How long do I have to register a vehicle in Virginia?

Q: How long do I have to register a vehicle in Virginia?

Virginia registration is administered by the Virginia DMV through Customer Service Centers. 1. Deadlines - New residents : 30 days from establishing residency (Va. Code § 46.2-600). - Purchased vehicle : 30 days for titling and registration (§ 46.2-617). - Driver license must be obtained within 60 days. 2. Required Documents - Vehicle title (or out-of-state title). - Form VSA 17A (Application for Certificate of Title and Registration). - Proof of Virginia insurance : 30/60/20 minimum (§ 46.2-472), or $900 uninsured motor vehicle fee to register uninsured. - Valid driver license or photo ID. - Odometer disclosure for vehicles under 20 years. - Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) inspection by VA law enforcement for out-of-state vehicles. 3. Fees - Title fee : $15. - Registration : $30.75 to $50.75 (passenger, by weight). - EV highway use fee : $116.49/year (§ 58.1-2249). - Sales/Use Tax : 4.15% of sale price ($75 minimum) (§ 58.1-2402). - License plate : $10 transfer; $26 personalized. - Uninsured motor vehicle fee : $900 (allows driving uninsured at risk). 4. Penalties - Late titling: $25 penalty + $10/month up to $100. - No registration: Class 2 misdemeanor , fine up to $1,000 (§ 46.2-613). - No insurance + failure to pay UMV fee: license suspension plus SR-22 for 3 years. 5. Inspections (Major Change) Virginia repealed the annual state safety inspection effective July 1, 2024 (HB 1224). Inspections are now voluntary . Emissions inspection still required biennially in Northern Virginia (Arlington, Fairfax, Loudoun, Prince William, Stafford counties + Alexandria, Falls Church, Fairfax City, Manassas, Manassas Park). 6. Online Renewal Renewals via dmvNOW portal. Initial registration requires in-person Customer Service Center visit. This is legal information, not legal advice.

Question

Accepted Answer

Virginia registration is administered by the Virginia DMV through Customer Service Centers.

1. Deadlines

New residents: 30 days from establishing residency (Va. Code § 46.2-600).

Purchased vehicle: 30 days for titling and registration (§ 46.2-617).

Driver license must be obtained within 60 days.

2. Required Documents

Vehicle title (or out-of-state title).

Form VSA 17A (Application for Certificate of Title and Registration).

Proof of Virginia insurance: 30/60/20 minimum (§ 46.2-472), or $900 uninsured motor vehicle fee to register uninsured.

Valid driver license or photo ID.

Odometer disclosure for vehicles under 20 years.

Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) inspection by VA law enforcement for out-of-state vehicles.

3. Fees

Title fee: $15.

Registration: $30.75 to $50.75 (passenger, by weight).

EV highway use fee: $116.49/year (§ 58.1-2249).

Sales/Use Tax: 4.15% of sale price ($75 minimum) (§ 58.1-2402).

License plate: $10 transfer; $26 personalized.

Uninsured motor vehicle fee: $900 (allows driving uninsured at risk).

4. Penalties

Late titling: $25 penalty + $10/month up to $100.

No registration: Class 2 misdemeanor, fine up to $1,000 (§ 46.2-613).

No insurance + failure to pay UMV fee: license suspension plus SR-22 for 3 years.

5. Inspections (Major Change)

Virginia repealed the annual state safety inspection effective July 1, 2024 (HB 1224). Inspections are now voluntary. Emissions inspection still required biennially in Northern Virginia (Arlington, Fairfax, Loudoun, Prince William, Stafford counties + Alexandria, Falls Church, Fairfax City, Manassas, Manassas Park).

6. Online Renewal

Renewals via dmvNOW portal. Initial registration requires in-person Customer Service Center visit.

This is legal information, not legal advice.