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.

Base Decals are no longer required to gain access to Hampton Roads Military Installations. Personally Owned Vehicle (POV) must be registered with the Pass and ID office. To register your Personally Owned Vehicle (POV) the following documentation is required:

• Vehicle registration
• Military ID
• Driver's license
• Proof of insurance
• Proof of safety inspection, if registered in the state of VA

Southside

Naval Base Norfolk
Pass & ID
9040 Hampton Blvd
Norfolk, VA 23511

Pass and ID office hours are Monday - Friday 7 a.m. - 3 p.m. If you need more information, call 757-322-2976.

Peninsula

NWS Yorktown
Pass & ID
Located outside Gate #3

Pass and ID office hours are Monday - Friday 7 a.m. - 3 p.m. If you need more information, call 757-887-7338.

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. Effective July 1, 2007, children riding in motor vehicles will be required to be properly restrained in a booster seat until they reach eight (8) years of age. Additionally, the new law requires rear-facing child seats be placed only in the back seat of a vehicle. If the vehicle does not have a back seat, the device may be placed in the front passenger seat, provided the airbag has been deactivated, or there is no airbag equipment.

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.

Speed limits are strictly enforced on all bases in the Hampton Roads region. Failure to comply will result in fines and loss of driving privileges on all bases.

Cell phones are prohibited from use while driving on any installation in the Hampton Roads area this includes hands free devices.