Virginia lets you renew tags online, by mail, or in person at your local DMV office

You can renew your Virginia vehicle registration tags through the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) website, by mail, or by visiting a DMV office in person. The online method is fastest — you can complete it in minutes if your vehicle passes inspection and your information hasn't changed. Mail renewal takes about two weeks. In-person renewal at a DMV office is when ready but requires a trip and may involve a wait.

You'll receive a renewal notice in the mail 30 to 60 days before your tags expire. That notice contains your renewal code, which you'll need for online or mail renewal. You cannot renew online without it. If you don't receive a notice, you can still renew at a DMV office or by calling the Virginia DMV at 888-337-8269.

Key Takeaways

  • Online renewal through the Virginia DMV website is the fastest option and takes only a few minutes if your vehicle information hasn't changed.
  • You need your renewal notice and renewal code to renew online or by mail; without it, you must visit a DMV office in person.
  • Your vehicle must have a current Virginia safety inspection to renew tags; if inspection is expired, you must get one before renewal.
  • Mail renewal takes about two weeks from the time the DMV receives your payment, so send it at least three weeks before expiration.
  • If you renew online or by mail, your new tags will be mailed to the address on your registration, not issued when ready.

Renewing online through the Virginia DMV website

Go to dmvnow.com, the official Virginia DMV website. Click "Renew Vehicle Registration" and enter your renewal code (from your renewal notice), vehicle identification number (VIN), and last name. The system will pull up your registration record. Review your information for accuracy — if anything has changed, you'll need to correct it before paying.

Check that your vehicle's safety inspection is current. If your inspection expired, you cannot complete online renewal; you'll need to get a new inspection first, then return to renew. Once everything checks out, pay the renewal fee by credit card, debit card, or electronic check. The fee varies by vehicle weight and type, but typically ranges from $40 to $60 for a standard passenger vehicle. You'll receive a confirmation number when ready.

Your new registration card and tags will be mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days. You can continue driving on your current tags until the new ones arrive. Print your confirmation page as proof of renewal if you're stopped by law enforcement before the new tags arrive.

Renewing by mail

Use the renewal notice you received from the DMV. Write a check or money order for the renewal fee and include it with the notice. Do not send cash. Mail everything to the address printed on the renewal notice — this address changes depending on your vehicle type, so use the one on your notice, not a general DMV address.

The DMV processes mail renewals in the order received. Mailing takes time both ways, so send your renewal at least three weeks before your tags expire. Once the DMV receives and processes your payment, your new tags will be mailed within 7 to 10 business days. You can drive on your current tags until the new ones arrive.

If you're unsure whether your inspection is current, call the Virginia DMV before mailing. An expired inspection will cause your renewal to be rejected, and the DMV will return your payment. You'll then need to get an inspection and resubmit.

Renewing in person at a DMV office

Bring your renewal notice, your vehicle's current registration card, proof of a current safety inspection, and a valid photo ID. You can also bring your vehicle's title if you have it, though it's not required for renewal. Payment methods at DMV offices include cash, check, debit card, and credit card.

Find your nearest DMV office on dmvnow.com and check its hours. Many offices operate by appointment only; you can schedule one online or by phone at 888-337-8269. Walk-in service is available at some locations but may have longer waits. Processing time at the counter is usually 10 to 15 minutes.

You'll receive your new registration card when ready, but your tags will still be mailed to your address within 7 to 10 business days. You cannot pick up tags at the office. Continue using your current tags until the new ones arrive.

What happens if your vehicle inspection is expired

Virginia requires a current safety inspection to renew tags. If your inspection expired, you must get a new one before you can renew your registration. You cannot renew online or by mail with an expired inspection, and the DMV will not process an in-person renewal either.

Find an inspection station near you on dmvnow.com. The inspection costs $16 and takes about 15 minutes. Bring your vehicle and your current registration card. Once you pass, the inspection station will provide you with proof of inspection. Then you can proceed with online, mail, or in-person tag renewal.

What to do if you don't receive a renewal notice

The DMV mails renewal notices 30 to 60 days before expiration. If you didn't receive one, check that your address is current on your registration. If you've moved recently, the notice may have gone to your old address. You can still renew without the notice, but you'll need your VIN and last name to look up your account online, or you can visit a DMV office in person.

Call the Virginia DMV at 888-337-8269 if you want to confirm your address or request a replacement notice. You can also visit dmvnow.com and use the "Check Registration Status" tool to see your renewal date and fee amount. If your tags have already expired, you can still renew, but driving with expired tags is illegal and can result in a fine.

Renewing tags after they've expired

If your tags have expired, you can still renew them through any of the three methods — online, mail, or in person. However, driving with expired tags is illegal in Virginia and can result in a traffic citation and fine. The fine for expired tags is typically $50 to $100, depending on how long they've been expired.

Renew as soon as possible. If you renew online or by mail, continue to avoid driving until your new tags arrive, or keep your confirmation of renewal with you in case you're stopped. If you must drive before your new tags arrive, renew in person at a DMV office so you have when ready proof of renewal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my tags if I still owe money on my vehicle loan?

Yes. The lender's interest in the vehicle does not prevent you from renewing tags. You renew based on your registration, not on loan status. If your registration is in your name, you can renew it.

What if my vehicle information has changed since I last registered it?

If your address, phone number, or email changed, you can update it during online renewal before you pay. If your vehicle was modified, repainted, or had major repairs, you do not need to update the registration unless the VIN changed — which only happens in very rare circumstances. Contact the DMV at 888-337-8269 if you're unsure.

How long can I drive on expired tags before I have to renew?

You cannot legally drive on expired tags at all. Tags expire on the date shown on them, and driving after that date is a violation. Renew before the expiration date to avoid a fine.

Do I need an inspection sticker on my windshield if I renew online?

No. Virginia does not issue physical inspection stickers. The inspection station records your inspection electronically, and the DMV can see it in their system when you renew. You do not need to display anything on your windshield.

What if I move out of Virginia after I renew my tags?

Your Virginia tags remain valid until their expiration date. If you move to another state, you'll need to register your vehicle in that state and obtain new tags there. Contact your new state's DMV for their registration process. You do not need to notify Virginia unless you're transferring the vehicle to someone else.