Trip Permit

Do you need to move an unregistered vehicle from one location to another? Then, a trip permit might be just what you need.

A trip permit allows the owner of any motor vehicle, trailer or semitrailer to move the vehicle from one location to another without registering the vehicle. These permits are valid for three consecutive days. Motorized vehicles must be properly insured or the owner must pay 1/12 of the $500 uninsured motor vehicle fee. If the vehicle is designed as a property carrying vehicle, such as a van, property cannot be carried in the vehicle while it is operated under the permit.

Applying For a Trip Permit

To apply for a trip permit if you are the vehicle owner and want to move your unregistered vehicle, you will need:

• proof of ownership such as a valid assignable title, valid assigned title, registration card, bill of sale, or other documents showing ownership;
• point of origin and point of destination;
• dates of travel;
• $5 permit fee;
• insurance certification or payment of half of the uninsured motor vehicle fee

A trip permit is also available for those customers who may be purchasing a vehicle that will be registered in Virginia. These permits are valid for three days, beginning on the date of the original bill of sale. The original bill of sale must be attached to the permit to validate the permit, and the permit must be displayed in the vehicle window while the vehicle is operated under the permit.

To apply for a trip permit if you are a prospective purchaser, you will need:

• vehicle description (as known);
• point of origin and point of destination,
• dates of travel and/or date of purchase (as known);
• $5 permit fee;
• insurance certification or payment of half of the uninsured motor vehicle fee

You can apply for a trip permit at any customer service center or via DMV's Online Transactions - Trip Permit.