How Much Does It Cost To Register a Car in Virginia From Out of State
Individuals relocating to Virginia with motor vehicles titled and registered in other jurisdictions must complete registration through the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles. Virginia law mandates that new residents register their vehicles within 30 days of establishing domicile in the Commonwealth. The Code of Virginia § 46.2-600 establishes registration obligations and fee structures administered by the Department of Motor Vehicles across all customer service centers statewide.
Base Registration and Title Fees
Vehicle registration costs in Virginia encompass multiple fee components, including base registration charges, title application fees, processing assessments, and supplemental transportation infrastructure fees. The Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles administers standardized fee schedules for all titling and registration transactions.
Standard Registration Fees
Virginia calculates registration fees based on vehicle weight classification and type.
Passenger Vehicle Registration Fees
| Vehicle Type | Annual Registration Fee |
|---|---|
| Passenger vehicles - 4,000 lbs or less* ** *** | $30.75 |
| Passenger vehicles - 4,001 lbs to 6,500 lbs* ** *** | $35.75 |
| Electric vehicles*** | $131.88 |
Motorcycle and Two-Wheeled Vehicle Fees
| Vehicle Type | Annual Registration Fee |
|---|---|
| Motorcycle** | $24.75 |
| Motorcycle Class (per year) | $2.00 |
| Moped | $18.25 |
| Autocycle | $21.75 |
Truck Registration Fees
| Vehicle Type | Annual Registration Fee |
|---|---|
| Pickup Truck - 4,001 to 6,500 lbs gross weight* ** *** | $35.75 |
| Pickup Truck - 6,501-10,000 lbs gross weight* ** | $44.75 |
Trailer Registration Fees (Annual)
| Vehicle Type | Annual Registration Fee |
|---|---|
| Trailer - 0 to 1,500 lbs (per year) | $18.00 |
| Trailer - 1,501 to 4,000 lbs (per year) | $28.50 |
| Trailer - 4,001 or more lbs (per year) | $40.00 |
| Single weight (travel trailer for living quarters) | $30.75 |
Permanent Trailer Registration (One-Time Fee)
| Vehicle Type | Permanent Registration Fee |
|---|---|
| Trailer - 0 to 1,500 lbs | $70.00 |
| Trailer - 1,501 to 4,000 lbs | $75.00 |
| Trailer - 4,001 or more lbs | $100.00 |
Specialty Vehicle Registration Fees
| Vehicle Type | Registration Fee |
|---|---|
| Low speed vehicle*** | $29.25 |
| Electric vehicle low speed vehicle | $25.00 |
| Antique vehicle permanent registration (one-time fee) | $50.00 |
Rental and For-Hire Passenger Vehicle Registration Fees
| Vehicle Type | Annual Registration Fee |
|---|---|
| Passenger - 4,000 lbs or less* ** *** | $40.75 |
| Passenger - 4,001 lbs to 6,500 lbs* ** *** | $45.75 |
| Electric vehicle*** | $116.49 |
| Pickup Truck - 4,001 to 6,500 lbs gross weight* ** *** | $35.75 |
| Pickup Truck - 6,501-10,000 lbs gross weight* ** | $44.75 |
| Moped | $18.25 |
| Motorcycle** | $24.75 |
| Autocycle | $21.75 |
| Low speed vehicle*** | $30.75 |
| Antique vehicle permanent registration (one-time fee) | $50.00 |
Additional Registration Services
| Service Type | Fee Amount |
|---|---|
| Trip permit | $5.00 |
| Late fee | $10.00 |
| Replacement registration card (free online) | $2.00 |
| Replacement decal | $1.00 |
| Registration transfer fee | $2.00 |
| IRP cab card (free online) | $2.00 |
| Dealer registration card | $2.00 |
| License plate reactivation | $10.00 |
Important Notes:
- Additional $2.00 for emissions inspections if your vehicle is garaged in Arlington, Fairfax, Loudoun, Prince William, or Stafford counties or the cities of Alexandria, Fairfax, Falls Church, Manassas, or Manassas Park.
** Vehicles garaged in localities participating in DMV's Local Vehicle Registration Program may also be charged applicable local registration fees.
*** Highway Use Fee may be applied in addition to the registration fee.
Alternative Fuel Vehicle Registration Fees
Virginia assesses supplemental annual fees on alternative fuel vehicles to compensate for reduced motor fuel tax contributions. These additional charges appear in the highway use fee structure established by the Commonwealth.
Alternative Fuel Vehicle Annual Fees:
| Vehicle Fuel Type | Annual Supplemental Fee |
|---|---|
| Electric vehicles | $131.88 |
| Low Speed Vehicle | $25.00 |
Title Application Fees
Virginia requires a certificate of title issuance for most motor vehicles, trailers, and semitrailers.
Title Transaction Fees:
| Transaction Type | Fee Amount |
|---|---|
| Original title | $15.00 |
| Substitute title | $15.00 |
| Replacement title (with no changes) | $15.00 |
| Supplemental lien title | $15.00 |
New Resident Fee and Use Tax
Virginia imposes a Motor Vehicle Sales and Use Tax on vehicles titled in the Commonwealth. The Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles collects this tax during the titling transaction based on vehicle purchase price or fair market value.
Motor Vehicle Sales and Use Tax
The statewide Motor Vehicle Sales and Use Tax calculation basis is the higher of the actual purchase price or the current market value as determined by a recognized pricing guide.
