Chapter 10: Your Vehicle

Ensuring your vehicle is legally titled, registered, and properly maintained is a fundamental responsibility of every driver. These administrative and mechanical requirements are not just bureaucratic hurdles; they are designed to ensure every car on the road is safe to operate and that its owner is financially responsible in the event of a crash. Mastering this information is essential for legal driving in Virginia and for protecting yourself and others from the consequences of an unsafe or uninsured vehicle.

Title, Registration, and Insurance

Before a vehicle can be legally driven on public roads, it must have a valid title, registration, and proof of financial responsibility.

Vehicle Title vs. Registration

• Title: A vehicle title is a legal document that proves ownership. You cannot legally sell a vehicle without a valid title in your name. When you move to Virginia, you must title your vehicle within 30 days.
• Registration: A vehicle registration is the process of officially recording your vehicle with the DMV, which grants you the legal right to operate it on public roads for a specific period. The registration card must be kept in the vehicle at all times. Registration must be renewed periodically, typically every one or two years.