What Virginia License Plates Are and How to Order Them
A Virginia license plate is the metal tag the state issues for your vehicle. It displays your registration number and must be mounted on the front and rear of your car. You receive your first plate when you register a new vehicle with the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), and you keep that same number for as long as you own the vehicle — unless you choose a different plate type or the plate is damaged.
You can order a standard plate, a personalized plate with a custom combination of letters and numbers, or a specialty plate that supports a particular cause or organization. Each type has different costs and processing times. Most plates arrive by mail within two to four weeks after you complete your order.
Virginia residents can order plates online through the DMV website, by mail, or in person at a DMV customer service center. The online method is fastest and requires only your vehicle registration number and payment information.
Key Takeaways
- Standard Virginia plates cost around $20 and arrive within two to four weeks; personalized plates cost more and take longer to process.
- You can order plates online through the Virginia DMV website without visiting an office, using only your vehicle registration details.
- Replacement plates for damaged, lost, or stolen tags cost less than personalized plates and process more quickly.
- Specialty plates supporting causes like military service, colleges, or conservation cost more than standard plates but allow you to display your affiliation.
- If your plate is stolen, you must report it to the DMV and local law enforcement before ordering a replacement.
Ordering a Standard Virginia License Plate
A standard plate displays your registration number in the format assigned by the DMV. To order one online, visit the Virginia DMV website and select "Order License Plates." You will need your vehicle registration number, which appears on your registration card. Enter your vehicle information, confirm the plate type, and pay the fee using a credit or debit card.
If you prefer not to order online, you can visit a DMV customer service center in person or mail an process with payment to the DMV. In-person and mail orders take longer than online orders — typically three to four weeks instead of two to three weeks. You will receive your plate by mail at the address on your registration.
Standard plates are the least expensive option and do not require approval before processing. Once you submit your order and payment, the DMV begins production when ready.
Personalized and Specialty Plates
A personalized plate lets you choose your own combination of letters and numbers, up to seven characters. Specialty plates display a design or message supporting a cause, military branch, college, or organization. Both types cost more than standard plates — personalized plates typically run $25 to $35, and specialty plates vary by organization but often cost $30 to $50 or more.
Personalized plates require approval before the DMV produces them. The DMV checks your requested combination against its database to may support it is not already in use and does not contain offensive language or symbols. Approval usually takes one to two weeks, and production and delivery add another two to three weeks. Specialty plates may require membership or affiliation with the organization they represent.
You can browse available specialty plates and their costs on the Virginia DMV website. Some specialty plates benefit nonprofits or state programs, so a portion of your fee goes to that organization. Check the description of each plate type to understand what your payment supports.
Replacing a Damaged, Lost, or Stolen Plate
If your plate is damaged, bent, or faded, you can order a replacement through the DMV. Replacement plates cost less than personalized plates — typically $15 to $20 — and process faster because they do not require approval. You can order a replacement online, by mail, or in person using the same process as a standard plate.
If your plate is lost or stolen, report it to your local police department first and obtain a report number. Then contact the DMV and provide the report number when you order your replacement. The DMV may flag your registration to prevent misuse of your old plate number. Some police departments allow you to file a report online; others require you to visit in person or call.
Once you receive your replacement plate, remove the old one from your vehicle and dispose of it or return it to the DMV if your locality requires it. Do not leave an old or damaged plate on your vehicle, as it may result in a traffic stop or citation.
Mounting and Using Your New Plate
Virginia law requires a plate on both the front and rear of your vehicle. Plates must be clearly visible, not obscured by dirt, stickers, or frames that cover the registration number or state name. You can use a frame around your plate as long as the frame does not hide any part of the plate itself.
Mount your plate securely using bolts or screws so it does not fall off or become loose. If you receive a new plate to replace an old one, remove the old plate completely before installing the new one. Keep your registration card with you when you drive; a police officer may ask to see it along with your plate.
If your plate becomes unreadable or damaged after you have installed it, order a replacement through the DMV. Do not attempt to repair or repaint a plate yourself.
Costs and Processing Times
Virginia license plate costs depend on the type you choose. Standard replacement plates cost approximately $15 to $20 and arrive within two to three weeks. Personalized plates cost $25 to $35 and take three to four weeks because they require approval. Specialty plates vary widely in cost, from $30 to $50 or more, depending on the organization or cause they support.
Online orders process faster than mail or in-person orders. If you order online, your plate typically ships within one to two weeks of approval (or when ready for standard plates, which do not require approval). Mail and in-person orders add one to two weeks to the total time.
All plates are mailed to the address on your vehicle registration. If you have moved recently, update your address with the DMV before ordering a plate to may support it reaches you. You can update your address online, by mail, or in person at a customer service center.
What to Do If Your Plate Does Not Arrive
If more than four weeks have passed since you ordered your plate and you have not received it, contact the Virginia DMV customer service line or visit a customer service center. Have your order confirmation number ready if you ordered online. The DMV can check the status of your order and determine whether it is still in production, in transit, or delayed.
If your plate was lost in the mail, the DMV may issue a replacement at no additional charge. If you ordered by mail or in person and did not receive a confirmation number, bring your registration card and payment receipt to a customer service center so staff can look up your order.
Do not drive without a plate while you wait for a replacement. If your old plate is damaged or missing, order a replacement when ready and keep proof of your order with you until the new plate arrives.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I keep my old plate number if I buy a different vehicle?
Yes. Virginia allows you to transfer your plate number to a new vehicle. Contact the DMV with your old registration number and new vehicle information. You may need to visit a customer service center or mail in a form, depending on your situation. There is usually a small transfer fee.
What happens if I get a personalized plate and later want a standard plate?
You can order a standard plate at any time. The new plate will have a different registration number. Your old personalized plate number is retired and cannot be used again unless you request it back within a certain period — check with the DMV about their specific policy on personalized plate retention.
Do I need to remove my old plate before the new one arrives?
No. You can continue using your old plate until the new one arrives. Once the new plate is in your hands, remove the old one and install the new one. Do not display both plates on your vehicle at the same time.
Can I order a plate for a vehicle that is not yet registered?
No. You must have an active vehicle registration with the Virginia DMV before you can order a plate. If you have just purchased a vehicle, register it first through the DMV, then order your plate.
What if my plate is recalled by the DMV?
The DMV occasionally recalls plates due to manufacturing defects or design changes. If your plate is recalled, the DMV will notify you by mail. Follow the instructions in the notice to return your old plate and receive a replacement at no cost.