What Virginia License Plates Cost and Where to Get Them

Virginia license plates cost between $28 and $35 for a standard registration renewal, depending on your vehicle type and whether you are registering for the first time or renewing. When you register a vehicle with the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles, plates come with that registration — you do not order them separately. The DMV issues plates directly or through its network of local DMV offices and authorized agents in your county.

If you need replacement plates because yours are lost, stolen, or damaged, the Virginia DMV charges $20 for a duplicate set. You can request duplicates in person at any DMV office, by mail, or through the DMV website if you have an existing registration. Specialty plates (personalized, military, collegiate, or cause-related) cost more — typically $35 to $50 for the initial registration, plus renewal fees that vary by plate type.

Key Takeaways

  • Standard Virginia plates cost $28 to $35 at registration and come automatically when you register your vehicle with the DMV.
  • Replacement plates for lost or damaged plates cost $20 and can be ordered online, by mail, or in person at a DMV office.
  • Specialty plates (personalized, military, collegiate, or cause-related) cost $35 to $50 initially and have their own renewal fees.
  • Virginia issues new plates every 10 years; you will receive yours in the mail after your registration is processed.

Virginia's Standard Plate Design and When You Get New Ones

Virginia's standard plate is blue and white with the state name, your registration number, and the slogan "Virginia is for Lovers." The DMV issues new plates every 10 years as part of a statewide replacement cycle. When your 10-year cycle ends, you will receive new plates in the mail automatically — you do not need to request them. The old plates become invalid once the new ones arrive, and you should remove and dispose of them.

If you move to Virginia from another state, you must obtain Virginia plates within 30 days of establishing residency. The DMV will issue you new plates as part of your initial Virginia registration. If you are transferring a registration from another state, bring your out-of-state title and registration documents to a DMV office or authorized agent to complete the transfer and receive Virginia plates.

Specialty Plates: Personalized, Military, and Cause-Related Options

Virginia offers personalized plates that let you choose your own combination of letters and numbers (up to seven characters). Personalized plates cost $50 for the initial registration and $35 for each renewal. You can request a personalized plate when you register a new vehicle or renew an existing registration. The DMV checks your requested combination against a list of prohibited words and combinations — if your choice is rejected, you can submit another request at no additional cost.

Military plates are available to active-duty service members, veterans, and military retirees. Virginia offers several military designs, including plates honoring specific branches and conflicts. Military plates cost the same as standard plates ($28 to $35) and do not require additional fees. Collegiate plates feature Virginia's public universities and colleges. These cost $35 initially and $35 at renewal. Cause-related plates support organizations like the Virginia Wildlife Foundation or the Virginia Breast Cancer Foundation; costs vary by organization but typically run $35 to $50 initially.

How to Order Plates Online, by Mail, or In Person

You can order replacement plates or renew your registration through the Virginia DMV website without visiting an office. Go to dmvnow.com, log in with your driver's license number and date of birth, and follow the prompts to renew your registration or request replacement plates. Payment is by credit or debit card. Replacement plates ordered online are mailed to your address within 7 to 10 business days.

To order by mail, read the Vehicle Registration Renewal form (Form VSA 14) from the DMV website, complete it, and mail it with your payment to the address listed on the form. Processing takes 10 to 15 business days from receipt. In person, visit any Virginia DMV office or an authorized agent in your county. Bring your current registration, proof of insurance, and payment. If you are registering a vehicle for the first time in Virginia, bring your title, proof of residency, and a completed process for Registration (Form VSA 3).

Vanity Plates and Restricted Character Combinations

Virginia prohibits personalized plates that contain profanity, slurs, or combinations that spell out offensive words or phrases. The DMV maintains a list of rejected combinations and reviews each request individually. If your requested combination is denied, you will receive a notice explaining why, and you can submit a different combination. There is no charge for resubmitting.

Personalized plates must be between 2 and 7 characters long and can include letters, numbers, and spaces. You cannot use special characters like hyphens or ampersands. If you want a plate that is very similar to one already issued, the DMV may deny it to avoid confusion on the road. Check availability before you submit your request — the DMV website has a search tool that shows you whether a combination is available.

Plate Transfers, Replacements, and What to Do With Old Plates

If you sell your vehicle, the plates remain registered to you, not the vehicle. You can transfer them to a new vehicle you own by updating your registration with the DMV. Bring your new vehicle's title and the registration for your old vehicle to a DMV office or authorized agent. The transfer is processed when ready, and you keep the same plate number.

If your plates are lost, stolen, or damaged, order replacements through dmvnow.com, by mail, or in person. Bring a police report if your plates were stolen — the DMV may waive the $20 replacement fee in some cases. Once your new plates arrive, remove the old ones and dispose of them. Do not keep old plates on your vehicle after new ones are issued, as this can result in a traffic stop and citation.

Plate Fees for Different Vehicle Types and Registration Lengths

Virginia charges different registration fees based on vehicle type and weight. Passenger cars typically cost $28 to $35 for a one-year registration. Motorcycles cost $20 to $25. Trucks and commercial vehicles cost more depending on their gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR). You can register for one, two, or three years at a time — longer registrations cost more upfront but reduce how often you need to renew.

If you own a vehicle registered in Virginia but live out of state, you still pay Virginia registration fees. If you own multiple vehicles, each one needs its own registration and plates. Disabled veterans may be may be able to access for reduced registration fees — contact your local DMV office to learn whether you may have access to and what documentation you need to provide.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to receive new plates after I register my vehicle?

Standard plates are mailed within 7 to 10 business days of your registration being processed. Specialty plates may take 2 to 4 weeks. If you need plates when ready, some DMV offices can issue temporary plates in person that are valid for 30 days while you wait for your permanent plates to arrive.

Can I keep my old Virginia plate number if I buy a new vehicle?

Yes. You can transfer your current plate to a new vehicle by updating your registration. Bring your new vehicle's title and your current registration to a DMV office or authorized agent. The transfer happens when ready, and you keep the same number.

What happens if I move out of Virginia but still own a vehicle registered here?

You must register your vehicle in your new state within the time frame that state requires (usually 30 to 60 days). Once you do, your Virginia registration and plates become invalid. Return your Virginia plates to a DMV office or an authorized agent if possible, though most states do not require this.

Do I have to display both the front and rear plate?

Virginia law requires a plate on the rear of your vehicle. A front plate is not required. Some vehicles come with a front plate bracket, but you are not obligated to use it. However, if a law enforcement officer stops you and you have a front plate bracket, they may expect to see a plate there.

Can I order a plate with a space or special character in it?

Spaces are allowed in personalized plates, but special characters like hyphens, periods, or ampersands are not. Your combination can include letters and numbers only, plus spaces between them. The DMV website search tool will show you what is available.