Virginia car registration renews every 12 months, and you can renew online, by mail, or in person at your local DMV office

Virginia's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) sends renewal notices 30 days before your registration expires. The notice includes your renewal fee, which varies based on your vehicle's weight and type. You do not have to wait for the notice to arrive — you can renew as soon as 90 days before expiration.

The three main paths are online through the Virginia DMV website, by mail using the renewal notice, or in person at a DMV office. Online renewal is the fastest and requires only your vehicle identification number (VIN), license plate number, and a payment method. Mail renewal takes longer but works if you prefer not to visit an office or use the internet. In-person renewal at a DMV office is necessary only if your registration has already expired or if you need to make changes to your vehicle information.

Key Takeaways

  • Virginia sends renewal notices 30 days before expiration, but you can renew up to 90 days early through the DMV website.
  • Online renewal requires your VIN, license plate number, and a valid payment method, and takes a few minutes to complete.
  • Mail renewal uses the notice you receive and typically takes one to two weeks after the DMV receives it.
  • If your registration has already expired, you must renew in person at a DMV office and may face a late fee.
  • Your renewal fee depends on your vehicle's weight and type; the notice shows the exact amount you owe.

Online renewal through the Virginia DMV website

The Virginia DMV website allows you to renew online at any time, day or night. Go to dmvnow.com, select "Renew Vehicle Registration," and enter your VIN and license plate number. The system will pull up your vehicle record and show your renewal fee.

You will need a valid payment method — credit card, debit card, or electronic check. The DMV charges a $0.50 convenience fee for online payments. After you pay, the system generates a temporary registration document that you can print or save to your phone. Your permanent registration card arrives by mail within one to two weeks.

Online renewal works only if your registration has not yet expired and your vehicle information is current in the DMV system. If you have moved recently or changed your address, update that information first through the DMV website or by mail before you renew.

Mail renewal using your renewal notice

The renewal notice you receive in the mail includes everything you need to renew by post. Fill out the notice, include your payment (check or money order), and mail it to the address printed on the notice. Do not send cash through the mail.

Processing time for mail renewal is typically one to two weeks after the DMV receives your envelope. To avoid delays, mail your renewal at least two weeks before your registration expires. Keep a copy of your check or money order number for your records.

If you lose your renewal notice, you can still renew by mail. Contact the Virginia DMV at 804-367-0538 or visit dmvnow.com to request a duplicate notice, or use the online renewal option instead.

In-person renewal at a DMV office

Visit your local DMV office if your registration has already expired, if you need to update vehicle information, or if you prefer to renew face-to-face. Bring your current registration card, proof of Virginia insurance, and a valid photo ID. You will also need proof of residency if you have moved since your last registration.

DMV offices are open Monday through Friday, 8:15 a.m. to 4:45 p.m., and some locations offer Saturday hours. Wait times vary by location and time of day. You can check current wait times and make an appointment through dmvnow.com, which often reduces your time in the office.

If your registration has expired, you will owe a late fee in addition to your renewal fee. The late fee is $10 for registrations expired 30 days or less, and increases for longer lapses. Renewing online or by mail before expiration avoids this extra cost.

What happens if your registration expires

Driving with an expired registration is illegal in Virginia and can result in a traffic citation. If you are stopped, you face a fine and points on your driving record. Your vehicle may also be subject to impound in some circumstances.

If your registration has expired, you must renew in person at a DMV office — you cannot renew online or by mail once the expiration date has passed. You will owe the late fee plus your regular renewal fee. Bring proof of insurance and a valid photo ID.

If you realize your registration is about to expire while you are out of state or unable to visit an office, renew online when ready. This keeps your registration current and avoids the late fee and legal consequences of driving with an expired tag.

Registration fees and what affects the cost

Your renewal fee is based on your vehicle's gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR), not its actual weight. The GVWR is listed on your vehicle's door jamb or in your owner's manual. Passenger vehicles typically pay between $40 and $60 per year, while heavier vehicles and commercial registrations cost more.

Your renewal notice shows your exact fee. If you believe the fee is incorrect, contact the DMV before you pay. Some vehicles may have access to for reduced fees — for example, electric vehicles registered in Virginia pay a lower rate. If you own a vehicle that qualifies for a reduced fee, you may need to provide documentation when you renew.

The online renewal convenience fee of $0.50 is added only if you renew through dmvnow.com. Mail and in-person renewal do not include this fee.

Updating your information during renewal

If you have moved, changed your name, or need to update your address on your registration, you can make these changes during renewal. Online renewal allows you to update your address before you pay. For mail renewal, include a note with your renewal notice explaining the change, or contact the DMV separately to update your information.

If you are renewing in person at a DMV office, bring proof of your new address — a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days works. The DMV will update your record and issue a new registration card with your current information.

Changes to vehicle ownership or title require a separate transaction and cannot be completed during registration renewal. Contact the DMV or visit an office if you need to transfer title or add a co-owner.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my registration if it has already expired?

No, you cannot renew online or by mail once your registration has expired. You must visit a DMV office in person. You will owe a late fee in addition to your regular renewal fee. The late fee is $10 for registrations expired 30 days or less.

How long does it take to get my new registration card after I renew?

Your permanent registration card arrives by mail within one to two weeks after renewal. If you renew online, you receive a temporary registration document when ready that you can print or display on your phone while you wait for the permanent card.

What if I renew online but my payment is declined?

The system will notify you when ready if your payment fails. Try again with a different payment method, or renew by mail or in person instead. Your registration remains valid until the expiration date shown on your current card.

Do I need to renew my registration if I sell my car?

No. When you sell your vehicle, you should notify the DMV of the sale. The new owner will register the vehicle in their name. You do not owe renewal fees for a vehicle you no longer own, but you should report the sale to avoid liability for violations or tickets.

What if I lost my renewal notice?

You can still renew online using your VIN and license plate number, or call the DMV at 804-367-0538 to request a duplicate notice by mail. Online renewal is the fastest option if you have lost your notice.