What Virginia license plates look like and what they cost

Virginia issues standard passenger plates with the state name across the top, your registration number in the center, and a blue strip on the left showing the state abbreviation and flag. The plate itself is white with blue and red lettering. When you register a vehicle in Virginia for the first time, the DMV includes the cost of your plate in your registration fee — you do not pay separately for the plate itself.

The total registration cost depends on your vehicle's weight and age. A new passenger vehicle typically costs between $40 and $60 for the first year, though this varies. When you renew your registration every two years, you keep the same plate number and pay only the renewal fee, which is lower than the initial registration.

Key Takeaways

  • Virginia plates are issued when you first register a vehicle and stay with that vehicle for its lifetime unless you request a replacement.
  • You receive your plate by mail after completing registration online, by mail, or in person at a DMV office.
  • Replacement plates cost $15 if your plate is damaged, lost, or stolen, and you can order them online through the Virginia DMV website.
  • Personalized plates (vanity plates) cost an additional $10 per year on top of your standard registration fee and require a separate request.
  • Your plate renewal happens automatically when you renew your vehicle registration every two years; you do not need to request a new plate unless yours is damaged or lost.

Getting your first Virginia plate when you register

When you register a vehicle in Virginia for the first time, the DMV assigns you a plate number automatically. You do not choose this number — it is generated based on the registration sequence. You can register online through the Virginia DMV website, by mail, or in person at any DMV office.

After you complete registration and pay the fee, the DMV mails your plate to the address on your registration within 7 to 10 business days. You should not drive the vehicle on public roads until the plate arrives, though you may receive a temporary registration document to carry while you wait. Once the plate arrives, attach it to the front and rear of your vehicle using the fasteners provided.

Ordering a replacement plate if yours is damaged, lost, or stolen

If your plate is damaged, faded, or illegible, you can order a replacement through the Virginia DMV website without visiting an office. The replacement costs $15. You will need your vehicle identification number (VIN) and current registration information to place the order online.

If your plate is lost or stolen, you should report it to the police and obtain a case number, then provide that number when you order the replacement through the DMV. The replacement plate will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days. You can also order a replacement in person at a DMV office if you prefer not to use the website.

Personalized (vanity) plates and specialty plates

Virginia offers personalized plates that display a custom combination of letters and numbers instead of the standard sequence. A personalized plate costs an additional $10 per year beyond your standard registration fee. You request a personalized plate through the Virginia DMV website by entering your desired combination and checking availability — the DMV will tell you when ready if your choice is taken or if it violates content rules.

Virginia also offers specialty plates supporting specific causes, military service, or professional groups. These plates typically cost $25 to $35 per year, with a portion of the fee going to the organization the plate supports. You can browse available specialty plates on the DMV website and request one during registration or renewal.

Renewing your plate when you renew registration

Your Virginia plate does not expire and does not need to be renewed separately. When you renew your vehicle registration every two years, you keep the same plate number and straightforward pay the renewal fee. The DMV will mail you a new registration card and sticker, but not a new plate, unless your plate is damaged or you request a replacement.

If you want to change your plate number or switch to a personalized plate during renewal, you can request that change when you renew your registration. There is no additional charge to change from a standard plate to a personalized plate beyond the $10 annual personalized plate fee, but you will need to request it specifically — it does not happen automatically.

What to do if your plate does not arrive or arrives damaged

If your plate does not arrive within 10 business days of registration, contact the Virginia DMV through their website or by phone to check the status. Provide your registration number and the address where the plate was mailed. The DMV can reissue the plate at no charge if it was lost in the mail.

If your plate arrives damaged or with printing errors, you can order a replacement for $15 through the DMV website or visit an office in person. Take a photo of the damage if possible and keep it with your records in case you need to reference it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I keep my Virginia plate if I move out of state?

No. Virginia plates are only valid for vehicles registered in Virginia. If you move to another state, you must register your vehicle in that state and receive new plates. You can keep your Virginia plate as a souvenir, but it cannot be displayed on a vehicle you drive.

What if I want to transfer my plate to a different vehicle?

Virginia does not allow plate transfers between vehicles. When you sell or trade in a vehicle, the plate stays with that vehicle or is surrendered to the DMV. Your new vehicle will receive a new plate number when you register it.

How do I report a stolen plate to the DMV?

Contact your local police department first and obtain a case number. Then order a replacement plate through the Virginia DMV website or visit a DMV office with your case number. The replacement costs $15 and will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days.

Do I need to remove my plate when I sell my vehicle?

You should remove your plate when you sell your vehicle to prevent the new owner from using it. You can surrender the plate to a DMV office or keep it as a souvenir. The new owner will register the vehicle and receive their own plate.