Chip & Tap EBT Cards are coming to Virginia!

Governor Spanberger announced on September 10 that new Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards that families use to access their SNAP benefits will be available to all EBT users by the end of the year. Replacement EBT cards will be available in phases, depending upon locality. People living in the following counties will receive their new EBT cards by October 1, 2026:  

All other EBT users will receive their replacement EBT cards by the end of the year.  

The replacement EBT cards will now have a chip, which makes them more secure and less likely to be “skimmed.” “Skimming” is a way of stealing SNAP benefits by tampering with a card reader. Current EBT cards use only a magnetic strip for payments, and the magnetic strip is more vulnerable to skimming. The new chip cards will be able to be inserted into card readers or used to “tap” to pay. “Tap” purchases are the most secure way to use benefits.  

Current magnetic strip EBT cards will be deactivated 60 days after the new EBT cards are issued, so it is vital that local Departments of Social Services have the most current household contact information to prevent any delays in receiving the new cards. All households enrolled in SNAP in Virginia should verify the address and phone number listed with their local DSS as soon as possible. You can update your information on CommonHelp or by contacting your local Department of Social Services (directory here).  

When your replacement EBT card arrives, follow any instructions to activate the card and be sure to change your PIN.  

For more information about Virginia’s transition to chip/tap EBT cards, please visit virginiachipcard.com.  

Last updated: 09/15/2026