Navigating the Virginia DMV: A Guide for New Residents

Welcome to Virginia! We know that moving comes with a lot to do, and a trip to the DMV can feel like a major hurdle. This guide is here to simplify the process for you.

Virginia law gives you 60 days to get your new driver’s license and 30 days to handle your vehicle’s title and registration. The secret to a smooth experience is doing things in the right order. We’ll guide you through the entire journey—from gathering your paperwork to passing inspection and finally getting your new plates, ensuring your transition to becoming a Virginia driver is hassle-free.

Recommended Order for Vehicle Titling & Registration in Virginia

  • Following this order ensures you have the necessary prerequisite for each step before you attempt it, making the entire process much more efficient.

Schedule your future “New to Virginia” DMV Appointment

  • DMV Appointment Scheduler: https://www.dmv.virginia.gov/onlineservices/appointment-selector.aspx
    • Get Started: Click “Find an Appointment Time.“
    • Select “Book an Appointment“
    • Select a Service as: “Other Service Appointments.”
    • Select an Appointment as: “New to VA – Drivers License & Vehicle Registration.”
    • Select an Office: “Your Virginia Zip Code.”
    • Select a date and time: “Schedule Your Availability.”

Step 1: Establish Proof of Residency and Obtain Virginia Auto Insurance

  • Why first: You cannot get a Virginia driver’s license or title your vehicle without providing two proofs of your Virginia address.
    • Similarly, you can arrange for your auto insurance policy before ever stepping into a DMV. Having these foundational documents ready is the essential first step.

Step 2: Obtain Your Virginia Driver’s License

  • Why second: The Virginia DMV requires you to have a Virginia driver’s license before you can title and register a vehicle in your name. 
    • The Virginia DMV requires several documents to prove your identity, legal presence in the United States, Virginia residency, and Social Security number. It is crucial to have these original documents in hand before visiting a DMV customer service center.
      • Proof of Virginia Residency (Two Documents): i.e., deed, mortgage, lease agreement, utility bill, payroll check stub
      • Proof of Identity and Legal Presence (One Document): i.e., birth certificate, passport
      • Proof of Social Security Number (One Document): i.e., social security card, W-2 form
      • Complete the “Driver’s License and Identification Card Application” (Form DL 1P) on the Virginia DMV website.

Step 3: Get a Vehicle Safety Inspection (and *Emissions Inspection*, if required)

  • Why third: It’s best to get the inspection(s) done after you have your Virginia license but before you go to register the vehicle.
    • A Vehicle Safety Inspection can be done with your out-of-state plates, which avoids the problem of driving an unregistered Virginia vehicle to the inspection station.
      • *Emissions Inspection* required in the counties of Arlington, Fairfax, Loudoun, Prince William, and Stafford; and the cities of Alexandria, Fairfax, Falls Church, Manassas, and Manassas Park.

Step 4: Title and Register Your Vehicle at the DMV

  • Why last: This is the final step where everything comes together. You cannot complete this until all the previous steps are done. In a single visit (ideally with an appointment), you will:
    • Present your Virginia Driver’s License.
    • Submit the Application for Title and Registration, which requires your out-of-state title.
    • Provide Proof of Virginia Insurance.
    • The DMV will verify that your vehicle has passed the Safety and Emissions Inspections.
    • Pay the Titling and Registration fees.

For more information regarding the DMV, please refer to the links provided below.

Contact Us Today!

More Resources

[recent_posts_menu category="15" limit="20"]