Moving from Fredericksburg to Northern Virginia (DMV Registration question) (Arlington: vehicle registration, inspection)

[gowussgo7035]

Hello,

so...I am moving from F-burg to Northern Virginia.I currently have an up to date registration tag on my plate. Will I need an emissions check? (the emissions check on my car expired on earlier this year) Also, i read somewhere that you needed to return your old decals from your previous county back to them and pick up new ones ? How is this done? What a pain in the butt

[ChristineVA]

What county are you moving into? In Prince William, we no longer have the county decal. If we move, we just notify them online. I assume that whatever county you move into, you can notify them online. When you put your change of address in with the DMV, you should be able to get information on the emissions and when it will be due.

[car54]

If you are living in a jurisdiction where emissions testing is not required (such as F-burg), then your vehicle has never been emissions tested.

When you move to a jurisdiction where emissions testing is required (FFX, Arlington, etc), the emissions will be required when your license plates come up for renewal (and every TWO years thereafter). The SAFETY inspection is an annual requirement statewide and has nothing to do with the emissions, plate renewal, etc.

If it were I, I would check into renewing your plates early while still living in F-burg....for as long as possible, thus putting off the emissions test for as long as possible. There are restrictions as to how early one can renew plates, however.

[NOVA_guy]

Fredericksburg doesn't require it? Stafford does.

Although you didn't mention which county, you will definitely need an emissions test... Pretty much all the counties in NoVa require them. I would get it done when you get a chance, only because it can be a PITA if you work M-F and on the weekends, at least when I've got it done in the past, the lines are super long but I'm also incredibly impatient.

[car54]

Originally Posted by NOVA_guy

Fredericksburg doesn't require it? Stafford does.

Although you didn't mention which county, you will definitely need an emissions test... Pretty much all the counties in NoVa require them. I would get it done when you get a chance, only because it can be a PITA if you work M-F and on the weekends, at least when I've got it done in the past, the lines are super long but I'm also incredibly impatient.

The emissions test is only a factor when renewing the license plates.

If the OP has, say...18 months remaining on his/her plates, then there is no need to get it done before then.

[NOVA_guy]

Originally Posted by car54

The emissions test is only a factor when renewing the license plates.

If the OP has, say...18 months remaining on his/her plates, then there is no need to get it done before then.

Oh yeah, I know.

I was assuming the OP's tags were expiring soon or expiring not too long after the move.

[gowussgo7035]

thanks everyone for the replies! im moving to fairfax county.... anyone know how i can get the county decals online? maybe the dmv website?

[HokieFan]

Originally Posted by gowussgo7035

thanks everyone for the replies! im moving to fairfax county.... anyone know how i can get the county decals online? maybe the dmv website?

No decals required in FFX County. You just need to register the car with the Department of Taxation within 60 days of moving.

http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/dta/reg...ionpreface.htm

https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/dtavehicles/Register.aspx

[gowussgo7035]

what about other counties (i.e. loudoun, arlington, etc.)

Originally Posted by HokieFan

No decals required in FFX County. You just need to register the car with the Department of Taxation within 60 days of moving.

Vehicle Registration Information*- Fairfax County, Virginia

https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/dtavehicles/Register.aspx

[HokieFan]

Originally Posted by gowussgo7035

what about other counties (i.e. loudoun, arlington, etc.)

Just google "vehicle decals *county, state*" and you'll have your answers.

For instance, here is information on Arlington County's requirements.

https://taxes.arlingtonva.us/vehicle...ration-decals/