International Movers to and from Virginia
Moving to or from Virginia means DMV tests for a UK driver’s license holder, because the UK is not on the exchange list, and a titling file for a car brought in from abroad.
A few short questions. Nothing is sent until you check and confirm.
What should you know before moving to Virginia from the UK?
Virginia had 8,880,107 residents on the Census Bureau’s estimate for 1 July 2025, and its DMV publishes two pages that settle most of a newcomer’s first month: one on exchanging a foreign driver’s license and one on titling a car that arrives from abroad. The first has a short list of countries, and the UK is not on it.
A partner-network removal company answers each enquiry, confirms the route and quotes, while we stay out of the moving itself. Household goods and duty are in the customs guide; the sequence of the whole move is in the UK to USA guide.
Can a UK driver’s license be exchanged at the Virginia DMV?
Not without tests. The DMV lists the six countries whose license holders can exchange: “a country other than Canada, France, Germany, Japan, South Korea, or Taiwan”. A holder from any other country, the UK included, is not eligible for reciprocity.
For those drivers the DMV sets a two-part knowledge exam, a road skills test and a vision screening: they “must pass the two-part knowledge exam”. The same page eases one step: “you may not be required to hold a learner’s permit for 60 days”.
Two limits to plan around. The exchange route is open only to applicants of 18 or more, so a younger family member completes all the testing. And the page places the verification step that can take up to fifteen days under the reciprocal countries, where the DMV checks the license with the issuing country; it does not describe that step for other countries. The appointment and identity documents are the same for everyone.
What does the Virginia DMV need to title a car brought in from the UK?
The DMV applies one rule to every car from abroad that is under 25 years old: it “must provide proof of compliance with, or exemption from” the federal motor vehicle safety standards (FMVSS) before titling and registration. A car that is exempt can be registered only for a specified period.
The paperwork for a titling application is a list the DMV prints in order: the title and registration application (VSA 17A), proof of address, a source of ownership such as an existing title or export certificate, English translations of any document written only in a foreign language, and a bill of sale or invoice that shows the vehicle identification number. The customs forms must be complete and carry the VIN:
- CBP Form 7501, the printed ACE or paper entry summary;
- CBP Form 3461;
- the Environmental Protection Agency 3520-1 declaration, if it applies;
- the Department of Transportation HS-7 declaration and any extra requirements it states.
A returning resident or service member can offer CBP Form 3299 with an electronic customs stamp in place of Form 7501, and then needs no HS-7. The fees listed are a $15 titling fee, sales and use tax, and a registration fee if you register the car. Foreign military personnel stationed in Virginia under NATO are exempt from bringing a car into compliance and may register it for the length of their tour only.
Which Virginia cities of 50,000 or more are covered here?
12 Virginia places reach 50,000 residents on the Census Bureau’s July 2025 figures: Alexandria 160,662; Chesapeake 255,332; Hampton 137,315; Harrisonburg 50,839; Lynchburg 81,347; Newport News 183,230; Norfolk 231,013; Portsmouth 96,777; Richmond 237,257; Roanoke 99,111; Suffolk 104,699; Virginia Beach 453,737.
Richmond’s police department page on temporary parking permits says where a mover starts: “When applying for moving permit, and/or a temporary residential parking permits, please call DPW Parking Division”. It names no fee or lead time, so none is stated. Two cities publish a rule a mover can use and have their own guides, Alexandria (reserved parking of up to five spaces) and Norfolk (a General Use permit and a call to the inspector). No other council page we read sets a kerb-space rule. Other states are set out in the state-by-state guide.
Which Virginia questions are still open?
The DMV pages we read do not state the deadline for a newcomer to take a Virginia license or register a car, and we did not read the Port of Virginia. Ask the DMV for both before the shipping date is fixed. Georgia publishes a license clock for newcomers, which the Virginia pages we read do not.
Questions about moving to or from Virginia
Is the UK on the Virginia DMV list of countries for license exchange?
No.
The DMV lists Canada, France, Germany, Japan, South Korea and Taiwan, so a UK license holder must pass the knowledge exam, the road skills test and a vision screening.
Do you need a learner’s permit in Virginia with a UK license?
The DMV says you may not be required to hold a learner’s permit for sixty days before the road skills test if your foreign license is acceptable.
What does Virginia need to title an imported car?
Proof of compliance with, or exemption from, the federal motor vehicle safety standards for a car under 25 years old, customs forms 7501 and 3461 showing the VIN, a bill of sale and the HS-7 declaration.
Who handles moving permits in Richmond?
The police department’s page sends applicants for a moving permit to the Department of Public Works Parking Division by phone.
Send us the details of your Virginia move
Say where in Virginia you are going, with ZIP code and floor, whether a car comes, your dates and the main pieces.
About International Removals Companies
International Removals Companies is an enquiry and introduction service run by DATACONTEXT (UK) LTD, in partnership with AGM Group. We don't move goods ourselves: the removal company quotes for your move and carries it out, so check its credentials and terms before you book. Our service is free. Discuss the quotation and booking terms directly with the removal company.
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- In partnership withAGM Group (agm.group)