Virginia registration basics and what you need to start

Virginia vehicle registration is handled by the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). You register a vehicle once when you buy it, then renew it annually on your birthday month. The state issues a registration card and a license plate, both of which must be in your vehicle at all times.

Registration costs vary based on the vehicle's weight and type. A standard passenger car typically costs between $40 and $50 for the first registration, with renewal fees lower. Commercial vehicles, motorcycles, and trailers have different fee structures. You can register online, by mail, or in person at a DMV office.

You will need your vehicle's title (proof of ownership), a completed process form, proof of Virginia residency, and a valid ID. If you are financing the vehicle, your lender's name and address must appear on the title. If you bought the car out of state, you may need an odometer reading or inspection depending on the vehicle's age.

Key Takeaways

  • Virginia registration renews on your birthday month each year, and you can renew online, by mail, or at a DMV office.
  • First-time registration requires your title, a completed process (Form VSA 17), proof of residency, and a valid ID.
  • Registration fees depend on vehicle weight and type, ranging from roughly $40 to $50 for a standard passenger car.
  • You must display your registration card and license plate in your vehicle at all times; driving without them is a violation.

How to register a new vehicle in Virginia

If you just bought a vehicle in Virginia, you have 30 days to register it. Start by obtaining the title from the seller or the dealership. If you financed the purchase, the lender will hold the title until you pay off the loan, but you still register the vehicle in your name.

Complete Form VSA 17 (process for Registration). You can read this from the Virginia DMV website or pick it up at any DMV office. Fill in your vehicle information (VIN, make, model, year), your personal information, and your Virginia address. If you are registering a vehicle purchased out of state, you will also need to provide an odometer reading.

Gather your documents: the title, the completed form, proof of Virginia residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days), and a valid ID. If the vehicle is financed, bring the lender's information. Then choose your registration method: online through the DMV website, by mail to the DMV, or in person at a local DMV office. Online registration is the fastest option and typically takes a few days.

Renewing your Virginia registration

Your registration renews on your birthday month every year. The DMV will mail you a renewal notice about 30 days before your renewal month begins. You do not have to wait until your birthday to renew—you can renew anytime during that month.

Renewal is simpler than initial registration. You can renew online at the DMV website if your vehicle has not changed and you have no outstanding violations or unpaid fines. You will need your registration card and a valid payment method. Online renewal takes minutes and your new registration card arrives by mail within a week.

If you prefer to renew by mail, send your renewal notice and payment to the address listed on the form. In-person renewal at a DMV office is also an option but typically takes longer due to wait times. If your vehicle has been modified, you have a lien holder change, or you have unpaid violations, you must renew in person or contact the DMV before renewing online.

Registering a vehicle purchased out of state

When you move to Virginia with a vehicle registered in another state, you have 30 days to register it in Virginia. You will need the out-of-state title, your Virginia ID and proof of residency, and the vehicle's odometer reading. If the vehicle is older than 10 years, you may not need the odometer reading, but check with the DMV first.

Complete Form VSA 17 and submit it along with your out-of-state title. The DMV will process your process and issue a new Virginia title and registration. If your out-of-state title has a lien holder listed, that information transfers to your Virginia title. You cannot register the vehicle until the lien is satisfied or the lender consents to the transfer.

Some vehicles purchased out of state require a safety inspection before registration. The DMV will notify you if yours does. You can have the inspection performed at any authorized Virginia inspection station and submit the inspection report with your registration process.

Special registration situations in Virginia

If you buy a vehicle from a private seller in Virginia, the seller must provide you with the title. If the title is lost or damaged, the seller can request a duplicate from the DMV. You cannot register the vehicle without a title, so resolve this before attempting to register.

If you are registering a vehicle that was previously registered to someone else in Virginia, the previous owner must sign the title releasing their interest. The title transfer section must be completed and signed by both parties. If the previous owner refuses to sign, contact the DMV for guidance on how to proceed.

Vehicles registered to businesses follow the same process but require the business's EIN (Employer Identification Number) and proof of business registration. Motorcycles, trailers, and commercial vehicles have separate registration categories with different fees and requirements. The DMV website lists the specific documents needed for each vehicle type.

What happens if you drive without current registration

Driving a vehicle with expired registration or without displaying your registration card and plate is a traffic violation in Virginia. Law enforcement can stop you and issue a citation. The penalty is typically a fine, and you may be required to show proof of current registration in court or to the DMV.

If your registration has expired, renew it when ready. If you are pulled over with expired registration, you can often show proof of renewal (such as a confirmation email from online renewal) to the officer. If you have not yet renewed, you will receive a citation. Paying the fine or contesting the ticket in traffic court are your options.

If your registration card or plate is lost or damaged, contact the DMV to request a replacement. You can order a replacement card online or by mail. A replacement plate requires an in-person visit to a DMV office. Until you receive the replacement, carry a copy of your registration confirmation or renewal notice as proof of registration.

Transferring or surrendering your Virginia registration

If you sell your vehicle, notify the DMV by completing Form VSA 19 (Notice of Transfer and Release of Liability). This form protects you from liability for traffic violations or accidents involving the vehicle after the sale. You can submit it online, by mail, or in person. The buyer is responsible for registering the vehicle in their name.

If you are moving out of Virginia and taking your vehicle with you, you do not need to do anything with your Virginia registration. Once you register the vehicle in your new state, your Virginia registration will expire and you will not renew it. If you are leaving the vehicle in Virginia but no longer own it, complete the transfer form.

If you are scrapping or donating a vehicle, you can surrender your registration plates to the DMV. Complete Form VSA 19 and return the plates to any DMV office. You will receive a receipt confirming the surrender, which protects you from future liability.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I register my vehicle online if I just bought it?

No, initial registration must be done by mail or in person because the DMV needs to verify your title and documents. However, once your vehicle is registered, you can renew online every year. Online registration is only for renewals of vehicles already registered in Virginia.

What if I lost my registration card?

Request a replacement card from the DMV online or by mail. A replacement card costs a small fee and arrives within a week. Until it arrives, carry a copy of your renewal notice or online confirmation as proof of registration if you are stopped by law enforcement.

Do I need a vehicle inspection before registering in Virginia?

Most vehicles do not require an inspection for registration. However, vehicles purchased out of state or vehicles with certain modifications may need one. The DMV will notify you if your vehicle requires an inspection. You can have it done at any authorized inspection station.

What is the penalty for driving with expired registration?

Driving with expired registration is a traffic violation that results in a fine. The exact amount varies, but you will receive a citation. You can pay the fine or contest it in traffic court. Renewing when ready may help if you are stopped before your court date.

How do I transfer my registration if I sell my vehicle?

You do not transfer your registration to the buyer. Instead, complete Form VSA 19 (Notice of Transfer and Release of Liability) to notify the DMV that you no longer own the vehicle. The buyer registers the vehicle in their own name. Submitting this form protects you from liability after the sale.