Car Registration Requirements for New Virginia Residents
New residents relocating to Virginia with an existing vehicle must complete several registration steps within specified timeframes. Virginia requires titling, safety inspection, emissions inspection (in designated localities), and registration before operating a vehicle on state roads.
Timeline for New Virginia Residents
New residents must title their vehicle within 30 days of moving to Virginia. Following titling and insurance, the vehicle must be registered within 30 days of moving to the state. Registering after the expiration date incurs a $10 late fee.
Annual safety inspections must display a valid sticker before operating the vehicle. Operating a vehicle without proper inspection stickers may result in tickets and fines inspection sticker required.
Establishing Virginia Residency
Virginia law considers individuals residents when they establish domicile, obtain employment, enroll in school, or declare residency for legal privileges.
Required Documentation for Vehicle Registration
Title Documentation
- Out-of-state certificate of title properly signed by all owners
- Application for Certificate of Title (VSA-17A form)
- Odometer disclosure if required by vehicle age (odometer reading required)
- Lien release documentation if applicable
Registration Documentation
- Completed Application for Registration (Form VSA-14)
- Proof of Virginia liability insurance meeting statutory minimums
- Valid Virginia safety inspection sticker (safety inspection sticker)
- Emissions inspection certificate if garaged in designated localities
- Proof of garaging location within Virginia
- Valid government-issued photo identification
Insurance Requirements
Virginia mandates minimum liability insurance coverage for all registered vehicles. For policies effective January 1, 2025, or later, minimum coverage requirements are:
| Coverage Type | Minimum Limit |
|---|---|
| Bodily injury/death (one person) | $50,000 |
| Bodily injury/death (two or more persons) | $100,000 |
| Property damage | $25,000 |
Application Submission Methods
Registration applications may be submitted through the following methods:
- In-person: Visit any Virginia DMV customer service center or DMV Select location
- By mail: Submit completed forms and payment to:Virginia DMV
Special Registration Work Center
P.O. Box 27412
Richmond, VA 23269-0001
Virginia Vehicle Inspection Requirements
Safety Inspections
All vehicles operated in Virginia must pass an annual safety inspection and display a valid safety inspection sticker. Most repair shops throughout Virginia provide safety inspection services. Contact the Virginia State Police at (804) 674-2000 for inspection station locations (safety inspection info).
Emissions Inspections
Emissions inspections are required for vehicles garaged in the following localities:
- Counties: Arlington, Fairfax, Loudoun, Prince William, Stafford
- Cities: Alexandria, Fairfax, Falls Church, Manassas, Manassas Park
Vehicles with a valid out-of-state emissions certificate performed within the last 12 months may register without a Virginia emissions inspection (12-month exemption).
Emissions inspections remain valid for two years. New and demonstrator vehicles titled for the first time are exempt from emissions inspections for four years. Used vehicles of the current and three previous model years are exempt for up to four years (emissions exemptions).
Find certified emissions inspection stations at VirginiaVIP.org.
Registration Fees and Costs in Virginia
State Registration and Title Fees
- Registration fee – $30.75 for passenger vehicles 4,000 lbs or less
- Registration fee – $35.75 for passenger vehicles 4,001–6,500 lbs
- Electric vehicle fee – $131.88
- Pickup truck fee – $35.75 for 4,001–6,500 lbs
- Pickup truck fee – $44.75 for 6,501–10,000 lbs
- Motorcycle fee – $24.75
- Moped fee – $18.25
- Emissions fee – Additional $2.00 for vehicles garaged in Arlington, Fairfax, Loudoun, Prince William, Stafford counties or Alexandria, Fairfax, Falls Church, Manassas, Manassas Park cities
- Title fee – $15.00
- Late fee – $10.00
- Transfer fee – $2.00
Sales and Use Tax
- Sales tax – 4.15% tax
Additional Fees and Discounts
Multi-year registration offers discounts: two-year $3 online/phone or $2 mail/in-person two-year discount; three-year $4 online/phone or $3 mail/in-person three-year discount.
Certain fuel-efficient vehicles may be subject to an annual highway use fee highway fee. Some localities require additional fees or stickers local fees.
Estimate costs using the Fee Calculator.
Contact Information
Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles
2300 West Broad Street, Richmond, VA 23220
Phone: (804) 497-7100
Official Website: Virginia DMV
Virginia Department of Environmental Quality – Air Check Virginia
13901 Crown Court, Woodbridge, VA 22193
Phone: (703) 583-3800
Toll-free: 1-800-275-3844
Official Website: Virginia DEQ
