How to Get a Virginia License Plate: A Step-by-Step Guide
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If you're a Virginia resident who owns a car or truck, it's important to have a Virginia license plate to show that your vehicle is registered in the state. You can get dual license plates when you register your vehicle, create personalized plates and other specialty license plates, and other types of license plates. We've broken down the steps you need to get started with this important part of vehicle registration.
Requirements for Obtaining a Virginia License Plate
Getting Virginia license plates is part of the first-time vehicle registration process. To register your vehicle, you'll need the following documentation:
- Proof of ownership, such as a Virginia title or registration card from another state
- Proof of identity, such as a valid driver's license or U.S. passport
- Proof of residency, such as a pay stub or utility bill with your Virginia address
- Proof of insurance
- Bill of sale
- Proof of safety inspection
- Proof an emissions inspection if your vehicle is garaged in the counties of Arlington, Fairfax, Loudoun, Prince William, or Stafford, or in the cities of Alexandria, Fairfax, Falls Church, Manassas, or Manassas Park.
- Completed Application for Registration (VSA 14)
- Registration and plate fee
Once you've completed registration, you'll get both front and rear license plates, as single plates are not permitted in Virginia. If you'd like, you can opt for special Virginia license plate designs.
How To Register Your Vehicle and Get a License Plate
To register your vehicle, submit the required documentation, complete Form VSA 14, and pay the registration fee in person at any Virginia DMV customer service center, DMV Select, or DMV Connect office, or by mail. Note that you may not submit a first-time vehicle registration and get your license plate online.
Transferring a License Plate to a New Vehicle
License plate transfers are very easy in Virginia. To transfer a Virginia license plate to a new vehicle that's registered in the state, complete a License Plate Application (VSA 10) and visit a DMV customer service center to complete the transfer.
If both vehicles are the same design and weight or the new vehicle weighs less, the cost is $2. If the new vehicle weighs more, you must pay $2 plus a prorated fee for the weight difference.
Vehicle owners may only transfer license plates between their own vehicles. If you sell a vehicle to someone else, you must destroy the previous plates.
Replacing Lost or Damaged Virginia License Plates
If you've lost your Virginia license plates or they're so damaged as to be illegible, you must complete a new Application for Registration and submit it at the DMV with the required fee. The cost to reissue plates is $10. You can complete this process in person, online, or by mail.
Exploring Specialty and Personalized Plate Options
There are many Virginia license plate options beyond standard automobile plates. The state offers 342 specialty plate designs, that represent causes, military affiliation, and much more. Specialty plate fees vary by design and may cost $10, $15, or $25 per year depending on the types of license plates.
To get personalized plates, you must submit your preferred option and ensure that it meets all personalized plate guidelines and restrictions. In addition to the specialty plate fee, you must also pay a $10 personalized plate fee each year.
Renewing Your Virginia License Plate
Every time you renew your vehicle registration, you also renew your Virginia license plate. Generally, you must renew your registration every year, but you may be eligible for multi-year registration fee discounts for two-year or three-year renewals.
Your Virginia license plate renewal cost depends on the vehicle type and its empty weight or gross weight. You may also incur additional fees for:
- Type of license plate
- Registration duration
- Late registration renewals
- A vehicle subject to a highway use fee
Common passenger vehicles cost $40.75 to renew, or you can view a complete list of registration renewal fees. Remember, there are additional annual charges for specialty and personalized license plates.
Tips for Avoiding Common Plate Registration Issues
Getting a Virginia license plate should be a fairly straightforward process. Some of the most common issues that arise are not having the proper documentation, missing a renewal notice, or failing to meet personalized plate restrictions and guidelines. To avoid delays, familiarize yourself with Virginia registration policies, fees, and acceptable documents.
Protect Your Vehicle with Affordable Virginia Car Insurance Today!
Getting license plates in Virginia should be a seamless process, even if you want to get specialty or personalized plates. Meeting mandatory Virginia car insurance requirements should be easy, too. Fortunately, you can use EverQuote's comparison tools to shop insurance quotes in real time to find the best coverages for your budget.