🕷️ Crawler Inspector

[Skip to main content](https://www.dmv.virginia.gov/vehicles/registration#main) [Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles](https://www.dmv.virginia.gov/) ## Utility menu - [Online Services](https://www.dmv.virginia.gov/online-services) - [Locations](https://www.dmv.virginia.gov/locations) - [Moving](https://www.dmv.virginia.gov/moving) - [Forms](https://www.dmv.virginia.gov/forms) - [My Account](https://transactions.dmv.virginia.gov/apps/webtrans/CustomerProfile/details.aspx) Search ## Main menu - Licenses & IDs ## [Licenses & IDs](https://www.dmv.virginia.gov/licenses-ids) - [Driver's License](https://www.dmv.virginia.gov/licenses-ids/license) - [Learner's Permits](https://www.dmv.virginia.gov/licenses-ids/learners) - [Virginia Mobile ID](https://www.dmv.virginia.gov/licenses-ids/mobile-id) - [Commercial Driver's Licenses](https://www.dmv.virginia.gov/licenses-ids/cdl) - [ID Cards](https://www.dmv.virginia.gov/licenses-ids/id-cards) - [REAL ID](https://www.dmv.virginia.gov/licenses-ids/real-id) - [Motorcycle License](https://www.dmv.virginia.gov/licenses-ids/motorcycle) - [Exams & Study Materials](https://www.dmv.virginia.gov/licenses-ids/exams) - [Driver Training](https://www.dmv.virginia.gov/licenses-ids/training) - [Driver Improvement](https://www.dmv.virginia.gov/licenses-ids/improvement) - [Disability Programs](https://www.dmv.virginia.gov/licenses-ids/disability) - [Payment Plan Program](https://www.dmv.virginia.gov/licenses-ids/payment-plan-program) - [Organ Donation](https://www.dmv.virginia.gov/licenses-ids/organ-donation) - [License Extension](https://www.dmv.virginia.gov/licenses-ids/license-extension) - [Military Personnel](https://www.dmv.virginia.gov/military) - [Moving](https://www.dmv.virginia.gov/moving) - [No-Cost Credentials and Vital Records for Homeless Youth](https://www.dmv.virginia.gov/licenses-ids/no-cost-credentials) [Document Guide Know which documents are required for your driver application before you head to DMV. Access Guide](https://transactions.dmv.virginia.gov/apps/documentbuilder/intro.aspx) - Vehicles ## [Vehicles](https://www.dmv.virginia.gov/vehicles) - [Title Your Vehicle or Trailer](https://www.dmv.virginia.gov/vehicles/title) - [Registration](https://www.dmv.virginia.gov/vehicles/registration) - [First Time Vehicle Registration](https://www.dmv.virginia.gov/vehicles/registration/first-reg) - [Trailer Registration](https://www.dmv.virginia.gov/vehicles/registration/trailer) - [Emissions Inspections](https://www.dmv.virginia.gov/vehicles/registration/emissions) - [Delinquent Property Taxes and Vehicle Registration](https://www.dmv.virginia.gov/vehicles/registration/stop-register) - [Electric Vehicles](https://www.dmv.virginia.gov/vehicles/registration/alternative-vehicles) - [Antique Motor Vehicles and Trailers](https://www.dmv.virginia.gov/vehicles/registration/antique) - [Trip Permit](https://www.dmv.virginia.gov/vehicles/registration/temp-permit) - [Denial of Registrations or Renewal](https://www.dmv.virginia.gov/vehicles/registration/denials) - [Receive Notifications - Email and Text Reminders](https://www.dmv.virginia.gov/vehicles/registration/enotification-info) - [eNotification Policy](https://www.dmv.virginia.gov/vehicles/registration/enotification-policy) - [Renew Your Vehicle Registration by Mail](https://www.dmv.virginia.gov/vehicles/registration/mail-renew) - [Farm Vehicles](https://www.dmv.virginia.gov/vehicles/registration/farm) - [All About Mopeds](https://www.dmv.virginia.gov/vehicles/registration/moped) - [Register a Tow Truck in Virginia](https://www.dmv.virginia.gov/vehicles/registration/tow-truck-reg) - [State-Owned Vehicles](https://www.dmv.virginia.gov/vehicles/registration/state-owned-vehicles) - [Local Vehicle Registration Program](https://www.dmv.virginia.gov/vehicles/registration/lvrp) - [Military Surplus Motor Vehicles](https://www.dmv.virginia.gov/vehicles/registration/surplus) - [City of Virginia Beach: Vehicle Registration Fees](https://www.dmv.virginia.gov/vehicles/registration/exemp-disc-chart) - [City