Register a vehicle in Virginia

Online or in person

Mostly no · Office visit or mailTitle and registration are submitted in person or by mail. Electronic titling online is for a vehicle that already has a Virginia title, and gets only a new registration and license plates. Alternatives to a walk-in: drop off (pick up in 3-5 days), appointment, DMV Select or mail. If a dealer processes your paperwork, it may take up to 30 days to appear in your DMV record.

Cost

$15 titling feeSales and use tax is 4.15% of the gross sales price, or $75, whichever is greater, unless exempt. The registration fee depends on vehicle type, weight, plates and registration period; see the DMV's fee pages.

You leave with

Two plates, decals, registration cardA motorcycle, tractor truck, semitrailer or trailer gets one plate. If a dealer is processing the work, the dealer provides a temporary plate transfer or temporary registration for the 30-day period.

Your plan

1. Gather your documents

   • Virginia title with the "Certification of Buyer" section complete · all that apply
     To register too, complete the "Application of Registration" section on the title.
   • Proof of address · all that apply
   • Proof of purchase price
     Required for in-state purchases, and for an out-of-state vehicle bought within the last 12 months.
     Show accepted documents (bring 1)

     • Buyer's order, bill of sale or the seller's declared sale price on the title
     • Vehicle Price Certification signed by the seller or purchaser
   • Application for Registration (VSA 14) · all that apply
     Complete the "Insurance Certification" section.
   • Emissions inspection · all that apply
     Only if the vehicle is garaged in Arlington, Fairfax, Loudoun, Prince William or Stafford counties, or Alexandria, Fairfax, Falls Church, Manassas or Manassas Park. Not for motorcycles; the station updates DMV electronically.

2. Title the vehicle first

   You must have the vehicle titled in Virginia before you register it. New residents must title within 30 days of moving to Virginia.

   Title Your Vehicle or Trailer ↗

3. Insure it before you register

   You must keep the minimum liability insurance from the moment you register until the registration period ends. Registering without insuring means a $600 non-compliance fee.

   New to Virginia ↗

4. Submit title and registration

   Do this in person at any DMV customer service center, DMV Select or mobile office, or by mail. Fees include the titling fee, sales and use tax and the registration fee.

   Appointments, e-ticket and walk-ins ↗

5. Put on your plates

   Place the decals on the plates, the plates on the front and rear of your vehicle, and keep the registration card in the vehicle.

   First Time Vehicle Registration ↗