Arlington, Virginia consistently ranks as one of the best places to live in the country, with an easy Metro commute into DC, a strong restaurant and nightlife scene, and a mix of dense urban corridors and quiet residential neighborhoods. Once the move itself is handled, there are a handful of official steps every new Arlington resident needs to check off. Here’s what to take care of first.

Virginia Vehicle Registration

If you are moving to Arlington from another state, then you will need to register your vehicle with the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) within 30 days of move-in. You can register through the DMV’s website here.

Virginia’s Driver’s License

Our of state long distance movers must apply for a Virginia Driver’s License within 60 days of move-in. Commercial licenses must be obtained within 30 days of moving into Virginia. If you are 18 or older and hold a valid driver’s license issued from another US state, Canadian province, France, Germany, or South Korea, you must pass a vision screening test. You will not be required to:

Take the two-part knowledge exam
Road skills test
Show proof of successful completion of a driver’s education class or hold a learner’s permit for 60 days.

Arlington County Vehicle Registration

If you’re moving to Arlington from another state, you’ll need to register your vehicle with the Virginia DMV within 30 days of your move-in date. Out-of-state drivers must apply for a Virginia driver’s license within 60 days of moving, and commercial license holders have 30 days to obtain a Virginia CDL. If you’re 18 or older with a valid license from another U.S. state, Canada, France, Germany, or South Korea, you’ll need to pass a vision screening test, but you won’t need to complete a driver’s education course or hold a learner’s permit.

Purchase a vehicle decal for each of your cars.

Once your car has been registered, you will need to purchase a vehicle decal. Like make residents in Arlington, you can pay the decal fee online. After making the payment you can download and print a temporary decal until the permanent decal arrives. Your decal should arrive within 10 business days.

Dog Vaccinations & Dog License

Arlington, Virginia requires that your dog’s rabies vaccinations are current per Virginia Code § 3.2-6521. Arlington County Code requires residents to license their dogs. However, the County does not require the licensing of service dogs. One year license fees are $10 and a three year license is only $25. Licenses can be applied for by mail, in person, or online (renewals only). The application can be downloaded here.

Once you’ve checked off the official paperwork, the next step is the move itself. If you’re looking for movers in Arlington, VA, Craig Van Lines has been serving Northern Virginia families and businesses since 1918, with residential, commercial, packing, and storage services available. Contact us for a free quote on your Arlington move.

As a family-owned, BBB-accredited moving company, Craig Van Lines is committed to delivering stress-free, high-quality moving services. Our experienced movers treat your belongings with the utmost care, ensuring a smooth and successful relocation.

Call (703) 423-0582 for a FREE quote today!

Fred Craig

Fred C. Craig III is the owner of Craig Van Lines, a Northern Virginia moving company his family has run for more than a century. The business began in 1918 when J.H. Craig hauled cattle, feed, and hay from Virginia’s rural farms to the markets of the DC area. As the region shifted from farmland to residential communities in the 1940s, the family started moving households after hours and on weekends, eventually building the full-service moving company Craig Van Lines is today. Fred carries on that tradition, providing the same quality and care his family has brought to this community for over 100 years.

Moving to Arlington, VA? Here is a new resident checklist