Types of License Plates in Virginia

Each car that operates on the roads of Virginia must have placards clearly displayed on the front and rear of the automobile.

It also shows that people have taken all the required steps before operating it. The latter steps refer to registration requirements set forth by the state.

In emergency situations, this makes it simpler for police officers to recognize the car and its driver. Well, this is good for the state workers, but what about the drivers?

For them, there are different types of license plates in Virginia through which the drivers can showcase their thoughts and feelings, wishes, and uniqueness.

Types of Virginia License Plates

VA provides its residents with over 250 exclusive placards. They usually represent different colleges and universities as well as military units, regions, and groups that have specialized interests.

The latter refers to conservationists, trade associations, and hobbyists, who are all represented on these tags. The revenue from the sales of these tags is shared with the institutions they represent.

For example, the ones that present colleges and universities with financial aid help the latter pay scholarships to their students.

Besides this, a percentage of revenue-sharing placard prices may be deducted from your taxes. Businesses that meet the criteria may apply for customized ones with their logos.

Finally, the types are the following:

Standard issue license plates

These are the ones that are seen on the streets most often. Most vehicles with registrations have them. It has a blue background with white letters on it.

Business logo special plates

These ones are developed for businesses. Registered businesses can apply for special placards that display their logo. This way, they’ll be able to promote their business to the residents of the state.

Personalized plates

These are unique, customized placards. The owner himself/herself decides what combination of letters and/or numbers he/she wants. However, they have to pay an additional charge for this.

All of these have to be approved by the VA Department of Motor Vehicles. There are special requirements and conditions set for this type.

If you want to know whether the combination you have in mind exists or not, you may check it by reading about Virginia License Plate Lookup in every detail.

Specialty license plates

These are those created in cooperation with different organizations like colleges, universities, charities, etc., as mentioned above.

Disability parking plates

As can be imagined from the name, it is created for those who are handicapped. This helps them to park in places designed for people with disabilities.

Virginia License Plate Application Process

Well, now is the time to learn what steps you should take to get one of the above-mentioned placards. First of all, you should know that the VA DMV office takes care of all the procedures.

Second of all, you must know that before submitting a registration application for a new placard, you have to take your car to a safety inspection that is carried out every year. After this, when the automobile is ready, they’ll give you a sticker that carries the meaning of a valid safety inspection.

As for the application process, you are to complete a certain form called VSA 14. There are several counties and cities that also require an emission inspection. They are the following:

• Arlington
• Fairfax
• Loudoun
• Prince William
• Stafford
• Alexandria
• Fairfax
• Falls Church
• Manassas
• Manassas Park

After you have passed all these inspections, you are to present some documents to the DMV office near you:

• proof of insurance
• proof of ownership
• application form
• payments

The Renewal Process

Before the expiration date of the tag, you will get a notification from the Department of Motor Vehicles. But you can do it before getting that notification. The Department has created an online system of renewal that will make things even easier for you to do.

You must have a MyDMV account for this. If you don’t have an account, just provide the relevant data and create one. The data includes:

• title number
• the last four digits of your VIN
• proof of insurance

Besides this option, you may do it in person by visiting a DMV office or by mail. The latter option is acceptable if you live outside the state.

Fees and Expenses

The cost of the registration and renewal of a tag usually depends on the weight of an auto. The cost, though, in general, varies between $10 and $50.

The Transfer Procedure

In VA, you are able to transfer your tags to a car that you have just bought. To do this, you will need to visit a DMV customer service center. You can also do it online by filling out a particular document.

If you transfer the tags, you are to let your insurance company know about that. If you sell your automobile but do not want to transfer the tags, you must return them to a DMV office or destroy them.