You CANNOT have a frame, cover, or anything else that alters or covers part of your plate number, decals, or state name. License Plate Designs. The standard Virginia license plate is white with blue lettering and features the state name at the top. The VA DMV also offers personalized plates and specialty plates. Every license plate shall be securely fastened to the motor vehicle,trailer, or semitrailer to which it is assigned: 1. So as to prevent the plate from swinging, 2. A lot of people have license plate frames or license plate covers on their vehicles, and I’m here to warn you that you might want to consider removing your frame or cover, or anything that you have around your license plate. Virginia law, in section 46.2-716, says that you have to have your plate mounted in a way where there is nothing around it that alters or obscures any of the information on the plate. For information on receiving your Virginia driver’s license, refer to the Virginia Driver’s Manual (DMV 39), and Obtaining a Driver’s License or Identification Card (DMV 141). For information about mopeds, refer to Mopeds in Virginia (DMV 264).
- License Plate Frame Law Virginia
- Tinted License Plate Cover Laws
- License Plate Cover Laws Virginia Beach
- Virginia License Plate Display Requirements
- Virginia Trailer License Plate
Many special license plates are offered to residents of Virginia, from personalized tags to special interest license plates for charities and other groups. Military plates are also available to qualified veterans, and you can get special license plates for antique vehicles.
Continuing reading this page to find out more about special license plates available from the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).
NOTES:
- Ready to apply for a special plate? Visit our Applying for Special License Plates page to learn more.
- Need disability parking plates? See Disability Placards & Plates for complete details.
How to Apply for Personalized Plates in Virginia
In Virginia, you can personalize your number plate with your own number/letter combination.
The message on your plate MUST:
- Use letters, numbers, and approved special characters (dash, space, and ampersand) ONLY.
- Meet the character number limit (varies by plate type).
- NOT be a duplicate of a plate number already in use.
- NOT use language that is:
- Profane, obscene, vulgar, or sexually graphic.
- Related to illegal activities or substances.
- Violent or that encourages violence.
License Plate Frame Law Virginia
You can check the availability of a plate number online at the VA DMV website.
The following personalization fees are charged IN ADDITION to standard vehicle registration fees and renewal fees:
- $10 to order.
- $10 to renew.
To personalize other types of license plates, you'll ALSO pay an initial plate fee:
- Great Seal plate (VA state seal): $25.
- Heritage plate (state bird and flower): $10.
For application instructions, visit our Applying for Special License Plates page.
Special Interest Plates
Special interest license plates offered by the VA DMV give you the chance to show your support for:
- A special cause, such as:
- Breast Cancer Foundation–VA.
- Family/Children Fund.
- Your profession or professional organization, for example:
- Association of Realtors.
- Firefighter (volunteer).
- A hobby, including:
- Aviation Enthusiasts.
- Bowler.
- An environmental issue, for example:
- Clean Special Fuel.
- Wildlife.
- A town, city, or region, such as:
- Fairfax City.
- Virginia Beach City.
- A sports team, including:
- The Washington Nationals.
- The Washington Redskins.
- Your fraternity or sorority, for example:
- Omega Psi Phi Fraternity.
- Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority.
A list of all special interest plates is available on the VA DMV website.
NOTE: Plates that reflect membership in an association, such as the Association of Realtors plate, require proof of membership to order.
Fees for special interest plates are charged IN ADDITION to standard Virginia registration fees and renewal fees. Many plate fees help benefit the sponsoring organization or a related non-profit group.
Special interest plate fees vary, for example:
- The Breast Cancer Foundation plate:
- $25 to order.
- $25 to renew.
- The Aviation Enthusiasts license plate:
- $10 to order.
- $10 to renew.
- The Washington Nationals plate:
- $25 to order.
- $25 to renew.
Most special plates can be personalized for an additional fee.
For more application information, visit Applying for Special License Plates.
Collegiate License Plates in VA
License plates to show your support for several colleges and universities are also available from the VA DMV, such as:
- Florida State University.
- Tidewater Community College.
- United States Military Academy.
- University of Virginia.
All available college plates are listed on the VA Department of Motor Vehicles website.
The fees for MOST collegiate plates, like the University of Virginia plate, are:
- $25 PLUS regular registration fees to order.
- $25 PLUSrenewal fees to renew.
You can personalize a collegiate plate for an additional fee.
A portion of the fees for in-state school plates benefits scholarship programs at the college itself.
See Applying for Special License Plates to learn how to apply.
Military Veteran Plates
Military and veteran plates are issued to qualified applicants. Plates available from the VA DMV include those representing:
- Military branches, such as:
- The U.S. Army.
- The U.S. Navy.
- Military honors, for example:
- The Bronze Star.
- The Purple Heart.
- Combat experience, including:
- Vietnam Veterans.
- Former POWs.
To be eligible, your service record must reflect the experience or honor reflected by the license plate.
When you apply for a military plate in Virginia, you'll need proof of your eligibility, such as your discharge papers.
Most military plates have a plate fee PLUSregular registration or renewal fees. Plate fees vary, for example:
- U.S. Army license plate:
- $10 to order.
- $10 to renew.
- Bronze Star license plate: $10 to order.
