Virginia registration renewal happens online, by mail, or in person at your local DMV office
You can renew your Virginia vehicle registration without visiting an office. The Virginia DMV lets you renew online through its website if your vehicle passes inspection, your license is valid, and you have no outstanding violations or unpaid fines. If you cannot renew online, you can mail in your renewal notice or go to a DMV office in person. Most people renew 30 to 60 days before their registration expires, though you can renew up to six months early.
Your registration renewal notice arrives in the mail about 30 days before your expiration date. That notice contains your renewal code, which you need to renew online. If you lose the notice, you can still renew online using your vehicle identification number (VIN) and driver's license number instead.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal takes about 10 minutes and costs less than renewing by mail or in person because you avoid a service fee.
- Your vehicle must have a current Virginia safety inspection to renew online; if inspection is expired, you must renew in person or by mail.
- You can renew up to six months before your registration expires, so renewing early avoids the rush near the important date.
- If you renew online, your new registration card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days; you can drive legally while you wait.
- Renewing by mail takes two to three weeks; renewing in person is fastest but requires a trip to a DMV office.
Renewing online through the Virginia DMV website
Go to dmvnow.com, the official Virginia DMV portal. Click "Renew Vehicle Registration" and choose whether you are renewing a passenger vehicle, motorcycle, or commercial vehicle. You will need your renewal code from your notice, or your VIN and driver's license number if you do not have the notice.
The system will show you your vehicle information and the renewal fee. Fees vary based on your vehicle's weight and type. You pay by credit card, debit card, or electronic check. After you submit payment, you receive a confirmation number on screen. Your new registration card is mailed to the address on file and arrives within 7 to 10 business days. You can legally drive with your old registration until the new card arrives.
Online renewal fails if your safety inspection is expired, your driver's license is suspended or expired, or you have unpaid traffic violations or fines. The system will tell you which issue is blocking renewal. You must then renew by mail or in person.
Renewing by mail with your renewal notice
If you have your renewal notice, you can mail it back to the DMV with your payment. Write a check or money order for the renewal fee and include it with the notice. Mail everything to the address printed on the back of your renewal notice. Do not send cash.
Processing takes two to three weeks from the date the DMV receives your envelope. Your new registration card is mailed to you after processing. During this time, you can drive legally with your old registration. Keep a copy of your renewal notice or your confirmation number in your vehicle in case you are stopped by police.
Renewing by mail costs more than renewing online because the DMV charges an additional service fee for mail processing. If you lose your renewal notice, you can request a duplicate by calling the DMV customer service line at 804-367-0538 or visiting dmvnow.com.
Renewing in person at a DMV office
Visit your local DMV office with your renewal notice, proof of Virginia safety inspection, and a valid photo ID. Bring your vehicle title or registration card if you have it. You can renew in person even if your inspection is expired or your online renewal was blocked — the DMV can process your renewal on the spot if you bring proof of a current inspection.
Wait times at DMV offices vary widely by location and time of day. Offices are typically less crowded on weekday mornings and mid-week. You can check current wait times on dmvnow.com before you go. In-person renewal takes 15 to 30 minutes once you reach the counter. You receive your new registration card when ready or within a few days by mail, depending on the office.
In-person renewal costs the same as online renewal — no extra service fee. However, you pay with cash, check, debit card, or credit card at the office. If you are renewing a commercial vehicle or have special circumstances, the DMV may require additional documents; call ahead to confirm what you need to bring.
What happens if your registration expires
Driving with an expired registration is illegal in Virginia. If you are stopped by police, you face a fine of $50 to $100 and a summons to appear in court. Your vehicle can be impounded if the registration is more than 30 days expired. If you realize your registration has expired, stop driving and renew when ready by mail or in person — you cannot renew online once the registration is past the expiration date.
If your registration expired more than one year ago, you must renew in person at a DMV office. Bring your vehicle title, proof of inspection, and a valid photo ID. The DMV may charge a late fee in addition to the standard renewal fee, though the amount varies.
Safety inspections and other requirements
Your vehicle must have a current Virginia safety inspection to renew registration online. Safety inspections are valid for 12 months from the date of inspection. You can get an inspection at any Virginia DMV office or at a private inspection station. The inspection checks your brakes, lights, windshield wipers, horn, and other safety equipment. An inspection costs around $20 at a DMV office or private station, though prices vary.
If your inspection expires before your registration, you must renew your inspection before you can renew your registration online. You can renew your inspection up to one month before it expires. If you renew your registration by mail or in person, you must bring proof of a current inspection with you.
You also need a valid driver's license to renew registration. If your license is suspended, expired, or revoked, you cannot renew online. Renew your driver's license first, then renew your registration.
Scams and safety alerts
Do not use third-party websites that claim to renew your registration for you. Websites with names like "Virginia DMV" or "DMV Renewal" that are not dmvnow.com are not official and may charge you extra fees or steal your personal information. The only official Virginia DMV website is dmvnow.com. Bookmark it or type the address directly into your browser.
Do not respond to emails or text messages claiming to be from the DMV asking you to renew your registration or verify your information. The DMV does not contact people by email or text to request renewal. If you receive such a message, delete it and report it to the Virginia DMV by calling 804-367-0538.
Do not pay anyone to renew your registration for you unless they are a licensed DMV agent or a DMV office employee. Unlicensed agents may charge you hundreds of dollars above the official fee and may not actually submit your renewal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my registration if my vehicle inspection is expired?
No, you cannot renew online if your inspection is expired. You must get a new inspection first, then renew online. You can renew by mail or in person if you bring proof of a current inspection with you. Inspections are valid for 12 months, so renew your inspection before it expires to avoid this problem.
How long does it take to get my new registration card after I renew online?
Your new registration card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. You can drive legally with your old registration card while you wait. If you do not receive your new card within two weeks, call the DMV at 804-367-0538 to check the status.
What if I renew online but my payment is declined?
The system will tell you when ready if your payment failed. Try again with a different card or payment method. If the problem continues, renew by mail or in person instead. You can also call the DMV customer service line at 804-367-0538 for help troubleshooting payment issues.
Can I renew my registration if I have unpaid traffic tickets?
No, you cannot renew online if you have unpaid fines or violations. You must pay the fines first through the Virginia court system or the DMV. Once fines are paid, you can renew online. If you are unsure whether you have unpaid fines, call 804-367-0538 and provide your driver's license number.
What if my address changed since my last registration?
Update your address with the DMV before you renew. You can change your address on dmvnow.com or at a DMV office. Once your address is updated, renew your registration. Your new registration card will be mailed to your new address.