of Virginia Beach: Vehicle Registration Exemptions and Discounts](https://www.dmv.virginia.gov/exemp-disc-chart) - [Sample Registration Card](https://www.dmv.virginia.gov/vehicles/registration/sample-card) - [Submitting Registration-Only Applications by Mail](https://www.dmv.virginia.gov/vehicles/registration/title-mail-reg-only) - [Vehicle Color Codes for Virginia](https://www.dmv.virginia.gov/vehicles/registration/color-codes) - [License Plates](https://www.dmv.virginia.gov/vehicles/license-plates) - [Buying/Selling a Vehicle](https://www.dmv.virginia.gov/vehicles/buy-sell) - [Insurance Coverage Verification](https://www.dmv.virginia.gov/vehicles/insurance-coverage) - [Taxes & Fees](https://www.dmv.virginia.gov/vehicles/taxes-fees) - [E-ZPass at DMV](https://www.dmv.virginia.gov/vehicles/ez-pass) - [Insurance Requirements](https://www.dmv.virginia.gov/vehicles/insurance-requirements) - [General Information](https://www.dmv.virginia.gov/vehicles/general) - [National Motor Vehicle Titling Information System (NMVTIS)](https://www.dmv.virginia.gov/vehicles/nmvtis) - [Abandoned Vehicle FAQs](https://www.dmv.virginia.gov/vehicles/avp-faq) - [Abandoned Vehicles/ Mechanic's & Storage Lien (MSL) Vehicles](https://www.dmv.virginia.gov/vehicles/avp-msl) - [Download Vehicle Forms](https://www.dmv.virginia.gov/vehicles/vehicle-forms) [Registration Renewal Renew your vehicle registration before it expires to avoid a late fee. Renew Registration](https://transactions.dmv.virginia.gov/apps/webtrans/Vehicle_Registration/intro.aspx) - Businesses ## [Businesses](https://www.dmv.virginia.gov/businesses) - [Motor Carriers](https://www.dmv.virginia.gov/businesses/motor-carriers) - [Hauling Permits](https://www.dmv.virginia.gov/businesses/hauling) - [Insurance Services](https://www.dmv.virginia.gov/businesses/insurance) - [Electronic Lien Program](https://www.dmv.virginia.gov/businesses/lien) - [Virginia Motor Fuels Tax Programs](https://www.dmv.virginia.gov/businesses/tax-act) - [Business Opportunities](https://www.dmv.virginia.gov/businesses/opportunities) - [How to Become a DMV Select Partner](https://www.dmv.virginia.gov/businesses/become-dmv-select) - [Online Fleet](https://www.dmv.virginia.gov/businesses/online-fleet) - [Dealer Services](https://www.dmv.virginia.gov/businesses/dealer-services) - [Online Dealers](https://www.dmv.virginia.gov/businesses/odealer) - [Online Operating Authority Application](https://www.dmv.virginia.gov/businesses/motor-carriers/intrastate/online-operating-authority-application) - [Rental Tax](https://www.dmv.virginia.gov/businesses/rental-tax) - [Transportation Network Companies (TNC)](https://www.dmv.virginia.gov/businesses/tnc) [VIIM System VIIM System to conduct your Virginia IRP and/or IFTA transactions online. VIIM System](https://www.dmv.virginia.gov/businesses/motor-carriers/viim-system) - Records ## [Records](https://www.dmv.virginia.gov/records) - [Driver Alert Voluntary Driving Record Monitoring Program](https://www.dmv.virginia.gov/records/voluntary) - [Request a Copy of Your Driver or Vehicle Record](https://www.dmv.virginia.gov/records/request-driver-vehicle-record) - [Request a Police Crash Report from DMV](https://www.dmv.virginia.gov/records/request-police-crash-report) - [Obtain Vehicle History](https://www.dmv.virginia.gov/records/vehicle-history) - [Change Address, Name or Sex Designation](https://www.dmv.virginia.gov/records/personal-information-updates) - [Non-Governmental Access to DMV Records](https://www.dmv.virginia.gov/records/non-governmental-access) - [Governmental Access to DMV Records](https://www.dmv.virginia.gov/records/governmental-access) - [Resources for Family of Deceased](https://www.dmv.virginia.gov/records/family-deceased) - [Emergency Contact Information](https://www.dmv.virginia.gov/records/emergency-contact) - [Vital Records at DMV](https://www.dmv.virginia.gov/records/vital) - [Prospective Purchaser Inquiry (PPI)](https://www.dmv.virginia.gov/records/ppi) - [Release of DMV Information](https://www.dmv.virginia.gov/records/release) - [Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) Rights