The short answer
| Question | Virginia answer |
|---|---|
| Late renewal fee | $10, flat, on any renewal after the expiration date. It doesn't grow with time. |
| Grace period | None for driving. Registration expires on the last day of the twelfth month (Va. Code § 46.2-646). A 10-day grace applies only to processing mail-in renewals; it doesn't make driving legal. |
| Ticket for driving on it | Traffic infraction: fine of up to $250 (§§ 46.2-613, 46.2-113, 18.2-11). |
| Can the ticket be dismissed? | Yes, possibly. The court may dismiss the summons if you show proof that you've renewed on or before your court date (§ 46.2-613(B)). |
The $10 late fee
Renew any time after the expiration date and the DMV adds $10, once. Unusually, this fee isn't in the Code of Virginia: it's set by the state budget (the Appropriation Act, Item 436, paragraph F.2), and the DMV publishes it.
Is there a grace period in Virginia?
Not for driving. A Virginia registration expires on the last day of its twelfth month (§ 46.2-646), and from the next day the car isn't legally registered.
The only grace is a 10-day allowance for mail-in renewals, which covers the time the DMV takes to process them. It isn't permission to drive on an expired registration.
Got a ticket? Renew before your court date
Driving with an expired registration is a traffic infraction under § 46.2-613, punishable by a fine of up to $250 (§§ 46.2-113 and 18.2-11). The court sets the amount within that maximum.
The most useful rule for anyone holding a ticket is § 46.2-613(B): the court may dismiss the summons if you show proof of compliance, meaning you've renewed the registration, on or before your court date. So:
- Renew the registration as soon as you can. Expect the $10 late fee.
- Keep the proof of renewal.
- Show it to the court on or before your court date.
Dismissal is up to the court; the law says it may dismiss, not that it must.
You may also read about a $250 civil penalty in § 46.2-613.1. That one is for unregistered trucks over 7,500 lbs caught at weigh stations, not the ordinary expired-registration ticket.
What renewal costs
The Virginia calculator shows the registration fee and the other fees for a car. For other states, see car registration late fees by state and what an expired registration ticket costs. Nearby states: Pennsylvania and New York.
What this guide doesn't cover
Court costs, local vehicle fees charged by your city or county, and commercial vehicles.
Bought or sold a car? See Virginia title transfer fees for the $15 title fee and sales and use tax. Virginia has no late titling fee: the $10 late fee here is for registration renewals only.
Frequently asked questions
How much is an expired registration ticket in Virginia?
Up to $250; it's a traffic infraction. The court may dismiss the summons if you show you've renewed on or before your court date (§ 46.2-613(B)).
Is there a grace period for expired registration in Virginia?
Not for driving. The registration expires on the last day of its twelfth month. The 10-day grace you may hear about applies only to processing mail-in renewals and doesn't make it legal to drive on an expired registration.
How much is the late fee to renew registration in Virginia?
$10, flat, on any renewal after the expiration date. It's set by the Appropriation Act (Item 436, paragraph F.2) and published by the DMV.
Can an expired registration ticket be dismissed in Virginia?
It can be. Under § 46.2-613(B) the court may dismiss the summons if you bring proof that you renewed on or before your court date.
Calculate your Virginia fees
Example for a $30,000 car. Enter your own price to update it.
- Registration (1 yr)$30.75
- Local registration feeSet by your city/countynot available
- Title fee$15.00
- Sales and use tax4.15% (min $75)$1,245.00
Total excludes items marked "not available".
What you'll pay later
Renewal at today's rates: $30.75/yr + items not available
Year 1 $1,290.75 · Years 2–5 $30.75/yr · 5-year total $1,413.75 + items not available
Estimate only, at today's rates for the same car.
Rates and sources for every fee are on the Virginia car registration fee calculator page.
- Virginia DMV – Register your vehicle
- Virginia DMV – Vehicle forms (VSA 14I, Registration Information Sheet)
- Virginia DMV – Fee schedule (DMV 201)
- Code of Virginia § 46.2-613: registration offenses; dismissal on proof of compliance – law.lis.virginia.gov
- Code of Virginia § 46.2-646: expiration of registration – law.lis.virginia.gov
- Code of Virginia § 46.2-113: violations as traffic infractions – law.lis.virginia.gov
- Code of Virginia § 18.2-11: punishment for misdemeanors and infractions – law.lis.virginia.gov
General information, not tax or legal advice. Fees and tax rules change; confirm with the agency listed before you pay.
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