Local Vehicle License Fees for Vehicles

Effective January 1, 2007, it is no longer required that taxpayers display a county decal on their vehicle. However, a local vehicle license fee will still be imposed on each motor vehicle required to be registered as per Section 12-49 of the county code. As stated in that section, it shall be required for any resident of the county who owns or has in his/her custody a motor vehicle which is normally garaged, stored or parked in the county to register their vehicle with the county. 

Since FY2006, the license fee revenue was transferred from the General Fund to the Transportation Fund for transportation purposes. However, in FY2010, Spotsylvania County became a participating locality in the Virginia Railway Express (VRE) and the Potomac & Rappahannock Transportation Commission (PRTC), requiring the county to enact a Motor Vehicle Fuels Tax (accounted for within the Transportation Fund). Beginning in FY 2011, the License Fee revenue has remained in the General Fund to balance the General Fund budget.  

Annual Fee

The annual license fee shall be:

  • Automobiles: $25
  • Motorcycles: $15

License Year

The license year is based on the same calendar year as the tax year to begin on January 1st and end December 31st. Local vehicle license fees are billed on the first half tax bill due June 5th of each calendar year. If a vehicle is acquired after first half billing, the local vehicle license fee may appear on a bill other than your first half bill and will be prorated based on the number of taxable months. Local vehicle license fees are also prorated when a vehicle is disposed of or when your resident status changes to another prorating locality; you will receive a credit based on the number of taxable months for the vehicle(s). Local vehicle license fees are not transferable from one vehicle to another.

New Residents / Existing Resident Purchasing A Vehicle

Any resident who moves into the county during the registration year, shall within 30 days of establishing a place of abode within the county, register the vehicle with the Commissioner of Revenue. If you are moving from a locality which still has a decal, present that valid decal to the Treasurer’s office either in person or via mail, and you will not be charged a local vehicle license fee for that vehicle. If the locality you are moving from does not have a decal but does have a registration or license fee, you may present a paid receipt to our office and you will not be charged a local vehicle license fee for that vehicle. If you purchase a vehicle, new or used, during the registration year, you are also required to register your vehicle with the Commissioner of Revenue. Find more information on registering your vehicle.

Contact Us

Visit our frequently asked questions for answers regarding local vehicle license fees. If you need more information please call 540-507-7058. Our office is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.