Virginia Car Registration Renewal Cost
Renewing a typical car's registration in Virginia costs about $30.75 per year in state fees (a passenger car up to 4,000 lb). Use the calculator to see your own amount, line by line, from the fees in Virginia's official schedule (last reviewed October 7, 2026).
| Registration (1 year) | $30.75 |
|---|---|
| Renewal total | $30.75 |
Estimate of state renewal fees only. Your renewal notice shows the exact amount, including local fees.
What you pay when you renew in Virginia
At renewal you pay only the fees that repeat each registration period. The title fee and sales tax are paid once, when you buy or first register the car, so they are not part of a renewal.
| Registration (1 year) | $30.75 |
|---|---|
| Renewal total | $30.75 |
Cities and counties charge a local vehicle fee and an annual personal property tax on the car; both are billed locally and are not part of the DMV renewal. A $10 late fee applies after expiration.
How to renew your registration in Virginia
Renew online at the Virginia DMV website, by mail, at a DMV customer service center or DMV Select office. You can choose how many years to renew for.
Your car needs a current Virginia safety inspection, and in Northern Virginia an emissions inspection as well (a $2 emissions fee is added there).
Official site: Virginia DMV.
Buying a car in Virginia instead?
The first registration costs more because it includes the title and sales tax. Use the Virginia car sales tax calculator to see the full tax, title and license cost of a purchase.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to renew a car registration in Virginia?
For a passenger car up to 4,000 lb, the state renewal fees come to about $30.75 per year. Cities and counties charge a local vehicle fee and an annual personal property tax on the car; both are billed locally and are not part of the DMV renewal. A $10 late fee applies after expiration.
How often do you renew your registration in Virginia?
Every year, though Virginia may offer longer registration periods for some vehicles.
How do I renew my registration in Virginia?
Renew online at the Virginia DMV website, by mail, at a DMV customer service center or DMV Select office. You can choose how many years to renew for.
What do I need before renewing in Virginia?
Your car needs a current Virginia safety inspection, and in Northern Virginia an emissions inspection as well (a $2 emissions fee is added there).
Do electric cars pay more to renew in Virginia?
Yes. An electric car pays about $135.63 more at each renewal, a fee that replaces the gas tax EV owners don't pay.