State Motor Vehicle Sales and Use Tax:
| Tax Type | Rate |
|---|---|
| Motor Vehicle Sales and Use Tax | 4.15%, minimum charge $75.00 |
New Virginia residents who previously titled and registered their vehicle in another state may qualify for a tax exemption. Documentation demonstrating prior ownership and registration duration must be presented to claim this exemption.
Regional Transportation Authority Taxes
Certain Northern Virginia localities impose additional regional taxes to fund transportation infrastructure improvements. The Code of Virginia § 58.1-802.3 authorizes these supplemental levies in designated jurisdictions.
Northern Virginia Regional Tax:
Vehicles registered in Arlington, Fairfax, Loudoun, and Prince William counties and the cities of Alexandria, Fairfax, Falls Church, Manassas, and Manassas Park are subject to an additional motor vehicle sales and use tax of 0.70% of the purchase price or fair market value. This regional tax supplements the base state rate, resulting in a combined rate of 4.85% in these jurisdictions.
Hampton Roads Regional Tax:
Vehicles registered in the cities of Chesapeake, Franklin, Hampton, Newport News, Norfolk, Poquoson, Portsmouth, Suffolk, Virginia Beach, and Williamsburg, and the counties of Isle of Wight, James City, Southampton, and York are subject to an additional motor vehicle sales and use tax of 0.70% of the purchase price or fair market value. This regional assessment increases the total tax rate to 4.85% in Hampton Roads localities.
Vehicle Inspection Requirements and Fees
Virginia mandates periodic safety inspections for all registered motor vehicles. The Virginia State Police Safety Division administers the vehicle safety inspection program through authorized inspection stations across the Commonwealth.
Safety Inspection Program
All motor vehicles registered in Virginia must undergo annual safety inspections conducted by state-approved inspection facilities.
Safety Inspection Fees:
| Vehicle Type | Maximum Fee |
|---|---|
| Tractor truck | $51.00 |
| Truck (gross vehicle weight of 26,000 lbs. or more) | $51.00 |
| Commercial vehicle (more than 15 seating capacity) | $51.00 |
| Motorcycle inspection | $20.00 |
| Any other vehicle, including trailers and motor homes | $20.00 |
Individual inspection stations determine actual charges within these maximum thresholds. Fees may vary between inspection facilities based on their pricing policies.
Emissions Inspection Program
Virginia requires emissions inspections for vehicles registered in designated areas of Northern Virginia. The Virginia Department of Environmental Quality oversees the emissions testing program in localities subject to mandatory inspection requirements.
Emissions Inspection Fees:
| Testing Type | Fee Amount |
|---|---|
| Standard inspection station | $28.00 |
| RAPIDPASS (roadside testing) | Up to $30.00 |
Salvage and Rebuilt Vehicle Inspection
Vehicles with salvage branding or rebuilt from salvage designation require special inspection by the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles prior to receiving standard registration. These inspections verify proper reconstruction and compliance with safety standards.
Salvage Vehicle Inspection Fees:
| Inspection Service | Fee Amount |
|---|---|
| DMV salvage vehicle inspection | $125.00 |
| Rebuilt title processing | $15.00 |
Government Agencies and Contact Information
Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles - Central Office
2300 West Broad Street, Richmond, VA 23269
Phone: (804) 497-7100
Official Website: Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles
The Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles administers all vehicle registration, titling, and taxation programs throughout the Commonwealth. The agency maintains vehicle ownership records, processes title applications, collects motor vehicle taxes, and enforces compliance with registration statutes at customer service centers statewide.
Virginia DMV Customer Service Centers
Richmond DMV Customer Service Center
2300 West Broad Street, Richmond, VA 23269
Phone: (804) 497-7100
Official Website: Richmond DMV Customer Service Center
Virginia Beach - Buckner DMV Customer Service Center
3551 Buckner Boulevard, Virginia Beach, VA 23453
Phone: (804) 497-7100
Official Website: Virginia Beach - Buckner DMV Customer Service Center
Norfolk - Military Circle DMV Customer Service Center
5745 Poplar Hall Drive, Norfolk, VA 23502
Phone: (804) 497-7100
Official Website: Norfolk - Military Circle DMV Customer Service Center
Fairfax - Westfields DMV Customer Service Center
14950 Northridge Drive, Chantilly, VA 20151
Phone: (804) 497-7100
Official Website: Fairfax - Westfields DMV Customer Service Center
Arlington DMV Customer Service Center
4150 South Four Mile Run Drive, Arlington, VA 22206
Phone: (804) 497-7100
Official Website: Arlington DMV Customer Service Center
Chesapeake DMV Customer Service Center
813 Greenbrier Parkway, Chesapeake, VA 23320
Phone: (804) 497-7100
Official Website: Chesapeake DMV Customer Service Center
Alexandria DMV Customer Service Center
2681 Mill Road, Alexandria, VA 22314
Phone: (804) 497-7100
Official Website: Alexandria DMV Customer Service Center
Newport News DMV Customer Service Center
12730 Patrick Henry Drive, Newport News, VA 23602
Phone: (804) 497-7100
Official Website: Newport News DMV Customer Service Center
Roanoke DMV Customer Service Center
5220 Valleypark Drive, Roanoke, VA 24019
Phone: (804) 497-7100
Official Website: Roanoke DMV Customer Service Center
Lynchburg DMV Customer Service Center
3236 Odd Fellows Road, Lynchburg, VA 24501
Phone: (804) 497-7100
Official Website: Lynchburg DMV Customer Service Center
