New to Virginia

• Get a Virginia Driver’s License
• Get a Vehicle Safety Inspection Sticker
• Title Your Vehicle in Virginia
• Pass an Emissions Inspection
• Meet Virginia Insurance Requirements
• Get Registration & Plates
• Get a Local Sticker or Decal

Welcome to Virginia! Let's make sure you have everything you need to get on the road.

Step 1: Get a Virginia Driver's License

When you move to Virginia, you have 60 days to get a Virginia driver's license to legally drive here. If you currently have a commercial driver's license (CDL), you must get a Virginia CDL within 30 days.

Make It a REAL ID

When you apply for your license, consider making it a REAL ID. Beginning May 7, 2025, the federal government will require you to show a REAL ID compliant driver's license or identification card, or another federally approved form of ID, in order to board a domestic flight or enter most secure federal facilities.

Since you'll have all the necessary documents when you apply for your Virginia license, it's the perfect time to upgrade to a REAL ID. 

To get your driver's license, review the items below. When you're ready, you can start your application online before you visit DMV.

• Eligibility Requirements
• Apply for a Virginia License
• Virginia Driver's Manual
• Document Guide for Licenses and ID Cards

Step 2: Get a Vehicle Safety Inspection Sticker

Before operating a vehicle in Virginia, it must pass an annual safety inspection and display a valid safety inspection sticker. This helps catch any issues before they can cause harm.

Safety inspections are performed at most repair shops in the state. Contact your preferred location to see if it's offered.

For more information about safety inspections, or to find safety inspection stations near you, contact Virginia State Police or 804-674-6774.

Note: If you drive your vehicle without an inspection sticker, you may be ticketed. A conviction for violating Virginia inspection laws could result in a fine and be posted to your driving record.

Step 3: Title Your Vehicle in Virginia

Before you can register your vehicle and get license plates, you must first title your vehicle within 30 days of moving to Virginia. See Title Your Vehicle in Virginia.

Step 4: Pass an Emissions Inspection

If you're registering your vehicle in Virginia for the first time and it has a current valid emissions certificate from the last 12 months, you can register it WITHOUT a Virginia emissions inspection.

Otherwise, your vehicle must pass an emissions inspection before it can be registered if it is kept in one of the following localities:

• The counties of Arlington, Fairfax, Loudoun, Prince William or Stafford
• The cities of Alexandria, Fairfax, Falls Church, Manassas or Manassas Park

Find an emissions station.

For more information on emissions inspections, visit the Department of Environmental Quality website, or call them at 703-583-3900 or toll free in Virginia at 1-800-275-3844.

Step 5: Meet Virginia's Vehicle Insurance Requirements

From the moment you register your vehicle to the day the registration period expires, you must maintain the minimum amount of liability insurance coverage — even if the vehicle is not working or not being operated.

If you register your vehicle in Virginia but do not insure it, you face:

• Paying the $600 non-compliance fee
• Suspension of your driver's license and vehicle registration(s) and paying the $145 reinstatement fee
• Higher insurance premiums for the next three years.

If you sell, trade or dispose of your vehicle, please notify DMV if you want to transfer the license plates to another insured vehicle. If you do not want to transfer your license plates, please return them to any DMV customer service center before you cancel your insurance.

Step 6: Get Registration and Plates

Once you've insured and titled your vehicle, register it at any Virginia DMV customer service center within 30 days of moving here. Your registration fee is determined by:

• The type of license plate you purchase. See Special License Plates.
• The vehicle registration period.
• Whether your vehicle is subject to a highway use fee.

A TWO-year registration offers a $3 discount if you register online or by phone, and a $2 discount if by mail or in person.

A THREE-year registration offers a $4 discount if you register online or by phone, and a $3 discount by mail or in person.

Renewal Reminders

You can renew your vehicle registration online or by mail.

DMV will mail, email or text renewal reminders to you before your registration is set to expire. To receive mailed reminders on time, check that your address on file is up-to-date by logging in or creating an account.

Sign up for E-Notifications.

Step 7: Get a Local Sticker or Decal

In addition to registering your vehicle, some localities also require new residents to purchase a Local Sticker or Decal within 30 days of moving there.

These items are typically sold by the local Commissioner of the Revenue, Treasurer or Director of Finance. You cannot get them from DMV.