Moving to Virginia: car title and registration costs
Moving to Virginia with a car you own: title and registration come to about $45.75–$151.23 for a $20,000 car you have owned over a year (estimate). Register within 30 days of moving (Virginia DMV).
Tax on the car itself: $0.00.
Estimate of government charges. The DMV or county office calculates the final amount.
Your own numbers
Set up for: moving to Virginia · Different situation?
Every line for a new resident
| Line | Group | Amount | Set by |
|---|---|---|---|
| Original title fee | Title | $15.00 | Virginia DMV |
| Passenger car registration (1 year, by empty weight) | Registration & plates | $30.75 | Virginia DMV |
| Emissions-area add-on (Northern Virginia localities only) | Registration & plates | $0.00–$2.00 | Virginia DMV |
| Local vehicle license fee / decal (city, county or town) | Registration & plates | you fill in | Code of Virginia |
| Highway use fee, fuel-efficient vehicle (25+ combined MPG, annual) | Registration & plates | $0.00–$103.48 | Virginia DMV |
| Local personal property tax on the vehicle (yearly) | Yearly taxes | you fill in | Code of Virginia |
Deadlines
- New resident: title within (days of moving): 30 days (Virginia DMV)
- New resident: register within (days of moving): 30 days (Virginia DMV)
- New resident: local sticker/decal within (days, some localities): 30 days (Virginia DMV)
- Dealer purchase: dealer may take up to (days) to process title/registration: 30 days (Virginia DMV)
Sales tax when you move
Checklist before the DMV visit
- Your out-of-state title (or the lender's details if there is a loan) and current registration
- Proof of insurance that meets the state's requirements
- Your new driver license or ID, and proof of your new address
- Odometer reading; some states also need a VIN or safety/emissions inspection
- Proof of sales tax you paid when you bought the car, if it was recent (several states credit it or exempt you)
After that: yearly renewal
See registration and title fees in Virginia for the yearly cost.
Official tools: Virginia DMV Fee Chart (DMV 201) · Virginia DMV Highway Use Fee chart (by MPG) · Virginia DMV Motor Vehicle Sales and Use Tax
Sources
- Virginia DMV: DMV 201 Fee Chart (08/10/2026)
- Code of Virginia: § 46.2-752 Local taxes and license fees
- Virginia DMV: 2026 Estimated Highway Use Fee Chart (valid 2026-07-01 to 2027-06-30)
- Code of Virginia: § 58.1-3503 General classification of tangible personal property
- Virginia DMV: New to Virginia
- Virginia DMV: Registration
FAQ
How long do I have to register my car after moving to Virginia?
New resident: title within (days of moving): 30 days, per Virginia DMV.
Do I pay sales tax when I bring my car to Virginia?
No new-resident tax rule recorded.
How much does it cost to register an out-of-state car in Virginia?
About $45.75–$151.23 for a $20,000 car owned over a year (estimate of title and registration).