Do You Need Insurance to Register a Car in Virginia in 2025

Virginia law requires motor vehicle liability insurance or payment of an Uninsured Motor Vehicle (UMV) fee for all vehicles operated on public roadways. Under the Virginia Code Title 46.2, Chapters 3 and 6, vehicle owners must maintain financial responsibility before operating a motor vehicle in the Commonwealth. The Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles administers vehicle registration and enforces insurance compliance through the Motor Vehicle Safety Responsibility Act.

Legal Requirement for Insurance Coverage

The Virginia Code establishes financial responsibility requirements for all motor vehicles registered in Virginia. Under Virginia Code § 46.2-706, no person shall operate or permit the operation of an uninsured motor vehicle in Virginia unless the vehicle owner has paid the uninsured motor vehicle fee to the Department of Motor Vehicles.

Operating a vehicle without required insurance or payment of the UMV fee may result in suspension of vehicle registration, suspension of driver's license, and fines of up to $600.The Virginia State Corporation Commission Bureau of Insurance regulates insurance companies and handles consumer complaints related to automobile insurance.

Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles
2300 West Broad Street, Richmond, VA 23269
Phone: (804) 497-7100
Official Website: Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles

Minimum Insurance Coverage Requirements

Virginia Code § 46.2-472 establishes minimum amounts for motor vehicle liability insurance coverage. The Virginia State Corporation Commission Bureau of Insurance regulates insurance companies operating in the Commonwealth.

The minimum coverage requirements apply to third-party liability insurance for bodily injury and property damage. Virginia does not mandate first-party medical payments coverage or personal injury protection.

Alternative methods of demonstrating financial responsibility include a surety bond of at least $75,000 filed with the Department of Motor Vehicles, a certificate of deposit of $75,000 with the State Treasurer, or qualification as a self-insurer with approval from the Commissioner of the Department of Motor Vehicles demonstrating financial ability to pay claims.

Virginia State Corporation Commission Bureau of Insurance
1300 East Main Street, Richmond, VA 23219
Phone: (877) 310-6560
Official Website: Bureau of Insurance

Proof of Insurance Documents

Virginia requires vehicle operators to carry proof of financial responsibility at all times while operating a motor vehicle. Vehicle owners must provide acceptable documentation during registration and traffic stops. The following formats are accepted:

• An insurance identification card issued by an insurance company licensed in Virginia
• A certificate of self-insurance issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles
• Electronic proof of insurance displayed on a mobile device, tablet, or other portable electronic device
• Receipt showing payment of the uninsured motor vehicle fee with confirmation from DMV records

Law enforcement officers and DMV personnel may verify insurance coverage through the Insurance Verification System, which provides real-time access to insurance information reported by insurance companies to the Department of Motor Vehicles.

Exceptions to Insurance Requirements

Limited exceptions to the financial responsibility requirement exist under Virginia law:

• Motor vehicles owned by the United States government, the Commonwealth of Virginia, or any county, city, or town within Virginia
• Motor vehicles covered by a certificate of self-insurance issued by the Commissioner of the Department of Motor Vehicles
• Vehicles titled in Virginia but currently garaged outside Virginia and insured according to the requirements of the state where garaged, provided proof is submitted to DMV
• Farm use vehicles with "Farm Use" license plates that are driven less than 7,500 miles annually and operated primarily between the owner's residence and farmland
• Antique vehicles more than 25 years old with antique license plates that are used primarily for exhibitions, club activities, parades, and other public interest events
• Motor vehicles owned by common carriers that have obtained certificates from regulatory authorities and maintain required insurance or bonds

Insurance Requirements for Vehicle Registration

The Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles verifies insurance coverage or uninsured motorist fee payment before processing vehicle registration applications and renewals. Vehicle owners must provide proof of insurance.

New Virginia residents must register their vehicles and obtain Virginia license plates within 30 days of establishing residency. A person is considered a resident if they accept employment in Virginia, place children in Virginia public schools, or remain in Virginia for more than 183 days during any 365-day period. New residents must obtain Virginia insurance coverage meeting state minimum requirements or pay the uninsured motorist fee before completing vehicle registration.

Virginia motorists may renew vehicle registration online through the DMV website, by mail, or in person at DMV customer service centers. The Department of Motor Vehicles monitors all registered vehicles through the Insurance Verification System to ensure continuous compliance with financial responsibility requirements.

Vehicle owners whose insurance lapses without paying the uninsured motorist fee will have their vehicle registration suspended. DMV will send a notice of insurance termination requiring the vehicle owner to return the license plates and registration card within 30 days. Failure to return plates results in a suspension of driving privileges.

To restore registration and driving privileges after suspension, vehicle owners must obtain valid insurance coverage or pay the uninsured motorist fee, submit proof to DMV, return any suspended license plates, and pay a reinstatement fee.