How Long To Register A Car In Virginia

Did you just buy a car in Virginia or recently made a motility and now call the land dwelling house? If that'southward the example, yous're responsible for registering your car in Virginia. If you bought a car at a dealership, this may be taken off your plate. Simply if you bought a car in Virginia from a private political party or moved to the state, you lot need to update your paperwork. Here's your guide on how to register a car in Virginia.

How to Register a Car in Virginia | Metromile

Why is registering a car in Virginia required?

Just similar you need to obtain your driver'due south license to bulldoze a car, you actually are required past constabulary to annals your car in the land where you live equally well. Why? Too information technology being the constabulary, it's a way to connect you every bit the driver with your vehicle.

As you can imagine, this can come up in handy in cases of theft or loss. As well when you get pulled over, you're required to hand over your registration every bit well to prove that y'all're the possessor of the vehicle.

Who must take part in registering a motorcar in Virginia?

Registering a car in Virginia is a requirement but tin exist triggered under certain conditions. Typically these weather condition are:

You buy a vehicle from a private party
Y'all move to the state of Virginia and must update your records
You're up for registration renewal

If you buy a vehicle from a dealership, they typically handle the registration office for you. Nonetheless, it's important to notation that it can take up to 30 days for the paperwork to process.

What exercise I demand to register my automobile in Virginia?

If you're wondering "What practise I need to register my auto in Virginia?", hither'south a list of things you'll need to get started:

Your Virginia car title (if you're new to the state, you lot'll need to consummate the Application for Title and Registration (VSA 17A)
The Application for Registration form (form VSA fourteen)
An emissions inspection (if y'all're in the counties of Arlington, Fairfax, Loudoun, Prince William, or Stafford or the cities of Alexandria, Fairfax, Falls Church building, Manassas or Manassas Park, according to the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles)
Run into minimum insurance requirements (more on that later)
You'll need your Virginia driver's license (if y'all're a new resident, you lot'll need to apply for a VA license within 60 days of your motion)
Become a new vehicle condom inspection sticker, if you're a new Virginia resident
Obtain new Virginia license plates
Y'all may need to register your car in your locality

Those are the items required when registering a car in Virginia. But let's review how to register a car in Virginia.

How to register a car in Virginia?

If you lot're curious how to register a machine in Virginia, here are the steps to get started if you're a new resident:

Apply for a Virginia commuter's license.
Utilise for a Virginia title inside 30 days of moving. Consummate and submit the Awarding for Title and Registration (VSA 17A).
You'll need proof of Virginia residence.
Get a vehicle safety inspection sticker.
Take the Vehicle Price Certification (Bill of Sale) (SUT 1) with signatures from both the seller and heir-apparent.
Get an emissions inspection, if applicable.
Have proof of insurance.
Pay registration fees (more than on that below).

If you're already a resident only purchased a vehicle from a private party, you'll need to have:

Virginia title with the "Assignment of Title by Owner" and "Awarding for New Owner Certificate of Title and Registration" parts filled out.
Fill out and submit the Application for Registration (class VSA fourteen).
Get an emissions inspection, if applicable.
Have proof of insurance.
Pay registration fees (more than on that below).

In one case you're registered, you tin sign-upward for e-notifications to go registration renewal reminders. You can make the process fifty-fifty easier by applying for registration online. If you're late, you lot could be hit with a $10 late fee.

How much does registering a car in Virginia cost?

There are various registration fees yous must pay when registering a car in Virginia including:

A $15 titling fee
A fee sales and use tax starting at $75 and up, based on the car's sale cost
A Virginia registration fee between $30.75 to $35.75 for passenger vehicles

On top of that, yous may need to pay additional fees. Yous can see the full list of registration fees in Virginia here.

Is proof of insurance required for registering a automobile in Virginia?

The state of Virginia has minimum insurance requirements for its drivers. In order to register your car, you'll demand to have the following minimum insurance coverage:

$25,000 in the case of injury or death for a unmarried person
$50,000 in the case of injury or decease for 2 people or greater
$20,000 in the case of property impairment

If you lot don't cease upward doing that y'all'll be on the claw for a $500 uninsured motor vehicle fee.

The bottom line

If you got a new fix of wheels or moved to Virginia, it'due south time to update your car registration. Be sure to assemble your documents ahead of time and use for the state championship and make sure the buyer and seller sign the grade. If you're a new resident, getting your license, Virginia title, and minimum car insurance volition help you lot get started.

While y'all're at it, you lot can check out depression-cost pay-per-mile car insurance. You pay a low base of operations rate plus a few cents per mile for each mile yous drive. Why pay more if you bulldoze less? Grab your complimentary quote from Metromile today.

Melanie Lockert is a freelance writer, podcast host of the Mental Health and Wealth evidence, and author of Honey Debt . She's a true cat mom to two jazzy cats, Miles and Thelonious, an amateur boxer, music lover, and needs java to office.