What a Virginia Trip Permit Does and Who Needs One

A Virginia trip permit is a temporary authorization that lets you drive an unregistered vehicle on Virginia roads for a specific purpose and a limited time. You need one if you own a vehicle that is not currently registered with the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles, but you need to drive it legally — for example, to move a newly purchased car home, to take a vehicle to a repair shop, or to drive to a registration appointment.

The permit is not a substitute for registration. It is a short-term document that covers a single trip or a few trips within a defined window. Once your vehicle is registered, you no longer need the trip permit. If you are driving a vehicle that belongs to someone else, that person must be the one to request the permit, not you.

Virginia issues trip permits for 3 days, 7 days, or 30 days, depending on what you choose and what the DMV approves. The permit is valid only within Virginia and only for the specific vehicle listed on it.

Key Takeaways

  • A trip permit allows you to drive an unregistered vehicle in Virginia for a limited time — typically 3, 7, or 30 days.
  • You can request a trip permit in person at any DMV office, by mail, or online through the Virginia DMV website.
  • You will need the vehicle's title or proof of ownership, your driver's license, and payment (the fee varies by permit length).
  • The permit is issued to the vehicle owner, not the driver, so the owner must be the one to request it.
  • A trip permit does not count toward vehicle registration and must be renewed if you need to drive the vehicle again after it expires.

How to Request a Trip Permit Online

The Virginia DMV allows you to request a trip permit through its website without visiting an office. Go to dmvnow.com, select "Trip Permits" from the menu, and follow the prompts. You will need to enter the vehicle identification number (VIN), the vehicle's year and make, your name and address, and the reason for the trip. You will also choose how long you need the permit — 3, 7, or 30 days.

After you submit the request online, you will receive a confirmation number. The DMV will mail the physical permit to your address within a few business days. You must have the printed permit in your vehicle when you drive; a digital copy or confirmation email is not enough. If you need the permit sooner than mail delivery allows, you cannot use the online method — you will need to visit an office in person or request it by mail with expedited handling.

Online requests cost the same as in-person requests. As of the most recent update, a 3-day permit costs less than a 7-day permit, which costs less than a 30-day permit, but exact fees change periodically and are listed on the DMV website.

Requesting a Trip Permit in Person at a DMV Office

If you need the permit when ready or prefer to handle it face-to-face, visit any Virginia DMV office. Bring your driver's license, the vehicle's title or proof of ownership (such as a bill of sale or manufacturer's certificate of origin), and payment. Tell the DMV staff member that you need a trip permit and how long you need it for.

Processing at the office is usually quick — often 15 to 30 minutes, though wait times vary by location and time of day. The DMV will issue you a printed permit on the spot. You can drive the vehicle when ready after you receive it. No appointment is required at most offices, but some locations allow you to reserve a time slot online to reduce wait time.

Bring the original title or ownership document, not a copy. If the title is held by a lender or lienholder, you may need written permission from them or a letter stating they consent to the trip permit. Call the DMV office ahead if you are unsure whether your ownership situation requires extra paperwork.

Requesting a Trip Permit by Mail

You can mail a trip permit request to the Virginia DMV if you prefer not to visit an office or use the online system. Send a letter that includes your name, address, phone number, driver's license number, the vehicle's VIN, year, make, and model, the reason for the trip, and how long you need the permit. Include a copy of your driver's license and a copy of the vehicle's title or proof of ownership.

Mail your request to the address listed on the Virginia DMV website under "Mailing Addresses." Include payment by check or money order — do not send cash. Standard mail processing takes one to two weeks. If you need the permit faster, you can request expedited mail handling for an additional fee, which typically reduces processing time to three to five business days.

Keep a copy of everything you mail for your records. Once the DMV receives your request, you will not be able to drive the vehicle legally until the permit arrives in the mail, so plan ahead if you are using this method.

What Documents and Information You Need

Before you request a trip permit, gather these items: your valid Virginia driver's license (or valid ID from another state if you do not have a Virginia license), the vehicle's title or proof of ownership, and the vehicle's VIN. The VIN is a 17-character code found on the driver's side of the dashboard, on the title, or on the bill of sale.

If you do not have the title in hand — for example, if you just bought the vehicle and the title is being mailed to you — you can use a bill of sale, a manufacturer's certificate of origin, or a letter from the seller confirming ownership. If the vehicle has a lienholder (a bank or finance company that holds the title as security for a loan), you may need written consent from them. Contact the lienholder directly to ask what they require.

