Did you just buy a car in Virginia or recently made a move and now call the state home? If that’s the case, you’re responsible for registering your car in Virginia. If you bought a car at a dealership, this may be taken off your plate. But if you bought a car in Virginia from a private party or moved to the state, you need to update your paperwork. Here’s your guide on how to register a car in Virginia.
Why is registering a car in Virginia required?
Just like you need to obtain your driver’s license to drive a car, you actually are required by law to register your car in the state where you live as well. Why? Besides it being the law, it’s a way to connect you as the driver with your vehicle.
As you can imagine, this can come in handy in cases of theft or loss. Also when you get pulled over, you’re required to hand over your registration as well to prove that you’re the owner of the vehicle.
Who must take part in registering a car in Virginia?
Registering a car in Virginia is a requirement but can be triggered under certain conditions. Typically these conditions are:
- You buy a vehicle from a private party
- You move to the state of Virginia and must update your records
- You’re up for registration renewal
If you purchase a vehicle from a dealership, they typically handle the registration part for you. However, it’s important to note that it can take up to 30 days for the paperwork to process.
What do I need to register my car in Virginia?
If you’re wondering “What do I need to register my car in Virginia?”, here’s a list of things you’ll need to get started:
- Your Virginia car title (if you’re new to the state, you’ll need to complete the Application for Title and Registration (VSA 17A)
- The Application for Registration form (form VSA 14)
- An emissions inspection (if you’re in the counties of Arlington, Fairfax, Loudoun, Prince William, or Stafford or the cities of Alexandria, Fairfax, Falls Church, Manassas or Manassas Park, according to the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles)
- Meet minimum insurance requirements (more on that later)
- You’ll need your Virginia driver’s license (if you’re a new resident, you’ll need to apply for a VA license within 60 days of your move)
- Get a new vehicle safety inspection sticker, if you’re a new Virginia resident
- Obtain new Virginia license plates
- You 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’re curious how to register a car in Virginia, here are the steps to get started if you’re a new resident:
- Apply for a Virginia driver’s license.
- Apply for a Virginia title within 30 days of moving. Complete and submit the Application for Title and Registration (VSA 17A).
- You’ll need proof of Virginia residence.
- Get a vehicle safety inspection sticker.
- Have the Vehicle Price Certification (Bill of Sale) (SUT 1) with signatures from both the seller and buyer.
- Get an emissions inspection, if applicable.
- Have proof of insurance.
- Pay registration fees (more on that below).
If you’re already a resident but purchased a vehicle from a private party, you’ll need to have:
- Virginia title with the “Assignment of Title by Owner” and “Application for New Owner Certificate of Title and Registration” parts filled out.
- Fill out and submit the Application for Registration (form VSA 14).
- Get an emissions inspection, if applicable.
- Have proof of insurance.
- Pay registration fees (more on that below).
Once you’re registered, you can sign-up for e-notifications to get registration renewal reminders. You can make the process even easier by applying for registration online. If you’re late, you could be hit with a $10 late fee.
How much does registering a car in Virginia cost?
There are various registration fees you 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 price
- A Virginia registration fee between $30.75 to $35.75 for passenger vehicles
On top of that, you may need to pay additional fees. You can see the full list of registration fees in Virginia here.
Is proof of insurance required for registering a car in Virginia?
The state of Virginia has minimum insurance requirements for its drivers. In order to register your car, you’ll need to have the following minimum insurance coverage:
- $25,000 in the case of injury or death for a single person
- $50,000 in the case of injury or death for two people or greater
- $20,000 in the case of property damage
If you don’t end up doing that you’ll be on the hook for a $500 uninsured motor vehicle fee.
The bottom line
If you got a new set of wheels or moved to Virginia, it’s time to update your car registration. Be sure to gather your documents ahead of time and apply for the state title and make sure the buyer and seller sign the form. If you’re a new resident, getting your license, Virginia title, and minimum car insurance will help you get started.
While you’re at it, you can check out low-cost pay-per-mile car insurance. You pay a low base rate plus a few cents per mile for each mile you drive. Why pay more if you drive less? Grab your free quote from Metromile today.
Melanie Lockert is a freelance writer, podcast host of the Mental Health and Wealth show, and author of Dear Debt. She’s a cat mom to two jazzy cats, Miles and Thelonious, an amateur boxer, music lover, and needs coffee to function.