Virginia vehicle registration renews every year on your birthday month, and you can renew online, by mail, or in person at your local DMV office

Virginia sends you a renewal notice 30 days before your registration expires. The notice includes your renewal fee amount, which depends on your vehicle's weight and age. You do not have to wait for the notice to arrive — you can renew as early as 90 days before expiration. The fastest route is the Virginia DMV website, where you can renew in minutes if your vehicle has a clean safety and emissions record.

If you renew online, you will need your current registration card, driver's license number, and a payment method. Virginia accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover. The fee is charged when ready, and your new registration card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. You can drive legally on your old registration until the new one arrives.

Key Takeaways

  • Virginia registration renews annually in your birthday month, and you can renew up to 90 days early through the DMV website, by mail, or at an office.
  • Online renewal takes about 10 minutes and costs the same as renewing by mail or in person — the fee is based on your vehicle's weight and age.
  • You will need your current registration card and driver's license number to renew online; the new card arrives in 7 to 10 business days.
  • If your vehicle fails a safety or emissions inspection, you cannot renew online and must visit a DMV office in person with proof of repairs.
  • Late renewal carries a $10 penalty fee plus your regular renewal fee, and driving on an expired registration can result in a traffic stop and fine.

Renewing online through the Virginia DMV website

Go to dmvnow.com and select "Renew Vehicle Registration" from the home page. You will be asked to enter your vehicle identification number (VIN), current registration number, and driver's license number. The system will pull up your registration record and show you the renewal fee.

Review the information on screen to make sure it matches your vehicle and current address. If your address has changed, update it before you pay. Once you confirm the details, enter your payment information. Virginia DMV accepts credit and debit cards only — no cash, check, or electronic bank transfer. Your new registration card will be mailed to the address on file.

If the system tells you that you cannot renew online, it means your vehicle has a safety or emissions hold. This happens when your vehicle failed inspection or has an outstanding safety recall. You will need to visit a DMV office in person with proof that the issue has been resolved before you can complete renewal.

Renewing by mail

Use the renewal notice Virginia sent you as your process form. Write a check or money order for the renewal fee, made payable to "Virginia DMV." Include your check, the notice, and your current registration card in an envelope and mail it to the address printed on the notice.

Mail renewal takes 2 to 3 weeks from the time Virginia receives your envelope. Send it at least 4 weeks before your registration expires to avoid a late penalty. If you did not receive a renewal notice, you can request one by calling the Virginia DMV customer service line at 1-888-337-8268 or visiting dmvnow.com.

Renewing in person at a DMV office

Bring your current registration card, proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days), and a valid photo ID. If your vehicle has a safety or emissions hold, bring proof that the issue has been corrected — this might be a repair receipt, an updated inspection certificate, or a recall completion notice from your vehicle manufacturer.

Virginia DMV offices accept cash, check, debit card, and credit card. Most offices do not require an appointment for registration renewal, but you can schedule one online at dmvnow.com to skip the wait. Processing takes about 15 minutes. Your new registration card is printed on site and you leave with it the same day.

What happens if your registration expires

Driving on an expired registration is a traffic violation in Virginia. A police officer can stop you and issue a summons. The fine is typically $100 to $250, depending on how long your registration has been expired. You will also owe a $10 late penalty fee on top of your regular renewal fee when you finally renew.

If you realize your registration has expired, renew it when ready — do not wait. You can renew online even after expiration, and the new card will still arrive within 7 to 10 business days. Once you have proof of renewal (your confirmation email or receipt), you can legally drive while waiting for the physical card.

Registration renewal fees and what affects the cost

Virginia registration fees are based on your vehicle's gross weight rating (GWR) and age. A passenger car typically costs between $40 and $50 per year, while a truck or SUV may cost more depending on weight. The renewal notice you receive shows your exact fee. If you have not received a notice and want to know the cost before renewing, call the DMV at 1-888-337-8268.

Some vehicles may have access to for reduced fees. If your vehicle is registered as a historic vehicle, disabled veteran vehicle, or electric vehicle, you may pay a lower rate. Confirm your vehicle's classification on your current registration card before you renew — if it is wrong, correct it at a DMV office in person.

Renewing a vehicle with a lienholder

If your vehicle is financed or leased, the lender or leasing company is listed as the lienholder on your registration. You can still renew online or by mail without contacting them — the lienholder does not need to sign off on renewal. Your registration card will show both your name and the lienholder's name.

If you have paid off the loan or ended the lease, contact the lender or leasing company to request a lien release. Once you receive it, bring it to a DMV office to update your registration. This removes the lienholder's name from future renewal notices and cards.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Virginia registration if I live out of state?

Yes. You can renew online or by mail from anywhere. If you have moved out of Virginia and want to keep your Virginia registration, update your address on dmvnow.com before renewing. If you have moved permanently and no longer live in Virginia, you should register your vehicle in your new state instead.

What if I lose my registration card before renewal?

You can still renew online or by mail. The system does not require you to have the physical card — it only needs your VIN and registration number. If you do not know your registration number, call the DMV at 1-888-337-8268 and they will look it up for you.

How do I know if my vehicle has a safety or emissions hold?

If you try to renew online and the system blocks you, it will tell you why. You can also call the DMV at 1-888-337-8268 to check. Common holds include a failed emissions test, an outstanding safety recall, or an overdue inspection. Once the issue is fixed, you can renew online when ready.

Can I renew early if my registration does not expire for several months?

Yes. Virginia allows renewal up to 90 days before expiration. Renewing early does not change your renewal date — your new registration will still expire in your birthday month the following year. This is useful if you want to avoid the rush near your expiration date.

What if I renew online but my registration card does not arrive after two weeks?

Contact the Virginia DMV at 1-888-337-8268 with your confirmation number from your online renewal. They can check the status of your card and reissue it if needed. In the meantime, keep your confirmation email as proof of renewal if you are stopped by police.