License Plate Frequently Asked Questions

General Questions

1. Is there anything special I need to enter on the License Plate Application (VSA10) form?

   While the form should be have the necessary information already completed, be sure that "Special Interest" has been checked and "HART" entered as the organization name. In addition, be sure that "N/A" is entered in the "If paying by credit card..." section, even if you plan to pay online through PayPal.

2. Where do I send my completed application?

   HART
   P.O. Box 7261
   Fairfax Station, VA 22039-7261

   Note:

   If you are paying by check, be sure to include it with your completed application!

3. Why do I need to submit the application and fee to HART instead of the DMV?

   The DMV will not initiate a new license plate unless there are 450 pre-paid applications. Therefore, HART will be bundling all of the applications together and will send a check to the DMV after we get approval for the plate design from the VA general Assembly in January 2014. All money will be placed into an escrow account, and there will be rigorous tracking of those who apply.

4. Who can I contact if I have any questions regarding my application?

   Please contact the HART office.

5. What happens if HART does not receive the needed 450 applications, or if the plate design does not pass through the VA General Assembly?

   We have until December 2013 to reach our goal of 450 applications. If we do not reach that goal, or if the VA General Assembly does not approve the plate design, your money will be returned to you.

6. When will I get my license plate?

   The DMV requires 9 months to complete the plates after they have been approved by the VA General Assembly. As such, your license plate will not be ready until mid-2014 at the earliest and April 2014 at the latest, depending on when the VA General Assembly approves the plate.

7. How much will this new special plate cost?

   The cost is $25 per year for a non-personalized plate. If you personalize your plate (e.g. vanity number), the cost is $35 per year.

8. Does the cost of this new special plate include my vehicle registration fees?

   No, your registration fees are not included during the new plate development process. You must renew your current vehicle registration with the Virigina Department of Motor Vehicles when it is due. After the DMV issues your new plate, the plate fee will be included in your next vehicle registration renewal.

9. Will the DMV process my vehicle registration renewal while issuing this new special plate?

   As a courtesy, if your registration is within two months of expiration at the time you are issued your new plates, the DMV will renew your registration and bill you for payment.

10. Do I need to pay for a DMV registration when I get my new plate?

    This process is only concerned with exchange of a license plate; it does not pertain to registration renewal. When the application is processed for the new plate, it will be mailed to the customer with a new registration card and decals. The decals will match the registration period shown on the customer's record.

11. Can I get this new special plate for my passenger car, multi-purpose vehicle, van, or truck?

    Yes, license plates are available for passenger cars, multi-purpose vehicles (i.e. SUVs and motorhomes), vans, and trucks weighing 7,500 lbs. or less.

12. Can I get this new special plate for my truck weighing more than 7,500 lbs.?

    No, these license plates are not available for trucks weighing 7,501 lbs. or more.

13. Can I put this new special plate on my lease vehicle?

    Yes.

14. Can I get this new special plate for my motorcycle?

    Yes, however, there may be an additional delay for plate development and production. Please visibly write in your request on the application.

15. Can I get a souvenir license plate?

    Applications for souvenir plates cannot be included as part of the required pre-paid applications submitted; however, souvenir plates will be available when the plates become available statewide.

16. I have the International Symbol of Access (ISA aka wheelchair) on my plate now, can I get one on this new special plate?

    Yes, the ISA symbol is available for this license plate. Please visibly write in your request on the application.

17. Can I get this plate if I have a hybrid vehicle?

    Yes, you can, but you will not be able to take advantage of HOV lanes without the "Clean Fuel" plate.

18. How are the license plate numbers assigned?

    The numbering system for special license plates is usually four numeric and two alpha characters for a series. For example, 1001ZZ - 9950ZZ or ZZ1001 - ZZ9950.

19. Can I personalize this new special plate?

    Yes, you can personalize this plate. On your application, please indicate up to four choices, in order of preference, to increase your chances of receiving your request. The maximum number of characters on the license plate is six, if it has a logo. The DMV will review your choices and determine availability. As an applicant during the development process, if the character combination you requested and paid for is not available, you will receive a production issued number on your license plate and DMV will refund your $10 personalization fee you submitted with your application.
    
