Intrastate Operating Authority Registration - Plate Requirements

Any motor carrier that transports passengers or freight point to point within Virginia for compensation must register its vehicles as “for hire.”

To register its vehicles for hire, a motor carrier must first be issued “intrastate operating authority.” However, some carriers may be exempt from operating authority requirements.

See How to Apply for Operating Authority.

How To Register a Vehicle as For-Hire

Once you’ve been issued intrastate operating authority, you can apply for for-hire registration in person at any DMV customer service center. Simply follow these steps.

Step 1: Submit Title and Appropriate Application

Depending on the status of your title, you may or may not need to complete a registration application. Determine which of the following apply:

  • If:

    1. The vehicle is currently titled in Virginia
    2. You have the title in your possession, AND
    3. The vehicle is being transferred or sold to a new owner and it needs to be re-titled in the new owner's name

    You DO NOT need an application. Simply complete the appropriate sections of the title.

  • If the vehicle is currently titled in Virginia and the title is and will remain in your/the current owner's name, complete the Vehicle Registration Application
  • If your vehicle is registered under IRP, complete the IRP 1A  application instead.
  • If the vehicle is currently not titled in Virginia, or you do not have the Virginia title in your possession, complete the Application for Certificate of Title and Registration.
  • If your vehicle is registered under IRP, complete the IRP 1B application instead.

Step 2: Pay the Registration Fees

You must pay an annual “for-hire” fee for each vehicle you use under your operating authority.

  • $3 for passenger carrier vehicles 
  • $10 for property carrier vehicles

The fee will be added to your standard vehicle registration fee, and vehicle registration cards will display your operating authority information. 

Step 3: Get For-Hire License Plates

Unless the vehicle is registered under IRP (in which case you’d get apportioned plates), you must get the type of for-hire license plate that matches your specific operating authority type.

License Plates for Passenger Carriers

  1. Operating Authority Type: Common Carrier - Regular Route
    License Plate Types:
    • Common Carrier (E) For Hire
    • Permanent Common Carrier (E) For Hire
  2. Operating Authority Type: Common Carrier - Irregular Route
    License Plate Types:
  3. Operating Authority Type: Contract Passenger
    License Plate Types:
  4. Operating Authority Type: Employee Hauler
    License Plate Types:
  5. Operating Authority Type: Non-Emergency Medical Transportation Provider
    License Plate Type:
  6. Operating Authority Type: Non-Profit/Tax Exempt Passenger
    License Plate Types:
  7. Operating Authority Type: Sightseeing
    License Plate Types:
  8. Operating Authority Type: Taxicab
    License Plate Types:

License Plates for Property Carriers

  1. Operating Authority Type: Household Goods
    License Plate Types:
  2. Operating Authority Type: Property
    License Plate Types: