What Is a Temporary License Plate in Virginia?
A temporary license plate in Virginia is a short-term plate that allows highway travel until permanent registration plates are obtained. The Virginia DMV operates two parallel systems: dealer-printed plates on demand for vehicle purchases and trip permits for moving unregistered vehicles at the owner’s initiative.
Licensed dealers issue 30-day temporary license plates and 5-day temporary transport plates at the time of sale. The Virginia DMV issues trip permits directly to vehicle owners, both online and at customer service centers. DMV Select offices also handle registration transactions.
Dealer plates are printed on weather-resistant synthetic paper and attached using screws. Trip permits are printed from a home computer or at a DMV counter.
What Types of Temporary License Plates Are There in Virginia?
| Class | Official Name | Trigger | Issuing Authority |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dealer 30-day | Temporary License Plate | Dealer sale to buyer | Licensed dealer via PoD |
| Dealer 5-day | Temporary Transport Plate | Transport or demonstration of dealer exchange | Licensed dealer |
| Standard Trip Permit | Trip Permit | Owner moving unregistered vehicle | Virginia DMV |
| Buyer Trip Permit | Prospective Purchaser’s Trip Permit | Private purchase by Virginia resident | Virginia DMV |
A dealer may issue a second 30-day temporary license plate if the title document cannot be provided within the first 30 days. The DMV may provide an additional 90-day extension under § 46.2-1542.
When Is a Temporary License Plate Required in Virginia?
- A dealer sale triggers the issuance of a 30-day temporary license plate at the time of sale under Article 6, Chapter 15 of the Virginia Code.
- A Virginia resident purchasing from a private seller needs a prospective purchaser’s trip permit before driving the vehicle home.
- Dealers moving inventory, exchange, or transport vehicles between lots use a 5-day temporary transport plate under § 46.2-1550.2.
- An owner moving an unregistered vehicle within Virginia applies for a standard trip permit.
How to Get a Temporary License Plate in Virginia?
- Gather the bill of sale (or title/MCO for dealer transactions), proof of Virginia insurance liability, and a valid photo ID.
- Choose the path: a licensed dealer handles this at purchase; private buyers apply through the DMV trip permit online portal or visit a customer service center.
- Submit the application with necessary vehicle details, origin, and destination.
- Pay the applicable fee as outlined in the next section.
- Receive the permit: dealer plates are printed immediately on-site; trip permits are printed from your computer or at a DMV counter.
Trip permit applicants may also visit any DMV customer service center in person.
How Much Does a Temporary License Plate Cost in Virginia?
| Class | Fee | Automation / Add-on | Who Pays |
|---|---|---|---|
| Temporary License Plate | $3.00 per set | None | Dealer (may pass up to $3 to buyer) |
| Temporary Transport Plate | $1.50 per plate | None | Dealer |
| Trip Permit (Standard) | $5.00 | None | Vehicle owner |
| Prospective Purchaser’s Trip Permit | $5.00 | None | Prospective buyer |
Dealers pay the PoD fee to the DMV through their approved provider. The maximum amount a dealer can charge a buyer equals the amount the DMV charges the dealer, according to § 46.2-1558.
How to Get a Temporary License Plate Online in Virginia?
Partially. Only trip permits are available online for consumers.
The Virginia DMV trip permit portal accepts applications for both standard and prospective purchaser’s permits. You pay electronically and print the permit immediately. The DMV does not store the permit for later retrieval.
Temporary license plates and transport plates issued by dealers are not available online. Dealers print them at the time of sale through the PoD system.
Use the online portal for trip permits; for all purchase-related plates, the dealer path is the only route.
How Long Can I Run a Temporary License Plate in Virginia?
| Class | Validity | Mileage / Geographic Cap | Extension |
|---|---|---|---|
| Temporary License Plate | 30 days | None | Second 30-day set, then up to 90 days |
| Temporary Transport Plate | 5 days | None | Not available |
| Trip Permit (Standard) | 3 consecutive days | Virginia only | New permit required |
| Prospective Purchaser’s Trip Permit | 3 days from purchase date | Virginia only | New permit required |
Operating beyond expiration is a traffic violation under § 46.2-613. The court may dismiss the charge if the owner proves compliance by the court date.