and Responsibilities](https://www.dmv.virginia.gov/records/foia) - [Register to Vote](https://www.dmv.virginia.gov/records/vote) [Driving & Vehicle Records Purchase a copy of your driver or vehicle record online. View Records](https://transactions.dmv.virginia.gov/apps/webtrans/records/intro.aspx) - Safety ## [Safety](https://www.dmv.virginia.gov/safety) - [Safety Resources](https://www.dmv.virginia.gov/safety/resources) - [Statewide Crash Data](https://www.dmv.virginia.gov/safety/crash-data) - [Grants Management](https://www.dmv.virginia.gov/safety/grants-management) - [Safety Programs](https://www.dmv.virginia.gov/safety/programs) [Points Balance Check your points balance to see where your record stands. Check Balance](https://transactions.dmv.virginia.gov/apps/webtrans/CustomerProfile/details.aspx) [Reserve Your Spot](https://www.dmv.virginia.gov/appointments) ## Scam Alert\! The Virginia DMV is aware of fraudulent text messages that are being sent regarding fines and suspensions. DMV will NEVER send text messages about your fines or suspensions, or request you share financial details by text. Report and delete unwanted text messages. Use your phone’s Delete and Report Spam options to report unwanted texts. Dismiss Alert ## Breadcrumb 1. [Home](https://www.dmv.virginia.gov/) 2. [Vehicles](https://www.dmv.virginia.gov/vehicles) # Register Your Vehicle [Skip to main content](https://www.dmv.virginia.gov/vehicles/registration#content-main) - [Registration](https://www.dmv.virginia.gov/vehicles/registration) - [First Time Vehicle Registration](https://www.dmv.virginia.gov/vehicles/registration/first-reg) - [Trailer Registration](https://www.dmv.virginia.gov/vehicles/registration/trailer) - [Emissions Inspections](https://www.dmv.virginia.gov/vehicles/registration/emissions) - [Delinquent Property Taxes and Vehicle Registration](https://www.dmv.virginia.gov/vehicles/registration/stop-register) - [Electric Vehicles](https://www.dmv.virginia.gov/vehicles/registration/alternative-vehicles) - [Antique Motor Vehicles and Trailers](https://www.dmv.virginia.gov/vehicles/registration/antique) - [Trip Permit](https://www.dmv.virginia.gov/vehicles/registration/temp-permit) - [Denial of Registrations or Renewal](https://www.dmv.virginia.gov/vehicles/registration/denials) - [Receive Notifications - Email and Text Reminders](https://www.dmv.virginia.gov/vehicles/registration/enotification-info) - [eNotification Policy](https://www.dmv.virginia.gov/vehicles/registration/enotification-policy) - [Renew Your Vehicle Registration by Mail](https://www.dmv.virginia.gov/vehicles/registration/mail-renew) - [Farm Vehicles](https://www.dmv.virginia.gov/vehicles/registration/farm) - [All About Mopeds](https://www.dmv.virginia.gov/vehicles/registration/moped) - [Register a Tow Truck in Virginia](https://www.dmv.virginia.gov/vehicles/registration/tow-truck-reg) - [State-Owned Vehicles](https://www.dmv.virginia.gov/vehicles/registration/state-owned-vehicles) - [Local Vehicle Registration Program](https://www.dmv.virginia.gov/vehicles/registration/lvrp) - [Military Surplus Motor Vehicles](https://www.dmv.virginia.gov/vehicles/registration/surplus) - [City of Virginia Beach: Vehicle Registration Fees](https://www.dmv.virginia.gov/vehicles/registration/exemp-disc-chart) - [City of Virginia Beach: Vehicle Registration Exemptions and Discounts](https://www.dmv.virginia.gov/exemp-disc-chart) - [Sample Registration Card](https://www.dmv.virginia.gov/vehicles/registration/sample-card) - [Submitting Registration-Only Applications by Mail](https://www.dmv.virginia.gov/vehicles/registration/title-mail-reg-only) - [Vehicle Color Codes for Virginia](https://www.dmv.virginia.gov/vehicles/registration/color-codes) A vehicle’s registration proves you have registered it with the state and are legally allowed to drive it. You’ll need to register a vehicle if you buy it from a dealer or private seller, or move to a different state. Registrations must be renewed annually. Need to [renew](https://transactions.dmv.virginia.gov/apps/webtrans/Vehicle_Registration/intro.aspx)? A complete Virginia registration gets you: - One front and one back license plate (one plate if your vehicle is a motorcycle, tractor truck, semitrailer or trailer) - Decals displaying the registration’s expiration date - A registration card ## Title vs. Registration A title proves you own the vehicle. Registration proves the vehicle is authorized to be driven. ### Requirements Before Registering Your Vehicle 1. Have your car [titled in Virginia](https://www.dmv.virginia.gov/vehicles/title "Title Your Vehicle or Trailer") - **For used vehicles**: Remember to complete the “Certification of Buyer” and “Application of Registration” sections on your Virginia title 2. Complete an [Application for Registration](https://www.dmv.virginia.gov/sites/default/files/documents/vsa14_0.pdf "vsa14_0.pdf") (VSA 14) 3. If your vehicle is garaged in the counties of Arlington, Fairfax, Loudoun, Prince William or Stafford, or in the cities of Alexandria, Fairfax, Falls Church, Manassas or Manassas Park: - Pass an [emissions inspection](https://www.dmv.virginia.gov/vehicles/registration/emissions "Emissions Inspections") (does not apply to motorcycles) Note: The emissions inspection station will electronically update your DMV vehicle record with the test results immediately. We will only ask you for emissions information if your vehicle failed the test or the information has not been received. 4. Meet the minimum [insurance coverage requirements](https://www.dmv.virginia.gov/vehicles/insurance-requirements "Insurance Requirements"). Note: [For-hire](https://www.dmv.virginia.gov/businesses/motor-carriers/intrastate/plate-require "Intrastate Operating Authority Registration - Plate Requirements") vehicles require higher [insurance limits](https://www.dmv.virginia.gov/businesses/motor-carriers/intrastate/bond-require "Insurance and Surety Bond Requirements") and are subject to [intrastate operating authority requirements](https://www.dmv.virginia.gov/businesses/motor-carriers/intrastate "For-Hire Intrastate Operating Authority"). Note: If your vehicle's liability insurance coverage ends or is canceled during the registration period, you must reinsure the vehicle, temporarily [deactivate your license plates](https://transactions.dmv.virginia.gov/dmvnet/reg_deactivate/deactivate_intro.aspx) or [surrender the license plates](https://transactions.dmv.virginia.gov/vehicles/surrender_plates.asp) to DMV. 5. If you are applying for an original registration or are transferring an existing registration to a different vehicle, and: - You are using the vehicle to transport passengers or property for-hire, **and** - No [intrastate operating authority](https://www.dmv.virginia.gov/businesses/motor-carriers/intrastate "For-Hire Intrastate Operating Authority") has been issued under the name that the vehicle is being registered under, **and** - You are leasing the vehicle to a person or company that does hold [intrastate operating authority](https://www.dmv.virginia.gov/businesses/motor-carriers/intrastate "For-Hire Intrastate Operating Authority") **(i.e., A limo or an Uber)** You must complete the [For-Hire Vehicles Registration Request](https://www.dmv.virginia.gov/sites/default/files/mcs115.pdf "mcs115.pdf") and submit the form to [Motor Carrier Services](https://www.dmv.virginia.gov/businesses/motor-carriers/contactmcs "Contact Motor Carrier Services"). They will let you know by the next business day whether you’ve received pre-authorization to complete the vehicle registration transaction, or if there are other items you must still provide. Note: Additional information is required to title and register a vehicle if you - are a [new Virginia resident](https://www.dmv.virginia.gov/moving/new-virginia) - [lease your vehicle](https://www.dmv.virginia.gov/vehicles/general/leased#reglease). **Safety Inspection** Your vehicle must pass an annual safety inspection and display a valid safety inspection sticker before it can be operated in Virginia. Driving without an inspection sticker may result in a ticket