Virginia registration renewal happens online, by mail, or in person at a DMV office, and the method you choose depends on whether your vehicle passed inspection and whether you need a new plate

Virginia's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) lets you renew your registration without visiting an office if your vehicle has a current safety inspection and you do not need a new plate. You can renew online through the Virginia DMV website, by mail, or by phone. If your inspection has expired, your plate is damaged, or you want to change your address, you will need to go to a DMV office in person.

Your registration renewal notice arrives in the mail 30 to 60 days before your expiration date. That notice contains your renewal code, which you will need for online or phone renewal. The cost of renewal varies by vehicle weight and type — passenger cars typically cost between $40 and $50, but trucks and other vehicles may differ. You can pay by credit card, debit card, or electronic check online; by check or money order by mail; or by card over the phone.

Key Takeaways

  • Online renewal through the Virginia DMV website takes about 10 minutes and is available if your inspection is current and you do not need a new plate.
  • Your renewal notice arrives 30 to 60 days before expiration and includes the renewal code you need to renew online or by phone.
  • You must visit a DMV office in person if your safety inspection has expired, your plate is damaged, or you are changing your address.
  • Mail renewal takes 7 to 10 business days after the DMV receives your payment, so send it at least two weeks before your expiration date.
  • Driving with an expired registration is a traffic violation in Virginia and can result in a fine or court summons.

Online renewal through the Virginia DMV website

The Virginia DMV website at dmvnow.com is the fastest renewal route if you are may be able to access. You will need your renewal notice (which contains your renewal code), your vehicle identification number (VIN), and a valid payment method. The process takes about 10 minutes, and your new registration is valid when ready after payment clears.

Online renewal is available only if your vehicle has a current safety inspection on file with the DMV and you do not need a new plate. If your inspection expired more than 30 days ago, the system will not let you renew online — you must visit a DMV office. The same applies if your plate is damaged, lost, or stolen, or if you need to change your address on your registration.

After you complete online renewal, you can print a temporary registration document right away. Your new registration card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. Keep the temporary document in your vehicle until the new card arrives.

Renewing by mail

Mail renewal works if your inspection is current and you do not need a new plate. Complete the renewal notice that arrived in the mail, sign it, and include a check or money order for the renewal fee. Mail it to the address printed on the notice. Do not send cash.

The DMV processes mail renewals in the order they are received. Processing takes 7 to 10 business days after the DMV receives your envelope, so mail your renewal at least two weeks before your expiration date to avoid driving with an expired registration. Your new registration card arrives by mail after processing is complete.

If you lose your renewal notice, you can still renew by mail — contact the DMV to request a new notice, or bring your vehicle information to a DMV office and ask for a mail renewal form.

Renewing by phone

You can renew by phone by calling the Virginia DMV at 1-888-337-8269. Have your renewal notice and a credit or debit card ready. The phone line is open Monday through Friday, 8:15 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. Eastern time. Processing takes the same amount of time as online renewal — your registration is valid when ready after payment clears, and your new card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

Phone renewal has the same restrictions as online renewal: your inspection must be current, and you cannot use this method if you need a new plate or need to change your address.

When you must visit a DMV office in person

Visit a DMV office if your safety inspection has expired, your plate is damaged or lost, you are changing your address, or you want to change your vehicle's information on the registration. You will need your current registration card, proof of a current safety inspection (if you have one), and a valid form of identification. Bring your vehicle's title if you are making changes to the vehicle information.

Bring a check, money order, or card for payment. The DMV office will process your renewal on the spot, and you will receive a temporary registration document to use while your new card is mailed to you. The new card arrives within 7 to 10 business days.

Virginia DMV offices are located in every county and independent city. You can find the office nearest you and check wait times on the DMV website. Walk-in service is available, but you can also schedule an appointment online to reduce your wait time.

Safety inspection requirements for renewal

Virginia requires a safety inspection every 12 months. Your inspection must be current when you renew your registration, or the DMV will not process your renewal online or by mail. If your inspection expired within the last 30 days, you can still renew online or by mail, but you must get a new inspection before your registration expires.

A safety inspection checks your brakes, lights, windshield wipers, horn, steering, suspension, tires, and seat belts. Any licensed inspection station in Virginia can perform the inspection — gas stations, tire shops, and independent repair shops all offer this service. The inspection costs between $15 and $20 and takes about 15 minutes. Once you pass, the inspection is valid for 12 months from the date of inspection, not from your registration renewal date.

If your inspection has expired and you need to renew your registration, schedule an inspection first, then renew your registration. You cannot legally drive with an expired inspection, even if your registration is current.

Late renewal and expired registration penalties

If your registration expires before you renew it, you are driving illegally in Virginia. A police officer can stop you for an expired registration and issue you a traffic summons. The penalty is a fine, and you may be required to appear in court. The amount of the fine varies by locality but is typically between $50 and $100 for a first offense.

If you realize your registration has expired, renew it when ready through any of the methods above. You can renew online, by phone, or by mail even after the expiration date has passed. Your registration becomes valid again as soon as payment clears. If you are stopped before you renew, bring proof of your renewal process or payment to court.

Some people renew late because they did not receive their renewal notice in the mail. If you did not receive a notice 30 to 60 days before your expiration date, contact the DMV to confirm your address on file and request a new notice. You can also renew without the notice if you have your VIN and vehicle information — call the DMV or visit an office.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my registration if my inspection is expired?

No, not online or by mail. You must visit a DMV office in person if your inspection has expired more than 30 days ago. Bring proof of a current inspection with you, or schedule an inspection first and then renew at the office.

What if I did not receive my renewal notice in the mail?

Contact the Virginia DMV to confirm your address is correct and request a new notice. You can also renew without the notice by calling 1-888-337-8269 or visiting a DMV office — you will need your VIN and vehicle information instead.

How long does it take to get my new registration card after I renew?

Your new registration card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days after the DMV processes your renewal. Online and phone renewals are valid when ready after payment clears. You can print a temporary registration document from the online system to carry in your vehicle until the card arrives.

Can I renew my registration if I just moved to Virginia?

If you moved from another state, you must register your vehicle in Virginia within 30 days. This is a new registration, not a renewal, and requires a visit to a DMV office with your out-of-state title, proof of inspection, and proof of residency. Renewal applies only if you already have a Virginia registration.

What happens if I drive with an expired registration?

Driving with an expired registration is a traffic violation. A police officer can stop you and issue a summons. The penalty is a fine, typically between $50 and $100, and you may be required to appear in court. Renew your registration when ready if it has expired.