Motor Vehicles

Virginia State law requires you to have sufficient liability insurance and a valid driver’s license in order to operate a vehicle. The term “vehicle” generally includes automobiles, motorcycles, vans, trailers and boats regularly parked or garaged overnight. Further, your vehicle must be properly registered. Even though you are in the Military, you may be required to register your vehicle in-state and obtain an in-state license within a few months of moving. Access complete information on insurance, driver’s licensing, and where and how to register your vehicle by visiting the State Department of Motor Vehicles website.

State laws vary when it comes to motor vehicle insurance requirements, licensing and registration. The term vehicle generally includes automobiles, motorcycles, vans, trailers and boats regularly parked or garaged overnight. Service members and their families will want to understand their state’s laws on registration and licensing before moving to a new state. Visit the USA.gov Motor Vehicle Services page for links to state-specific websites.

To register your vehicle in Virginia and obtain license plates, you must first title your vehicle within 30 days of moving to Virginia. To do that you must first ensure that your vehicle is mechanically safe to operate on the highways of the Commonwealth, by passing an annual vehicle safety inspection. You must also meet the Commonwealth's insurance requirements or pay a $500 uninsured motor vehicle fee, prior to titling your vehicle. Finally, you must obtain a local sticker or decal from the locality in which you live.

Without exception, you must be at least 16 years and three months old to obtain a Virginia driver's license. To apply for a driver's license, you must show two proofs of identity and one proof of Virginia residency. Proof of your social security number (SSN) or a letter from the Social Security Administration stating that you do not have a SSN is required.

Documents submitted as primary proof of identity must show your full legal name and date of birth. Nicknames and abbreviations will not be accepted. Photocopies will not be accepted. All documents must be originals and all documents may be subject to verification with the issuing authority prior to acceptance. Tests may include a vision screening, a two-part knowledge examination and a road skills test.

State and local laws regulate the operation of motor vehicles, and these laws can vary by location. Many states regulate the following:

• Seatbelt use
• Child safety seats
• Motorcycle operation
• The use of cellphones and other digital devices while driving

Learn more about motor vehicle laws in your state at the Distraction.gov State Laws page.

You and your passengers must always wear seatbelts while driving, you will be ticketed and issued heavy fines if seatbelts are not secured. State law requires that all children under 5 years of age be properly restrained in child seats. Some states also require younger, smaller children to sit in the back seat.

Motorcycles and their operators are subject to special laws. If you own and operate a motorcycle, you must comply with those laws. Visit the State Department of Motor Vehicles website for more information.

Many States and local jurisdictions have strict laws about the use of cell phones and other digital devices while driving. Research these laws on the State Department of Motor Vehicles website. Tickets will be issued and fines assessed for violating these laws. Play it safe and always use a “hands free” device if you must use a cell phone or other PDA while driving. Hands-free devices must be used while operating a motor vehicle on ALL military installations worldwide.