Renewing Virginia License Plate Tags Online or by Mail

Virginia sends renewal notices 30 days before your tags expire. You can renew online through the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles website, by mail using the renewal notice, or in person at a DMV office. Online renewal takes about 10 minutes and your new tags ship within 7 to 10 business days. If you renew by mail, send your completed renewal notice with payment to the address printed on it — allow 2 to 3 weeks for processing and delivery.

You do not need an inspection sticker to renew your tags in Virginia, though your vehicle must pass a safety inspection if it is more than four years old. The inspection is separate from tag renewal and must be current before you can legally drive. Check your current inspection expiration date on your registration card.

Key Takeaways

  • Virginia sends renewal notices 30 days before expiration, and you can renew online, by mail, or in person without visiting an office.
  • Online renewal through the DMV website is the fastest method and takes 7 to 10 business days for new tags to arrive by mail.
  • Your vehicle must have a current safety inspection if it is more than four years old, but the inspection is a separate transaction from tag renewal.
  • Renewal fees depend on your vehicle type and weight, and you can pay by credit card, debit card, or check when renewing by mail.
  • If your renewal notice is lost, you can still renew online using your license plate number and driver's license number.

What Information You Need to Renew Online

To renew through the DMV website, have your renewal notice handy or gather your license plate number, driver's license number, and vehicle identification number (VIN). The online system asks for these details to pull up your registration record. If you have the renewal notice, the process is faster because you can enter the confirmation number printed on it.

You will also need a payment method — Virginia accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover. The DMV charges a $0.75 convenience fee for online payments. Once you submit payment, you receive a confirmation number when ready, and your new tags are mailed to the address on your registration within 7 to 10 business days.

Renewing by Mail or in Person

If you prefer not to renew online, use the renewal notice mailed to you. Sign the back, include your payment, and mail it to the address printed on the notice. Payment by check or money order takes the same time as credit card payment — 2 to 3 weeks total. Do not send cash through the mail.

You can also renew in person at any DMV office. Bring your renewal notice, current registration card, and payment. Walk-in service is available, though wait times vary by location and time of day. In-person renewal is useful if you need to update your address, change your vehicle information, or handle other registration matters at the same time.

Renewal Fees and What They Cover

Virginia renewal fees vary based on your vehicle's gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR), not its actual weight. Passenger cars typically renew for a base fee, while trucks and heavier vehicles cost more. The exact amount appears on your renewal notice. Some vehicles also may have access to for a decal fee if they are commercial or have special designations.

Your renewal fee covers your license plate tags for 12 months from the expiration date on your current registration. If you renew before expiration, the new tags begin on the expiration date of the old ones — you do not get extra time by renewing early. If you renew after expiration, you may owe a late fee in addition to the standard renewal cost.

What to Do If Your Renewal Notice Is Lost or Damaged

If you did not receive your renewal notice or it arrived damaged, you can still renew online without it. Go to the DMV website and select the renewal option for customers without a notice. Enter your license plate number, driver's license number, and VIN. The system will retrieve your registration and let you proceed with payment.

If you cannot locate your license plate number, call the DMV customer service line at 804-367-0538. They can look up your registration using your driver's license number and VIN. You can also visit a DMV office in person and ask staff to print a replacement renewal notice on the spot.

Safety Inspection Requirements Before or After Renewal

Virginia requires a safety inspection for vehicles more than four years old. The inspection is valid for 12 months and must be current before you can legally operate the vehicle. You can get an inspection at any Virginia-licensed inspection station — gas stations, repair shops, and dedicated inspection centers all perform them. The inspection costs between $16 and $20 depending on the station.

You can renew your tags before or after your inspection expires, but you cannot legally drive without a current inspection. If your inspection expires before your tags do, schedule the inspection before the expiration date. If your tags expire first, renew them and then schedule your inspection before the current one expires. The two documents are independent — expiration dates rarely align.

What Happens If Your Tags Expire

Driving with expired tags is a traffic violation in Virginia. Law enforcement can stop you and issue a summons. If you are pulled over, show the officer your renewal notice as proof that you have submitted payment — in some cases this may reduce the severity of the citation. If you have already received your new tags in the mail, install them when ready.

If your tags expire and you have not yet received your new ones in the mail, contact the DMV to confirm your renewal was processed. Provide your confirmation number from your online renewal or the date you mailed your renewal notice. The DMV can issue a temporary registration document that you can print and display while you wait for your physical tags to arrive.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my tags if my vehicle inspection is expired?

Yes, you can renew your tags even if your inspection is expired. However, you cannot legally drive the vehicle until the inspection is current. Schedule your inspection before the current one expires, or get a new inspection before you drive again after your tags are renewed.

What if I move to a different address before my tags arrive?

Contact the DMV and provide your new address. Your tags will be rerouted to the new address if they have not yet shipped. If they have already shipped to your old address, you may be able to pick them up from the previous resident or contact the DMV for a replacement. Update your address through the DMV website or by calling customer service.

Do I need to remove my old tags before putting on new ones?

Yes, remove the old tags and dispose of them or return them to the DMV. Virginia does not require you to return expired tags, but you should not display them on your vehicle. Some DMV offices accept old tags for recycling if you want to turn them in.

How long does it take to renew in person at a DMV office?

In-person renewal usually takes 15 to 30 minutes depending on how busy the office is. You receive your new tags when ready if you renew in person, rather than waiting 7 to 10 business days for mail delivery. Check the DMV website for wait times at your nearest office before you go.

Can I renew my tags if my registration card is lost?

Yes, you can renew without your registration card. Use your renewal notice, or if you do not have that, renew online using your license plate number and driver's license number. You can request a replacement registration card from the DMV at the same time you renew your tags.