Vehicle Licensing Guide

License Plates/Decals - Reissue
VLIC-224

PURPOSE:

To provide information and instructions on the reissue of license plates and decals.

BACKGROUND:

License plates and/or decals are "reissued" or "replaced" when:

• lost
• stolen
• mutilated/destroyed
• confiscated
• illegible
• exchanged - chooses to obtain a different type of license plate
• administrative - DMV error

NOTE: No person other than the owner or co-owner or their agent with a power of attorney may request and obtain a reissue of license plates.

Reissue/Replacement	Collect Fee
Reissue of standard license plates with or without decals and the plate type is the same	YES
Reissue of standard license plates with or without decals and the plate type is not the same	NO
Reissue of special license plates with or without decals and the plate type is the same	YES
Reissue of special license plates with or without decals and the plate type is not the same	NO
Reissue of decals due to lost, stolen, mutilated	YES
Reissue of decals due to DMV error	NO
Replacement of trailer plates ONLY	YES
Replacement of permanent tractor/truck plates	YES

STANDARD PLATES:

• If the types are the same, collect only the reissue fee. If the plate number being issued is a reserve number, the reservation fee is collected.
  
  NOTE: Non-special plates do not require the collection of plate fee or special plate fee.
• If the plate types are not the same, the customer is not required to pay a reissue fee, plate fee or special plate fee. The transaction is "No Fee" unless the plate number being issued is a reserve number. In that case, collect the reservation fee.

SPECIAL PLATES:

• If the plate types are the same, collect only the reissue fee. A plate fee and special plate fee are not collected. Collect the reservation fee if the plate number being issued is a reserve number.
• If the plate type issued is not the same plate type, collect the applicable plate fee, special plate fee, or reservation fee. A reissue fee will not be collected.

REISSUE/REPLACEMENT INFORMATION FOR ALL PLATE TYPES:

• If the license fee for the requested plates is more than the previous plates, the system will automatically calculate the difference in fee, prorated for the number of months remaining in the current registration period.
• For faulty plates or decals, or mismatched numbers, there is no charge. (Enter "REGREI" transaction with reason of "office error".)
• Customers requiring a third reissue of plates and/or decals for the same vehicle within the same registration period must pay the regular registration fee applicable for the number of months remaining in the current registration period.
• If reissuing a non-special plate for a special plate, collect the plate fee, special plate fee, or reservation fee. A reissue fee will not be collected.
• If the plate number is a reserve number and the customer desires the same plate number on a different plate, do not collect the reservation fee. The customer has already paid for the number on the initial reservation. Other fees such as plate fee, special plate fee, and reissue fee may or may not apply.
• If the customer is requesting a weight change and it causes an increase in registration fees, collect the registration fee according to the number of months remaining in the registration period.
• A local vehicle registration (LVR) fee, if applicable, will be included in the calculation of the state registration fee. (Refer to VLIC-314.)

CUSTOMER REQUIREMENTS:

1. Submit "Application For Registration" ( VSA-14). For powered vehicles, the application must contain a new insurance certification.
   
   NOTE: No person other than the owner or co-owner or their agent with a power of attorney may request and obtain a reissue of license plates.
2. If applying for a powered vehicle, certify on the application that the vehicle is insured.
3. Pay appropriate fees.

DMV SERVICE PROVIDER'S PROCESS:

1. Verify that the applicant is the owner or co-owner of the vehicle or has legal authority to act for the owners.
2. Review the application for completion.
3. Verify the vehicle owner's identity.
4. If applicant is not the owner or co-owner, a copy of a power of attorney must be provided.
5. Collect surrendered plates/decals and the current registration card.
6. Review the application to determine the type of license plates desired by the customer, e.g., Heritage, Personalized, or Standard.
7. Inquire on the vehicle record to verify the owner's customer number and ownership of the vehicle before reissuing plates or decals.
8. Collect the fees from the customer.
   
   NOTE: If a reissue is required due to faulty manufacture of license plates or decals, or if issued plates have mismatched numbers, the customer is not required to pay for a reissue (refer to VLIC-299).
9. Determine the required plates and decals are available.
   1. Issue plates and/or
   2. Issue decals of the same month and year as the original plates.
   NOTE: If the customer is ordering personalized plates, permanent plates, or the requested plates or decals are not in stock and must be mailed to the customer's address, issue multi-use 60 day plates (refer to VLIC-204). Advise the customer that permanent plates will be mailed when available.
10. Issue the registration card.
11. If an agent is representing the owners, return the power of attorney. Otherwise, send it back with the daily work for shredding by the document preparer.

REFERENCE:

• Code of Virginia: § 46.2-692
• 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/Title and Registration Division