Have your current address ready. The permit will be mailed to the address you provide, so make sure it is correct. If you moved recently and your driver's license still shows an old address, update your license first or notify the DMV of your current address when you request the permit.

Trip Permit Fees and Payment Methods

Trip permit fees depend on how long you need the permit. A 3-day permit costs less than a 7-day permit, and a 7-day permit costs less than a 30-day permit. Exact amounts are posted on the Virginia DMV website and change periodically, so check the current fee before you submit your request.

You can pay by cash (in person only), check, money order, debit card, or credit card. If you are requesting the permit online, you will pay by debit or credit card during checkout. If you are requesting by mail, send a check or money order. If you are visiting an office in person, you can use any of the accepted payment methods.

The fee is non-refundable. If you do not end up needing to drive the vehicle, or if you finish your trip before the permit expires, you cannot get your money back. Plan your trip length carefully to avoid paying for unused days.

How Long a Trip Permit Is Valid and What Happens When It Expires

A trip permit is valid for the number of days you chose — 3, 7, or 30 — starting from the date it was issued. The expiration date is printed on the permit itself. You must stop driving the vehicle once that date passes. Driving with an expired trip permit is the same as driving an unregistered vehicle and can result in a traffic stop, a fine, or both.

If you still need to drive the vehicle after the permit expires, you must request a new trip permit. You cannot extend an existing permit — you have to start over with a new request and a new fee. Plan ahead if you know you will need more time. For example, if you are waiting for registration paperwork to arrive, request a 30-day permit instead of a 7-day permit to avoid having to request a second one.

Once your vehicle is registered with the Virginia DMV, you no longer need a trip permit. The registration takes over, and you can drive the vehicle indefinitely (until the registration expires). If you register the vehicle before your trip permit expires, you can stop using the permit and start using your registration instead.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

The most common mistake is requesting a trip permit without having the vehicle's title or proof of ownership. The DMV will not issue a permit without it. If you are buying a used vehicle and the seller has not yet transferred the title to you, ask the seller for a bill of sale or a written statement of ownership. If you are buying from a dealer, ask for a temporary registration or a dealer plate while you wait for the title to arrive.

Another mistake is not having the permit in the vehicle when you drive. The permit must be printed and physically present in the car. A digital copy, a photo of the permit, or a confirmation email will not satisfy a police officer during a traffic stop. Keep the permit on the dashboard or in the glove compartment where you can show it quickly.

A third mistake is requesting a permit that is too short. If you need the vehicle for a week but only request a 3-day permit, you will have to request a second permit partway through. Choose the length that covers your entire need, or request a 30-day permit if you are unsure how long you will need it.

Finally, do not assume the permit is a substitute for insurance. You still need valid auto insurance to drive the vehicle legally, even with a trip permit. Contact your insurance company before you drive to make sure the unregistered vehicle is covered.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can someone else drive the vehicle if I have the trip permit?

Yes, as long as that person has a valid driver's license. The trip permit is issued to the vehicle owner, not to a specific driver, so anyone with a license can drive the vehicle while the permit is valid. The permit must still be in the vehicle at all times.

What if I lose the trip permit before it expires?

Contact the Virginia DMV when ready and request a replacement. You will need to pay a replacement fee, which is typically the same as the original permit fee. In the meantime, you cannot drive the vehicle legally. Request the replacement in person at a DMV office if you need it quickly, or by mail if you can wait a few days.

Can I use a trip permit to drive out of Virginia?

No. A Virginia trip permit is valid only within Virginia. If you need to drive the vehicle across state lines, you will need to register it first or obtain a temporary registration that is valid in multiple states. Check with the DMV office about your specific situation.

Do I need a trip permit if the vehicle has an old registration that expired?

Yes. An expired registration is the same as no registration in the eyes of the law. You cannot drive the vehicle legally on an expired registration, even if it was registered in the past. You need either a trip permit or a new current registration.

How do I know if my request was received if I mailed it?

The DMV does not send a confirmation when it receives a mailed request. Track your mail using the postal service if you sent it with tracking. If you do not receive the permit within the expected timeframe, call the Virginia DMV to check the status. Have your name, address, and the vehicle's VIN ready when you call.