The cost to register a car in Virginia depends primarily on the vehicle's weight and type:
- For passenger vehicles weighing up to 4,000 pounds, the base registration fee is $30.75 annually.
- For passenger vehicles weighing between 4,001 and 6,500 pounds, the fee is $35.75 annually.
- Pickup trucks weighing 4,001 to 6,500 pounds also pay $35.75, while those 6,501 to 10,000 pounds pay $44.75 annually.
- Motorcycles pay $24.75 annually.
- Electric vehicles have a higher fee of $128.14 annually due to a special highway use fee.
- There is an additional $2.00 fee for emissions inspections in certain counties (Arlington, Fairfax, Loudoun, Prince William, Stafford, and some cities).
- Localities may charge additional local registration fees.
- A late fee of $10 applies if registration is renewed late
Virginia offers a two-year registration option, which doubles the annual fees but provides convenience and protection against fee increases. For example, a passenger vehicle under 4,000 pounds would pay about $40.75 per year or about $81.50 for two years including local fees in some areas
. Additional fees include:
- Title fee: $15
- Replacement registration card: $2
- Replacement decal: $1
- Registration transfer fee: $2
In summary, expect to pay roughly $30.75 to $45.75 annually for standard passenger vehicles depending on weight, plus any local fees and possible emissions fees. Electric vehicles pay significantly more. Late renewals incur a $10 penalty
