Deployment Checklist

Use this checklist to help stay organized with DMV to-do items before and after your deployment.

Documents

Verify that the driver's licenses and ID cards of you and your family members do not expire during your deployment. You can renew a Virginia driver's license or ID card up to one year in advance.
If needed, obtain a Power of Attorney from a lawyer or legal aid office. Vehicle registration and titling can be done by a Power of Attorney in your absence.
Ensure that all of your important documents are in order and that a trusted individual has access to them in case of emergency.
Do you and your family members have copies of your birth certificates? DMV can now issue birth certificates if you were born in Virginia.

Review your auto insurance coverage. Notify your insurance company if your car will be idle or placed in storage.
If you cancel insurance because your vehicle has been placed in storage or will not be driven while you are deployed, you must deactivate your plates and registration. This will allow you to keep your plates during the period of non-use and avoid severe penalties that may be imposed if the vehicle is subsequently found uninsured. You can easily deactivate or reactivate license plates.
Ensure that your license plate decals are current.
Make sure your insurance and inspection stickers are up-to-date.
If you are leaving a vehicle with a family member, ensure that the vehicle has been serviced. It can also be helpful to make a list of repair facilities (including tire and body shops) and a maintenance schedule (for oil changes and tire realignments, etc.).
If needed, get an E-ZPass-On-the-Go transponder at any DMV Customer Service Center.

Set up an online account. Your online account can be used to sign up for email or text DMV notices and to conduct secure transactions on the DMV website.
Inform any organization with which you do business if you will have a new mailing address during deployment. Don't forget the DMV.