What Virginia license plates are and where to order them

Virginia license plates are the metal tags issued by the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) that display your vehicle registration number and must be mounted on the front and rear of your car. You order them through the Virginia DMV when you first register a vehicle in the state, renew your registration, or replace a damaged or lost plate. The DMV produces standard plates with the state slogan "Virginia is for Lovers" and also offers specialty plates that support specific causes or organizations.

You can order plates online through the Virginia DMV website, by mail, or in person at a DMV office. Most people order them at the same time they handle vehicle registration or renewal, since the plate and registration work together. The DMV mails physical plates to your address within two to three weeks of your order.

Key Takeaways

  • Standard Virginia plates arrive by mail two to three weeks after you order them through the DMV website, by mail, or in person.
  • You must order new plates when you first register a vehicle in Virginia, and you can keep the same plate number when you renew your registration.
  • Specialty plates cost more than standard plates and support causes ranging from military service to wildlife conservation, but you choose which organization receives the extra fee.
  • If your plate is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can order a replacement through the DMV and request a duplicate of your current number or a new one.
  • Temporary plates are available if you need to drive before your permanent plates arrive, and you can request them when you register your vehicle.

Ordering plates when you first register a vehicle

When you register a new vehicle in Virginia for the first time, the DMV assigns you a registration number and issues plates with that number. You do not choose your plate number — the DMV generates it automatically. During the registration process, you will see options for standard plates or specialty plates, and you can select which type you want before you submit your order.

If you register online through the Virginia DMV website, you complete the registration form, choose your plate type, and pay the registration and plate fees together. The DMV then mails your plates to the address on file. If you register in person at a DMV office, staff can issue you a temporary plate on the spot so you can drive legally while you wait for your permanent plates to arrive by mail.

Renewing your registration and keeping your plate number

When your vehicle registration expires and you renew it, you can keep the same plate number you have been using. During renewal, the DMV asks whether you want to keep your current plates or order new ones. If you keep your current plates, you do not pay a plate fee — you only pay the registration renewal fee. If your plates are damaged or worn and you want new ones with the same number, you can request replacement plates during renewal and pay the replacement fee.

Renewal happens online, by mail, or in person. Online renewal through the Virginia DMV website is the fastest route and takes a few minutes. If you renew by mail, send your renewal notice and payment to the address listed on the form. In-person renewal at a DMV office takes about 30 minutes depending on wait times.

Understanding specialty plates and their costs

Virginia offers more than 200 specialty plate designs that support military branches, colleges, professional organizations, wildlife conservation, and other causes. Each specialty plate costs more than a standard plate — the difference ranges from $10 to $25 per year depending on the plate type. That extra fee goes to the organization or cause the plate supports, not to the DMV.

You choose which specialty plate you want during registration or renewal. The DMV website shows all available designs and explains where the extra fee goes for each one. Some specialty plates have waiting lists if demand is high, which means you may have to wait longer to receive your plates. Standard plates have no waiting list and arrive within the normal two to three week timeframe.

Replacing lost, stolen, or damaged plates

If your plate is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can order a replacement through the DMV. You do not need to wait until your registration renews. Contact the Virginia DMV by phone, online, or in person and report the lost or damaged plate. You will need your vehicle registration number and driver's license number.

When you order a replacement, you can request a duplicate of your current plate number or ask for a new number. If you request a duplicate, the DMV will issue a plate with the same number you had before. If you request a new number, the DMV assigns you a different registration number and issues a plate with that number. Replacement plates cost less than new plates and arrive by mail within two to three weeks. If you need to drive before the replacement arrives, ask the DMV for a temporary plate when you report the loss.

Getting a temporary plate while you wait for permanent plates

A temporary plate is a paper tag that allows you to drive legally for a set period while your permanent metal plates are in the mail. You can request a temporary plate when you register a vehicle for the first time or when you order replacement plates. The DMV issues temporary plates valid for 30 to 60 days, depending on the situation.

If you register in person at a DMV office, staff can print a temporary plate on the spot before you leave. If you register online or by mail, you can request a temporary plate during the process, and the DMV will mail it to you along with instructions on how to display it. Temporary plates are free when you register a vehicle, but there is a small fee if you request one separately after registration is complete.

Transferring plates between vehicles you own

If you own more than one vehicle and want to move a plate from one car to another, you can transfer it through the DMV. This is useful if you have a specialty plate or a plate number you want to keep using. To transfer a plate, both vehicles must be registered in your name, and you must update the registration for both vehicles to show the change.

You can request a plate transfer online, by mail, or in person at a DMV office. The process takes a few days to a few weeks depending on how you submit it. There is a transfer fee, which is less than the cost of ordering a new plate. Once the transfer is complete, the DMV will mail new plates for the vehicle that is losing the plate, and the other vehicle will keep the transferred plate.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to receive plates after I order them?

Standard plates arrive by mail within two to three weeks of your order. Specialty plates may take longer if there is a waiting list. If you need to drive before your plates arrive, request a temporary plate when you place your order, and the DMV will issue one valid for 30 to 60 days.

Can I choose my own plate number in Virginia?

No. The DMV assigns your plate number automatically when you register your vehicle. You cannot request a specific number or vanity plate through the standard registration process. Virginia does not currently offer a vanity plate program where you can customize your number.

What happens if my plate is damaged but still readable?

If your plate is faded, cracked, or bent but the number is still visible, you can still use it legally. However, you can order a replacement plate at any time if you want a new one. There is a replacement fee, and the new plate will arrive by mail within two to three weeks.

Do I have to order new plates every time I renew my registration?

No. When you renew your registration, you can keep your current plates and the same plate number at no extra charge. You only pay the registration renewal fee. If you want new plates with the same number, you can request them during renewal and pay a replacement fee.

What is the difference between a standard plate and a specialty plate?

A standard plate displays "Virginia is for Lovers" and costs the base registration fee. A specialty plate shows a design supporting a specific cause or organization and costs more per year — the extra fee goes to that organization. Both plates work the same way legally and arrive by mail within two to three weeks.