What is a Virginia License Plate?
The Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles issues license plates and manages vehicle registration in accordance with Section 46.2 of the Virginia Code. Residents register, renew, and conduct transactions with plates through DMV offices statewide, DMV Select partner locations, or online at dmv.virginia.gov.
The current general Virginia license plate features a scenic graphic “from the mountains to the sea” with blue mountains, green fields, and coastal imagery on a reflective background. Stickers on the plate indicate the month and year of registration expiration.
Types of License Plates in Virginia
- Standard plates are automatically assigned upon registration. The cost to replace plates is $10 per set according to Virginia Code § 46.2-692.
- Virginia offers over 250 special plates covering universities, causes, military branches, and organizations. The base fee for special plates is $25 per year in addition to the registration fee.
- A personalized message adds $10 per year to any eligible plate ordered through the Virginia DMV plate creator.
- Qualified veterans receive one free set of disabled veteran plates or Purple Heart plates without registration or plate fees. Medal of Honor and POW plates follow the same fee-free structure.
- Owners of eligible vehicles at least 25 years old can obtain antique plates for a one-time fee of $50 for permanent registration according to Virginia Code § 46.2-730.
View the full catalog on the Virginia DMV special plates page.
What Vehicles Require License Plates in Virginia?
Every motor vehicle on Virginia highways must be registered and have assigned plates according to Virginia Code § 46.2-613. New residents have 30 days to register according to § 46.2-662. Registration is renewed annually.
- Passenger vehicles weighing up to 4,000 pounds receive two plates for $30.75 per year. Vehicles weighing 4,001 to 6,500 pounds pay $35.75. An additional EMS fee of $4.25 applies to all passenger registrations.
- One rear plate covers motorcycles for $24.75 per year and mopeds for $18.25.
- Trailers receive one rear plate. Annual fees are $18.00 (up to 1,500 pounds), $28.50 (1,501 to 4,000 pounds), or $40.00 (4,001 pounds and over). A permanent option costs between $70 and $100 depending on weight.
- Pickups from 6,501 to 10,000 pounds gross weight pay $44.75 per year.
- Electric vehicles are required to pay a highway use fee of $131.88 per year in addition to the base registration calculated according to Chapter 7 of the Virginia Code. Fuel-efficient vehicles with over 25 miles per gallon also pay a reduced highway use fee.
License Plate Rules in Virginia
- Passenger vehicles require two plates, attached front and rear according to Virginia Code § 46.2-715. Motorcycles, mopeds, autocycles, trailers, and semitrailers have one rear plate. Tractor trucks install one front plate.
- Each plate must be secured to prevent swinging, positioned for clear visibility, and maintained in a legible condition according to Virginia Code § 46.2-716. Colored glass, tinted plastics, brackets, frames, or any coverings that obscure alphanumeric characters, plate color, state name, or registration stickers are prohibited. Hitches and emblems cannot cover any part of the plate.
Is Driving Around with No License Plate in Virginia Illegal?
Operating a vehicle without displaying the required plates is a traffic violation according to Virginia Code § 46.2-613. The same statute covers the use of a plate or sticker assigned to another person or vehicle.
Altered or counterfeit plates fall under a separate provision. Virginia Code § 46.2-722 considers possession or display of a counterfeit plate a class 1 misdemeanor, which is a significant step above the basic violation for lack of a plate.
What is the Penalty for Driving Without a License Plate in Virginia?
Section 46.2 clearly distinguishes between administrative violations and criminal charges. The simplest penalty for lack of a plate is a traffic violation, but counterfeit or altered plates can lead to criminal liability.
- Violation for lack of a plate under § 46.2-613 carries standard traffic violation fines. The court may dismiss the summons if the driver provides proof of compliance before the court date.
- Under § 46.2-711(G), failure to display plates also allows for judicial dismissal with proof of correction before the scheduled hearing.
- Altering, counterfeiting, or knowingly displaying a counterfeit plate is a class 1 misdemeanor under § 46.2-722, punishable by up to 12 months in jail, a fine of up to $2,500, or both.
- Operating without paying the required registration fee is a class 2 misdemeanor under § 46.2-687, carrying up to six months in jail and a fine of up to $1,000.
- Local authorities may impose an additional annual fine of up to $250 on residents who fail to register within the 30-day period for new residents, according to § 46.2-662(B).