Do I Need an Inspection To Renew My Tags in Virginia?
Yes. All motor vehicles, trailers, and semitrailers registered in Virginia and operated or parked on any highway within the Commonwealth must undergo an annual safety inspection. Additionally, vehicles registered in designated Northern Virginia localities must pass an emissions inspection every two years before registration can be renewed.
Registration decals displaying the expiration month and year must be placed on license plates as prescribed by the Commissioner under Virginia Code § 46.2-712. Safety inspection stickers are separate from registration decals and are displayed on the lower left corner of the windshield when viewed from inside the vehicle per 19VAC30-70-50.
Exemptions and Special Circumstances
The following vehicles are exempt from inspection requirements in Virginia:
- Antique motor vehicles or antique trailers registered with antique plates
- Four-wheel vehicles weighing less than 500 pounds and having less than 6 horsepower
- Boat, utility, or travel trailers that are not equipped with brakes
- New motor vehicles bearing a manufacturer's license operated for test purposes
- Mopeds and low-speed vehicles
- Military surplus motor vehicles licensed accordingly
- Vehicles registered under the International Registration Plan
- Unregistered farm vehicles displaying farm use placards issued by DMV
Contact Information for Tag Services
Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles
P.O. Box 27412, Richmond, VA 23269
Phone: (804) 497-7100
Official Website: Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles
