Submitting Registration-Only Applications by Mail

If you already have a vehicle titled in your name, but still need to register it, you can skip the lines by registering by mail. A complete vehicle registration gets you a: 

  • Registration card
  • Decal
  • License plate

To begin, choose which registration scenario best fits your needs.

Renew Your Registration

If you have received a registration renewal form in the mail, follow the instructions and send it, along with a check or money order, to the address listed on the form.

If you have not received a registration renewal form, you can still renew your registration by following these steps.

1. Fill out and print the Application for Registration (VSA 14)

Remember to:

  • Select “Renewal” in the Registration Information section.
  • Select the number of years for registration in the Registration Period section.
  • Complete all other applicable sections (Owner, Lease, Vehicle, Personal Property Tax Relief, For Hire, Plate, Insurance Certification and Certification).
  • Sign at the bottom.

2. Calculate fees using the Vehicle Fee Calculator

Remember to:

  • Select "Registration Renewal" from the list of available transactions.
  • Use your VIN to ensure your entries match DMV data. 
  • Use the "Help" link for assistance.

Note: The Fee Calculator is an approximation tool, and DMV may contact you to resolve fee discrepancies. If you miss a call from DMV, please return the call on the same day, or we may return your materials.

3. Write a check or money order

Note: You can submit payment by check or money order only. DMV cannot accept credit card numbers through the mail or email. Do NOT send cash.

4. Send your application to:

Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles     
Attn: Titling Department     
P.O. Box 27412     
Richmond, VA 23269-0001

Once you’ve completed these items, we highly recommend sending your package with a tracking number and keeping photocopies of all your materials.

Note: If you have not received a renewal notice from DMV, you may need to update your address with us to ensure your decals are sent to the correct location. To check your address on file, log in or create an account.

Notice: When you pay by check, you authorize DMV to either use information from your check to make a one-time electronic fund transfer from your account, or to process the payment as a check transaction. Please note that funds may be withdrawn from your account the same day DMV receives your payment.

Transfer Your Registration

If you want to transfer your plates and decals from your old vehicle to a new vehicle that is already titled in your name, follow these steps:

1. Fill out and print the Application for Registration (VSA 14)

Remember to:

  • Select “Transfer License Plate Number” in the Registration Information section.
  • Select the number of years for registration in the Registration Period section.
  • Complete all other applicable sections (Owner, Lease, Vehicle, Personal Property Tax Relief, For Hire, Plate, Insurance Certification, and Certification).
  • Sign at the bottom.

2. Calculate fees using the Vehicle Fee Calculator

Remember to:

  • Select "Registration Transfer" from the list of available transactions.
  • Use your VIN to ensure your entries match DMV data. 
  • Use the "Help" link for assistance.

Note: The Fee Calculator is an approximation tool, and DMV may contact you to resolve fee discrepancies. If you miss a call from DMV, please return the call on the same day, or we may return your materials.

3. Write a check or money order

Note: You can submit payment by check or money order only. DMV cannot accept credit card numbers through the mail or email. Do NOT send cash.

4. Send your application to:

Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles     
Attn: Titling Department     
P.O. Box 27412     
Richmond, VA 23269-0001

Once you’ve completed these items, we highly recommend sending your package with a tracking number and keeping photocopies of all your materials.

Notice: When you pay by check, you authorize DMV to either use information from your check to make a one-time electronic fund transfer from your account, or to process the payment as a check transaction. Please note that funds may be withdrawn from your account the same day DMV receives your payment.

Register Without Plates

If you have a vehicle that’s already titled in your name, but it doesn’t have plates, you can get plates, decals and a registration card by following these steps.

1. Fill out and print the Application for Registration (VSA 14)

Remember to:

  • Select “Original” in the Registration Information section.
  • Select the number of years for registration in the Registration Period section.
  • Complete all other applicable sections (Owner, Lease, Vehicle, Personal Property Tax Relief, For Hire, Plate, Insurance Certification, and Certification).
  • Sign at the bottom.

2. Calculate fees using the Vehicle Fee Calculator

Remember to:

  • Select "Registration Original" from the list of available transactions.
  • Use your VIN to ensure your entries match DMV data. 
  • Use the "Help" link for assistance.

