Registration Renewal in Virginia

1) Determine the Status of Your Registration

Your registration expires after 12 or 24 months, depending on what renewal option you choose.

Renew VA Registration

Your registration must be current in order to drive a vehicle within the state. Of course, you'll also need some sort of financial coverage, too. Most drivers opt for auto liability insurance; you can find carriers and hunt for the best rates through our Insurance Center.

Read our "Check Your Renewal Notice" below and the ensuing information to learn about your renewal options.

Register a Vehicle in VA for the First Time

Did you just buy a vehicle or move to the state? Then, you'll need to conduct an initial registration.

Register a Non-Operational Vehicle

The state doesn't have a special registration for vehicles that aren't in working condition, and these vehicles must follow the same renewal process as those that are in operation.

2) Check Your Renewal Notice

Before your registration expires, you should receive a renewal notice in the mail. You don't need to have this card to renew, though. If you didn't receive your card and are concerned about it, call (866) DMVLINE or (866) 368-5463.

Your renewal notice may indicate that it's time for a smog check, so be sure to follow the instructions before you head out to renew.

3) Calculate Your Fees

Registration fees vary according to the weight and type of your vehicle. Your renewal notice will indicate your fee.

Before you renew your registration, you may want to compare insurance quotes to make sure you're getting the best deal, and possibly lower your total vehicle-related costs.

Avoid Late Fees and Penalties

The state doesn't assess a late fee or penalty on tardy registrations, but you should remember that it's illegal to drive with an expired registration.

4) Renew Online, In Person, By Mail, or By Phone

Renew Online

1. Have your renewal card or current registration available. Take note of your smog check requirements, as you may need to provide this information.
2. Be prepared to enter your title number and your vehicle identification number (VIN).
3. Be ready to pay your fee with your major credit or debit card, or with a check.
4. Go to the online renewal site and follow the instructions.

You'll save either $1 or $2 (depending upon the length of your registration) off the standard registration fee if you renew online.

Allow between five to 15 days to receive your vehicle registration in the mail. If you're close to the registration expiration date, print the receipt and carry it along with your registration card until your renewal materials arrive.

In Person

1. Have ready your renewal card or current registration, and any smog check requirements your renewal card may indicate.
2. Be ready to pay the renewal fee (if paying at a Customer Service Center, you'll pay an extra $5 fee unless you have another transaction to make that can't be done online, by mail, by telephone, or at a DMV Select locations).
3. Go to a DMV Select or Customer Service Center.

By Mail

1. Find the renewal card.
2. If applicable, take care of your smog check.
3. Send the card and your fee payment to:
• Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles
• Attn: Renewal Center
• P.O. Box 27412
• Richmond, Virginia 23269-0001

Renewal decals take between five to 15 days to arrive in the mail.

By Phone

1. Have your renewal card handy. (Make sure you've met any smog check requirements before you start to renew.)
2. Be ready to pay your fee with your Visa, Discover, MasterCard, or American Express credit card.
3. Call the automated renewal line at (888) 337-4782 and follow the instructions provided.

Renewal decals take between five to 15 days to arrive in the mail.

5) Affix Your Stickers

Follow the provided instructions to place your renewal decals in the appropriate location on your plates.

6) Get a Tax Deduction

While some states base their renewal fees at least partially on the estimated value of the vehicle (acting as a personal property tax), Virginia does not. So, you can't claim your renewal fee as a deduction on your federal taxes.

Please talk to a tax attorney for details on this matter.

7) Do Your Part to Keep Our Roadways Safe

Once you've handled your registration responsibilities, it's time to turn your attention to how you can help keep yourself (and others) safe while on the road.

Begin with having regular oil changes, tire rotations, and tune-ups done on your car. When your tires need replacing, do so promptly.

Find a dependable, qualified mechanic who can handle these matters, and spot potential problems before they emerge. Consider purchasing an after-market warranty to help you with big repair jobs. And, buy yourself a little peace of mind and join a roadside assistance program.

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