from law enforcement. A conviction for violating Virginia inspection laws could result in a fine and be posted to your driving record. ### How to Register Your Vehicle Once you’ve met all the registration requirements, submit the following to DMV: 1. Completed [Application for Registration](https://www.dmv.virginia.gov/sites/default/files/vsa14.pdf "vsa14.pdf") (VSA 14) - Remember to complete the “Insurance Certification” section 2. [Registration fee](https://www.dmv.virginia.gov/sites/default/files/dmv201.pdf "dmv201.pdf") 3. [For-Hire Vehicles Registration Request](https://www.dmv.virginia.gov/sites/default/files/mcs115.pdf "mcs115.pdf"), if applicable There are two ways you can submit these items: - In person at any DMV [customer service center](https://www.dmv.virginia.gov/locations), [DMV Select](https://www.dmv.virginia.gov/locations/dmv-selects) or [mobile office](https://www.dmv.virginia.gov/locations/dmv-connects "DMV Connects") - By [mail](https://www.dmv.virginia.gov/vehicles/registration/title-mail-reg-only "Submitting Registration-Only Applications by Mail") ### [**Schedule an Appointment**](https://transactions.dmv.virginia.gov/onlineservices/appointment-selector.aspx) ### How to Renew Your Registration Online ### Renewal Fees and Multi-Year Discounts Your [renewal fee](https://www.dmv.virginia.gov/sites/default/files/dmv201.pdf "dmv201.pdf") is determined by the type of vehicle and its empty weight or gross weight. Additional fees may occur based on: - The type of license plate you purchase. See [**Special License Plates**](https://www.dmv.virginia.gov/vehicles/license-plates/search "Search/View Specialized License Plates"). - Whether you register for more than one year. - Renewing your registration after it has expired. - If your vehicle is subject to a [highway use fee](https://www.dmv.virginia.gov/vehicles/taxes-fees/highway-use "What is the Highway Use Fee?"). If eligible, you can get the following multi-year discounts: - Two year renewal — \$3 discount online or \$2 discount by mail, by phone or in person - Three-year renewal — \$4 discount online or \$3 discount by mail, by phone or in person Note: If by mail, you must send DMV the Application for Registration to get the discount. - Your vehicle has a gross weight of 55,000 pounds or more; - Your vehicle is registered under the International Registration Plan; - You live in an emissions area and only have one year left on the emissions inspection. - You are registering your vehicle for the first time; - You are renewing your registration by mail using the pre-printed renewal reminder. You must mail DMV an Application for Registration to receive the discount; - Your vehicle is garaged in Arlington, Fairfax City, Loudoun, Prince William, Stafford, Alexandria, Fairfax County, Falls Church, Manassas or Manassas Park, since vehicles in these localities are subject to an every-other-year [emissions inspection](https://www.dmv.virginia.gov/vehicles/registration/emissions "Emissions Inspections"); - Your vehicle has a gross weight of 55,000 pounds or more; - Your vehicle is registered under the [International Registration Plan](https://www.dmv.virginia.gov/businesses/motor-carriers/irp "International Registration Plan (IRP)"). ### Registration Refunds You may receive partial refunds if you cancel your registration before it expires. Discounts and certain fees are not prorated or refundable. These fees include one-time plate reservation fees, Virginia Road Tax for heavy trucks and any late fees. ### Additional Information #### Dealer Purchases and Leased Vehicles If you have recently purchased a vehicle from a dealer and that dealer is processing the work for you, it may take up to 30 days for the dealer to process your transaction and for the vehicle to appear in your DMV record. The dealer will provide you with a temporary plate transfer or temporary registration for the 30 day period to allow you to legally drive. Leased vehicles will not show up in your DMV record. ##### Your License Plates, Decals and Registration Card Keep your registration