Note: The Fee Calculator is an approximation tool, and DMV may contact you to resolve fee discrepancies. If you miss a call from DMV, please return the call on the same day, or we may return your materials.

3. Write a check or money order

Note: You can submit payment by check or money order only. DMV cannot accept credit card numbers through the mail or email. Do NOT send cash.

4. Send your application to:

Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles Attn: Renewal Center   
P.O. Box 27412   
Richmond, VA 23269-0001

Once you’ve completed these items, we highly recommend sending your package with a tracking number and keeping photocopies of all your materials.

Note: If your vehicle is not already titled in your name, visit this page to apply for a title and registration by mail.

Note: If you bought a vehicle with plates already on it, you must apply for an original registration, as you can’t transfer vehicle plates to yourself that have never been registered in your name.

Notice: When you pay by check, you authorize DMV to either use information from your check to make a one-time electronic fund transfer from your account, or to process the payment as a check transaction. Please note that funds may be withdrawn from your account the same day DMV receives your payment.

Get Replacement Plates With Renewed Registration

Order replacement plates online for a discount

Renew registration

If your plates were lost or damaged and you need to purchase replacements and renew your registration, you can also do so by mail.

1. Fill out and print the Application for Registration (VSA 14)

Remember to:

  • Check the “Reissue” box AND the “Renewal” box in the Registration Information section.
  • Select the number of years for Registration in the Registration Period section.
  • Complete the Reissue Plates/Decals portion of the Plate Information section.
  • Complete all other applicable sections (Owner, Lease, Vehicle, Personal Property Tax Relief, For Hire, Insurance Certification, and Certification).
  • Sign at the bottom.

2. Calculate fees using the Vehicle Fee Calculator

Remember to:

  • Select "Renewal" from the list of available transactions.
  • Use your VIN to ensure your entries match DMV data. 
  • Use the "Help" link for assistance.

Note: The Fee Calculator is an approximation tool, and DMV may contact you to resolve fee discrepancies. If you miss a call from DMV, please return the call on the same day, or we may return your materials.

3. Write a check or money order

Note: You can submit payment by check or money order only. DMV cannot accept credit card numbers through the mail or email. Do NOT send cash.

4. Send your application to:

Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles   
Attn: Renewal Center   
P.O. Box 27412   
Richmond, VA 23269-0001

Once you’ve completed these items, we highly recommend sending your package with a tracking number and keeping photocopies of all your materials.

Notice: When you pay by check, you authorize DMV to either use information from your check to make a one-time electronic fund transfer from your account, or to process the payment as a check transaction. Please note that funds may be withdrawn from your account the same day DMV receives your payment.

Get Replacement Plates Without Renewed Registration

Order replacement plates online for a discount

If your plates were lost or damaged and you need to purchase replacements but do not need to renew your registration, you can also do so by mail.

1. Fill out and print the Application for Registration (VSA 14)

Remember to:

  • Select the “Reissue” box in the Registration Information section.
  • Complete the Reissue Plates/Decals portion of the Plate Information section.
  • Complete all other applicable sections (Owner, Lease, Vehicle, Personal Property Tax Relief, For Hire, Insurance Certification and Certification).
  • Sign at the bottom.

Note: If you replace your plates without renewing your registration, you will receive decals with the same expiration date as your old plates.

2. Write a check or money order

The Plate Reissue Fee is $10 for a Standard Plate (decals included). Other fees may apply for Specialty Plates.

Note: You can submit payment by check or money order only. DMV cannot accept credit card numbers through the mail or email. Do NOT send cash.

3. Send your application to:

Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles    
Attn: Renewal Center    
P.O. Box 27412    
Richmond, VA 23269-0001

Once you’ve completed these items, we highly recommend sending your package with a tracking number and keeping photocopies of all your materials.

Note: When you pay by check, you authorize DMV to either use information from your check to make a one-time electronic fund transfer from your account, or to process the payment as a check transaction. Please note that funds may be withdrawn from your account the same day DMV receives your payment.

Order Personalized Plates Online

If you want to order a personalized license plate, you can do so online at any time.