A Checklist for Virginia Residency Requirements

How to I Establish Virginia Residency?

1. Live here. 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. Pay here. 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. Get mail here. 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. Drive here. It is vital to get your Virginia-issued driver’s license or state ID. Virginia residency requirements include getting your driver’s license within sixty days of moving. Satisfying Virginia 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. Vote here. 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 be registered or plan to vote in another state and not have a felony conviction. There are many ways you can complete registration including online, sate 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 22 days in advance of a general election to be eligible to participate.

6. Register your vehicle here. 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, make sure the Certification of Buyer section is complete and also complete the application of registration section, too. 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.

Virginia 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 20, 2023, you must have lived in Virginia from August 21, 2022. 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. 

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.

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 80% lower. Southern California home prices are 162% 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 from gorgeous summer sunsets to 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 with 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.

Making Virginia your next home is a smart decision. 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 you are moving to the Richmond area from across town or across the country, our expert movers can make 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. Our customer service is second to none 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 a free estimate at 804-377-1700.