Virginia registration renewal happens online, by mail, or in person at your local DMV office, and you can start the process up to six months before your current registration expires.

Your registration renewal notice arrives in the mail about 60 days before your expiration date. That notice contains your renewal code, which you need for online or mail renewal. If you have not received a notice and your registration is close to expiring, you can renew in person at any Virginia DMV office with your current registration card and proof of a current Virginia safety inspection.

The Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) charges a base renewal fee that varies depending on your vehicle's weight and type. You will also pay the state safety inspection fee if your inspection has expired or will expire within 30 days. Some vehicles may have access to for reduced fees—electric vehicles, for example, pay a lower registration rate. If your vehicle is financed or leased, your lender or leasing company may receive the renewal notice instead of you.

Key Takeaways

  • You can renew online at dmvnow.com using your renewal code from the notice, and the process takes about 10 minutes.
  • Mail renewal requires your renewal notice, a check or money order, and takes one to two weeks from the time the DMV receives it.
  • In-person renewal at a DMV office is fastest if you have all required documents, but wait times vary by location.
  • Your vehicle must have a current Virginia safety inspection before you can renew your registration, or your inspection must expire within 30 days of renewal.
  • If you renew online or by mail, your new registration card arrives by mail within one to two weeks.

Renewing online through DMVnow

Online renewal through dmvnow.com is the fastest option if you have your renewal code. You log in, enter your vehicle information, confirm your address, and pay the renewal fee with a debit or credit card. The entire process takes about 10 minutes. Your new registration card is mailed to you and typically arrives within one to two weeks.

You cannot renew online if your address has changed since your last registration, if you have outstanding parking or traffic violations, or if your vehicle failed inspection. In those cases, you must renew by mail or in person. If your renewal code is missing or damaged, you can request a new one through dmvnow.com or call the DMV customer service line at 804-367-0538.

Renewing by mail

Mail renewal works if you have your renewal notice and your vehicle has a current safety inspection. You send the notice back to the address printed on it along with a check or money order for the renewal fee. Do not send cash. Include a note with your phone number so the DMV can contact you if there is a problem with your process.

Mail renewal takes one to two weeks from the time the DMV receives your envelope, plus mail delivery time in both directions. If you need your new registration quickly, this is not the fastest route. The DMV does not send a receipt for mail renewals, so keep a copy of your notice and cancelled check as proof you applied. Your new registration card arrives by mail once processing is complete.

Renewing in person at a DMV office

In-person renewal at any Virginia DMV office is the fastest way to get your new registration card the same day. Bring your current registration card, proof of a current safety inspection, and a valid ID. If your address has changed, bring proof of your new address—a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days works. Payment is by cash, check, debit card, or credit card.

DMV office wait times vary by location and time of day. Urban offices like Richmond and Arlington typically have longer waits than rural locations. You can check current wait times at specific offices on dmvnow.com before you go. Some offices accept walk-ins; others use an appointment system. Check your local office's hours and policies online or call ahead to confirm what you need to bring.

Safety inspection requirements

Your vehicle must have a current Virginia safety inspection before your registration can be renewed. The inspection is valid for 12 months from the date it is performed. If your inspection expires within 30 days of your registration renewal date, you can renew your registration now and complete the inspection later—but you must have the inspection done before the registration expires.

Safety inspections are performed at any Virginia inspection station, including many gas stations, tire shops, and independent repair facilities. The inspection checks your brakes, lights, wipers, horn, seat belts, and emissions (for vehicles required to test). The cost varies by station but is typically $15 to $20. If your vehicle fails inspection, you must have the problem fixed and return for a retest before you can renew your registration.

What happens if your registration expires

Driving with an expired registration is a traffic violation in Virginia. You can be stopped and cited, and the fine starts at $100. If you are pulled over, you must show proof that you have applied for renewal—your renewal notice or a confirmation email from dmvnow.com can serve as proof. This does not prevent the citation, but it may help in court.

If your registration has been expired for more than 30 days, you cannot renew online or by mail. You must renew in person at a DMV office. Bring your current registration card, proof of a current safety inspection, and your ID. The renewal fee remains the same; there is no late penalty added by the DMV, but you may face traffic fines if you were cited while expired.

Registration renewal for vehicles with liens or leases

If your vehicle is financed, the lender's name appears on your registration card. The renewal notice may be sent to the lender instead of you. Contact your lender or leasing company to confirm they received the notice and ask them to forward it to you, or request that they update your address on file so future notices come to you directly.

You can still renew online or by mail using your renewal code, even if the notice went to your lender. If you do not have the renewal code, you can request one through dmvnow.com or visit a DMV office in person. The renewal fee and process are the same whether the vehicle is owned outright or financed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my registration if my inspection is expired?

No, not online or by mail. You must renew in person at a DMV office with proof of a current inspection. However, if your inspection expires within 30 days of your registration renewal date, you can renew now and have the inspection done before your registration expires.

What if I lost my renewal notice?

You can request a new renewal notice through dmvnow.com or call the DMV at 804-367-0538. You can also renew in person at any DMV office with your current registration card, ID, and proof of inspection. Online and mail renewal require the renewal code from the notice.

How long does it take to get my new registration card after I renew?

If you renew in person, you receive your new card the same day. If you renew online or by mail, your card arrives by mail within one to two weeks. You can drive legally with your old card until the new one arrives.

Do I have to renew in person if I move to a new address?

Yes. You cannot renew online or by mail if your address has changed. You must renew in person at a DMV office and bring proof of your new address, such as a utility bill or lease dated within the last 60 days.

What if my vehicle failed inspection?

You cannot renew your registration until the vehicle passes inspection. Have the failed item repaired and return to the inspection station for a retest. Once you have a passing inspection, you can renew online, by mail, or in person.