    The combination of characters used to personalize your license plate must not violate DMV’s personalized plate policy. The DMV reserves the right to refuse issuance of any combination of objectionable characters if they, in any way, carry a connotation that may be reasonably seen by a person viewing a license plate as 1) profane, obscene or vulgar in nature, 2) sexually explicit or graphic, 3) excretory related, 4) describing intimate body parts or genitals, 5) describing drug culture or use, 6) condoning or encouraging violence, 7) describing illegal activities or substances, or 8) socially, racially, ethnically offensive or disparaging.

20. If I already have a personalized plate and wish to put the same character combination on this new plate, what do I need to do?

    Complete the application, check the box next to “transfer existing license plate”, record the character combination in the boxes provided on the application, and submit the fees.

    Note:

    The "I Support Animal Rescue" plate will only be allowed 6 digits so if your current personalized plate is 7 digits, you will not be able to transfer that to the new plate.

21. I submitted my application with payment but my information (i.e. mailing address, vehicle information) has changed. What should I do?

    Send an updated application along with a brief explanation to HART. Do not send your new application to DMV.

22. I submitted my application with payment, but since have sold and/or re-titled my vehicle. What should I do?

    Send an updated application along with a brief explanation to HART. Do not send your new application to DMV.

23. How will I receive my new plates?

    DMV will mail your new plates to the address on your DMV customer record. If you changed your address, please contact DMV to update your customer record. Your order will include one set of plates – one for the front and back of your vehicle, year and month decals, and a new vehicle registration card.

24. What should I do with my old plates?

    Upon receipt of your new license plates, please return your old ones to any DMV location. Also, if your plate number has changed, be sure to notify your insurance company of your new vehicle plate information and update your EZ-Pass account, if you have one.

25. Why did I receive a bill from DMV?

    You may receive a bill from DMV if your vehicle registration was renewed, as stated in #5 above, or if you have a multi-year registration and you submitted a plate fee for only one of those years. If these reasons do not apply, contact DMV at (804) 367-9711.

Completing the License Plate Application (VSA10) Form

1. Can HART submit an application on my behalf?

   No, you must complete and sign the application.

2. When do I check the box for Transferring Existing License Plate?

   Check this box if you would like to put your current plate number on your new plate.

   Note:

   The "I Support Animal Rescue" plate will only be allowed 6 digits so if your current plate is more than 6 digits, you will not be able to transfer that to the new plate.

3. If I keep my existing license plate number, must I pay the personalize plate fee?

   Yes. The fee for personalization is $10 annually, in addition to the cost of the plate.

4. Do I check the “SPECIAL INTEREST” box?

   Yes, and write the name of the plate ("HART") on the line.

5. When do I check the PERSONALIZED PLATES box?

   Check this box when you want a new personalized plate number.

6. How many choices must I list?

   Up to four. Listing four choices increases your chances of obtaining the plate number you request.

7. How do I fill out the APPLICANT INFORMATION section on the application?

   Use your current vehicle registration card and transfer the information on to your application. If the information on the card is out-dated, please contact DMV to update the vehicle record.

8. I just bought a new car and I do not have a title number yet, what should I do?

   If possible, wait until you receive your metal plates, than transfer the information from your registration card and submit your application. Alternatively, submit the completed application without the Vehicle Title Number and provide it later.

9. Can someone else complete and sign my application?

   No.

10. Can I submit payment by credit card on the application?

    No, you cannot submit payment by credit card. See question #11.

11. Can I submit my payment by PayPal?

    Yes, you can through HART's website but there is a non-refundable processing fee of $1.00 that you will not receive back if we do not meet our 450 pre-paid applications. Remember that you must still mail your License Plate Application to HART.

12. Can HART pay for my plates?

    No, to maintain the integrity of the Program, the payment should be submitted by the applicant along with the application.

13. Can HART modify the License Plate Application (VSA 10)?

    Only slightly, the back of the application may house pertinent information about the new plate. In addition, the Purpose and Instructions on the front at the top may be altered.