Registration FAQs

Do I need to register my moped?

Unlike motorcycles, mopeds do not need to be titled or registered in Virginia. You do not even need a driver's license to operate a moped, but you must be at least 16 years old to drive one on public highways. When you ride your moped, you must carry ID that includes your name, address, and date of birth. You may use a state-issued ID card for this, if you like.

Even though you don't need a license to ride a moped, all DUI laws still apply to mopeds driven on public highways. If you have been declared a habitual offender or your driver's license has been suspended or revoked for DUI, you may not operate a moped.

You must abide by the same traffic laws and regulations as automobile drivers. Also, your local government may have restrictions on operating a moped―so check with them if you are unsure.

My vehicle is not registered yet, but I need to move it. How can I do this?

A trip permit is what you need. This allows a motor vehicle, trailer, or semitrailer owner to move the vehicle from one location to another without registering it. The permit will be valid for three days.

Motorized vehicles must be insured to get a trip permit, or you must pay 1/12 of the $500 uninsured motor vehicle fee. Property-carrying vehicles may not haul property while the vehicle is being operated under a trip permit.

You can apply for a trip permit at any DMV customer service center or online. You will need to present proof of ownership, the dates of the trip, a description of the vehicle, beginning and end points of the trip, and a $5 fee.

If you are a prospective buyer, you will need the date you plan to purchase the vehicle, if known. If you have just purchased a vehicle to be registered in Virginia, your bill of sale or receipt must be attached to your trip permit in order for the permit to be valid.

My car is painted multiple colors. How do I indicate this when I register it?

Choose the color code for the color that is predominant or covers most of the vehicle, and list it on your registration form or renewal application. Then list the color code for the next most predominant color.

I am eligible to renew my vehicle's registration online, but it expires tomorrow. Can I still renew online?

Yes. If there are seven or fewer days left before your registration expires, be sure to print an Official Internet Receipt. Carry it with your registration card.

This will extend your current registration until the 7th day of the next month. The DMV then has more time to mail your registration card and decals. If you have changed your address, you must update it online before you can renew your registration online.

How do I know if I am exempt from paying sales and use tax on my vehicle purchase?

Section 58.1-2403 of the Code of Virginia specifies who is exempt from paying this tax.

My registration has not arrived in the mail. What gives?

If you have not received your registration after two weeks, contact your local DMV office.

What steps do I follow to apply for a duplicate title?

You can either order online or visit any DMV office. If you visit in person, bring your driver's license or ID and the vehicle's registration card. You will also need to complete an Application for Supplemental and Transfer Liens or Replacement and Substitute Titles and pay a $5 fee.

How do I apply for duplicate license plates or decals?

Easy. Complete a Vehicle Registration Application and drop it off at any DMV office. You'll be charged $1 per replacement decal. For replaced (reissued) license plates, the fee varies based on the type of plate.

How do I request a duplicate registration card?

Applying online is your fastest option. Or you can zip over to
any DMV office and submit a Vehicle Registration Application along with a $2 fee.

Does the DMV have a special registration available for non-operational vehicles?

No, it doesn't have any type of unique registration to cover non-operable vehicles.

I’ve heard the IRS honors a tax deduction that has to do with my vehicle registration fees. Is this true?

Yes. The scoop is that the IRS counts a vehicle registration fee that's based on your vehicle's value as a personal property tax, which is deductible. This is true even if your state calls the fee a "registration fee" or a "vehicle use fee." Check out page 146 of the IRS's Publication 17 for more details.

But before you start entering your registration fees on line 7 of the 1040A form, double check to make sure your state calculates the car registration fee based on the car's value. For example, if your state charges you 1% of the car's value each year as a vehicle fee, and you pay $100 based on your car's value ($10,000), then you can deduct $100. If your state charges you for 1% of the car's value, plus a bunch of other miscellaneous fees, then you can still only deduct the $100. The fees might be itemized on your vehicle registration card or registration renewal form.

Other states ignore the car's value and charge only based on the vehicle weight; in those cases, you can't take the deduction.

If you aren't sure about whether the state charges this fee or you can't find the fee, contact your local motor-vehicle office. If you have questions about taking the deduction, call a tax professional or the IRS.