Virginia registration renews every year or two, depending on your vehicle type
In Virginia, most passenger vehicles need registration renewal every 12 months. Your renewal notice arrives by mail 30 to 45 days before your registration expires — the expiration date is printed on your current registration card and your license plate decal. You can renew online through the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) website, by mail, or in person at a DMV office. Online renewal is fastest and costs nothing extra; the state charges a $38.75 renewal fee for most passenger vehicles, though commercial vehicles and motorcycles have different fees.
You do not need to visit an office unless your registration has been expired for more than one year, your vehicle failed inspection, or you need to update vehicle information like ownership or address. If your renewal notice did not arrive, you can still renew using your vehicle identification number (VIN) and license plate number on the DMV website.
Key Takeaways
- Virginia registration renews annually for most vehicles, and you will receive a renewal notice 30 to 45 days before expiration.
- Online renewal through the Virginia DMV website is the fastest method and requires only your registration card or VIN and plate number.
- Your vehicle must pass Virginia's safety and emissions inspection before you can renew registration.
- The renewal fee is $38.75 for most passenger vehicles, paid by credit card online or by check if renewing by mail.
- If registration expires, you cannot legally drive the vehicle; renewing online takes about 10 minutes and the new decal arrives within two weeks.
Renewing online is the fastest option and requires no office visit
Go to the Virginia DMV website (dmvnow.com) and select "Renew Vehicle Registration" from the main menu. You will need either your current registration card or your VIN and license plate number. Enter the information, confirm your vehicle details, and review the renewal fee. Pay by credit card or debit card — the system accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover. The transaction takes about 10 minutes.
After you complete payment, the DMV mails your new registration card and decal to the address on file. The decal usually arrives within two weeks. You can drive legally with your old decal until the new one arrives, as long as your registration has not yet expired. If your registration has already expired, you cannot legally drive the vehicle until the new decal is in your possession.
Online renewal works only if your vehicle passed inspection, your address is current, and you have no outstanding violations or fines. If any of these conditions do not explore, the system will tell you to renew in person or by mail.
Your vehicle must pass inspection before renewal
Virginia requires all vehicles to pass a safety and emissions inspection before registration can renew. The inspection covers brakes, lights, windshield wipers, horn, seat belts, and emissions systems. You can get inspected at any Virginia inspection station — these include many gas stations, repair shops, and tire stores. The inspection costs $16 and is valid for one year from the inspection date.
The inspection station gives you a paper receipt with an inspection number. When you renew registration online, the DMV checks whether an inspection on file matches your vehicle. If no inspection is on file or the inspection has expired, the online system will reject your renewal and direct you to get inspected first.
If your inspection expires before your registration does, you must get a new inspection before you can renew. Many people renew their inspection and registration at the same time to avoid this problem.
Renewing by mail or in person if online is not an option
If you cannot renew online, use the renewal notice that arrived in the mail. Fill out the form, include a check or money order for $38.75 (or the correct fee for your vehicle type), and mail it to the address printed on the notice. Mail renewal takes two to three weeks from the time the DMV receives it, so send it at least four weeks before your registration expires.
To renew in person, visit any Virginia DMV office with your current registration card, proof of inspection, and payment. Bring a photo ID as well. Office renewal is complete the same day, and you receive your new decal when ready. However, DMV offices have wait times that vary by location and time of day — calling ahead or checking the DMV website for current wait times can help you plan.
You will need to renew in person if your address has changed, your vehicle information has changed, or your registration has been expired for more than one year. Expired registrations over one year old require an in-person visit and may require additional documentation.
What to do if your registration has already expired
If your registration expired, you cannot legally drive the vehicle on public roads. Stop driving it when ready and renew as soon as possible. If you were driving with an expired registration and a police officer stops you, you can receive a traffic citation and fine.
Renewing an expired registration follows the same process as a regular renewal, but you must renew in person at a DMV office if the registration has been expired for more than one year. Bring your current registration card (even though it is expired), proof of inspection, and payment. The DMV will process the renewal and issue a new decal on the spot.
If your registration expired more than one year ago, the DMV may require you to re-register the vehicle instead of straightforward renewing. Contact your local DMV office or call 1-888-337-0800 to confirm what documents you need before you visit.
Scam alert: Fake renewal notices and phishing emails
The Virginia DMV does not send renewal notices by email or text message. If you receive an email or text claiming to be from the DMV and asking you to click a link or provide personal information, it is a scam. Delete it when ready and do not click any links.
Scammers also mail fake renewal notices that look similar to real ones but direct you to a fake website or phone number. Real Virginia DMV renewal notices come from the official DMV address and include your specific vehicle information. If you are unsure whether a notice is real, call the DMV directly at 1-888-337-0800 or visit dmvnow.com to check your registration status.
Never pay a renewal fee to anyone except the official Virginia DMV. Third-party services that claim to renew your registration for you charge extra fees and are not necessary — you can renew directly through the DMV for free online or by mail.
Registration fees vary by vehicle type and weight
Most passenger vehicles pay $38.75 per year. Motorcycles cost $27.75. Vehicles over 4,000 pounds may have higher fees based on weight. Commercial vehicles, trailers, and vehicles registered for specific purposes (like taxi or rental) have different fee structures.
The DMV website shows the exact fee for your vehicle before you complete payment, so you will know the cost before you commit. If you are unsure about your vehicle's category, enter your VIN on the renewal page and the system will calculate the correct fee.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my registration if my vehicle has an outstanding ticket or fine?
No. The DMV will not renew registration if you have unpaid traffic fines or court-ordered fines related to your vehicle. You must pay the fine first, then renew. Contact the court or the DMV to confirm what fines are on file before you attempt to renew.
What if I move to a different address before my registration renews?
Update your address with the DMV before you renew. You can change your address online at dmvnow.com or in person at a DMV office. Once your address is updated, renew your registration normally. The new registration card and decal will be mailed to your new address.
Do I need to renew my registration if I sell my vehicle?
No. When you sell a vehicle, you must transfer the title and registration to the new owner. You do not renew the old registration. The new owner will handle registration renewal on their own schedule. You must report the sale to the DMV within 10 days.
How long does it take to receive my new registration decal after I renew online?
The new decal usually arrives within two weeks of payment. You can drive legally with your old decal until the new one arrives, as long as your registration has not yet expired. If you need the decal faster, renew in person at a DMV office and receive it the same day.
What happens if I renew my registration but my vehicle fails inspection?
If your vehicle fails inspection after you have already renewed registration, you must get the vehicle repaired and pass inspection again before you can legally drive it. Contact your inspection station to schedule a re-inspection. Once you pass, you can drive normally.