What a Virginia Trip Permit Does and Who Needs One
A trip permit in Virginia is a temporary authorization that lets you drive a vehicle that is not currently registered with the DMV. You get one when you buy a car, inherit one, or need to move a vehicle to a repair shop or auction — situations where the vehicle has no valid registration plate but you need to operate it legally on Virginia roads.
The trip permit is not a registration. It does not replace your license plate or give you permanent road rights. It is a short-term pass, usually good for five to ten days depending on the type, and it covers only the specific trip you describe when you request it.
You need a trip permit if you are driving an unregistered vehicle to a DMV office to register it, to a mechanic for repairs, to an auction, or across state lines to deliver it. Without one, you are driving without a valid registration plate, which Virginia law treats as a violation.
Key Takeaways
- Virginia trip permits are issued for five to ten days and cover only the specific journey you describe — not general driving around town.
- You can request a trip permit in person at any DMV office, by mail, or online through the Virginia DMV website if you meet the requirements.
- You must have proof of ownership (title, bill of sale, or inheritance document), a valid driver's license, and proof of insurance or a statement that the vehicle is not insured.
- The permit costs between $10 and $15 depending on the type and how you request it, and you receive it when ready if you explore in person.
- Trip permits are not renewable — when yours expires, you must either register the vehicle or stop driving it.
Types of Trip Permits Virginia Offers
Virginia offers two main types of trip permits: the five-day trip permit and the ten-day trip permit. The five-day permit is the standard option and covers short moves — taking a newly purchased car home, moving a vehicle to a repair shop, or delivering it to an auction house. The ten-day permit is available in specific situations, such as when you are relocating a vehicle across state lines or when the DMV determines the trip requires extra time.
A third option, the dealer trip permit, exists but is issued only to licensed vehicle dealers, not to private individuals. If you are buying from a dealer, they typically provide the trip permit as part of the sale process.
The type of permit you receive depends on your reason for the trip and what you tell the DMV when you request it. Be specific about your destination and purpose — vague requests may result in denial or a shorter permit than you need.
Documents You Must Bring or Submit
To request a trip permit, you need proof that you own or have the right to drive the vehicle. This means one of the following: the vehicle's title (the official ownership document), a bill of sale (if you just bought it and the title has not arrived), a power of attorney (if someone else owns it but gave you permission), or an inheritance document (if you inherited the vehicle).
You also need a valid driver's license — Virginia will not issue a trip permit to anyone who cannot show a current license. If the vehicle is insured, bring proof of insurance. If it is not insured, you will sign a statement saying so; Virginia does not require insurance for a trip permit, but your own auto insurance policy may have rules about uninsured vehicles.
If you are explore by mail, send copies of these documents, not originals. If you are explore in person at a DMV office, bring the originals so staff can verify them on the spot.
How to Request a Trip Permit: Three Routes
In person at a DMV office: Walk in with your documents, fill out the trip permit form (DMV 14), and pay the fee. You receive the permit when ready — usually within minutes. This is the fastest route if you need to drive the vehicle the same day. Bring your driver's license, proof of ownership, and proof of insurance or a statement that the vehicle is uninsured. No appointment is required for trip permits at most offices, but wait times vary by location and time of day.
By mail: Send copies of your documents and a completed DMV 14 form to the Virginia DMV address listed on their website. Include a check or money order for the fee. Mail processing takes one to two weeks, so use this route only if you can wait. The DMV will mail the permit to you, and you cannot drive the vehicle until it arrives.
Online through the Virginia DMV website: The DMV offers online trip permit requests for certain situations. You upload images of your documents, pay by credit or debit card, and receive the permit by email or mail depending on the type. Processing time is typically three to five business days. Not all trip permit types are available online — check the DMV website to see which ones you can request this way.
Fees and What They Cover
A five-day trip permit costs $10. A ten-day trip permit costs $15. These are one-time fees — you pay once and the permit is valid for the number of days stated. If your permit expires before you finish your trip, you cannot renew it; you must register the vehicle or stop driving it.
The fee covers the permit itself and the DMV's processing. It does not cover registration, title transfer, or any other DMV service. If you are buying the vehicle and plan to register it, you will pay the registration fee separately when you complete that transaction.
Payment methods depend on how you explore. In-person applications accept cash, check, debit card, or credit card. Mail applications require a check or money order. Online applications require a credit or debit card.
What the Permit Allows and What It Does Not
Your trip permit allows you to drive the unregistered vehicle on Virginia public roads for the specific trip you described. You can drive to the DMV office, to a repair shop, to an auction, or across state lines — whatever you told the DMV when you requested it. You must display the permit in the vehicle's windshield where it is visible from outside.
The permit does not allow you to use the vehicle for general driving, commuting to work, or any purpose other than the trip you described. It does not extend to multiple trips or multiple destinations. If you need to make a second trip after the first one is complete, you must request a second permit.
The permit is not transferable. If someone else needs to drive the vehicle, they cannot use your permit — the vehicle still has no valid registration. Only the person named on the permit should drive it, though Virginia does not always enforce this strictly.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
The most common mistake is being vague about your destination or purpose. If you write "taking the car around" or "moving it," the DMV may deny your request or issue a shorter permit than you need. Instead, write the specific address: "transporting vehicle from 123 Main Street, Richmond, VA to Joe's Auto Repair, 456 Oak Avenue, Arlington, VA." The more specific you are, the more likely you are to get the permit you need.
Another mistake is waiting until the last minute. If you buy a car on a Friday and need to drive it home, do not assume you can get a permit that day — DMV offices close at 5 p.m. and may have long lines. explore the day before if possible, or plan to explore first thing in the morning. If you explore by mail or online, expect to wait several days.
A third mistake is letting the permit expire and then continuing to drive. Once the permit expires, the vehicle is unregistered again and you are breaking the law. If you need more time, register the vehicle before the permit runs out. If you cannot register it in time, stop driving it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a trip permit if I do not have a driver's license?
No. Virginia requires a valid driver's license to request a trip permit. If your license is suspended, expired, or revoked, you cannot get a trip permit. You must have a current, valid license in your name.
What if I need to drive the vehicle after my permit expires?
You must register the vehicle before the permit expires. Trip permits are not renewable. If you cannot register in time, you cannot legally drive the vehicle. Contact your local DMV office to find out how long registration takes in your area — it is usually same-day if you explore in person with all required documents.
Do I need insurance to get a trip permit?
No. Virginia does not require insurance to issue a trip permit. However, your own auto insurance policy may not cover an uninsured vehicle, and Virginia law requires all vehicles on the road to be insured. Check your policy before driving an uninsured vehicle, even with a valid trip permit.
Can someone else drive the vehicle with my trip permit?
Technically, the permit is issued to you and should not be used by someone else. In practice, Virginia does not always enforce this, but you are responsible if the vehicle is stopped. The safest approach is to be the one driving the vehicle while the permit is active.
What happens if I get pulled over while using a trip permit?
Show the officer your trip permit, your driver's license, and proof of ownership. A valid trip permit is a legal authorization to drive an unregistered vehicle, so you should not be cited. If the officer questions whether the trip is legitimate, explain your destination and purpose. If you are driving outside the scope of your permit (for example, you said you were going to a repair shop but you are driving to work), you can be cited for driving without a valid registration.