees, the state DMV charges $40.75 for standard vehicles under 4,000 pounds and for heavier vehicles, you would have to pay $45.75. Additionally, you may also have to pay $15 as your title fee. You can also check the Virginia DMV’s official website for further details.
How long can you drive in Virginia with a foreign license?
You can drive within the state of Virginia with a valid foreign license for a maximum of 6 months until you become a resident or your license expires, whichever takes place first. Know that this applies only for non-commercial driver licenses.
Obtaining A Driver’s License When Moving Within Virginia
When you are moving within the state of Virginia itself, you have a period of 30 days to get your driver’s license as well as your vehicle registration updated with the change in address. So, make sure that you plan your timeline accordingly and get these documents updated at the earliest.
One of the perks of living in the Mother of States is that it gives you four ways through which you can update your address when you move within Virginia. So, you can decide to go with the one that is the most convenient for you.
1. Online:
For most people today, getting things done online seems to be a very convenient way. If you are also one of them, then you too can get the address of your driver’s license changed and vehicle registration done online when you move within Virginia.
To get the address on your driver’s license updated:
You need to register online, fill the Change of Address form and submit. The Virginia DMV does not offer a new license when you are moving within the state itself. However, know that updating your address with the Virginia DMV has no fee, but if you need a duplicate license with the updated address, then you may have to pay a nominal fee.
Keep the following details with you when you’re doing the process online:
- Your current Virginia driver’s license.
- Your date of birth.
- Your social security number (specifically the last 4 digits).
To update your registration:
You will have to follow the same process for getting your address changed on your vehicle registration. But, apart from your full name and customer number, you will also need these details:
- Your vehicle’s Title number.
- Your VIN which is the Vehicle Identification Number. (specifically, the last 4 digits).
Note: You can also get the address on your registration updated in-person by visiting the local Department of Motor Vehicle office in your county.
2. Via mail
If you prefer sending your documents via mail, then you could use that method as well to get the address updated on your driver’s license. You just need to download and print the Address Change Request form (ISD-01), fill it and mail it to the following address:
Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles, P.O. Box 27412, Richmond, VA 23269.
3. Over Call
This is just another easy method to get your address updated with the Virginia DMV. You simply have to call on 804 – 497 – 7100 and let them know about your change in address.
4. In-Person
Many of us prefer the reliability of getting things done in-person, and fortunately, you can do so in this scenario as well. You can go to the nearest Virginia driver license office in your county and fill the Change of Address form in-person.
See also: Top-Rated Local Movers Nearby
Tip: You could try and book an appointment beforehand to save yourself some time.
How long does it take to get a Virginia driver’s license?
If you need a duplicate license with your updated address, then it may take around 15 days for you to receive it via mail. However, the Virginia DMV does not by itself offer a new driver’s license if you are moving just within the state.
When You’re Moving Out Of Virginia
Yes, one of the things that you do need to do without fail is to notify the Virginia DMV when you are moving out of the state with your registered vehicle. This is important because you could still be charged property tax in Virginia if your change in address has not been updated. What you would need to do is get in contact with either the Commissioner of Revenue or the Director of Finance of your locality and inform them about the change. Also remember to keep your Title number and VIN number details with you while informing the DMV.
However, if your vehicle is not registered with the Virginia DMV, then you have no obligation to notify them when you’re moving out of Virginia to another state. As soon as you get your driver’s license from your new state of residence, the VA DMV will automatically cancel your Virginia driver’s license.
Related: Best Out of State Movers in America
Note: You could also return your Virginia license plates via mail to Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles, P.O. Box 27412, Richmond, VA 23269. Though not mandatory, it is still better if you return your Virginia license plates when you move out of the state.
How To Contact The Virginia DMV?
Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles: https://www.dmv.virginia.gov/
Phone: 804 – 497 – 7100
Operational Hours: Monday – Friday (8 am – 5 pm), Saturday (8 am – 12 pm).
Is It Illegal To Not Change Your Address When You Move?
Yes, in many states, including Virginia. Not changing your address will cause a lot of inconvenience not just for your own self but also for government and insurance records. As far as changing the address on your driver’s license is concerned, not doing so may lead to rendering your license invalid. Additionally, you may also have to pay a fine or face some legal consequences.
Why take that burden of unnecessary stress on your head? Besides, most states have a well-organized structure for updating your address. So, you might as well use it and get your documents in place without much hassle.
Conclusion
Although moving comes with a lot of responsibilities, it is important to have all your documents updated and in place. Especially something like getting your address change updated, should be done at the earliest for you to avoid any unwanted tensions later. Fortunately, the Virginia DMV has a well structured process in place to get your driver’s license as well as vehicle registration updated in a convenient manner. So, make sure to plan your timeline well and get your documents organized as quickly as possible after your move.
