Virginia lets you renew most vehicle registrations online through the DMV website, without visiting an office
You can renew your Virginia registration online at dmvnow.com if your vehicle is registered in Virginia and your registration has not expired more than one year ago. The process takes about 10 minutes, costs the same as renewing in person, and you receive your new registration card and decal by mail within two weeks.
Not every vehicle qualifies for online renewal. Commercial vehicles, vehicles with salvage or rebuilt titles, vehicles registered to businesses, and registrations that require a vehicle inspection cannot be renewed online. If your vehicle does not may have access to, you will need to visit a DMV office or use the mail-in renewal option.
Key Takeaways
- You can renew online at dmvnow.com using your current registration card, driver's license number, and a payment method.
- Online renewal works only if your registration has not been expired for more than one year and your vehicle does not require an inspection.
- The renewal fee is the same online as it is in person, and you will receive your new decal and card by mail.
- If you cannot renew online, you can renew by mail, in person at a DMV office, or through an authorized DMV service station.
What you need before you start
Gather your current Virginia registration card, your driver's license or ID number, and your vehicle identification number (VIN). You will also need a payment method — Virginia DMV accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover.
Have your odometer reading available if your vehicle is five years old or newer. The DMV asks for this information during renewal to keep records current. If you do not have the exact reading, you can estimate based on your typical annual mileage.
Steps to renew online at dmvnow.com
Go to dmvnow.com and select "Renew Vehicle Registration" from the home page. Enter your driver's license or ID number and your vehicle's license plate number. The system will pull up your registration record and show you the renewal fee.
Review the information on screen to confirm it is correct. If anything has changed — your address, the vehicle's use, or the registered owner — you may not be able to complete the renewal online and will need to visit a DMV office instead. Once you confirm the details are accurate, proceed to payment.
Enter your payment information and submit. You will receive a confirmation number on screen and by email. Print or save the confirmation for your records. Your new registration card and decal will arrive by mail within 10 to 14 business days.
When you cannot renew online
The online system will not let you proceed if your registration has been expired for more than one year, if your vehicle requires a safety or emissions inspection, or if your vehicle has a salvage or rebuilt title. Commercial vehicles and vehicles registered to businesses also cannot be renewed online.
If your registration has expired more than one year ago, you will need to visit a DMV office in person. Bring your current registration card, proof of insurance, and a valid ID. If your vehicle requires an inspection, you must have that completed by a Virginia inspection station before you renew.
Mail-in renewal as an alternative
If you prefer not to renew online, you can renew by mail. The DMV will mail you a renewal notice 30 days before your registration expires. The notice includes a prepaid envelope and instructions. Fill out the form, include your payment, and mail it back. Processing takes two to four weeks from the date the DMV receives it.
Mail-in renewal works for most vehicles that may have access to for online renewal. However, if your registration has expired, you cannot use the mail option and must renew in person or online.
Authorized service stations and in-person renewal
Virginia has authorized DMV service stations throughout the state where you can renew in person without waiting at a DMV office. These private businesses handle registration renewals, title transfers, and other DMV transactions. You can find a service station near you on dmvnow.com by searching "service stations" and entering your city or zip code.
If you renew in person at a DMV office or service station, bring your current registration card, proof of insurance, and a valid ID. The fee is the same as online renewal. You will receive your new registration card and decal when ready or by mail, depending on the location.
What happens after you renew
Once your renewal is processed, your old registration card and decal are no longer valid. You can begin using your new decal as soon as it arrives. Virginia law requires you to display the current decal on your vehicle, so place it on your windshield in the lower right corner as soon as you receive it.
If your new decal does not arrive within three weeks, contact the DMV at 804-497-7100 or through dmvnow.com to report it. Keep your confirmation number from your online renewal handy when you call.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew online if my registration is already expired?
You can renew online if your registration expired less than one year ago. If it has been expired for more than one year, you must renew in person at a DMV office or authorized service station and bring proof of insurance and a valid ID.
Do I need to pass an inspection before renewing online?
If your vehicle requires a safety or emissions inspection, you cannot renew online. You must have the inspection completed first at a Virginia inspection station, then renew in person or by mail.
What if my address changed since my last registration?
If your address has changed, you cannot complete the renewal online. You will need to visit a DMV office or authorized service station in person to update your address and renew at the same time.
How long does it take to get my new decal after renewing online?
Your new registration card and decal arrive by mail within 10 to 14 business days. You can use your confirmation number to track your renewal status on dmvnow.com if you want to check on it.
What if I made a mistake during my online renewal?
If you submitted your renewal and realized you made an error, contact the DMV at 804-497-7100 as soon as possible. Have your confirmation number ready. Depending on what was entered incorrectly, the DMV may be able to correct it before processing.