How to Renew Motor Vehicle Registration in Virginia?

Vehicle registration renewal is required for all Virginia residents to maintain legal driving privileges. The Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) oversees the state's vehicle registration system and provides registration services through customer service centers, online portals, and authorized partners.

Virginia Vehicle Registration Renewal Requirements

Essential Documentation and Requirements

Virginia vehicle owners must satisfy the following requirements when renewing their registration:

• Valid Vehicle Insurance: Proof of current liability insurance meeting Virginia minimum requirements
• Vehicle Identification: Registration renewal notice, Virginia license plate number, or Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
• Government-Issued Photo ID: Current driver's license or state-issued identification card
• Emissions Inspection Certificate (if applicable): Required for vehicles registered in designated localities

Emissions Inspection Requirements

Vehicles registered in certain Northern Virginia localities must pass an emissions inspection.

Localities Requiring Emissions Testing:

• Counties of Arlington, Fairfax, Loudoun, Prince William or Stafford
• Cities of Alexandria, Fairfax, Falls Church, Manassas or Manassas Park

Emissions Testing Exemptions:

• Vehicles less than four model years old (counting the current calendar year as year one)
• Vehicles model year 1996 and older with a gross vehicle weight rating over 8,500 pounds
• Motorcycles
• Diesel-powered vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating of 8,500 pounds or less model year 1996 and older
• Diesel-powered vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating over 8,500 pounds
• Electric vehicles and vehicles powered solely by natural gas
• Antique vehicles

Renewal Timeline and Grace Period

• Early Renewal: Begin renewal process up to four months before expiration
• Grace Period: Virginia law does not provide a grace period after expiration; operating a vehicle with expired registration may result in citation
• Late Renewal: Renewals accepted after expiration with current inspections and payment of applicable late fees

How Much Is Car Registration Renewal in Virginia in 2025

2025 Virginia Vehicle Registration Fee Schedule

The Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles establishes vehicle registration fees based on vehicle classification and gross vehicle weight. Registration fees are assessed annually and may be subject to additional regional transportation fees and highway use fees depending on vehicle type and registration locality.

Passenger Vehicle Registration Fees

Virginia passenger vehicle registration fees are calculated based on vehicle weight classification:

Pickup Truck and Light Commercial Vehicle Registration Fees

Light trucks and pickup trucks are assessed registration fees based on gross vehicle weight:

Trailer Registration Fees

Virginia offers both annual and permanent trailer registration options:

Annual Trailer Registration:

Permanent Trailer Registration (One-Time Fee):

Electric Vehicle Registration Fees

Electric vehicles and low-speed electric vehicles are subject to specialized registration fees:

Note: Electric vehicles are subject to highway use fees in addition to base registration fees.

Additional Mandatory Fees and Services

Registration-Related Fees:

Emissions Inspection Fee

Vehicles registered in designated emissions inspection areas are subject to an additional $2.00 emissions inspection fee:

Emissions Inspection Counties:

• Arlington County
• Fairfax County
• Loudoun County
• Prince William County
• Stafford County

Emissions Inspection Cities:

• Alexandria
• Fairfax
• Falls Church
• Manassas
• Manassas Park

Local Vehicle Registration Fees

Vehicles registered in localities participating in the Virginia Local Vehicle Registration Program may be subject to additional local registration fees established by county or city ordinance. Local registration fees vary by jurisdiction and are collected at the time of registration renewal in addition to state registration fees.

Contact your local commissioner of the revenue or treasurer's office to determine if local vehicle registration fees apply in your jurisdiction.

Vehicle Sales and Use Tax

Virginia imposes a 4.15% sales and use tax on vehicle purchases with a minimum charge of $75.00. Sales tax is calculated on the total purchase price of the vehicle and is due at the time of initial registration or title transfer.

How To Renew Vehicle Registration Online in Virginia

Online Renewal Platforms

The Virginia DMV online services provides secure online renewal services for eligible Virginia vehicle registrations. The system integrates with the state's inspection reporting database, insurance verification system, and local tax records.

Eligibility for Online Renewal:

• Current Virginia vehicle registration on file
• No changes to vehicle ownership, address, or lienholder information
• Current safety inspection certificate on file (within 12 months)
• Current emissions inspection certificate on file if required (within 12 months)
• Current insurance coverage verified through Virginia DMV database
• Personal property taxes paid or certification obtained
• No outstanding citations, suspensions, or holds on registration
• Registration must not be expired for more than 12 months

Online Renewal Process

Step 1: Verify Eligibility

• Confirm current safety inspection is on file and valid
• Verify emissions inspection is current if required for your locality
• Ensure current insurance coverage is reported to Virginia DMV
• Confirm personal property taxes are paid or obtain certification from local commissioner of revenue
• Verify no outstanding violations or registration holds
• Confirm mailing address is current and accurate

Step 2: Gather Required Information

• Virginia license plate number or Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
• Last four digits of Social Security Number or Tax Identification Number
• Current insurance policy information (company name and policy number)
• Personal property tax information or certification
• Payment method (credit card, debit card, or electronic check)
• Email address for electronic confirmation

Step 3: Complete Application

• Access the Virginia DMV renewal service
• Enter vehicle license plate number or VIN
• Provide last four digits of Social Security Number
• Verify vehicle details and registration information displayed
• Confirm current safety and emissions inspection status
• Verify personal property tax payment or certification
• Review all applicable fees and charges
• Provide payment information and authorize transaction
• Verify email address for confirmation receipt

Step 4: Receive Confirmation

• Print or save confirmation receipt for your records
• Confirmation number serves as temporary registration proof for 30 days
• Digital registration card available immediately through DMV Connect app
• New registration card will be mailed to the address on file within 7-10 business days
• Registration decal will be mailed separately within 7-10 business days
• Electronic confirmation email provides registration details and effective dates

Alternative Renewal Methods

Mail-In Renewal

Submit the following documents to the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles:

• Completed renewal notice with signature
• Payment for all applicable fees (check or money order payable to "DMV")
• Copy of personal property tax receipt or certification from commissioner of revenue
• Proof of insurance (if insurance company does not report to Virginia DMV electronically)
• Copy of current safety inspection certificate (if not already on file)
• Copy of current emissions inspection certificate if applicable (if not already on file)

Mail renewal documents to:

Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles P.O. Box 27412, Richmond, VA 23269-0001

Allow 10-14 business days for processing and mailing of new registration materials. Registration renewal is effective upon receipt and processing of payment by DMV.

In-Person Renewal at DMV Customer Service Centers

Visit any Virginia DMV customer service center with the following documentation:

• Registration renewal notice (if available)
• Government-issued photo identification (Virginia driver's license or state ID card)
• Current proof of insurance or insurance policy information
• Personal property tax receipt or certification from commissioner of revenue
• Current safety and emissions inspection certificates (if not already on file)
• Payment for renewal fees (cash, check, credit card, or debit card accepted)

Contact Information

Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles

2300 West Broad Street, Richmond, VA 23269
Phone: (804) 497-7100 or 1-866-DMV-MYVEHICLE (1-866-368-6983)
Website Virginia DMV