Motor Vehicles

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.

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.

Vehicle Registration

All privately owned vehicles entering Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall must be licensed, registered, inspected and insured IAW state and local laws.  However, installation registration for vehicles is no longer required.  Drivers with a valid DoD-issued ID card will be authorized to enter and will not be required to undergo a search.

Child Restraint

Children 7 years and younger must be in a child restraint unless they have a physician exemption.  Children at least 4 years but less than 8 years may be belted if any licensed physician determines that use of a child restraint system would be impractical by reason of the child's weight, physical fitness, or other medical reason.  Any person transporting a child so exempted shall carry, in the vehicle, a signed written statement by the physician.  Adult safety belts are permissible for children 8-15 years old. Children in rear-facing devices must be in a rear seat, if available.  If not available, they may be placed in the front only if the front passenger airbag is deactivated.

Driver's License

If you are an active duty member of the Armed Forces stationed in Virginia, you, your spouse and dependent children may drive with a valid driver's license issued by your home state or country.  You are not required to obtain a Virginia driver's license; however, if you choose to apply, you will need documents to prove identity, Virginia residency, legal presence, and social security number.  The DMV website offers a complete list of documents that are acceptable.

Vehicle Registration

While stationed in Virginia, you may title and register your vehicle in your home state, or you may title and register the vehicle in Virginia.  Vehicles titled and registered in the military member's name ONLY may be driven with valid out-of state license plates.  If the vehicle is co-owned and an out-of-state plate is used, all co-owners must be active duty members of the Armed Forces.  If all co-owners are not active duty, the vehicle will need to be registered in Virginia.

Insurance Requirements

You may title and register your vehicle in Virginia without obtaining a Virginia driver's license, but before you put plates on your vehicle, it will need to be inspected and insured.  All Virginia drivers must carry the minimum insurance requirements on their vehicle, or pay the Uninsured Motor Vehicle fee, before registering a vehicle in Virginia.  Be sure your insurance carrier is authorized to conduct business in Virginia. 

Virginia requires the following minimum coverage:

• Bodily injury/death of one person: $25,000
• Bodily injury/death of two or more persons: $50,000
• Property damage: $20,000

County Decal Requirements

The locality in which you live may or may not require you to register the vehicle.  Once you have established where you will live, contact your locality to determine if a county decal is required.  You can find this information by contacting the local Commissioner of Revenue, Treasurer or Director of Finance or searching a link on the DMV website.

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 7 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.