Vehicle Licensing Guide

License Plates - Standard and Special Series
VLIC-200

PURPOSE:

To provide information and instructions on the issuance of standard series and special license plates.

For antique and permanent vintage license plates, refer to VLIC-201.

BACKGROUND:

DMV issues standard series license plates as well as special license plates authorized by the General Assembly. Standard and special license plates are identified on the "Application for Registration" (VSA 14) and the "License Plate Application" (VSA 10). Standard and special series license plates are designed and issued for the various categories of vehicles operating on the highways.

CUSTOMER REQUIREMENTS:

Submit the following:

• VSA-14 or VSA 10
• The appropriate registration fee and, when applicable, an uninsured motorist fee.
  
  NOTE 1: If the vehicle has not previously been titled by the owner in Virginia, the vehicle owner must submit an "Application for Certificate of Title and Registration" (VSA-17A) with ownership documents and secure a title as part of the registration process. (Refer to VLIC-102.)

DMV SERVICE PROVIDER'S PROCESS:

1. Verify that all necessary information has been recorded on the VSA-14 or VSA 10.
2. Determine from the VSA-14 or VSA 10 the type of license plates requested and the length of the registration period.
3. If the customer is ordering a special license plate, check the DMV internet site for any eligibility requirements that pertain to that particular plate.
4. If the customer is requesting to use a set of vintage license plates for general use, inspect the plates to ensure that they are in acceptable condition and inform the customer that:
   • The vehicle MUST have a state inspection.
   • The license plates MUST display current decals issued by DMV.
     
     and
   • He must pay the standard registration fee.
   
   NOTE 1: The "Antique License Plate Applicant Certification" (VSA 10B) is not required for general use vintage plates.
   
   NOTE 2: For permanent vintage and antique license plates, refer to VLIC-201.
5. Verify that the insurance certification on the VSA-14 or VSA 10 has been completed. If not, ask the customer if the vehicle is an insured or uninsured motor vehicle. Collect the uninsured motor vehicle fee when applicable.

   NOTE: Motor vehicles which are uninsured and require the payment of the uninsured motorist fee are not eligible for multi-year registration.

6. For standard series plates, give the customer the following:
   • Appropriate plates and decals
   • Matching registration card
7. For personalized plates or special license plates (not in stock at your CSC), give the customer the following:
   • 60-day decals if the customer has license plates near their expiration date or 60-day multi-use plates if the customer does not already have license plates.
   • A matching registration card.
   • Inform the customer that they will receive their special and/or personalized license plates in the mail within 4-6 weeks.
8. For general use vintage plates, give the customer the following:
   • Appropriate decals
   • Matching registration card
9. Collect the appropriate fees.

   <<<<<REVISION
   NOTE 1: For fee calculations refer to your fee chart. However, if the license fee is to be calculated be sure to include the following:

   • Emergency Medical Service (EMS) fee
   • Safety Inspection fee
   • Emissions Inspection fee applies to vehicles 10,000 lbs. or less in the cities of Alexandria, Fairfax, Falls Church, Manassas and Manassas Park and the counties of Arlington, Fairfax, Prince William, Loudoun and Stafford. Refer to VLIC-268.)
   • Motorcycle surcharge if the vehicle being registered is a motorcycle.
   • Local Vehicle Registration (LVR) fee, if applicable.   END REVISION>>>>>

   NOTE 2: Do NOT collect the EMS fee on prorated license fees or plates that require no registration fee, i.e., DV, POW, MH and state and local government registrations.

   NOTE 3: Do NOT collect the EMS fee on vehicles of 7,501 lbs and more.

   NOTE 4: The emissions program fee is assessed on DV, POW, and MH license plates. However, do NOT collect the fee on plates issued to state and local government vehicles.

   NOTE 5: Do NOT collect the motorcycle surcharge on prorated motorcycle license fees or MC plates issued to federal, state, and local government-owned motorcycles.

REFERENCE:

• Code of Virginia: §§ 46.2-694, 46.2-711, 46.2-712
• Data Entry: CSCNet

CONTACT:

For additional information contact:

• Your CSC Manager/Assistant Manager
• DMV DIRECT Help Desk at (804) 367-6646

PROCEDURE PROPONENT:

VSA/Titles & Registration Division