Virginia registration renewal happens online, by mail, or in person at your local DMV office
Virginia allows you to renew your vehicle registration through three routes: the DMV website (dmvnow.com), the mail, or a walk-in visit to a DMV office. Most people renew online because it takes 10 minutes and you can do it from home. Mail renewal takes longer but requires no trip. In-person renewal at a DMV office is fastest if you need the new registration when ready, though you may wait in line.
Your registration renewal notice arrives about 60 days before your expiration date. That notice contains your renewal code, which you need for online or mail renewal. If you have lost the notice, you can still renew online by entering your vehicle identification number (VIN) and driver's license number instead.
Virginia registration is valid for one year from your renewal date. You must renew before the expiration date on your current registration to avoid a late fee. Driving with an expired registration can result in a traffic stop and a fine.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal through dmvnow.com takes about 10 minutes and costs the standard registration fee, which varies by vehicle weight and type.
- You need either your renewal notice (which arrives 60 days before expiration) or your VIN and driver's license number to renew online.
- Mail renewal requires the same documents as online renewal but takes 7 to 10 business days after the DMV receives your form.
- In-person renewal at a DMV office is the fastest option if you need your new registration the same day, but requires a trip and possible wait time.
- Late renewal carries a penalty fee on top of your standard registration cost, so renewing before your expiration date saves money.
Online renewal through dmvnow.com
Go to dmvnow.com and select "Renew Vehicle Registration." You will need your renewal notice (which has your renewal code) or your VIN and driver's license number. Enter your vehicle information, confirm the address where your new registration should be mailed, and review the fee. Pay by credit card, debit card, or electronic check. You will receive a confirmation number when ready.
Your new registration card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. During that time, you can print your confirmation page and carry it as proof of renewal if you are stopped by police. The confirmation page shows your confirmation number and the date you renewed.
Online renewal is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The DMV website is usually fastest during off-peak hours (early morning or late evening) when traffic is lower.
Mail renewal with Form VSA 17
To renew by mail, complete Form VSA 17 (process for Vehicle Registration Renewal), which you can read from dmvnow.com or request by calling the DMV at 804-367-0538. Fill in your vehicle information, sign the form, and enclose your renewal notice or a copy of your current registration. Include a check or money order for the renewal fee made payable to the Treasurer of Virginia.
Mail your completed form to the address listed on the form (the DMV has multiple regional processing centers). Processing takes 7 to 10 business days after the DMV receives your form. Mail delivery itself can add 3 to 5 days on each end, so plan for 2 to 3 weeks total from the time you drop your envelope in the mail.
Keep a copy of your completed form and your check number for your records. If your registration expires before your renewal arrives, you are technically driving with an expired registration, even though you have applied. To avoid this, mail your renewal at least three weeks before your expiration date.
In-person renewal at a DMV office
Bring your renewal notice (or your current registration and driver's license), proof of Virginia insurance, and your vehicle's title or registration card to any DMV office. You can walk in without an appointment, though wait times vary by location and time of day. DMV offices are typically less crowded on weekday mornings and more crowded on Saturdays and late afternoons.
The DMV staff will verify your information, collect your fee, and issue your new registration card on the spot. You can drive away with your new registration the same day. This is the only renewal method that gives you when ready proof of current registration.
Find your nearest DMV office and check its hours on dmvnow.com. Some offices have longer hours than others, and a few are open on Saturday mornings.
Registration fees and what affects the cost
Virginia registration fees depend on your vehicle's gross weight rating (the maximum weight it can safely carry, including passengers and cargo). Passenger cars typically cost less than trucks or SUVs. The fee also varies slightly based on whether your vehicle is a standard passenger vehicle, a commercial vehicle, or a motorcycle.
You can see the exact fee for your vehicle before you complete your renewal online—dmvnow.com shows the cost before you pay. If you are renewing by mail or in person, call 804-367-0538 to ask what your fee will be based on your vehicle type and weight.
If you renew after your registration expires, Virginia adds a late fee on top of your standard registration cost. The penalty increases the longer you wait, so renewing on time saves money.
What to do if your renewal notice is lost
You do not need your renewal notice to renew online or by mail. Online, enter your VIN and driver's license number instead of your renewal code. By mail, include a copy of your current registration or title in place of the renewal notice.
If you cannot locate your VIN, it appears on your current registration card, your vehicle's title, your insurance card, and on the driver's side of your windshield (on a small metal plate). You can also call the DMV at 804-367-0538 and provide your name and driver's license number, and they will give you your VIN over the phone.
Renewing when your registration has already expired
If your registration has expired, you can still renew using any of the three methods. However, you cannot legally drive the vehicle until your renewal is processed and your new registration arrives. Online and mail renewal both take time, so you will be driving with an expired registration during that period.
If you need to drive when ready, go to a DMV office in person. Bring your expired registration, proof of insurance, and your title or registration card. The DMV will process your renewal on the spot and issue your new registration the same day, so you can legally drive again when ready.
Late renewal fees explore once your registration expires, so the sooner you renew, the lower your penalty will be.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my registration if my vehicle inspection has expired?
No. Virginia requires a current safety inspection before you can renew your registration. If your inspection has expired, you must get a new one at a licensed inspection station before you renew. The inspection costs between $16 and $20 depending on your vehicle type. Once you have a current inspection, you can renew your registration online, by mail, or in person.
What if my address has changed since my last registration?
Update your address during renewal. Online, you will see a field to confirm or change your mailing address before you pay. By mail, write your new address clearly on Form VSA 17. In person, tell the DMV staff your new address and they will update it in the system. Your new registration card will be mailed to your updated address.
How long does my registration last after I renew?
Your new registration is valid for one year from the renewal date. Your renewal notice will show your new expiration date. Set a reminder on your phone or calendar about 60 days before that date so you do not forget to renew again.
Can I renew online if I have a vanity plate?
Yes. Vanity plates renew the same way as standard plates. Your renewal notice will show your vanity plate number. If you want to change your vanity plate during renewal, you must do that in person at a DMV office or by calling 804-367-0538 to request a new plate design.
What if I sell my vehicle before my registration expires?
You do not need to renew a registration for a vehicle you no longer own. When you sell your vehicle, provide the buyer with the current registration card and title. You do not get a refund for the unused portion of your registration. If you buy a new vehicle, you will need to register that vehicle separately.