New to NoVA - Vehicle questions (Fairfax: to buy, DMV, inspection)

[longtermcare]

I am from Ga originally: What is that yellow tag thing I see on the windshield of people's car? Is that a tag or for parking on the street? Also, on licenses plates I see two different tags. Reason for all this question is that I am looking to buy a car soon, more than likely next week and I was wondering what are the things I need to get done before purchasing a vehicle and what to expect when purchasing a vehicle in NoVA.

[movingtodcfromseattle]

Here are the two websites that you need:
Virginia State Police - Safety Division

Commonwealth of Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles

The yellow tab things are for your vehicle inspection (required). You also have to bring specific paperwork with you to register your car and get your VA drivers license. Some might consider it an arm and a leg. Just make sure you have everything or you WILL be turned away. But, once you're done, you're done and you can just renew your stuff online each year or every two years.

[longtermcare]

thanks for the information. Based on the links you provided me it seems like I am in an all new different country.

[Dazed&Confused]

You'll want to take something to read and a bottle of water with you when you go to DMV. Sometimes there can be a very loooooooong wait.

[The Dissenter]

Originally Posted by longtermcare

I am from Ga originally: What is that yellow tag thing I see on the windshield of people's car? Is that a tag or for parking on the street? Also, on licenses plates I see two different tags. Reason for all this question is that I am looking to buy a car soon, more than likely next week and I was wondering what are the things I need to get done before purchasing a vehicle and what to expect when purchasing a vehicle in NoVA.

If you are purchasing from a big dealer (Fairfax Honda for example), they usually take care of everything DMV-wise. The yellow thing is for state inspection which has to be renewed every year and emissions which is done every two years.

And with Dazed&Confused's advise, I would add try to go very early in the morning before they open and get in line.

[longtermcare]

Originally Posted by Dazed&Confused

You'll want to take something to read and a bottle of water with you when you go to DMV. Sometimes there can be a very loooooooong wait.

Originally Posted by Alanboy395

If you are purchasing from a big dealer (Fairfax Honda for example), they usually take care of everything DMV-wise. The yellow thing is for state inspection which has to be renewed every year and emissions which is done every two years.

And with Dazed&Confused's advise, I would add try to go very early in the morning before they open and get in line.

Thanks much.

[Phoenix2017]

Don't really have anything to add DMV-wise, but I just wanted to wish you a warm welcome to NOVA longtermcare!

Originally Posted by longtermcare

I am from Ga originally: What is that yellow tag thing I see on the windshield of people's car? Is that a tag or for parking on the street? Also, on licenses plates I see two different tags. Reason for all this question is that I am looking to buy a car soon, more than likely next week and I was wondering what are the things I need to get done before purchasing a vehicle and what to expect when purchasing a vehicle in NoVA.