How Much Does It Cost To Register a Car in Virginia in 2025

Vehicle registration costs in Virginia consist of state registration fees, local registration fees, and a highway use fee for fuel-efficient vehicles. The state uses a weight-based fee structure with additional charges that vary by locality and vehicle fuel efficiency.

Base Registration Fees by Vehicle Type

Virginia's state registration fees are determined by vehicle weight and type, as outlined in the Virginia DMV Fee Schedule:

Passenger Vehicles

*Electric vehicles pay a reduced base registration fee but are subject to the Highway Use Fee

Light Trucks and Pickups

Motorcycles and Smaller Vehicles

*Low Speed Vehicles are subject to a $25 Highway Use Fee

Specialty Vehicles

Trailers

Local County and City Registration Fees

Virginia localities participating in the Local Vehicle Registration Program impose additional fees on top of state registration costs. Local fees vary significantly by jurisdiction:

Major Virginia Localities

Fairfax County:

• Motorcycles: $18.00
• Vehicles 4,000 lbs or under: $33.00
• Vehicles 4,001 lbs or greater: $38.00

City of Norfolk:

• Motorcycles: $17.00
• Passenger Vehicles 4,000 lbs or less: $31.00
• Passenger Vehicles 4,001 - 19,000 lbs: $36.00

City of Hampton:

• Motorcycles: $17.00
• Passenger Vehicles 4,000 lbs or less: $35.00
• Passenger Vehicles over 4,000 lbs: $40.00

City of Fairfax:

• Motorcycles: $18.00
• Motor Vehicles (cars/trucks/motor homes): $33.00

Town of Clifton (within Fairfax County):

• Motorcycles: $18.00
• Vehicles 4,000 lbs or under: $33.00
• Vehicles 4,001 lbs or greater: $38.00

Localities Without Local Registration Fees

Many Virginia counties and cities do not impose local registration fees. Vehicles registered in these areas pay only state fees plus any applicable highway use fees.

Highway Use Fee for Fuel-Efficient Vehicles

Virginia imposes a Highway Use Fee (HUF) on fuel-efficient vehicles to compensate for reduced gas tax revenue. The fee applies to:

Vehicles Subject to HUF

• Vehicles with combined fuel economy of 25 MPG or greater
• Electric vehicles
• Low Speed Vehicles ($25 annual fee)
• Vehicles made in model years where the fleet average is 25 MPG or greater

HUF Calculation

The Highway Use Fee is calculated as 85% of the difference between taxes paid by a 23.7 MPG vehicle and the actual vehicle's MPG rating, based on:

• Vehicle's combined MPG rating
• Current fuel tax rate (updated annually July 1)
• Average Virginia miles driven (11,600 annually)

Formula: HUF = [((11,600 × fuel tax rate) ÷ 23.7) - ((11,600 × fuel tax rate) ÷ vehicle MPG)] × 0.85

Representative HUF Amounts (2025)

HUF Exemptions

The following vehicles are exempt from the Highway Use Fee:

• Vehicles with combined MPG rating less than 25 MPG
• Autocycles
• Motorcycles
• Mopeds
• Vehicles over 10,000 lbs gross weight
• Government-owned vehicles
• Vehicles registered under International Registration Plan (IRP)

Mandatory Processing Fees

Emissions Inspection Fee

Vehicles garaged in certain Northern Virginia localities pay an additional $2.00 emissions inspection fee:

Counties: Arlington, Fairfax, Loudoun, Prince William, Stafford Cities: Alexandria, Fairfax, Falls Church, Manassas, Manassas Park

Late Registration Fee

A $10.00 late fee applies to registrations renewed after the expiration date.

Registration Transfer and Replacement Fees

Title Fees

Virginia title services are processed for a uniform statewide fee:

These totals exclude Virginia's personal property tax, which is assessed annually by local governments based on vehicle value.