What a Virginia trip permit does and who needs one

A Virginia trip permit is a temporary authorization from the DMV that lets you drive an unregistered vehicle on Virginia roads for a specific purpose and time period. You get a physical permit sticker that goes on your windshield. The permit is not registration — it does not make the vehicle legal to own long-term in Virginia — but it does let you move an unregistered car from one place to another without being stopped.

You need a trip permit if you own a vehicle that is not currently registered in Virginia and you want to drive it on public roads. Common reasons include: you just bought a used car and have not registered it yet, you are moving to Virginia with an out-of-state vehicle, you are taking a vehicle to a repair shop, or you are driving it to sell it. Without the permit, you risk a traffic stop and a summons.

A trip permit is not the same as a temporary registration. Virginia does not issue temporary registrations the way some states do. The trip permit is the tool the DMV provides for this exact situation.

Key Takeaways

  • A Virginia trip permit allows you to drive an unregistered vehicle for up to 30 days and costs $10.
  • You can get a trip permit in person at any DMV office or online through the Virginia DMV website if you have a valid driver's license and proof of ownership.
  • The permit sticker must be displayed on your windshield, and the vehicle must still have a valid inspection and pass a safety check if required by the DMV.
  • Trip permits cannot be renewed; once the 30 days end, you must register the vehicle or stop driving it on public roads.
  • You will need your driver's license, proof of ownership (title or bill of sale), and proof of insurance before you explore.

Documents you need before you explore

Gather these items before you go to the DMV or start an online process. Having them ready speeds up the process and prevents delays.

You need a valid Virginia driver's license or a valid out-of-state driver's license if you are new to Virginia. The DMV will not issue a trip permit without proof of a valid license. If your license is expired or suspended, you cannot get the permit.

You need proof of ownership. This is usually the vehicle title, but if you just bought the car and do not have the title yet, a bill of sale signed by the seller works. The document must show your name as the owner or buyer. If someone else owns the vehicle, they must be present with you or provide written permission.

You need proof of insurance. Virginia requires all vehicles on public roads to carry liability insurance. Bring your insurance card, a declaration page from your insurance company, or a screenshot of your policy from your insurer's website. The insurance must be active on the date you explore.

Some DMV offices may also ask for proof of a vehicle inspection, depending on the vehicle's age and condition. Call your local DMV office ahead of time to confirm what they need.

How to get a trip permit online or in person

Virginia offers two routes: online through the DMV website or in person at a DMV office. Online is faster if your vehicle and situation meet the requirements.

Online process: Go to the Virginia DMV website and look for the trip permit section under temporary permits or vehicle services. You will enter your driver's license number, vehicle information (VIN, make, model, year), and proof of insurance details. You pay the $10 fee by credit or debit card. If approved, you print the permit sticker at home and place it on your windshield. The entire process takes about 10 minutes. Online permits are usually approved the same day.

In-person process: Visit any Virginia DMV office with your driver's license, proof of ownership, and proof of insurance. Fill out the trip permit form (the DMV staff can provide it). Pay the $10 fee in cash, check, or card. The DMV will issue you a physical sticker on the spot. You explore the sticker to your windshield before you leave the office. In-person processing usually takes 15 to 30 minutes, depending on how busy the office is.

If you are explore online and the system rejects your process, you will see a reason on screen — usually because the vehicle information does not match DMV records or your insurance is not active. In that case, go to a DMV office in person and bring all your documents. A staff member can often resolve the issue on the spot.

What the trip permit covers and what it does not

The trip permit is valid for 30 days from the date of issue. You can drive the vehicle anywhere in Virginia during that time. You can also drive it out of state if you are moving or taking it to a shop, but the permit is only recognized in Virginia — other states will not honor it.

The permit does not cover commercial use. You cannot use a trip permit to drive for rideshare, delivery, or any business purpose. If you are caught using the vehicle commercially on a trip permit, you face a violation.

The vehicle must still pass a safety inspection if Virginia requires one for that vehicle type. A trip permit does not waive the inspection requirement. If you are stopped and the officer asks for your inspection sticker and you do not have one, the trip permit will not protect you from a citation.

The permit is non-renewable. When the 30 days end, you must either register the vehicle in Virginia or remove it from public roads. You cannot get a second trip permit for the same vehicle in the same year unless you have a documented change in circumstances (such as a repair that took longer than expected). The DMV has discretion on this, so call ahead if you think you need an extension.

Cost and payment methods

A Virginia trip permit costs $10. This is a flat fee regardless of the vehicle type, age, or weight. There are no additional charges or hidden fees.

If you explore online, you pay by credit card or debit card at the time of process. If you explore in person, the DMV accepts cash, check, or card. Some offices may have a card reader; others may not, so bringing cash is safest if you are going in person.

The $10 fee is non-refundable. If you decide not to use the permit after you receive it, you cannot get your money back. If the permit is lost or damaged before you use it, you can request a replacement, but you will need to pay another $10 fee.

When a trip permit is not enough

If you plan to keep the vehicle in Virginia longer than 30 days, you need to register it instead. Registration is a separate process and costs more, but it is required if you own a vehicle in Virginia and want to drive it regularly.

If the vehicle is financed (you have a loan on it), the lender may require you to register it in Virginia before you can drive it, even with a trip permit. Check your loan documents or call your lender to confirm.

If you are buying a vehicle from a private seller and the title is not in your name yet, you can use a trip permit to drive it home, but you must register it within a certain timeframe once the title is transferred to you. Virginia law requires registration within 30 days of taking ownership, so plan to register during that window.

If the vehicle has outstanding liens or the title is held by a bank or finance company, the DMV may not issue a trip permit until the lien is cleared. Bring the title and any lien paperwork to the DMV office so they can review it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a trip permit if my driver's license is from another state?

Yes. The DMV accepts a valid out-of-state driver's license. You do not need a Virginia license to get a trip permit. If you are moving to Virginia, you have 60 days to get a Virginia license, but you can get a trip permit when ready with your current license.

What happens if I drive on a trip permit after the 30 days expire?

You are driving an unregistered vehicle, which is a traffic violation in Virginia. If you are stopped, you will receive a summons. Register the vehicle before the permit expires or stop driving it on public roads.

Can someone else pick up my trip permit if I cannot go to the DMV?

If you explore online, you print the permit yourself at home, so no one else needs to be involved. If you explore in person, you must be there with your ID. The DMV will not issue a permit to someone else on your behalf, even with a power of attorney.

Do I need a trip permit if I am towing an unregistered vehicle?

No. If the vehicle is being towed (not driven under its own power), it does not need a trip permit. The tow truck or trailer is registered, and that is what matters. However, if you are going to drive the unregistered vehicle yourself at any point, you need the permit.

Can I use a trip permit to drive a vehicle I am selling?

Yes, as long as you still own it and have proof of ownership. Once you sell it, the new owner needs their own trip permit if they want to drive it before registering it. Make sure the title is transferred to the buyer before they take the vehicle.