Leaving Virginia

Each state has different rules and regulations related to driver licensing and vehicle titling and registration. You can review these requirements by visiting any state's department of motor vehicles website.

Driver's Licenses and Identification (ID) Cards

  • Contact your new state's driver licensing authority to find out how to get a new license or ID card. When you apply for a license or ID card in another state, the licensing authority will notify DMV that your Virginia license or ID card has been surrendered to that state.
  • You are still responsible for any outstanding suspension and/or license revocations you may have on your record. If you have questions about your DMV record, you can request a Compliance Summary and a personal Driver Transcript.

Vehicles

  • Notify your insurance company of your move and provide them with your new address. If you wish to cancel your present insurance, do not do so until you get coverage from another insurance company. NEVER cancel your current insurance in Virginia BEFORE surrendering your Virginia license plates.
  • You may permanently surrender your license plate to DMV online. However, we encourage you to return your Virginia license plates by mail once you have re-registered your vehicle in another state. Though not required, this prevents fraudulent use of your plates and allows us to recycle the old license plates. In addition, if you have six full months or more remaining on your vehicle registration, you may be eligible for a refund. Please complete and mail the Vehicle Registration Refund Application (FMS 210) with your license plates.
  • Notify the Commissioner of the Revenue or Director of Finance of the locality you are moving from to prevent the locality from continuing to assess personal property taxes on your vehicle(s).
  • If your vehicle is leased, notify your leasing company.
  • Vehicle inspection requirements vary from state to state, so be sure to contact the inspection authorities in your new state.

Disabled Parking Placard 

If you have a disabled parking placard, you must return it to Virginia DMV in person or by mail either before or immediately after you move.

Need to update your address? 

The Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) can record three different addresses (residence, mailing, and vehicle registration). It is very important that you provide your correct address(es).

You can update your address(es): 

  • Online
  • By Mail
  • Over the phone
    • Please have the following information available:
      • Your full name and customer number
      • Title number and the last 4 digits of the vehicle identification number (VIN) for each vehicle that you own.

Changing your mailing or residence address to an address outside of Virginia may result in the cancellation of your driver’s license or ID card.