Let’s face it. Relocating isn’t easy. The whirlwind of emotions goes from excitement for a new beginning to the bittersweet realization that you’re leaving the familiar behind. Then there is the long list of practical items to get through. Change your address. Enroll kids in school. Find your favorite new coffee place.
Don’t forget that local and state municipalities also have requirements to establish residency. If you are lucky enough to make Virginia your next home, the moving professionals at Stewart Moving & Storage are here to make your move stress-free. Our experts answer your questions about Virginia residency and offer this convenient list of Virginia residency requirements to get you settled.
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Who is a Virginia resident?
You are a resident of the Commonwealth of Virginia if you have lived or maintained a place of abode in Virginia for more than 183 days during the calendar year. These do not need to be consecutive days of residency, but simply add up to more than 183 days between January 1st and December 31st.
Why is establishing Virginia residency important?
You need to establish legal residency for tax purposes, voting, registering motor vehicles, enrolling in school from primary to college, and more. Even if you spend time in every other state in the union, you must have one domicile as your true or main residence. The legal term of domicile means a place “where an individual has his true, fixed, permanent home and principal establishment, and to which place he has, whenever he is absent, the intention of returning.” You might own several homes in several states, but you only have one domicile. Most often, your legal residence is also where you maintain ties to your family and social circle, as well as your foundation for economic, political, and religious ties.
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How to Establish Virginia Residency: 2025 Checklist
1. Live in Virginia
The very first step in establishing Virginia residency is purchasing a home or signing a lease. The property deed or lease paperwork with your actual address is a necessary component of proving that you physically reside within the commonwealth’s borders.
2. Establish Virginia Financial and Utility Ties
Put utilities in your name. You will likely bring utility bills with you to prove your residency at the DMV and local municipalities. Don’t forget to change your address for all credit cards, loans, and more, even if you only pay and receive correspondence online. You will also open bank accounts and order checks with your new address.
3. Notify USPS of New Address
Make sure you let the United States Postal Service (USPS) know you have a new Virginia address. The USPS online system makes it easy to update your location, and there are premium options available that will forward mail for up to a year, including magazine subscriptions.
4. Register for a Virginia Driver's License/ID
It is vital to get your Virginia-issued driver’s license or state ID. Virginia legal residency requirements include getting your driver’s license within sixty days of moving. Satisfying Virginia's driving license requirements is similar to other states. Even if you have a valid driver’s license from another state, you will still need these items to meet Virginia driver’s license requirements:
- Two forms of proof for Virginia residency, such as a signed lease, mortgage statement, or deed.
- One form of proof of legal presence. Legal presence means that you must be a U.S. citizen, legal permanent resident, or otherwise legally authorized to be in the United States through an eligible immigration status.
- One form of proof of identity. This includes an official birth certificate, unexpired passport, or REAL ID from another state. If you have recently changed your name (marriage, divorce, etc.), bring proof of name change as well.
- One form of proof of your Social Security number. Though it may be able to be verified electronically, it is a safe bet to bring in your Social Security card or official W-2 from your employer.
5. Register to Vote in Virginia
Once you have your official Virginia ID, it is time to register to vote. You must be a U.S. citizen, 18 years of age or older, not registered or planning to vote in another state, not currently declared mentally incompetent by a court of law, and if you have a felony conviction, your right to vote must have been restored. There are many ways you can complete registration, including online, state, or local government offices where you might apply for Medicaid or other social services, public libraries, DMV offices, at a voter registration drive, and more. You must register to vote at least 11 days in advance of a general election to be eligible to participate.
6. Register Your Vehicle in Virginia
Virginia residency requirements mean that any car you own must be registered. A completed Virginia registration meets the requirements of one front and one back license plate, decals displaying the expiration date of your registration, and a registration card. Here is what you need to register your car:
- Have the vehicle titled in Virginia. If purchasing a car with a Virginia title, complete the Certification of Buyer section. You will also need proof of address and proof of purchase price when titling your vehicle in Virginia.
