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

You can renew your Virginia license plate through the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) using three methods: the DMV website at dmvnow.com, by mail using the renewal notice you receive, or by visiting a DMV office in person. The online method is fastest — you can complete it in minutes and print your temporary registration when ready. Mail renewal takes about two weeks from the time the DMV receives your form. In-person renewal at a DMV office is when ready if you bring all required documents.

You'll receive a renewal notice in the mail about 60 days before your plate expires. This notice contains your renewal code, which you'll need for online or mail renewal. Your plate expires on the date printed on it, usually on your birthday or the anniversary of your original registration. Renewing before the expiration date keeps you legal on the road and avoids late fees.

Key Takeaways

  • Online renewal through dmvnow.com is the fastest option and lets you print a temporary registration the same day.
  • You'll need your renewal notice (mailed about 60 days before expiration), your vehicle identification number (VIN), and a valid payment method.
  • Mail renewal requires sending your completed form and payment to the DMV address listed on your renewal notice, which takes roughly two weeks.
  • In-person renewal at a DMV office is when ready if you have your renewal notice, proof of insurance, and payment ready.
  • Renewing online or by mail costs the same as in-person renewal; there are no extra fees for choosing a faster method.

Renewing online through dmvnow.com

Go to dmvnow.com and select "Renew a License Plate" from the main menu. You'll need your renewal notice (which contains your renewal code), your vehicle's VIN, and a valid credit or debit card. The system will ask you to enter your personal information, confirm your vehicle details, and review the renewal fee. Virginia's renewal fee varies by vehicle type and weight; the DMV website shows the exact amount before you pay.

After you submit payment, the system generates a temporary registration that you can print when ready. This temporary registration is valid for 30 days and lets you drive legally while your new plate is mailed to you. Your permanent plate arrives within 7 to 10 business days. Keep the temporary registration in your vehicle until the new plate arrives.

If you don't have your renewal notice, you can still renew online by entering your license plate number and other identifying information. The system will pull up your account and let you proceed without the renewal code.

Renewing by mail

Your renewal notice includes a prepaid envelope and instructions for mailing. Fill out the form on the back of the notice, include your payment (check or money order only — no credit cards by mail), and mail it to the address printed on the envelope. Do not send cash. The DMV processes mail renewals in the order they're received, which typically takes 10 to 14 days from the date they receive your form.

Mail your renewal at least three weeks before your plate expires to avoid driving with an expired plate. If you're cutting it close, online renewal is faster. You can track your renewal status on dmvnow.com by entering your license plate number and date of birth once your form has been processed.

Renewing in person at a DMV office

Bring your renewal notice, proof of current insurance, and a valid payment method (cash, check, debit card, or credit card). You can also bring your vehicle registration card if you have it. Walk-in service is available at all DMV offices, though wait times vary by location and time of day. You can check current wait times on dmvnow.com before you go.

The DMV will process your renewal on the spot and issue you a temporary registration valid for 30 days. Your permanent plate will be mailed to the address on your registration within 7 to 10 business days. If you need your new plate faster, some DMV offices can issue a replacement plate the same day for an additional fee, though this is only available in person.

What happens if your plate expires before you renew

Driving with an expired plate is a traffic violation in Virginia. If you're stopped, you face a fine and a summons to appear in court. The fine amount depends on how long your plate has been expired and whether you have prior violations. You can still renew your plate after it expires — the process is the same, but you may owe a late fee in addition to the standard renewal fee.

If your plate expired more than a year ago, you'll need to renew your registration through a different process and may need to pass a vehicle inspection. Contact your local DMV office or check dmvnow.com for details on your specific situation.

Renewing a plate for a vehicle you recently bought

If you bought a used vehicle and inherited its existing registration, you can renew that plate using the same methods described above. You'll need the renewal notice that was mailed to the previous owner's address, or you can renew online by entering your license plate number and VIN. If you don't have the renewal notice and can't renew online, visit a DMV office with your bill of sale, proof of insurance, and a valid ID.

If you want a new plate instead of renewing the existing one, you can request a replacement plate at any DMV office or through dmvnow.com. This costs more than a standard renewal and takes longer, so most people renew the existing plate.

Renewing a vanity or specialty plate

Vanity plates and specialty plates (such as military, disabled veteran, or environmental plates) renew the same way as standard plates. Your renewal notice will show the correct fee for your plate type. If you want to change your vanity plate number or switch to a different specialty plate, you'll need to request a new plate rather than renewing your current one — this requires visiting a DMV office or using a different process on dmvnow.com.

Specialty plates sometimes have additional renewal requirements. For example, disabled veteran plates may require updated documentation. Your renewal notice will indicate if any additional documents are needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my plate if it's already expired?

Yes. The renewal process is the same whether your plate is current or expired. However, you cannot legally drive with an expired plate, and you may owe a late fee in addition to the standard renewal fee. Renew as soon as possible to avoid fines.

What if I lost my renewal notice?

You can still renew online at dmvnow.com by entering your license plate number and VIN instead of your renewal code. You can also visit a DMV office with your vehicle registration card and a valid ID, or call the DMV at 804-367-0538 to request a replacement notice.

How long is the temporary registration valid?

The temporary registration issued after online or in-person renewal is valid for 30 days. Your permanent plate will arrive within 7 to 10 business days. If your permanent plate doesn't arrive within that window, contact the DMV to check the status.

Can I renew my plate if my insurance has lapsed?

You'll need proof of current insurance to renew in person or by mail. Online renewal does not require you to upload proof of insurance, but Virginia law requires you to maintain continuous coverage. If your insurance has lapsed, you must obtain a new policy before renewing your plate.

What if I move to a different address before my plate expires?

Update your address with the DMV before or at the time of renewal. You can change your address online at dmvnow.com, by mail, or in person. Your renewal notice will be mailed to your new address if you update it before the notice is sent.