How to Register a Vehicle in Virginia
Virginia law requires that motor vehicle owners must register their vehicle with the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) before taking it on the road. Both new and second-hand vehicles must be registered, regardless of whether they are purchased from a dealer or an individual. In addition, new Virginia residents who have registered their vehicle in another state must register their vehicle in Virginia. The initial vehicle registration must be done in person but registration renewals can be done on-line, by phone, by mail or in person.
INITIAL REGISTRATION
If you are registering a motor vehicle in Virginia for the first time, you must complete the following steps:
- All vehicles in Virginia should be insured. When you register your vehicle you must either provide proof of insurance, or pay the Uninsured Motor Vehicle (UMV) Fee. The UMV fee is valid for 12 months, but does not provide any insurance cover.
- Collect the necessary paperwork. If you bought your vehicle from a dealer, then the dealer will have sent the necessary paperwork to the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles. In all other circumstances you will need to collect the following additional papers:
- Vehicle title. New residents in Virginia must apply for a title before they can register a vehicle.
- Proof that your vehicle has passed a safety inspection, if required
- Proof that your vehicle has passed an emissions control test, if required
- A completed Vehicle Registration Application.
- Visit your local DMV office, and bring the completed forms with you.
REGISTRATION FEES
Registration fees are based on various factors, including your vehicle's weight and type of license plate you require. Your registration fee will include some or all of the following:- State registration fee, which varies according to vehicle type, but is normally $38.75 for a passenger vehicle or $26.75 for a motor cycle.
- If your area participates in the Local Vehicle Registration Program you will have an additional fee.
- If you have requested personalized license plates, there will be an additional cost.
RENEWING YOUR VEHICLE REGISTRATION
Owners of motor vehicles in Virginia are required to renew their vehicle registration annually, and can do so in person, online or by mail and phone. See our Registration Renewal section for complete details.ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
- The process for registering a motorcycle is generally the same as a car registration. However, there are different procedures for boat registration and custom car registration. Trailers can be registered annually, bi-annually or permanently.
- Auto Insurance is needed to legally operate all vehicles in Virginia.
- See also Renewing Your Vehicle Registration.
- See also Title Transfers and Car Insurance.
Reviews of How to Register a Vehicle in Virginia
I am in the process of having a food concession trailer built in Florida. I will be drivinig to pick the trailer up. What plates do I need for the trailer in order to travel with it.
I was supposed to get a renewel in October and didn't get it in the mail, so do I need to come in to renew my tags? Or can it be done online?
I went to DMV and change my address on my license, but they have not send me a new registration with new address. Do I need to send in the old one for them to send me the new one with new address....
do i need to turn in my plates from a car that i sold. at a office personaly or can they be dropped off?.
I think I paid my registration for 2 yrs. or more, how can I check on line to see if I paid it. thanks, Leslie Hagerman License No. WVUVATK
i have a ford truck in my yard and its been there for a year and a half how do i get a title for an abandoned vehicle i have the keys vin and odometer reading
My daughter is a Virginia resident attending a university in Utah. She must maintain Virginia residency to have in-state privileges at any of Virginia’s public medical schools, which she hopes to attend. Her vehicle registration will soon expire. It is extremely impractical (six days of driving) for her to return to have her vehicle inspected. It is our understanding that she will need a safety inspection before she can renew her registration. Can she substitute a Utah inspection or have the inspection requirement waved until she (and her car) can return to Virginia?
can i tag and title a car with liscense being suspended?
We purchased a vehicle at an auction and need to pick it up and get tags. We have insurance on the vehicle. Once we get the title, is there a temp document to allow us to drive it off the auction lot to DMV to get official registration and tags?
I live in West Virginia but I also lease a place in Moneta Virginia. I stay in Virginia about 6 months out of the year. Can I register my vehicles in Virginia, do I have to get Virginia drivers license or can I keep my West Virginia?
I BOUGHT A USED VEHICLE-THE DEALER REGISTER ME IN THE WRONG COUNTY, WAS WONDERING IF I CAN CORRECT THAT ON -LINE OR HAVE TO DO THIS IN PERSON? THE COUNTY THAT IT WAS REGISTER IN SAID I HAVE TO HAVE PROOF FROM DMV OF THE COUNTY IT IS GARAGED- IN ORDER OF NOT HAVING TO PAY THE PERSONAL PROPERTY TAXES IN THAT COUNTY. HELP, PLEASE, THANKS
Just wondering if you need to have a drivers license to register a vehicle in my name?
YES
how much do it cost to register my vehicle its an 02 intrepid
I am new to Va and my cars Pa tags are expired, what do I need to have to register my car in Va? i am getting my Va drivers license tomorrow, I have valid insurance but I dont know what to do about the Pa registration which has been expired for about a year now.
just go to dmv and tell them u want to register ur vehicle here in VA...u have to have it inspected first before they wil register it...proof of insurance, title if u have it, or just call them..its simple
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Is there a way to authorize someone, to be able to use your personally owned vehicle but for them to obtain the registration and tags in there name, without making them a co-owner on the vehicles title? For instance ; the owner of the vehicle is required to have an SR22 insurance policy and also currently has a suspended drivers license, therefore the owner of this vehicle would not be driving the vehicle under any terms at any time, while registered and/or tagged during the intended authorized users use??
Just wondering if someone could help me out, i've only got my learner's permit and was wondering if it would be possible for me to register a vehicle under my name or is it absolutelly necessary to have my driver's license to register one?
no
how do it cost for title & registration i got a 1989 chevrolet pickup
Deceased husband had bronze star license plate. How do I renew and keep same plate as well as retitle vehicle? thanks!
car registration
Im trying to find out. If i can turn my street bike into a street quad. Is it our can you get it street legal in Virginia Roanoke/Vinton area 24179 ( The street bike whould have 4-wheels light break horn street tires every thang it already have but 4- wheels
I hope this is right i beentrying to get my handy cap pass for some time now , still it have not came what do I do theold one runs out in 2 days