Virginia lets you renew most vehicle registrations online through the DMV website, without visiting an office or mailing documents
You can renew your Virginia vehicle registration online if your vehicle is registered in Virginia, your registration has not been expired for more than one year, and you have a valid payment method. The process takes about 10 minutes on the Virginia DMV website. You will receive your new registration card and decal by mail within 7 to 10 business days after you complete the transaction.
Not all registrations can be renewed online. If your vehicle has a lien, if you need to change ownership information, if your vehicle failed inspection, or if you have unpaid taxes or fines, you will need to visit a DMV office or mail your renewal documents instead.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal works only if your registration is current or expired less than one year ago, and you have no liens, inspection failures, or unpaid fines.
- You will need your current registration card, vehicle identification number (VIN), and a valid credit or debit card to complete the renewal online.
- The Virginia DMV website processes your payment when ready, and your new registration card and decal arrive by mail in 7 to 10 business days.
- If you cannot renew online, you can renew by mail or at a DMV office, though mail renewal takes longer and requires you to mail original documents.
What you need before you start the online renewal
Gather these items before you log into the Virginia DMV website: your current vehicle registration card, your vehicle identification number (VIN), and your driver's license or ID number. You will also need a valid credit card or debit card to pay the renewal fee.
The renewal fee varies depending on your vehicle type and weight. A standard passenger car typically costs between $40 and $50, but commercial vehicles, motorcycles, and trailers have different rates. The DMV website will show you the exact fee for your vehicle before you pay.
Steps to renew your registration online
Go to the Virginia DMV website at dmvnow.com and select "Vehicle Registration Renewal" from the menu. You will be asked to enter your vehicle identification number (VIN) and your current registration number. The system will pull up your registration record.
Review the information on your registration to make sure it is correct. If your address, vehicle information, or owner name has changed, you cannot complete the renewal online — you will need to visit a DMV office or mail your documents instead. If everything matches, proceed to the payment screen.
Enter your credit or debit card information and confirm your payment. The DMV will process your payment when ready and send you a confirmation number by email. Your new registration card and decal will be mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days.
When you cannot renew online
The online system will not let you complete a renewal if your registration has been expired for more than one year. In that case, you will need to visit a DMV office in person or mail your renewal documents with a check or money order.
You also cannot renew online if your vehicle has a lien, if your vehicle failed its most recent safety or emissions inspection, if you have unpaid property taxes or parking fines, or if you need to add or remove a co-owner. The DMV website will tell you which issue is blocking your renewal, and you can then contact your local DMV office or a lienholder to resolve it.
Renewing by mail if you cannot use the online system
If online renewal is not available to you, you can mail your renewal documents to the Virginia DMV. Print the renewal form from the DMV website, sign it, and mail it with your current registration card, a check or money order for the renewal fee, and a copy of your driver's license or ID.
Mail your packet to the address listed on the DMV website for your county or city. Renewal by mail takes 4 to 6 weeks, and you will not be able to drive legally until your new registration arrives. If you need your registration sooner, visit a DMV office in person.
What happens after you renew online
After you complete your online renewal, you will receive a confirmation email with your transaction number. Keep this email for your records. You can drive legally with your old registration card and decal until your new ones arrive in the mail.
If your new registration does not arrive within 10 business days, or if you need to drive out of state before it arrives, you can print a temporary registration from the DMV website using your confirmation number. This temporary registration is valid for 30 days and can be printed multiple times if needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my registration if it expired more than a year ago?
No, the online system only works for registrations that are current or expired less than one year ago. If your registration has been expired longer than that, you must visit a DMV office or mail your renewal documents. You should not drive with an expired registration.
What if my address changed since my last registration?
You cannot update your address during an online renewal. You will need to visit a DMV office or mail your documents with a form to update your address at the same time. Bring proof of your new address, such as a utility bill or lease.
Can I renew online if my vehicle has a lien?
No, vehicles with liens must be renewed in person at a DMV office or by mail. The lienholder may need to sign off on the renewal, depending on your loan agreement. Contact your lender to find out what paperwork they require.
How long does it take to get my new registration card and decal?
The DMV mails new registration cards and decals within 7 to 10 business days after you complete your online renewal. Mail delivery times vary by location, so allow up to two weeks total. You can print a temporary registration if you need to drive before your new card arrives.
What if I made a mistake during my online renewal?
If you entered incorrect information, contact the Virginia DMV by phone or visit a local office as soon as possible. Bring your confirmation email and your current registration card. The DMV can correct errors, though you may need to pay a correction fee.