- Former POW plates are free.
You can personalize a military plate for additional fees.
For a complete list of military plates, eligibility requirements, and fees, see the Virginia DMV website.
Antique Tags in Virginia
The VA DMV issues antique license plates for vehicles that are:
- Over 25 years old (based on model year) prior to January 1 of the current year.
AND - Used ONLY for:
- Club events, exhibitions, and similar activities.
- Occasional pleasure driving, up to 250 miles from your home address.
![Laws Laws](/uploads/1/2/4/8/124872403/162244875.png)
The fee for an antique plate is $50. The antique plates do not expire.
Visit our Applying for Special License Plate in VA page to learn more about the application process.
Vintage License Plates
You can use a Virginia license plate that was issued in the same year as your vehicle's model year for:
- Passenger vehicles or trailers made before 1973.
- Motorcycles made in or before 1976.
Vintage license plates can be used in place of antique plates OR standard plates. You'll pay:
- $50 to use the plate as an antique plate.
- Standard registration fees and renewal fees for regular registration and operation.
For application information, see Applying for Special License Plates.
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To apply for your Virginia license plate, you need to register your vehicle at a DMV office. You'll also need to renew your registration in order to renew your plate. When you buy a vehicle, you may be able to transfer your tags. Be sure to order replacement tags right away if yours are stolen, lost, or damaged.
Read below for information about Virginia license plates and tags.
Looking for personalized tags or special plates? Visit our Specialty Plate Types and Specialty Plates Application pages for complete details.
Do you qualify for disabled parking? Our Disability Placards and Plates page has information about applying for disability license plates.
Types of Virginia License Plates
If you live in VA, your vehicle must have license plates issued by the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).
Most vehicles are required to display license plates on BOTH the front and back, while other vehicles such as motorcycles, trailer and tractor truck, only need a rear plate.
You'll also be issued decals for the rear plate that show when your tag expires.
You CANNOT have a frame, cover, or anything else that alters or covers part of your plate number, decals, or state name.
License Plate Designs
The standard Virginia license plate is white with blue lettering and features the state name at the top. The VA DMV also offers personalized plates and specialty plates. For detailed information, visit our Types of VA Specialty Plates and Applying for Specialty Plates in Virginia pages.
Disability parking plates are also available from the VA DMV. For application requirements and other helpful details, see Disability Placards & Plates.
Temporary Tags
You can get a temporary tag when you buy a vehicle from a dealership. The tag allows you to use your vehicle while you wait for your permanent VA license plate to arrive.
Temporary tags are valid for 30 days. The dealer can issue another one if they do not provide your ownership documents within 30 days.
Apply for License Plates
You must apply for Virginia license plate by registering your vehicle with the VA DMV in person.
To avoid late fees or possible citations, you must register your vehicle within 30 days of moving to VA.
During this time, you may need to get your vehicle insured, inspected, and titled.
Visit our Vehicle Registration page for more information, including documentation requirements, fees, and other helpful tips.
Renew Virginia Vehicle Tags
You will renew your VA license plate by renewing your vehicle registration either:
- Online.
- By phone.
- By mail.
- In person.
NOTE: The VA DMV will send you a reminder notice before your tags expire.
After renewing, you will get a new validation sticker for your rear license plate. Remove your current sticker BEFORE applying the new one.
Our Registration Renewal page will provide you with more details, including renewal fees and other requirements.
Replace License Plates & Stickers
If your license plate or expiration sticker is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can get a replacement in person or by mail from the VA DMV.
You will need:
- The Vehicle Registration Application (Form VSA 14).
- Payment for the applicable fees:
- License plate replacement (with or without decals): $10.
- Decal or set of decals only: $1.
Submit your form:
- In person at a VA DMV office.
- By mail to the address on the form.
NOTE: You DO NOT have to report your lost or stolen plate to the police, but notifying the police may be helpful in preventing fraud if someone else uses your tags.
Transfer & Surrender VA Tags
If you buy a vehicle and already have Virginia license plates, you can transfer your plates when you register the new vehicle. Both vehicles must be in your name.
You must surrender your tags if you:
- Move to another state.
- Trade, sell, or donate your vehicle and don't transfer the tags to another vehicle.
OR - Plan to cancel your insurance and stop operating your vehicle.
- Surrender the tags BEFORE canceling your insurance.
You can also apply for a refund if you have at least 6 months left on your registration. You will need to complete an Application for a Vehicle Registration Refund (Form FMS 210).
Surrender your tags and submit your refund application (if applicable):
- In person at a DMV service center.
OR - By mail to:
Registration Renewal Work Center
Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles
P.O. Box 27412
Richmond, VA 23269
Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles
P.O. Box 27412
Richmond, VA 23269
Fees for License Plates
The fees below DO NOT include title fees, taxes, or fees for other services. Some Virginia counties or cities may also charge additional fees.
- Registration/Standard license plates are based on a few different things that affect the fee:
- The type of vehicle.
- The weight of the vehicle.
- The type of license plate (speciality/personalized).
- The length of renewal (multi-year renewals may have discounts).
- License Plate Replacements:
- License plate: $10.
- Decal: $1.
License plate Transfer: $2
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