What Is the Abbreviation for Virginia?
The standard abbreviation for Virginia is VA. This page explains why Virginia uses VA, how the code fits into the modern USPS system, what older printed abbreviations looked like, and which nearby or similar state codes people commonly confuse with it.
What Is the Abbreviation for Virginia?
Virginia is abbreviated VA. Older sources may use Va., but the two-letter postal form VA is the modern standard for addresses, forms, databases, and current style guides.
Use VA for Virginia in mailing addresses, shipping labels, official forms, and database records.
Why Virginia Uses VA
Virginia's USPS abbreviation is VA.
USPS adopted VA for Virginia in 1963. The older form Va. still appears in older publications, but VA is the standard postal abbreviation today.
Old Abbreviation for Virginia
Before the USPS two-letter system became the mailing standard in 1963, printed reference books and newspapers often used longer abbreviations with punctuation. For Virginia, that older style was usually Va..
That older form still appears in historical texts, archival material, and some legacy style guides, but the modern postal and database standard is VA. If someone searches for old abbreviation for Virginia, the practical answer is to recognize Va. and use VA in current writing and addresses.
How to Write Virginia in an Address
In standard American addressing, the state line uses the city name followed by the two-letter code and ZIP Code. The abbreviation stays uppercase and does not take periods.
That same format applies in checkout forms, school worksheets, CRM exports, spreadsheets, shipping labels, and government databases — anywhere a two-letter state code is required.
VA Compared With Similar State Codes
VA is often checked against VT because the two V-state abbreviations can look similar in short lists and forms.
Related Abbreviation Questions
These states share a first letter, region, or alphabetical position with Virginia and are commonly checked alongside it.
Capital, Region, and Context
Virginia belongs to the South region. Its capital is Richmond, and its postal code VA is used in addresses, forms, and databases throughout the country.
Virginia entered the Union on June 25, 1788.
FAQ
What is the abbreviation for Virginia?
The standard USPS abbreviation for Virginia is VA.
What is the postal abbreviation for Virginia?
VA is the two-letter postal abbreviation for Virginia. It is the form used in mailing addresses, shipping labels, forms, and databases.
How do you abbreviate Virginia?
Abbreviate Virginia as VA in current USPS, mailing, and database use.
Why is Virginia abbreviated VA?
Virginia's USPS abbreviation is VA.
What does VA stand for?
VA stands for Virginia in the USPS state abbreviation system.
What is the old abbreviation for Virginia?
Older editorial styles often wrote Virginia as Va.. For mailing and database use, the modern standard is VA.
How do you write a Virginia mailing address?
Use the city name, then the two-letter postal code VA, then the ZIP Code. For example: Richmond, VA 00000.
What state is VA?
VA is the postal abbreviation for Virginia, located in the South region. The capital is Richmond.
Test All 50 State Abbreviations
Now that you know VA stands for Virginia, see how many of the other 49 you can get right. The M-states and I-states trip up most people.