Virginia registration renewal happens online, by mail, or in person at a DMV office
You can renew your Virginia vehicle registration through three routes: the DMV website (fastest), the mail (if you have no changes to report), or an in-person visit to a DMV customer service center. Most people renew online because it takes 10 minutes and you get your new decal when ready. The mail route takes two to three weeks. You must renew before your registration expires — driving on an expired registration is a traffic violation and can result in a fine.
Virginia sends you a renewal notice 30 to 60 days before your registration expires. That notice contains your renewal code, which you need for online renewal. If you lose the notice, you can still renew online using your vehicle identification number (VIN) and driver's license number instead. The renewal notice also tells you whether your vehicle requires a safety inspection or emissions test before you can renew.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal through the DMV website takes about 10 minutes and costs the same as mail or in-person renewal, with no additional fees.
- You must have a current safety inspection (required every year in Virginia) and an emissions test (required every two years in most areas) before you can renew.
- If your address, vehicle information, or insurance has changed, you cannot renew by mail — you must go online or visit a DMV office in person.
- Your new registration decal arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days of online renewal, or you can pick it up when ready at a DMV office if you renew in person.
- If you renew after your registration expires, you may owe a late fee in addition to the renewal cost.
Online renewal through the Virginia DMV website
Go to dmvnow.com and select "Renew Vehicle Registration." You will need either your renewal notice code or your VIN and driver's license number. Enter your vehicle information, confirm your address and insurance details, and pay the renewal fee by credit card, debit card, or electronic check. The system will show you the total cost before you submit payment.
After you pay, you will receive a confirmation number on screen and by email. Your new registration decal will be mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days. You can drive legally on your old decal until the new one arrives. If you need the decal sooner, you can visit a DMV office and pick up a temporary registration or new decal the same day.
Online renewal is not available if your vehicle information has changed (such as a new owner, lien holder, or vehicle color), if you have unpaid traffic violations or parking tickets, or if your vehicle failed inspection or emissions testing. In those cases, you must renew in person or by mail after resolving the issue.
Mail renewal and when it makes sense
You can renew by mail only if your address, vehicle information, and insurance coverage have not changed since your last registration. Complete the renewal notice that came in the mail, include a check or money order for the renewal fee, and mail it to the address printed on the notice. Virginia DMV processes mail renewals within two to three weeks of receipt.
Mail renewal is slower than online renewal and offers no advantage in cost or convenience. The only reason to choose it is if you prefer not to use the internet or do not have a credit card or debit card. If you choose mail renewal, send your payment at least three weeks before your registration expires to avoid a late fee.
In-person renewal at a DMV office
Bring your renewal notice (or your VIN and driver's license if you do not have the notice), proof of a current safety inspection, proof of a current emissions test (if required in your area), and proof of insurance. You will also need a valid photo ID. DMV offices do not require an appointment for registration renewal, but wait times vary by location and time of day. Check dmvnow.com for current wait times at offices near you before you go.
In-person renewal takes 15 to 30 minutes depending on how busy the office is. You will pay the renewal fee at the counter and receive your new registration decal when ready. This is the fastest way to get your decal if you are renewing close to your expiration date or if you need it the same day.
Safety inspection and emissions testing requirements
Virginia requires a safety inspection every year. Your vehicle must pass inspection at an authorized inspection station (not a DMV office) before you can renew your registration. The inspection checks your brakes, lights, windshield wipers, horn, steering, suspension, and other safety systems. An inspection costs between $16 and $20 depending on the station.
Most areas of Virginia also require an emissions test every two years for vehicles model year 2000 and newer. The emissions test measures your vehicle's exhaust to may support it meets state pollution standards. An emissions test costs between $30 and $40. Some inspection stations offer both services at the same visit. You can find authorized inspection stations on the Virginia DMV website.
Your renewal notice will tell you whether your vehicle needs an inspection or emissions test. If your vehicle fails either test, you cannot renew your registration until you repair the vehicle and pass the test again. Some repairs are covered by your vehicle's warranty; others you will need to pay for yourself.
What happens if your registration expires
Driving on an expired registration is a traffic violation. A police officer can stop you and issue a summons. The fine for expired registration is typically $100 to $200, plus court costs. If you are stopped, you can show proof that you have submitted a renewal request (such as a confirmation email from online renewal), which may reduce the penalty.
If you renew after your registration has already expired, you will owe a late fee in addition to the standard renewal cost. The late fee is $10 for renewals submitted within 30 days of expiration, and higher for renewals submitted later. To avoid the late fee, renew before your expiration date. If you miss the date, renew as soon as possible.
Scam alert: fake renewal notices and phishing emails
Virginia DMV does not contact you by email, text message, or phone to renew your registration. If you receive an email or text claiming to be from Virginia 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 send fake renewal notices that look like official DMV mail but direct you to a fake website to pay a renewal fee. The fake website steals your credit card number and personal information. To protect yourself: only renew through dmvnow.com (check the web address carefully), never click links in unsolicited emails or texts, and if you are unsure whether a notice is real, call Virginia DMV directly at 1-888-337-8268 to confirm.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my registration if my vehicle failed inspection?
No. You must repair your vehicle and pass inspection again before you can renew. Once you have a passing inspection, you can renew online, by mail, or in person. If your vehicle failed emissions testing, the same rule applies — repair and retest first, then renew.
What if I move to a different address before my registration expires?
You cannot renew by mail if your address has changed. You must renew online or in person and provide your new address. If you have already received a renewal notice at your old address, you can still use it to renew online by entering your new address during the renewal process.
How much does registration renewal cost in Virginia?
The cost depends on your vehicle's weight and type. Most passenger cars cost between $40 and $60 per year. Trucks and other vehicles may cost more. Your renewal notice shows the exact cost for your vehicle. Online, mail, and in-person renewal all cost the same amount.
Can I renew if my insurance has lapsed?
No. You must have active insurance coverage at the time you renew. If your insurance has lapsed, contact your insurance company to reinstate it or purchase a new policy before you attempt to renew your registration.
What if I lose my renewal notice?
You can still renew online without the notice. Go to dmvnow.com, select "Renew Vehicle Registration," and choose the option to renew using your VIN and driver's license number instead of the renewal code. You will need to enter your vehicle's VIN, your driver's license number, and your date of birth.