Help us improve by answering a quick question about your experience on DMV.ORG. The forms provided above are current based on the date of writing. Military plates are also available to qualified veterans, and you can get special license plates for antique vehicles. Disclaimer. As of 2022, plates are issued by the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). Download the form at DMV-42-TR. Click the button that says "Purchase plate now" to begin the ordering process. Therefore, you can still get a custom license plate number of 7 characters if you just forgo the logo plates. You'll also need to renew your registration in order to renew your plate. Please send your request to the Bureau of Motor Vehicles, Vehicle Services Division, 29 State House Station, Augusta, Maine 04333-0029. Some plates, such as military and university plates, display a logo. This Site is not owned or operated by, nor affiliated with any governmental organization. If you prefer to purchase your new plates by mail or by visiting a customer service center, complete the License Plate Application, (VSA 10). Terms of Use License Plates, Generally. You'll pay: For application information, see Applying for Special License Plates. VLIC-4.420 Page 3 of 7 Under NO conditions are CSRs to inform applicants that character combinations or reserved numbers MAY soon be available due to a plate exchange or pending expiration. You can either reserve your personalized character combination and/or special plate or you can make your purchase now. Fairfax, VA 22035, active duty military or active duty military spouses, Current license plates; defined and determinations (, Assessment and collection of local motor vehicle license plate tax (, Ordinances imposing license taxes on owners of certain motor vehicles (, Temporary exemption for new resident operating vehicle registered in another state or country (, Movement by manufacturer to place of shipment or delivery (. For example, the Virginia bird license plate, or a college logo license plate, etc. Generally, when a vehicle is registered in Virginia and a license plate is issued, the DMV links the VIN to the license plate in the Commonwealth's vehicle public vehicle records. Obtaining records from these sites often proves substantially easier than government alternatives. You can either reserve your personalized character combination and/or special plate or you can make your purchase now. You'll also be issued The Out-of-State Plates Tax and penalty also does not apply to non-resident students enrolled as full-time students in an accredited institution of learning in Virginia. All 50 U.S. states and DC allow vehicle owners to pay extra for a vanity plate ("prestige" or "personalized" plate) as long as it doesn't contain an obscene, profane, or violent message. If approved, it will provide you with information associated with the DMV license plate, such as the odometer reading, accident history and general vehicle information. Typically, the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) reminds vehicle owners via text messages or emails of the imminent expiration of their vehicle registration and advises them to renew their registration, hence, license plates. There was a website that allowed you to check the availability of character combinations, but I think this only applies to the 6-character, logo plates. Virginia's minimum vehicle insurance coverage, Online Vehicle Registration Renewal Service. END REVISION>>>>> Return to the top of page GOVERNOR SERIES AND LOW NUMBER LICENSE PLATES To those wondering how to renew license plate tags in the most efficient manner, the VA DMV strongly recommends using the DMV Now online system for car tag renewal online. Reduce Your Car Insurance by Comparing Rates. Special interest plate fees vary, for example: Most special plates can be personalized for an additional fee. Fairfax County residents and businesses who fail to display Virginia license plates on their vehicles after 30 days are subject to the countys local Out-of-State Plates Tax. Vanity License Plates in Virginia. 30 days. Occasional pleasure driving, up to 250 miles from your home address. Law enforcement officers also use license plates to quickly identify a vehicle and its driver in emergency situations. registering your vehicle with the VA DMV in person. VAA-1000 to VZZ-9999; UZZ-9999 to TSW-1286. Step 2: Accept the plate rules. It is for informational and educational purposes only. Category Plate Search. You will need to complete an Application for a Vehicle Registration Refund (Form FMS 210). Passenger License Plates vs Commercial License Plates Commercial license plates are used for vehicles that operate primarily for business purposes. The fees for new registration plates or car tag renewals in Virginia vary according to each vehicles weight. Personalized character combinations for license plates registered to a vehicle must be unique. The following personalization fees are charged IN ADDITION to standard vehicle registration fees and renewal fees: $10 to order. For example, the Virginia bird license plate, or a college logo license plate, etc. Then, contact the VA DMV and submit Form VSA 14, Vehicle Registration Application. This list presents all of Virginia's plates in the category. To avoid late fees or possible citations, you must register your