Virginia Temporary Tag Requirements & How To Get One


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If you find yourself with a new vehicle or crossing state lines for a move, it’s critical to have the proper tags before you can drive. Unfortunately, it can take a while for a new registration to get to you at home. If you find yourself with a need to get on the road and don’t have the tags, you need some temporary options. What do Virginia temporary tags require?

Read on to learn about Virginia temporary tags and all the information you need before investing in one for your vehicle. We’ll talk about when you might need one, how you can find a temporary tag, and how long they are valid for in the state. The more information you have, the better for your future. Let’s get started.

When Do You Need Temporary Tags in Virginia?

You can get temporary tags for your car in Virginia - but why? Why would you need temporary tags in Virginia when you can get a permanent plate with accurate tags? Let’s dive into a few of the reasons you might need temporary tags in Virginia.

According to dirtlegal.com, here are a few reasons why you might need temporary tags for your vehicle:

  • You are moving from a different state.
  • You need to move your car for an inspection.
  • You are in the process of importing a vehicle.
  • You invested in a car, whether it is new or used.

You may need Virginia temporary tags in this case.

It’s vital to find this paper if you know your permanent plates are stuck somewhere. It proves to the authorities that you are the owner and provides all kinds of protection for the average person. Always consider temporary tags with a vehicle. 


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How Can You Get a Virginia Temporary Tag?

If you want Virginia temporary tags, two options stand out. You can get a Standard Trip Permit, which allows the driver to move a car from one place to another without registering the vehicle. On the other hand, you can print a temporary tag, on-demand and entirely online.

According to dmv.virginia.gov, here’s how you can access these on-demand tags:

  • The owner accesses vendor-operated software. These allow dealers to electronically transfer critical data to the DMV.
  • The owner receives a temporary tag from the dealer. Most dealers pay about $3.00 for a 30-day tag for motorcycles and $1.50 for a 5-day tag for cars.
  • The owner has access to a temporary tag, which they can display on their vehicle for the world to see.

The owner will have five days to drive with the Virginia temporary tags, and then they must pursue further action.

Many variations can occur with Virginia temporary tags. You might need to present proof or another form of identification. The more familiar you are with the options, the better.

How Long Are Temporary Tags Good For in Virginia?

As with anything temporary, there is a limit on the time you can have Virginia temporary tags. It’s critical to remember this limit so you can act before you run out of time to drive your vehicle before the permanent registration options arrive.

Ever since the print-on-demand service began in Virginia, the lifespan of a temporary tag is five days for an option that works for a vehicle. If something goes wrong with the dealer, the DMV can extend the temporary tag how they see fit.

If you have a motorcycle or similar bike, the temporary tag works for thirty days. This option can extend if there is a proven need for the extension.

Leaving the tags on for too long might result in a fine or getting pulled over. Ensure you have your permanent registrations by the end.

What is the Cost of Temporary Tags in Virginia?

You can expect to pay a small fee for temporary tags in Virginia, whether driving a car or a motorcycle. This cost covers the effort that goes into the production of temporary tags within the DMV.

If you drive a motorcycle and want a thirty-day tag, you will pay $3.00 for each set. If you have three motorcycles that need temporary tags, it will cost $9.00 to cover all options.

If you drive a car, it will cost $1.50 for a 5-day temporary transport tag. It doesn’t cost anything for a dealer to reprint the registrations if something happens to them on the road.

Neither cost is too high. For a single machine, you can expect less than $5.00 per additional registration.


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Can You Drive a Car Without a Tag in Virginia?

Now that we’ve mentioned Virginia temporary tags, you might be overwhelmed by all the necessities. There are many steps and fees involved in the process. It might seem easier to hit the road without a tag - but can you? Is that legal to do in the state?

Although it might be tempting, it’s illegal to move a car without a tag in Virginia. It’s dangerous and opens the gap for car theft in the future. If you drive without a registration, you risk punishment from authorities. There might be a find, and arrests can occur in the worst circumstances. It’s best to stay away from hitting the road without a tag.

Conclusion

If you are missing a tag and need to drive, Virginia temporary tags are necessary. It costs $1.50 for five days with a car and $3.00 for thirty days with a motorcycle. Get a piece of proof to hit the road before your permanent option comes in. Without registration, you face the risk of charges and even an arrest.

We hope this information was helpful! It’s vital to show others on the road that you own the car you’re driving, no matter how new it might be. The more familiar you are with this information, the better equipped you will be to hit the road later in life. A temporary tag comes in handy all the time.


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