- Complete an application for registration.
- Pass the emissions inspection.
- Provide proof of minimum insurance requirements. If you are unable to provide proof of insurance, you will be required to pay the uninsured motor vehicle fee of $500.
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Virginia Residency Requirements for Taxes
Taxes may not be the most exciting part of settling into a new home, but getting them right early can save you headaches (and maybe a few bucks) down the road. Virginia’s tax rules are pretty straightforward once you break them down, but they hinge on your residency status. Don’t worry, we’ve got your back with a quick checklist on how to become a Virginia resident and how to determine whether you’re a full-year resident, part-year mover, or nonresident for tax purposes in 2025.
Remember, Virginia taxes residents on all income, while nonresidents only pay taxes on income earned from Virginia sources. Here’s what you need to know:
1. Establish Your Domicile
If Virginia is your true, fixed home—the place you intend to return to no matter where life takes you—you’re likely a domiciliary resident. Think of it this way: Where’s your heart (and most of your stuff) rooted? Update your address with the IRS and the Virginia Department of Taxation as soon as possible.
2. Count Your Days (The 183-Day Rule)
Spend more than 183 days in the Commonwealth during the tax year? You’re considered a statutory resident, even if your “official” home is elsewhere. Track those visits, vacations, work trips, and family stays—they all count.
Pro tip: Use a simple calendar app to log your days.
3. Part-Year Perks (or Pitfalls)
Moving mid-year? You’re a part-year resident. You’ll need to prorate your income based on time spent in Virginia. File Form 760PY to report it accurately; it’s less intimidating than it sounds.
4. Nonresident? Source It Up
Got a job, rental property, or side hustle in Virginia but live out of state? You’ll only be taxed on that Virginia-sourced income. No full-year filing needed unless you cross that 183-day threshold.
5. File Like a Pro
Residents use Form 760, while part-year residents should file Form 760PY. The filing deadline for 2025 taxes is May 1, 2026. Virginia automatically grants a six-month extension until November 1, 2026, for filing. However, make sure to pay any taxes owed by the original May 1 deadline to avoid penalties and interest. Any withholdings from your W-2 count toward your tax bill, so double-check those forms for accuracy.
Missed something? Visit tax.virginia.gov for free tools and resources.
While you’re getting your finances in order, let Stewart Moving & Storage handle the heavy lifting for your next move. Get a no-obligation quote today and focus on what truly matters: making Virginia feel like home.
Virginia Residency Requirements for Tuition
Virginia state residency requirements are similar to most states, and following these tips makes it easy to settle into your Virginia home. If you or a family member are planning to attend college in Virginia, you must establish Virginia residency to qualify for in-state tuition rates. You must be a Virginia resident for a minimum of twelve months prior to the first day of class. For example, if classes begin August 17, 2026, you must have lived in Virginia from August 18, 2025. You might be asked to prove this through proof of home ownership or tax agreement, and/or tax paperwork. If you are a dependent, the domicile of your parents is assumed to be yours.
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Virginia Residency Requirements for Divorce
You may have a question about Virginia residency requirements for divorce. In the Commonwealth of Virginia, one spouse must have lived in Virginia for a minimum of six months before filing a complaint for divorce, and this spouse must also be a current resident at the time the complaint is filed.
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Reasons Why You Should Move to Virginia
When you move to a new state, it is important to do your research. Ideally, spend at least a couple of days in your new city and explore. Check out a locally owned restaurant to feel the neighborhood vibe. Drive from the neighborhood to your new place of employment to measure commute times and find a convenient route. There are many online resources to help you discover the best schools for the family and safe neighborhoods where you can make yourself right at home.
Depending on where you are relocating from, you will want to check out the cost-of-living difference between states. You might be pleasantly surprised. For example, if you are relocating from Los Angeles, California, to Richmond, Virginia, your cost of living will be 24% lower. Southern California home prices are roughly 125% higher than in Richmond, Virginia, so your home dollar goes a lot farther. Virginia residency also means some of the lowest sales tax and income tax in the nation. That is a great reason to make Virginia home.
