What You Can and Cannot Do Online
Virginia allows you to renew your vehicle registration online through the DMV website if your vehicle meets certain conditions. The online renewal process is faster than going to a DMV office — you can complete it in minutes from home — but not every registration can be renewed this way.
You can renew online if your vehicle passed its most recent safety inspection, you have no outstanding parking or traffic violations, your registration is not suspended, and you are renewing a standard passenger vehicle, motorcycle, or trailer. You cannot renew online if you need to change vehicle information (like adding a new owner), if your vehicle failed inspection, if you have unpaid fines, or if you are renewing a commercial vehicle or a vehicle with a salvage title.
The online system accepts payment by credit card, debit card, or electronic check. Virginia charges a renewal fee that varies based on your vehicle type and weight — the DMV website will show you the exact amount before you pay. You will receive your new registration card and decal by mail within 7 to 10 business days after approval.
Key Takeaways
- You can renew online only if your vehicle passed its last inspection, you have no unpaid violations or fines, and your registration is not suspended.
- The online renewal process takes about 10 minutes and costs the same as renewing in person, with fees varying by vehicle type and weight.
- Your new registration card and decal arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days, so plan ahead if you need them by a specific date.
- If you cannot renew online, you must visit a DMV office in person or use the mail-in renewal option with a check or money order.
- Scammers pose as the Virginia DMV and send fake renewal notices with links to fraudulent websites — always go directly to dmvnow.com, never click links in emails or texts.
Step-by-Step Process for Online Renewal
Start by going to dmvnow.com, the official Virginia DMV website. Click on "Vehicle Registration" and then select "Renew Registration Online." You will need your vehicle's license plate number or vehicle identification number (VIN) to begin.
Enter your vehicle information and your driver's license number. The system will pull up your current registration and show you whether you are may be able to access to renew online. If the system says you cannot renew online, it will tell you why — this usually means you need to visit an office or resolve a violation first.
If you are may be able to access, review the renewal fee, which appears on the screen before you pay. Select your payment method (credit card, debit card, or electronic check) and complete the transaction. You will receive a confirmation number when ready. Save or print this number — you may need it if you have questions about your renewal.
Your new registration card and decal will arrive by mail. Virginia law allows you to drive with your old registration until the new one arrives, so you do not need to rush to an office if the mail is delayed.
When You Cannot Renew Online and What to Do Instead
If the online system tells you that you cannot renew, the most common reasons are a failed safety inspection, unpaid traffic or parking fines, or a suspended registration. You must resolve these issues before you can renew, whether online or in person.
If your vehicle failed inspection, you must have it repaired and pass a new inspection before renewing. If you have unpaid fines, you can pay them through the DMV website under "Pay Fines and Fees," or you can contact the court or locality that issued the fine. If your registration is suspended, contact the DMV directly at 804-367-0538 to find out why and what steps you need to take.
Once you have resolved the issue, you can try the online renewal process again. If you still cannot renew online for any reason, you have two other options: visit a DMV office in person with your vehicle title, current registration card, and proof of inspection, or mail in your renewal with a check or money order and a completed Form DMV 14 (process for Registration Renewal).
Scams and How to Protect Yourself
Scammers regularly send fake Virginia DMV renewal notices by email or text message. These messages often say your registration is about to expire and include a link to a fake website that looks like dmvnow.com. If you click the link and enter your personal information, the scammers steal your identity or payment details.
The real Virginia DMV does not send renewal reminders by email or text. If you receive a message claiming to be from the DMV with a link, do not click it. Instead, go directly to dmvnow.com by typing the address into your browser yourself, or call the DMV at 804-367-0538 to verify whether you actually need to renew.
Never give your Social Security number, driver's license number, or payment information to anyone who contacts you about a renewal. The DMV will never ask for these details by email or phone. If you are unsure whether a message is real, hang up or close the email and call the DMV yourself using the phone number on your registration card or the official website.
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. Driving with an expired registration can result in a traffic ticket, a fine, and points on your driving record. Police can stop you for an expired registration alone.
If you realize your registration has expired, you can still renew online if you meet the other requirements (passed inspection, no unpaid fines, no suspension). The online system does not prevent you from renewing after the expiration date. However, you should renew as soon as possible to avoid being stopped by police.
If you were driving with an expired registration and received a ticket, you can renew your registration and then contact the court listed on the ticket to discuss your options. Some courts will dismiss the ticket if you show proof that you have since renewed.
Timing and Planning Ahead
Virginia sends renewal notices by mail about 30 days before your registration expires. The notice includes your renewal fee and instructions for renewing online or by mail. You can renew up to 30 days before your expiration date, so you do not have to wait until the last minute.
If you renew online, your new registration card and decal take 7 to 10 business days to arrive by mail. If you need your new registration by a specific date — for example, before a road trip — renew at least two weeks before that date to account for mail delays. If you are cutting it close, consider visiting a DMV office in person instead, where you can receive your new decal when ready.
You can check your registration expiration date on your current registration card or by logging into your DMV account on dmvnow.com. If you have lost your renewal notice, you can still renew online using your license plate number or VIN.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my registration if I have a vanity plate?
Yes, vanity plates renew the same way as standard plates. Use your license plate number to start the online renewal process. Your new registration card will show your vanity plate number, and your new decal will arrive with your registration card.
What if I moved and my address on file is wrong?
If your address has changed, you cannot renew online. You must visit a DMV office in person with your new proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within 60 days) and your current registration card. The office will update your address and process your renewal at the same time.
Do I need to print anything before I start the online renewal?
No. You do not need to print anything to renew online. Have your license plate number or VIN ready, and a payment method available. You will receive a confirmation number on screen that you can save or screenshot for your records.
What if the online system says I have an unpaid fine but I already paid it?
Contact the DMV at 804-367-0538 or the court or locality that issued the fine to confirm payment was processed. It can take a few days for payments to show up in the system. Once the payment is confirmed, try the online renewal again.
Can someone else renew my registration for me online?
No. Only the registered owner can renew online using their driver's license number. If you are not the owner, the owner must complete the renewal themselves, or you can visit a DMV office in person with a power of attorney document signed by the owner.