Welcome to Tangier Island!
Moving to an island community can be a little different from moving elsewhere in Virginia. This guide provides information to help new residents connect utilities and internet service, find local and county services, and take care of some of the basics that come with making Tangier your home.
A little advance planning can go a long way. Tangier is accessible by boat or air, so services that require an off-island technician, contractor, equipment or delivery may take longer to arrange than they would on the mainland. When possible, contact utility and service providers before your move.
Water, Sewer and Trash
The Town of Tangier provides water, sewer and residential trash service to island residents.
New residents should contact the Town to make sure the appropriate account and billing information is established for their property.
Town of Tangier
Email: townoffice@tangiervirginia.org
Because these are municipal services, residents should contact the Town directly with questions about establishing service, billing, collection schedules or disposal of large or unusual items.
Electricity
Electric service on Tangier Island is provided by A&N Electric Cooperative.
To establish or transfer electric service, contact:
A&N Electric Cooperative
Phone: 757-787-9750
Website: www.anec.com
When contacting A&N Electric, have the Tangier service address and information about the person who will be responsible for the account available.
Plan ahead when establishing new service. Because Tangier is accessible only by boat or air, work requiring an on-site visit by an off-island technician or contractor may take additional time to schedule. New residents are encouraged to contact A&N Electric as early as possible before moving to the island.
Internet
Several internet options are available on Tangier Island. The Eastern Shore of Virginia Broadband Authority (ESVBA) is one of the island’s primary providers, offering high-speed fiber internet service.
To inquire about ESVBA residential service:
Eastern Shore of Virginia Broadband Authority
New residential service: 757-709-7080
Customer service/payment portal assistance: 757-414-0304
Website: www.esvba.com
ESVBA can determine service availability at a specific property and provide information about what may be required to establish service.
Other internet options are also available, including satellite-based services such as Starlink. Availability, equipment requirements, speeds and costs vary by provider, so residents may want to compare options based on their individual needs.
Plan ahead when establishing internet service. Tangier’s island location means installations or service calls requiring personnel or equipment to come from the mainland can take additional time to coordinate. Weather and transportation availability may also affect scheduling.
New residents are encouraged to contact their preferred provider before moving to Tangier and ask about availability at their specific address, equipment or installation requirements, costs and estimated time to establish service.
Telephone
Telephone options vary depending on the property and type of service desired.
Residents with reliable internet service may choose an internet-based telephone service, while cellular service may also be an option depending on the carrier and location.
Before moving, residents who depend on a particular cellular carrier or telephone service should verify coverage and availability at their Tangier address.
Tangier’s ZIP code is 23440. Mail is delivered to the Post Office, where it is put in a post office box.
Some packages are delivered to the post office, while others are delivered to residents’ home after being unloaded from the mail boat.
The mail boat picks up mail Monday through Saturday, weather permitting, in Crisfield, Maryland, and carries it to the island at about 1 p.m. The Post Office typically opens around 2 p.m. to allow people a chance to get their mail.
New residents should update their mailing address with the U.S. Postal Service as well as financial institutions, insurance companies, employers, government agencies and others who regularly send them mail.
Because Tangier is an island, residents should also keep transportation and delivery logistics in mind when ordering furniture, appliances, building materials or other large items that may not be handled like ordinary mail or packages.
Besides carrying the mail, the mail boat is one of the main ways to get off and on the island. Each trip costs $30 per person and must be paid in cash. Sometimes there is limited space on the mailboat, as the boat also carries goods, such as restaurant food delivers, construction supplies, etc.
Some people move by having a barge deliver their furniture, while others mail their mail to themselves at the new address.
The boat will not travel to Crisfield if the weather is not cooperative.
Driver’s License and Vehicle Registration
Virginia driver’s licenses and vehicle registrations are handled by the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles. Vehicles on Tangier need a Tangier license, which is usually available in May at the Town Hall.
Vehicles are typically golf carts or ATVs, as larger vehicles have to be taken to the island by barge.
Virginia DMV
Customer Service: 866-368-5463
Website: www.dmv.virginia.gov
The nearest DMV customer service center is located on the Eastern Shore:
Virginia DMV – Onancock
20 North Street
Onancock, VA
Many DMV transactions can also be completed online.
Local Taxes
Tangier Island is located in Accomack County, and residents may have both Town and County tax obligations.
For questions about Accomack County tax payments:
Accomack County Treasurer
Phone: 757-787-5738
For questions about assessments:
Accomack County Commissioner of the Revenue
Phone: 757-787-5747
Residents should also contact the Town of Tangier regarding any applicable Town taxes, licenses, tags or other local fees.
Dog Licenses
Dogs age 4 months or older are required to be licensed in Accomack County. A current rabies vaccination certificate is required to obtain a license.
Licenses are available through:
Accomack County Treasurer’s Office
Phone: 757-787-5738
Phone: 757-824-6451
Register to Vote
New Tangier residents who are eligible to vote can register or update their voter registration through the Accomack County Registrar’s Office.
Accomack County Registrar
24387 Joynes Neck Road
Accomac, VA
Phone: 757-787-2935
Phone: 757-824-0525
Virginia residents can also register to vote or update their information online through the Virginia Department of Elections.
Schools
Tangier is served by Accomack County Public Schools.
Families with school-age children should contact the school division for current enrollment requirements and information about education for students living on Tangier. You can stop by the school to get information on how to register your child.
Each new student is required to have a check-up and up-to-date immunization records.
Accomack County Public Schools
23296 Courthouse Ave.
Accomac, VA
Phone: 757-787-5754
Emergency Services
For emergencies, call 911.
Living on an island means emergency response, medical transportation and severe-weather planning can be different from what residents may be accustomed to on the mainland.
The island has an ambulance and volunteer fire department, as well as a clinic. Severe injuries require transportation by medical helicopter.
New residents are encouraged to become familiar with local emergency procedures and pay close attention to information from the Town of Tangier and Accomack County during hurricanes, coastal storms and other severe weather.
Residents who rely on electricity for medical equipment or have other special transportation or medical needs should plan ahead for emergencies and extended power outages.
Town Government
For questions specific to living on Tangier, contact the Town:
Town of Tangier
Tangier, VA 23440
Email: townoffice@tangiervirginia.org
Town Council information, meeting notices, public notices and other community information are available on the Town of Tangier website.
Information on this page is provided as a convenience to new residents. Utility rates, service availability, contact information and procedures can change. Please confirm current requirements, costs and scheduling directly with the appropriate provider or government agency.
Tangier Island, Virginia 