card with you whenever you operate the vehicle. **To deter theft of your decals**, remove the previous year's decals from your license plates before putting on your new decals. The material will tear if removed from the metal plate but may not tear if it is removed from a decal. Once the decal is applied, you may also wish to gently cut an "x" into the decal with a razor blade, so that it will not come off in one piece if it is removed. **It is illegal to mount colored glass, plastic or any other type of covering** on your license plates that alters or obscures the letters, numbers, decals, the state where the vehicle is registered and when the registration expires. ### More Resources - [Titling Your Vehicle](https://www.dmv.virginia.gov/vehicles/title "Title Your Vehicle or Trailer") - [State-Owned Vehicles](https://www.dmv.virginia.gov/vehicles/registration/state-owned-vehicles "State-Owned Vehicles") - [Federal Employees Returning to Virginia From Outside the U.S.](https://www.dmv.virginia.gov/vehicles/returning-us "Federal Employees Returning From Outside the U.S.") ### How to Renew Your Registration After your first registration, DMV will send you renewal reminders before your registration’s expiration date. Sign up for [eNotifications](https://www.dmv.virginia.gov/vehicles/registration/enotification-info "Receive Notifications - Email and Text Reminders") to receive notifications by email or text message. DMV sends email and text renewal reminders 30 days before your registration expires, and mails renewal reminders 90 days before your registration expires. Make sure DMV has your [current address](https://transactions.dmv.virginia.gov/apps/webtrans/pin_maint/pin_logon.aspx) to receive your mailed reminders. ### Renewal Options [Renew Online You’ll receive a \$1 discount. Delivery times may vary. Please allow 15 days to receive your new decals before contacting DMV.](https://transactions.dmv.virginia.gov/apps/webtrans/vehicle_registration/intro.aspx) [Renew in Person at a DMV Select Please bring the same documents you brought to register the first time, including the Application for Registration. Find the office closest to you.](https://www.dmv.virginia.gov/locations/dmv-selects) [Mail in Your Vehicle Registration Renewal Delivery times may vary. Please allow 15 days to receive your new decals before contacting DMV](https://www.dmv.virginia.gov/vehicles/registration/mail-renew) ## About Us Through our mission purpose, the DMV aims to be Virginia's most trusted service provider. - [About DMV](https://www.dmv.virginia.gov/about) - [Careers](https://www.dmv.virginia.gov/careers) - [Procurement](https://www.dmv.virginia.gov/policies-regulations/procurement) ## Resources - [Online Services](https://www.dmv.virginia.gov/online-services) - [How Do I?](https://www.dmv.virginia.gov/how-do-i) - [Forms](https://www.dmv.virginia.gov/forms) - [News](https://www.dmv.virginia.gov/news) - [Policies & Regulations](https://www.dmv.virginia.gov/policies-regulations) - [Fee Chart](https://www.dmv.virginia.gov/sites/default/files/dmv201.pdf) - [¿Habla Español?](https://www.dmv.virginia.gov/espanol) ## Contact - [Locations](https://www.dmv.virginia.gov/locations) - [Contact Us](https://www.dmv.virginia.gov/contact-us) - [Media](https://www.dmv.virginia.gov/media-resources) ## Stay Connected - [Facebook](http://www.facebook.com/VirginiaDMV) - [Instagram](http://instagram.com/virginiaDMV) - [LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/company/vadmv/) - [Twitter](http://twitter.com/VirginiaDMV) - [Youtube](http://www.youtube.com/VirginiaDMV) [Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (Superior Service \| Secure Credentials \| Saving Lives)](https://www.dmv.virginia.gov/) ©2026 Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles. All Rights Reserved. [Privacy Policy.](https://www.dmv.virginia.gov/policies-regulations/web-policy)

Renew in Person at a DMV Select Please bring the same documents you brought to register the first time, including the Application for Registration. Find the office closest to you.