Moped / Scooter registration

How to register a moped or scooter in Virginia

✓ Sourced from Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV)Registration required

Moped / Scooter registration in Virginia: the agency, the required documents, and the exact steps, sourced from Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).

Who to contact

Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV)

Visit the official Virginia page

Step by step

How to register in Virginia.

  1. Step 1

    Submit ownership documents (title or MCO)

  2. Step 2

    Complete Moped Certification form (VSA 31)

  3. Step 3

    Pay title fee and annual registration fee

  4. Step 4

    Visit or make appointment at a DMV office

What to bring

Required documents.

  • Ownership document (title or Manufacturer's Certificate of Origin), or Bill of Sale plus Affidavit in Lieu of Title (VSA 12M)
  • Moped Certification form (VSA 31)

Fees & renewal

Fees

Not published on the official page as of September 2, 2026 — confirm the exact fee with Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).

Renewal

Renews annual.

Good to know

Mopeds must be titled and registered with DMV. A device operated over 35 mph or with a motor over 50cc is a motorcycle, not a moped. No insurance, inspection, or odometer reading required for a moped.

Source: Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) · checked September 2, 2026. Read our sourcing methodology.

More for Virginia

Other vehicles registered in Virginia.

General guidance

About moped or scooter registration.

Whether a moped or scooter needs a plate at all usually comes down to engine size and top speed — states draw that line in different places, and some skip registration entirely below a certain threshold. Pick your state below for the sourced answer.

01

Engine size (or top speed) usually decides which rules apply

Most states define a "moped" by a maximum engine displacement or top speed, and anything above that line registers as a motorcycle instead. The threshold differs by state — the state guide below states it where the agency has published it.

02

A plate may or may not be required

Some states require a full plate and registration for any moped operated on a public road; others require only a decal, a lower-tier registration, or nothing at all below the engine-size threshold. Check the state guide below for the real requirement.

03

A separate license class sometimes applies

A number of states let a standard driver’s license cover a moped, while others require a motorcycle endorsement above a certain engine size. This guide covers registering the vehicle; confirm license requirements with your state’s driver-license division.

Common questions

The practical details.

Do I have to register a moped or scooter in Virginia?

Yes — Virginia requires registration for this vehicle type. Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) handles it; see the steps above.

How often do I need to renew?

Virginia lists a annual renewal cadence for this vehicle type.

Does every moped need to be registered?

Not in every state — some states only require registration above a certain engine size or top speed, and treat smaller mopeds as exempt. Check the state guide below for the sourced threshold and requirement.

How do I know if my scooter counts as a moped or a motorcycle?

States typically draw the line by maximum engine displacement or top speed. If your scooter is above your state’s threshold, it usually registers under the motorcycle process instead — see the Motorcycle guide.

See every state for mopeds & scooters