Virginia lets you renew your vehicle registration online, by mail, or in person at a DMV office
The Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) handles all registration renewals. You can renew online through the DMV website if your vehicle has a valid inspection and you have no outstanding violations or liens. If you cannot renew online, you can mail your renewal notice and payment to the DMV, or visit a local DMV office in person. The method you choose depends on whether your registration is current, whether you have an inspection, and how quickly you need the new registration.
Online renewal is the fastest option and takes about 10 minutes. Mail renewal takes 7 to 10 business days after the DMV receives your packet. In-person renewal at a DMV office is when ready but requires a trip during business hours.
Key Takeaways
- You can renew online at dmvnow.virginia.gov if your vehicle has a current inspection and no outstanding violations or liens.
- The DMV mails renewal notices 60 days before your registration expires, and you can renew up to 12 months early.
- Your vehicle must pass Virginia's safety and emissions inspection before you renew, or the DMV will reject your online renewal.
- Mail renewal requires sending your renewal notice, payment, and any required documents to the DMV address on your notice.
- If you renew after your registration expires, you may face a late fee and cannot legally drive until the new registration arrives.
Renewing online through DMVnow
The Virginia DMV's online system, DMVnow, is the fastest renewal method. Go to dmvnow.virginia.gov, select "Vehicle Registration Renewal," and enter your vehicle identification number (VIN) and date of birth. The system will pull up your registration record and show whether you are may be able to access to renew online.
You can renew online only if all of the following are true: your vehicle has a current Virginia safety and emissions inspection, you have no outstanding violations or liens, your registration has not been suspended, and your vehicle is not a commercial vehicle or motorcycle (though some motorcycles can renew online). If any of these conditions do not explore, you must renew by mail or in person.
Once you confirm your information and pay the renewal fee by credit card or debit card, the system generates a temporary registration that you can print when ready. Your permanent registration card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. You can drive legally on the printed temporary registration until the permanent card arrives.
Renewing by mail with your renewal notice
The DMV mails a renewal notice to your address on file about 60 days before your registration expires. This notice includes your renewal fee, the DMV mailing address, and instructions. To renew by mail, sign the back of the notice, include your payment (check or money order), and mail the entire packet to the address printed on the notice.
Do not mail cash. Include only the documents the notice requests — usually just the signed notice and payment. If your vehicle failed inspection or you have other issues, the notice will tell you what additional documents to send. Mail your packet at least two weeks before your registration expires to avoid driving with an expired registration.
The DMV processes mail renewals in the order received. Processing takes 7 to 10 business days after the DMV receives your packet, though it may take longer during peak renewal periods (typically late summer and early fall). Your new registration card arrives by mail. If you do not receive it within 15 business days of mailing, contact the DMV to confirm they received your packet.
Renewing in person at a DMV office
You can renew your registration at any Virginia DMV office. Bring your renewal notice (if you have it), proof of inspection, your driver's license or ID, and payment. If you do not have your renewal notice, bring your vehicle registration card and proof of inspection. Payment methods at DMV offices include cash, check, debit card, and credit card.
Processing is when ready — you receive your new registration card before you leave the office. No appointment is required for registration renewal at most offices, but wait times vary by location and time of day. Check the DMV website for your local office's hours and current wait times before you go.
What happens if your registration expires before you renew
If your registration expires and you have not yet renewed, you cannot legally drive the vehicle. If you are stopped by police, you face a traffic violation and a fine. The DMV also charges a late fee when you renew after the expiration date. The late fee amount depends on how long your registration has been expired.
If your registration has expired, you can still renew online, by mail, or in person using the same methods described above. However, you must have a current inspection before you renew. If your inspection also expired, you must get a new inspection first, then renew your registration. Do not drive the vehicle to the inspection station if your registration is expired — you risk a traffic violation.
Vehicle inspection requirements before renewal
Virginia requires all vehicles to pass a safety and emissions inspection every 12 months. Your inspection must be current when you renew your registration. If your inspection expires before your registration, you must renew the inspection before you can renew your registration.
You can get an inspection at any Virginia inspection station — these include many gas stations, repair shops, and tire shops. The inspection takes about 15 minutes and costs around $16 for a standard vehicle, though prices vary by station. Bring your vehicle registration card and proof of insurance. Once you pass, the station gives you an inspection sticker to place on your windshield and a receipt showing the inspection date.
If your vehicle fails inspection, the station gives you a report of what needs to be fixed. You have 10 days to repair the vehicle and return for a re-inspection at no additional charge. Once you pass, you can then renew your registration.
Registration renewal fees and payment methods
Virginia registration renewal fees depend on your vehicle's weight and type. Standard passenger vehicles typically cost between $40 and $50 to renew, but the exact amount is shown on your renewal notice or when you start an online renewal. The fee covers a 12-month registration period.
You can pay by credit card or debit card online, by check or money order by mail, or by cash, check, debit card, or credit card in person at a DMV office. If you renew after your registration expires, add the late fee to your payment amount. The DMV does not accept payment plans for registration renewal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my registration if my inspection expired?
No. Your inspection must be current when you renew. If your inspection expired, you must get a new inspection first at any Virginia inspection station, then renew your registration. The inspection takes about 15 minutes and costs around $16.
How early can I renew before my registration expires?
You can renew up to 12 months before your registration expires. Renewing early does not change your expiration date — your new registration will expire 12 months from your current expiration date, not 12 months from the renewal date.
What if I move to a different address before my registration expires?
Update your address with the DMV before you renew. You can change your address online at dmvnow.virginia.gov or in person at a DMV office. When you renew, use your new address so the DMV mails your new registration card to the correct location.
Can I renew online if I have a lien on my vehicle?
No. If a lender or bank has a lien on your vehicle, you must renew by mail or in person. Bring proof that the lien has been satisfied if you recently paid off the loan, and the DMV will remove it from your record before processing your renewal.
What if the DMV loses my renewal payment in the mail?
If you do not receive your new registration within 15 business days of mailing your renewal, contact the DMV to confirm they received your packet. If they did not receive it, you can renew again by mail, renew online if you now meet the requirements, or renew in person at a DMV office.