Receiving License by Mail
You will receive your new driver’s license in the mail. For security, DMV does not issue licenses in customer service centers.
Address Changes
If you move, you are required to notify DMV within 30 days. The postal service will not forward your license to another address. If DMV does not have your correct address, the postal service will return the license to DMV.
New to Virginia
If you are a new Virginia resident and drive, you must obtain a Virginia driver’s license within 60 days of moving here.
Titles, Registrations, License Plates, Decals
Title and register your vehicle and obtain Virginia license plates within 30 days of moving to Virginia. License plates must be displayed on the front and rear of the vehicle. Decals indicating the month and year that the registration expires must be placed in the designated areas on the plates (except for vehicles displaying permanent plates).
You must have the vehicle registration card with you when operating the vehicle. You must also register your vehicle in your locality, if required. Check with your city or county government.
Safety Inspections
Your vehicle must pass an annual vehicle safety inspection and display a valid safety inspection sticker. In certain localities, your vehicle also must pass an emissions inspection. For more information about Virginia safety inspections, visit the Virginia State Police website at www.vsp.virginia.gov.