- Lower cost of living is not the only reason that Virginia is a terrific place to live. The Commonwealth of Virginia has gorgeous scenery, from rolling hills to mountains and beaches. Virginia has beautiful wine country and hundreds of craft breweries. Virginia residents enjoy all four seasons, including gorgeous summer sunsets and brilliant fall foliage. Virginia is home to 22 national parks showcasing the natural beauty and history of the Commonwealth. Highlights of Virginia national parks for outdoor lovers include Shenandoah National Park, The Blue Ridge Parkway, and the Appalachian National Scenic Trail.
- Virginia is also the place for history buffs. The Commonwealth was one of the first 13 colonies in America, and it is also the birthplace of more presidents than any other state. America’s roots are strong in Virginia, with sites to visit from the Revolutionary War, Civil War, and beyond. Virginia’s proximity to Washington, DC, makes it the perfect place to base your history journey.
- Virginia is also a smart place to start or change your career. Business is booming in Virginia, and the low unemployment rate and high pay rate make it prime for opportunity. Strong sectors include tech, business, agriculture, military, and hospitality. Virginia is also home to 176 colleges and universities with nationally ranked University of Virginia. Primary and secondary education in Virginia regularly ranks in the top ten in the nation. So whether you want to learn more or are ready to take your knowledge to the job market, Virginia is your place to shine.
- Establishing Virginia residency is simple when you take the right steps. If you are ready to relocate to the great Commonwealth of Virginia, your first call should be to Stewart Moving & Storage. Whether your move to the Richmond area is local or a complex long-distance journey, our expert movers specialize in everything from interstate moving to full cross-country moves, making the process less stressful. We can pack your belongings, do all of the heavy lifting, drive the truck, unload, and unpack your items for you. Stewart Moving & Storage takes care of your belongings like they are our own.
Put your trust in one of the largest independent moving companies in the U.S. We can store your items if you need some time to find just the right place. Your dedicated Move Coordinator will assist you from day one until your last box is unpacked. There is a reason we say we’ve unpacked the secrets to a successful move. Call Stewart Moving & Storage for free
moving estimates at
804-377-1700.
FAQs about Virginia Residency Requirements
What qualifies as proof of residency in Virginia?
Acceptable proofs of residency in Virginia commonly include a deed, mortgage, or residential lease agreement, and a utility bill (gas, electric, water) or a monthly bank/credit card statement. You are generally required to provide two documents that clearly display your name and current Virginia residential address.
How long does it take to gain residency in Virginia?
The time it takes to establish residency in Virginia depends on the purpose.
- For income tax purposes, you are generally considered a resident if you live in Virginia for more than 183 days during the tax year.
- For a driver's license, you must obtain one within 60 days of moving, which proves physical presence.
- The most stringent requirement is for in-state tuition, where you must establish and maintain legal domicile for a minimum of 12 consecutive months before the first day of class.
How do you qualify for in-state tuition in Virginia?
To qualify for in-state tuition in Virginia, the main path is establishing a domicile—your permanent legal home where you intend to stay indefinitely. You must prove this by clear and convincing evidence for a period of at least 12 consecutive months immediately preceding the first day of classes..
What documents do I need to renew my license in Virginia?
You will generally need your current license, payment for the fee, and to pass a vision test (if renewing in person).
For a standard (non-REAL ID) renewal, no additional documents are typically needed unless your last renewal was not in person. If you are getting a REAL ID in Virginia, you must renew in person and bring original documents to prove your identity, legal presence, Social Security number, and two proofs of Virginia residency. Always check online for the Virginia DMV proof of residency requirements for your specific situation.
Do I have to pay Virginia state taxes if I live overseas?
If you have not taken deliberate steps to establish domicile elsewhere, Virginia will likely still consider you a resident and tax your worldwide income.
If you have successfully severed all significant ties with Virginia and established a permanent home elsewhere, you should only owe Virginia tax if you have income sourced from Virginia.
