Vehicle Licensing Guide

License Plates - Transfer
VLIC-222

PURPOSE:

To provide information and instructions on handling the transfer of license plates.

BACKGROUND:

An owner who sells or transfers ownership of a registered vehicle may have the license plates and registration number transferred or assigned to another vehicle titled in his name.

CUSTOMER REQUIREMENTS:

1. Request to transfer license plates to a different vehicle.

   NOTE 1: If the vehicle is leased, follow the procedures for transferring license plates to/from leased vehicles. (Refer to VLIC-222.1.)

   NOTE 2: If the customer does not have a valid set of license plates to transfer (e.g., one plate is lost, etc.) follow the reissue license plates/decals procedure before doing the transfer. (Refer to VLIC-224).

2. Complete an "Application for Registration" (VSA-14).

DMV SERVICE PROVIDER'S PROCESS:

1. Verify that the owner (or one of the owners) of the vehicle to which the license plates are currently issued is also to be the owner (or one of the owners) of the vehicle to which the license plates will be transferred.

   NOTE: The customer MUST be the owner (or one of the owners) of BOTH vehicles.

2. Determine if the vehicle from which the license plates are being transferred is within the same weight group as the vehicle to which the license plates are being transferred.

   NOTE 1: If the customer is keeping the same weight group or is changing to a lower weight group, collect only the transfer fee.

   NOTE 2: If the customer is changing to a higher weight group, collect the transfer fee plus the additional license fees; however, if the customer has paid previously for a higher weight group during the license year, collect only the transfer fee. (Refer to VLIC-218.)

   NOTE 3: If the customer is transferring the license plates to a vehicle that requires a different type of license plate (e.g., passenger vehicle to a truck, motorcycle to a passenger vehicle, etc.), process a transfer/exchange. Collect transfer fee, plus any additional fees for the new plate type. A transfer/exchange must be processed as a separate transaction from a title transaction (not a combined transaction).

   <<<<<REVISION
   

3. Collect the appropriate fee(s), including:
   • Registration fees
   • Local vehicle registration fees (LVR), if applicable (refer to VLIC-314)   END REVISION>>>>>
4. Remind the customer of the following Virginia requirements:
   • State inspection to be performed on the vehicle and to display the state inspection sticker on the windshield AND
   • Locality sticker or decal

     NOTE: Some localities do not require sticker/decal to be displayed on a vehicle, however payment of the local registration fee is still required. Check with the appropriate locality for requirements.

5. Process the transaction according to data entry procedures.

REFERENCE:

• Code of Virginia: § 46.2-693
• CSC 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 and Registration Division