vehicle within It also reveals selected Virginia traffic records as well as the vehicle's current market value, recall history, model, available warranty, inspection history, and whether the vehicle was ever reported stolen. Several third-party companies run online sites that offer free license plate lookup in Virginia, while some offer their services at a fee. You should check with the specific state that your motor vehicle is registered in before ordering. Virginia license plates applicants are required to provide the following documents during their vehicles registration: A Virginia license plate cost depends on the gross weight of the applicant's vehicle, license plate type, and the number of years they desire to wait before renewal (maximum of three years). Petition to allow 8-character vanity plates in VA Campaign created by Kevin Hix Right now our automobile license plates are limited to combinations of 7 letters or numbers. I bought a new vehicle from out of state (Kentucky), and want to get it registered/garaged in Virginia (specifically, Reston/Fairfax County). Third-party aggregate sites are a reliable alternative for obtaining license plate information. decals for the rear plate that show when your tag expires. [2] Typically, applicants who opt for a two-year registration pay twice the annual fee. Use any combination of letters, numbers and the special characters dash, space and ampersand. You can either print the form or complete it on your computer and then print it for submission. Visit our $10 to renew. Vehicles normally garaged or parked in Fairfax County must display Virginia license plates within 30 days of purchase or move-in. The Department of Motor Vehicles can also release certain information on persons or motor vehicles registered to license plates on request by anyone. Both vehicles must be in your name. A variety of college and special interest plates financially support college scholarships, foundations and preservation, and a portion of revenue-sharing plate fees may qualify for tax deductions. VIN is short for Vehicle Identification Number, a set of 17 characters stamped on specific parts of a motor vehicle by manufacturers. Disabled symbol available upon request. Typically, paid license lookup services provide more reliable and accurate information on license plates than free license plate lookup services. Be sure to order replacement tags right away if yours are stolen, lost, or damaged. While most vehicles located in Virginia are required to display Virginia license plates, special rules for out-of-state cabs exist. The Department shall furnish one license plate for every registered moped, motorcycle, autocycle, tractor truck, semitrailer, or trailer, and two license plates for every other registered motor vehicle, except to . 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, you must also obtain an emissions inspection before you can get tags for your vehicle. If you discover that your Virginia car tags are damaged or missing, you may wonder how to replace license plate tags quickly. You may also visit any DMV service center for renewal by bringing your insurance information, renewal notice, inspection reports and fee payment. The Virginia DMV does not issue a two-year registration for vehicles with a gross weight of 55,000 pounds or more, uninsured vehicles, or vehicles registered under the International Registration Plan. Most vehicles are required to display license plates on BOTH the front and back, while other vehicles such as motorcycles, trailer and tractor truck, only need a rear plate. How to Apply for Personalized Plates in Virginia. Alternatively, they can submit all documentation in person at their county's DMV office or by mail to: .css-ssatc0{font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;font-weight:400;font-size:14px;line-height:22px;font-family:"Arial",serif;color:#798796;font-weight:400;font-family:"Arial",serif;font-size:14px;line-height:22px;text-transform:none;font-style:italic;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}Virginia Department of Motor vehicles Disabled symbol available upon request. Reddit and its partners use cookies and similar technologies to provide you with a better experience. CANNOT have a frame, cover, or anything else that alters or covers part of your plate number, decals, or state name. Embossed white serial on black plate; "1970 VIRGINIA" at top, Embossed black serial on white plate, with or without border line; "19 VIRGINIA 71" at top, Embossed white serial on black plate with border line; "VIRGINIA 1972" at top. Over 25 years old (based on model year) prior to January 1 of the current year. Special interest license plates offered by the VA DMV give you the chance to show your support for: A list of all special interest plates is available on the VA DMV website. All Rights Reserved. For a complete list of military plates, eligibility requirements, and fees, see the Virginia DMV website. Every license plate shall be securely fastened to the motor vehicle, trailer, or semitrailer to which it is assigned: 1. These tags prove that your car has been correctly registered and is legally allowed to be driven in Virginia. 46.2-711. You may click an underlined selection to see a picture of the plate and detailed information. 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