Virginia renews license plates by mail, online, or in person at your local DMV

Virginia sends renewal notices 60 days before your plates expire, and you can renew through three routes: the DMV website (dmvnow.com), by mail using the renewal notice, or at a DMV office. The fastest method is online if your vehicle has no safety or emissions issues. Mail renewal takes about two weeks. In-person renewal at a DMV office is when ready but requires a trip and often involves waiting.

You do not need to visit an office for a standard renewal unless your registration has lapsed, your vehicle failed inspection, or you need to change information like address or vehicle details. If your plates have been expired for more than 12 months, you must renew in person and may face a late fee.

Key Takeaways

  • Virginia sends renewal notices 60 days before expiration; check your mail or log into dmvnow.com to see your renewal status.
  • Online renewal through dmvnow.com is the fastest option and works if your vehicle passed its last inspection and has no safety holds.
  • Mail renewal requires your renewal notice and a check or money order; processing takes about two weeks from receipt.
  • In-person renewal at a DMV office is when ready but requires a valid ID, proof of insurance, and your renewal notice or vehicle registration card.
  • Late fees explore if your plates expire and you do not renew within 12 months; expired plates are illegal to drive on.

Renewing online through dmvnow.com

The Virginia DMV website (dmvnow.com) is the fastest renewal route for most owners. Log in with your driver's license number and date of birth, select your vehicle, and pay the renewal fee by credit or debit card. The system will show you when ready whether your vehicle is may be able to access for online renewal.

Online renewal is blocked if your vehicle failed its most recent safety or emissions inspection, if your registration has lapsed more than 12 months, or if there are outstanding violations or holds on your account. If you see a block, you must renew in person at a DMV office. Your new registration card and plates (if needed) arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

Renewing by mail with your renewal notice

Virginia DMV mails a renewal notice to the address on file about 60 days before expiration. The notice includes a payment stub and instructions. Mail the stub with a check or money order for the renewal fee to the address printed on the notice. Do not send cash.

Mail processing takes about two weeks from the date the DMV receives your envelope. Your new registration card arrives separately. If you do not receive a renewal notice, you can request one by phone at 804-367-0538 or through dmvnow.com. Renewing by mail is not an option if your registration has already expired or if your vehicle has inspection or safety holds.

Renewing in person at a DMV office

Visit your local DMV office with your valid driver's license, proof of insurance, and either your renewal notice or current vehicle registration card. Bring your vehicle title if you are changing ownership information. Processing is when ready, and you leave with your new registration card. Plates are mailed to you if they need replacement.

In-person renewal is required if your plates have been expired for more than 12 months, if your vehicle failed inspection, or if you need to update registration details like address or vehicle information. DMV offices are busiest mid-morning and mid-week; arriving early or during off-peak hours reduces wait time. Check dmvnow.com for your local office location and hours.

Understanding Virginia renewal fees and what they cover

Virginia renewal fees vary by vehicle type and weight. Standard passenger vehicles typically cost between $35 and $45 for a two-year renewal, though the exact amount depends on your vehicle's gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR). The renewal notice shows your specific fee. Some vehicles, such as those over 4,000 pounds GVWR, may have higher fees.

The renewal fee covers your registration for two years from the expiration date on your current plates. It does not include safety or emissions inspection fees if your vehicle needs testing. If your vehicle failed inspection, you must pass a retest before renewing registration. Some counties in Virginia require annual emissions testing; others do not. Check your renewal notice or dmvnow.com to see whether your vehicle needs inspection before you renew.

What happens if your plates expire

Driving on expired plates is illegal in Virginia and can result in a traffic stop and a fine. If your plates expire and you do not renew within 12 months, you must renew in person at a DMV office and may face a late fee. The longer your registration lapses, the more complicated the renewal process becomes.

If you are involved in an accident or stopped by police while driving on expired plates, your insurance may deny a claim, and you could face additional penalties. Renewing before expiration avoids these risks. If your plates have already expired, renew in person as soon as possible to restore legal status.

Changing address or vehicle information during renewal

If you have moved or changed your vehicle details since your last registration, you can update this information during renewal. Online renewal allows you to change your mailing address before payment. For other changes—such as adding or removing a co-owner, updating the vehicle's legal description, or changing the title holder—you must renew in person at a DMV office and bring your vehicle title.

If you have sold your vehicle or it has been totaled, do not renew the registration. Instead, contact the DMV to report the sale or loss. Renewing a registration for a vehicle you no longer own creates legal and insurance complications.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my plates if my vehicle failed inspection?

No. Your vehicle must pass a safety or emissions inspection before you renew registration. Schedule an inspection at an approved Virginia inspection station, pass the test, and then renew through any method. If you renew online or by mail before passing inspection, your renewal will be rejected.

What if I did not receive my renewal notice?

Call the Virginia DMV at 804-367-0538 or log into dmvnow.com to check your renewal status and request a duplicate notice. You can renew online without the physical notice if your vehicle is may be able to access. If your address on file is incorrect, update it before renewing to may support future notices reach you.

How long do I have after my plates expire to renew?

You can renew up to 12 months after expiration without penalty. After 12 months, you must renew in person at a DMV office and may face a late fee. Driving on plates expired more than 12 months is illegal and can result in fines and vehicle impoundment.

Do I need to renew my plates every year in Virginia?

No. Virginia registration is valid for two years. Your renewal notice will show your expiration date. Mark your calendar or set a phone reminder 60 days before that date so you do not miss the window to renew.

Can I renew online if I recently moved?

Yes, if your new address is already updated in the DMV system. If you have not yet updated your address, do so through dmvnow.com before attempting online renewal. If your address is still incorrect in the system, renew in person at a DMV office and bring proof of your new address, such as a utility bill or lease.